In the first instance, you need to find out what works for you as an individual. Do you prefer hard or soft mattresses? Do you suffer from backache or any other ailments? The first place I suggest you visit is The Sleep Council, a fantastic website covering absolutely everything to do with sleep, including, ‘How to get the best night’s sleep’ and ‘Shopping for a new bed’, I have included their video below which should offer some helpful tips & advice.

Another useful site is ‘Which‘, an online resource for consumers, covering pretty much every topic you can imagine. The link above will take you to an article they have on ‘Choosing the right mattress’, there is a small charge to access this information but they only charge £1 to trial the service. Also, take a look at Mattress Info as they have a really informative buying guide.

Other places to look when buying is Dreams, they have a really wide selection to choose from covering all price ranges, visit their website to view all beds and mattresses and mattresses.

There is one mattress that I slept on for a few weeks (at my sisters house) and wow, to this day, I have never slept on a more comfortable bed, it was some of the best nights sleep I have ever had. And no, I am not being paid to say this. It was a Vi-Spring mattress and this is something that I would definitely save for…

I hope this has been useful! x

Antoinette Bed, French Bedroom Company

Matalan bedding

Sol bed, Natural Bed Company

Emer Oak Bed, Living it up

Rattan bed, House of Fraser

For the Tv addict! Dante bed by Littlewoods

Lit Lit bed by French Bedroom Company

Iris Bed by Beautiful Modern Thing

Some other compies to consider are:Leather beds by Bedstar, Feather and Black & The Sleep Room

“The colours and energy of this town really offer something magical and as much
as I have traveled, I think Trancoso is one of the most visually stimulating and relaxing
places one can imagine; a true harmony of human habitation and nature, and a place with
a wonderful warm native population with deep and extremely diverse cultural and ethnic ties’
- Wilbert Das

On Trancoso’s historic ‘Quadrado’; a grassy cliff top square, Wilbert purchased the first UXUA casa named ‘gulab mahal’ which was built and restored to an Indian-style pousada. From there Wilbert set out to create a property of houses {ten in total}, each completely different but combining the rustic elements native to the village.  The casas range from authentically restored one to three bedroom fisherman houses; self catering or fully serviced, to sleekly opulent, but ecologically-conscious treehouses hidden amongst the lush tropical gardens. Trancoso’s rich 500 years of history adds to the design of UXUA, taking inspiration from it’s Portuguese founders in the 1500′s, Jesuit missionaries, Indian tribes, African slaves, and Brazilian hippies of the 1970s. Resulting in an amalgamation of architecture, showcasing southern Bahian and Indian influences alongside a rustic modernism that nods towards Wilbert’s work in contemporary fashion and furniture design.  Wilbert collaborated with local artisans, using traditional building methods, reclaimed and organic materials and Brazilian antiques and art. The fusion between interior and exterior runs throughout the property seamlessly and this can be seen in the choice of colours. The rich, earthy tones and floral brights reflecting the nature that surrounds UXUA.

The eco vibe runs throughout the properties, even the kitchen utensils are recycled coconut shells carved by Bahian cowboys. Shower-heads are carved from the trunks of eucalyptus trees, & sofas are upholstered using canvas taken from the backs of old transport trucks. Further up-cycling can be seen in the beach lounge that is built entirely from old local fishing boats. Wilberts creative use of up-cycling and re-cyling is not only intelligent but inspiring. His keen eye for detail shows up in my favourite feature at UXUA… the lake-like pool. The stunning pool is created entirely from 40,000 specimens of unique green aventurine quartz, a native Bahian stone considered by many to have powerful healing qualities as a therapeutic mineral.  The traditional technique used to build the quartz pool walls is called ‘pau a pique’ – creating a stunning finish, especially when lit at night.

Prices start from R$1710 (around £455) per night. For further information on booking the UXUA Casa Hotel please click here.

Tortoise. Tactile and organic. Inspired by the subtle colours and forms found in nature and woven in muted grey tones. Hints of metallic threads in the cover let and a she en-like finish on the decorative pillows accent the mat t e shades of grey.

Tanzania. Abstract and undulating. A colour -washed ground provides a base for abstracted, linear strokes in mink and sand tones. Painted Buds sheeting with splatters of desert colours, completes the earthy scheme.

Smoke Flower. Painterly and smoldering. A warm, deep floral print with blossoms in hues of peacock blue and mulberry, diffused on an ashen- coloured ground. A classic chenille cover let lends both depth and texture to the flowery theme.

Rough Luxe is the antithesis of a conventional luxury hotel; based in a non- assuming Georgian building on a side street in King’s Cross.  Rough Luxe blends heavily distressed walls; chipped and rough edges, with bold & opulent artworks; both modern and ancient. I couldn’t help but be reminded of the academy acclaimed, The King’s Speech, and the speech therapist’s consulting room.

The styling’s of Rough Luxe is a mix of old and new, furniture and art; combining colours and beautiful fabrics with cheap materials and existing deconstructed walls.  The contrast between harsh worn textures and sumptuous fabrics is stark. The opulent fabrics & characterful furniture, was mostly scooped up at the Savoy Hotel auction. The colour scheme focuses on a greyscale with splashes of colour – most notably in plum & postbox reds.

Prices start from £177 per night.  For further information please visit their website.

The famous French cabaret owner Jean-Marie Rivière chose a plot on St. Barts close to the Baie de Lorient (one of the islands many splendid beaches) where he built an archipelago of nine bungalows around one main house.  Jean-Marie Rivière’s brought the Parisian nightlife to St. Barts, performing his famous cabaret ‘la banane’ on the site; leaving it’s name to the site.  Over time La Banane went from a destination for Rivière’s family and friends, to welcoming a broader clientele and establishing as the hotel it is today.

New owner Jean-Marc Israel has taken La Banane away from traditional styles and opted for adding his own personal passion for modern sleek lines and exuberant interior design.  Graphic design duo ICH&KAR are also behind the hotel’s new visual identity.When re-desiging La Banane, Jean-Marc Israel wanted to maintain the spirit of the very special site, and uncover the essence of a place dedicated to sharing.  Attention was paid to every little detail; buildings were restored, retaining the traditional wooden architecture. Inside, the framework has been set off in white, with a 1950′s shade of bold yellow and a design of azure circles created by the sandstone floor tiles.  The open-air bathrooms and translucent turquoise glass blocks hesitate between an evocation of the sea and the sky.

In each room unusual works by the likes of Pierre Jeanneret, Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand, Serge Mouille, Jean Royère and Juliette Derel, form the highlights of an ever-changing tapestry.  1950′s design is truly celebrated with a fruitful crossover between post-colonial India and the ideals of European culture, giving La Banane a new lease of life.  Some pieces have been adapted; such as a library table now used for impromptu breakfasts, while others have been given a makeover with new fabrics and vibrant colours.

For further information on booking and rates please visit the La Banane website.

Here are a selection of my favourite vivid gelato colours to tickle your interior taste buds!

Credits From Left to Right: ‘Don’t Say Nothing’ poster, Anthony Burrill. Sandcastle bowls, Caroline McGrath – Not On The High Street. Ochi multi plastic LED colour changing lamp, Habitat. La versha chair, Anthropologie. Blue signal table lamp, Conran Shop. Halston aqua sofa, Made. PARC folding chair, Habitat.  Maharaja cushions, Plum Chutney. Sausage dog cushions, Jimmie Martin. Food processor, Kitchenaid. Collection of ceramic vases, Sophie Cook. Pink & yellow glass, Zara Home. Grey flamingo chest, Jimmie Martin. Yellow sense bin, Made. White side table with pink legs, Habitat.

I wanted to find a stylish bed that had built in storage and came across this one from Time4sleep, they had a lot of other options as well as regular beds but this one had a simple and contemporary feel about it that really appealed to me.  This style also came in chocolate but I really like the white one.  Oh dear, I can feel a new bedroom design coming on!  Does anyone else have the same problem?  Email us with your bedroom storage dilemmas and we will try to help, pippa@www.pippajamesoninteriors.co.uk.

Our bed (above) with spare duvets stuffed underneath!The Portofino White Ottoman bed from Time4sleep

Jura Lodge – originally The Old Distiller’s house – has been transformed by Paris based, American interior specialist; Bambi Sloan, into a shabby chic, vintage inspired luxurious getaway. Sloan’s quirky display of colour, décor and stylistic touches runs throughout the house; from the curios filled glass cabinets, to the white suit of armour & relics from the past. The White Room {the biggest bedroom} has fresh white walls, antique French linens & lace, ornate mirrors & a central Victorian roll top bath with panoramic sea views. Each room is decorated in it’s own unique style; but ultimately following in Sloan’s creative, eccentric manner.

From the pictures you can see that the decadent interior offers a playful & humerous touch with the collection of trinkets and vast collection of deer antlers. The attention to details is exquisite & appropriate to the rich history on the Isle of Jura, which Sloan took great inspiration from. Unique features include a writers chair made entirely from deer antlers, the kitchen fridge that originated from a Brazilian cafe in the 1950s, and a large bass drum coffee table in the sitting room.

Activities such as shooting, hunting, fishing, fell walking, lobster eating, sailing and whiskey drinking can all be organised upon request.

You can hire on a room-by-room basis but availability is limited – costs start at £625 per room per night for a minimum of three nights. “Trust us, it’s worth every penny” – Jura Lodge Diurachs. For further booking information please visit the Jura Lodge Website.

The owner/host, Floriene Bosch, says that she is very passionate about interior decorating with a very personal style characterized by daring colors and flower designs.   Well, you can certainly tell this from the pictures.  Each room has been lovingly put together using a mix of bright pastel colours for the walls & furniture teamed with pretty floral fabrics for the soft furnishings.  Floriene has then filled the rooms with flowers to add that final injection of colour.  Love it, love it, love it!

For more information about this B&B & to enquire about availability then vsist their website. Enjoy the pics and let me know your thoughts…