QUESTION:

Hi Pippa

I recently came across the Farrow and Ball paper, called Ranelagh, its a
diamond trellis, in a metallic, its colourway number BP 1806.

I received a sample and love the paper, its neutral and yet adds great
warmth, I want to use it for the back wall of a hall over 2 floors.

Anyhow my question to you is, is there any less expensive alternative, its a
very pricey paper and the site only allows min. Order quantities of 3 rolls,
which makes it an expensive mistake should we not like !!

Anyhow alternative recommendations for such a paper, suitable , would be
really greatfully appreciated,

ANSWER:
Hi Mary,

Thanks for your email.

Below are some links of several alternative wallpaper options.
Other suppliers to try are B&Q as they have some very stylish
and affordable papers at the moment, Osborne and Little & Nono
http://www.nono.co.uk/wallpapercollection.asp

Wallpaper Direct:
http://www.wallpaperdirect.co.uk/products/morris/gilt-trellis/63716

Harlequin:
http://www.harlequin.uk.com/collection.aspx?ID=47&P=3&C=1

Graham & Brown:
http://www.grahambrown.com/uk/product/18059/Vogue/338

Graham & Brown:
http://www.grahambrown.com/uk/product/57180/Palace/0

Graham & Brown:
http://www.grahambrown.com/uk/product/57186/Palace/5

Graham & Brown:
http://www.grahambrown.com/uk/product/18130/Suzanne/4

Graham & Brown:
http://www.grahambrown.com/uk/product/17533/Sonnet/2

Crown:
http://www.wallpapers-uk.com/ProductDetail.asp?M0352

Good luck with your search and let me know if I can help with anything else.

Kind regards,

Pippa.

REPLY:

Hi Pippa,
Just wanted to thank you very much for your reply, I have a few very strong
contenders, great to get some advise !

Also wanted to wish you the very best with your impending delivery, I have 3
myself so I know what its like !

Best of luck,

Kind Regards,

Mary

A: Hi Stew,  I think the bed that best matches your description is from a company called Raft.

Raft

Raft sell a wide range of wooden furniture that are a mix of modern and classic designs.  Their pieces are made from all natural materials and are quite reasonably priced.  I’m not sure what the delivery time is like but I would think between 10-14 weeks unless that have it in store.  A few other companies that you could try are Lombok (the image below) Ligne-Roset, Feather and Black & Bonbon.

 

 

Hi Pippa

These are amazing, thank you!!!! Thanks again!!!!

Stew

It’s such a great place; not only for the flowers but for the eclectic East London atmosphere.  I have flitted away many an afternoon just hanging out and watching Londoners going about their business.

You have a selection of the best flowers in London with umpteen stalls all shouting for your business. Most of the stalls are well priced; you can pick up a huge bunch of lilies for just five pounds.  There is also a wide range of plants; images from the market below:

Alongside all the of the stalls you have lots of independent boutique stores that sell all sort of treasures ranging from one-off prints through to pretty vintage clothing.  Some of the shops are expensive but you can still find some great affordable items.

If you want to have a little sit down and a read of the papers then try the small courtyard area where they sell great coffee and cake.  In the same courtyard is a fantastic jewelery shop selling every colour and style you can imagine….I spend ages in there as I am obsessed with bangles (much to the annoyance of my other half!)

Anyway, Sunday is the day to go and if it’s sunny then get there early as it gets REALLY busy!  Follow this link for directions:

Coming soon… Where to buy the best fake flowers

Columbia Road Fower market

I have recently painted my wooden floor white in my spare room. I need to paint my brick fire place (as its pretty nasty looking) but I’m unsure what colour to go for since the floor is white? The walls are a neutral colour.

The property is a Georgian tenement and is about 190 years old. I would say the room will be a cross between modern and classical. The bed we have bought is a modern & stainless steel with upholstered panels at the head and foot of the bed. The window is a sash window and I have attached a swatch of the fabric for the curtains which are silk. I have attached some photos of the room. Also just to let you know the fire place wont be a working fireplace, its just for decorative reasons that we want ideas.

The colour on the walls are Dusted Damson.  I had originally thought about painting the fireplace white but now the floors are white I think it will just blend in….Thanks so much, Kirsten

A: Hi Kirsten,
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you and thanks for sending through the information, the room looks lovely and I really like your choice of paints.

After having a look at your pictures and reading about the style that you are looking to achieve I would suggest the following options. I have attached some pictures to illustrate my examples. Please ignore the interior style of the pics as they are a fireplace reference only.

1) Paint the fireplace white
I know that you considered this but were concerned about it blending into the white floor but there are ways of making sure this doesn’t happen. Once the brick work was painted white, I would look into placing a border around the outside of the hearth. I can see from the picture that you already have one that looks like metal? This way you will break up the continuation of white and create a frame around the fire. There are several border options you could opt for. I would suggest either grey or black frosted glass or tiles. These can also be laid inside the brick hearth as well as a border on the outside of the brick. Mosaic glass tiles would also look great.

2) Another option is to place mosaic tiles over the brick (copper or grey would look lovely- see attached pic) rather than painting it white. This would also go nicely with your curtain choice. It would be fairly easy and inexpensive but you would need to get a professional in to do it. I would think he would cut out the shape of the fireplace with MDF, place this over the brick and then tile over the top. As you are not using the fire, you can be fairly creative with the design.

I wouldn’t advise painting the brick any other colour as you will end up with too much going on in the room. I hope the option of white paint or tiles is something that you would consider as I think it will help to achieve your modern/classic look. If you need any more advice or help sourcing any itmes then just send an email and I should be able to help.

Hi Pippa,

Thanks so much for all the great suggestions. I think I might look into the mosaic idea!

Try looking at New England Lifestyle for some inspiration on fireplaces

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Q: Hi Pippa.

Please help, I desperately need you advice and direction.  We have revamped our master bedroom in our 1930′s house in a contemporary style but are unable to decide on the style of bed for the room.  We have painted the walls white, installed frameless white glass sliding wardrobe doors across the chimney breast, wall to wall for a seamless finish and the floor is white laminate.  The only contrast in the room at the moment is the old stripped original door which is aged parana pine.  (shade of light oak).  Paul has seen a bed from “Dreams” which is called the Catalina Bed (white frame, chrome legs, white headboard with black panel and chrome edging) and I have found 2 x bed frames which I quite like.   The first is a white faux leather bed (called Milan) which has a tall panelled headboard.  The second is a high gloss bed from Littlewoods (available in white or black).  Shall we go for the white faux leather bed to introduce texture into the room or do you think a wooden bed frame would be more suitable.  Your help is greatly appreciated, Kindest regards from HELEN

A: Hi Helen, thanks for your email.

The room sounds lovely and you have obviously been busy!  Based on the information you have given me I would opt for the leather bed. For exactly the reason that you mentioned. At moment everything is quite modern with hard surfaces; wood and glass. The leather will add a soft contrast and as you said; texture. The Catalina sounds a bit ‘hard’ with the chrome and I’m not sure the black would work in the room, especially with the wood door and the high gloss bed sounds lovely but again, I think it would be too much. Also, you need a bit of texture in the room to balance with wood grains in the door. (unless you were planning on painting this?)

I’m not sure if you have thought about the soft furnishings but I would opt for chocolate, pale green and cream. The green and chocolate will really help to balance out the colour of the wooden door and fit with your modern scheme.  Try Next for some cushions that would work in the room – click this link below:

Let me know if you need any more help and good luck

Hi Pippa – thank you so much for the advice – will now opt for the leather bed frame and chocolate and green with cream sounds fab.  Will let you know how we get on.   Kindest regards from HELEN AND PAUL

.

The Brief

We are two female colleagues starting a new business in Wedding Photography. For about 4 years, the space has been used as an office for a photographer’s agent and a photographer. The room has always been (invisibly) split down the middle to accommodate the two businesses. At present there is no order to the room and boxes are on the floor everywhere.

The new business will be the two of us working together on the wedding business but also running our own businesses at the same time. We therefore need to look like we are working together but also have the space to run our separate affairs. Basically, we don’t want to be on top of eachother, if you know what I mean!

We want to be able to bring clients to the office to show them our work and our products. We were hoping we may be able to fit in a small sofa and a coffee table. The storage therefore needs to be tidy and attractive. We would really like to have shelves that also hold lovely books, and other products that ‘say’ we are in the creative industry, as well as the obvious photography.

We also want the room to be ‘softened’. The white walls are very corporate and bare, so maybe we can have a colour on one wall. The lighting is terrible – strip lights in up-lighting constructions! See the pic showing the side walls. There is a great window down one side of the room that is a wonderful feature, I think. The carpets are standard tile mats, dark blue in colour – these can’t be moved but rugs could be an option.

Comfortable
Feminine
Homely but professional at the same time
Contemporary
Stylish
Bright

Needs/Wants

Storage/shelving – for filing as well as for showing nice books and our products, for storing portfolios

Furniture – seating for clients, desk chairs, new desks (if budget allows, present ones are very large but will do if necessary)

Place for printers (A3 and A4) and small scanner/copier – all to be shared by two computers.

Desk lamps

Plants

Framed prints/canvases on walls – these don’t have to be pictures of weddings

Mirror

Clock

Notice board showing our inspirations

Blinds?

Size

3.65m by 3.62m – two corners have boxed in pipes.

Layout with measurements is attached

Budget isn’t huge. We probably have about 500 max but obviously anything coming in cheaper would be greatly welcomed! Also, we don’t mind waiting for a few of the furnishings if our budget doesn’t cover everything right now. We have 2 desks in there already. They are not the most attractive and they are pretty huge, but if we have to keep them for now then so be it. There is also a massive wardrobe/cupboard already in there. Its useful in hiding all the paperwork and files but It definitely needs to be moved from where it is as it dominates the centre of the back wall and obstructs the entrance. We would like to change it but we would have to buy something to replace it and our budget may not cover that.

Timing

Plan to move in and do painting of room on the weekend of 27th28th September

Answer:

My advice is to keep the office white and light and add subtle warmth with the wall colour.  You can then create  interest with stylish touches and pretty accessories.

Most of the furniture I have suggested is from Ikea because they offer modern and affordable items and everything I talk about is shown in the moodboard below.

Moodboard

It comes in over budget but I do think that all these things are essential if you want to create a certain look. Just think of it as an investment. If the room looks gorgeous and you get a commission as the vibe is good in the room then you have already paid back your initial spend. It is so important to make the right impression.

Another option is to just do what you can afford and avoid having meetings there until you can pay for all the changes.

My biggest concern is the floor. It’s very dark and oppressive. If you are not able to change it due to the landlord then why not suggest to them that you lay a temporary carpet over the top? You can buy an end of line carpet at any major carpet retail park (or I am sure there are loads of carpet shops in Hackney). This would cost you about £70 and then another £50-£80 to have it laid. It can always be pulled up when you leave. It really will change the whole room and I would include this as a staring point. Even if you can’t afford al l of the other things, a light floor will neutralize the room and therefore make the space look bigger and lighter.

Paint: Georgian 8, Dulux heritage range

This can be sourced from B&Q. I would advice a soft grey/putty colour that is predominantly white with a hint of pink/taupe. This will keep the room looking modern and light but will have a subtle warm under tone. Or if you can afford it then Zoffany’s Platinum Grey is beautiful.

I would strongly advice against any strong colors. It is very old fashioned to have one wall painted a bright colour and also it would make the room feel very stressful and small.

Meeting table, Docksta: £95, Ikea

This is a great value table that I have used many times on shoots. It’s the same one I advised Stu to get for his meeting room and it works really well. It comes in two parts and is really easy to fit together; a good investment. You will definitely need this if you are to have clients come to the office.

http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/40063632

Desks, Galant desk, £69 x 2: £138, Ikea

If you are looking to achieve a modern office then I would suggest you trade the old desks in. Maybe sell them on ebay to get some cash? They are very dominant in the room and make it look small and cramped. This Ikea desk is light, bright and great value. It will blend seamlessly into the room and give the illusion of more space.

http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/S19849516

Office chair, option 1, Jakob £85 x 2: £170, Ikea

http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/10126037

Meeting chair, Jeff, £6.49 x 4: £25.96, Ikea

These are great value and more importantly they can fold away when they are not in use to create more space. Don’t worry that they might not be really comfortable as your clients are only going to be with you for a few hours at a time.

http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/90070404

Storage and printer shelf, Torsby, £179, Ikea

Blinds, £8.99, Ikea

These are fantastic. I have them in my living room at home. They let all the natural light flood in and yet they keep the room private from the outside. Affordable and modern. You can cut them to any size.

http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/70103839

Picture frames, charity shops, white and silver guild only and fairly plain. This is a great way to create a stylish and eclectic and more importantly ‘original’ wall of art. You can opt for varying styles of frames as long as they are silver, white and maybe pale gold. There are many charity shops where you can pick these up. Keep the images in the frames really interesting and stick to, sepia, grey & black and white.

Lighting

Lighting is key to a look and if you have a stylish lamp/shade, people will notice. Attention to detail is key when creating a stylish room. Accessories make or break it.

Lamps, cheap option 1: Kulla lamp, £39, Ikea

Lamps, option 2, Graham & Green – I would advice this one and buy two shades. I think it will work because it makes a statement.  The pattern had an Eastern influence and is very striking.  The style will have longevity and will not date quickly. Buy one side lamp for the meeting table or on top of the printer unit and one for a floor standing lamp. Again, you can buy a cheaper base from BHS or somewhere and just add the expensive shade. Shade, £27 for 10”

http://www.grahamandgreen.co.uk/product.aspx/grove+garden+print+drum+shade/-/groveshade.htm

Mirror

Go to shop a small mirror and framing shop on Hackney Road.  It’s painted red and white and is on the right hand side as you go towards Shoreditch, straight after Hackney City Farm and has ‘Mirrors & Framing’ written on the outside of the building in red writing. You can pick up a large repro vintage mirror for about £80-£100 and they will also deliver is you ask very nicely.

Fireplace

Question:
I happened onto your website today while trying to figure out what to do with the my non functioning fireplace in my new London flat which i moved into last week. I am totally overwhelmed by what to do. I guess at best you could call the fireplace ‘Grandmother Chic’. When I moved in the tiles on the fireplace were painted and curiosity got the best of me and i stripped the paint. Now I don’t know what to do!

I’m going to paint the walls but havent’ decided which colour. The carpeting will be replaced with sand coloured sisal. There is a smallish round black dining table with a deco feel to it going in the bay window and the couch is anthracite. I am very confused. Should i paint the fireplace all one colour (wood and tiles?) Should i try something a bit daring? ie crackle glaze? Should I bash it down and put in something modern?

Question by Nicole, London

Answer:
I’ve had a look through your pictures and you have a good size flat with lots of potential. The living room looks like a good size with lots of natural daylight which is a great.

With regards to the fireplace, can I ask first if this is a working fire and if so, are you planning to use it? I am assuming you want to go for quite a contemporary look?

Wooden surrounds can work within a modern interior although it is better if the wood is a light colour, i.e. light oak rather than cherry or mahogany. Looking at your fireplace, it looks as if the wood has an orange stain to it. For this reason, unless you are prepared to remove the wood stain by sandblasting or stripping it down, I would advice you to paint it with a soft muted tone (try Kelly Hoppen paints or Farrow and ball). The wooden surround looks like it has some interesting carved detailing which will be accentuated when painted. I have an example of a painted fireplace on the blog.

The tiles that you have striped back on your fireplace look like 70’s colours and unless you want to go for a retro look; I’m not sure they’ll work in the room. There are several options here. You could either paint them white again, or, cover it them with a stainless steel plate. If you’re felling a little more creative, you could re-tile the area? Maybe opt for some copper metallic mosaic tiles? If you need help sourcing any product or advice with the rest of the flat then let me know.

Good luck!

Pippa Jameson

A: French style mirrors have become increasingly popular and look fantastic in a modern or shabby chic room. You can buy this style of mirror from a few high street shops including Laura Ashley, Next and Marks and Spencer. Another great place to buy one is a company called Scumble Goosie they make bespoke French and Gustavian style furniture. As they make all of their pieces in their own warehouse, you can opt for a particular paint finish.

Another company that sells gorgeous french furniture is called The French Bedroom company. They are slightly more expensive than the high street but any products bought from here could be seen as an investment purchase. Chose from their large selection of mirrors, beds and accessories.

Why not try Virgin Vie at Home for some French style accessories

Try Graham and Green for venetian style mirrors

TIP: You could create your own bespoke mirror for a fraction of the above price by picking up a second hand wooden mirror from a jumble sale, market or charity shop and paint it yourself. You could pick one up for about £30 – £40.

I would suggest sanding the mirror down and painting it with a quick drying wood primer. Then paint with a coat of cream satin paint and once dry, rub the corners, creases and edges with a candle (or any wax equivalent). Finally, paint with a top coat of white paint and the wax will act as a resist, leaving you the illusion of an antique mirror. For the final touch, gently rub down with fine grain sandpaper.

A:
I would say yes. White painted fireplaces can look stunning against neutral coloured walls. Especially if it has detailed wood carvings, such as the detailing in this picture. Painted fireplaces work in most rooms as long as the wall colour is significantly darker.

*Only paint wooden fireplaces and avoid painting surfaces such as stone or marble.

For good wood paints, try looking at Zoffany, Kelly Hoppen and Farrow and Ball paints. These all have a gorgeous chalky feel and will stand the test of time.

Tip: Always buy a tester pot and paint a test area before you commit to your colour.

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