THE STYLISH STUFF: MEDITATIONS ON WHITE

20th April 2016

I used to dream of having an all white kitchen, much like the one pictured below; white-washed floor boards, rustic, painted cabinets, white Aga, white tiles and rickety, chalk-painted shelves full-to-bursting with fabulous white, vintage kitchen utensils. I’d done the mood boards, planned the lighting, BUT, one problem, my (almost antique) mint green Smeg threw a spanner in the colour works, to replace it was one extravagance too far. Don’t get me wrong, I adore my kitchen and there are indeed white-washed floor boards and tiles, but neutral tones crept in. Because my love affair with the dream kitchen still lingers, today’s post explores the gentle art of an airy, zen environment. I’ve also added a PS. of some rather beautiful, float-about-the-house clothing, as anyone who knows me will warrant, the love affair is strong there too. Without further ado…

First stop – the dream kitchen; (images/Pinterest)

A little collectable clutter makes a modern kitchen feel more rustic. Seek out storage jars, jugs, tin mugs and old colanders, they look great on chalk painted shelves. For crockery, the more organic and misshapen the better, I love the look of wonky plates and bowls – the sort I’d make if let loose on a potter’s wheel.

It’s in the details; a peg bucket £15, (stay traditional with wooden pegs). Cow milk jug £6.50 and concrete storage jars £10.50 each, are a cute addition to any work surface all found c/o new obsession; www.roseandgrey.co.uk

Beautifully simple crockery from The White Company Favourites? The Artisan Pitcher £30.

A white-washed wall and floorboards, plus sheer muslin-style fabric at the windows make for a soft light-diffused environment that feels spa-like and calm. Just add another soft neutral (grey, peach,beige) to warm the tones. (images/Pinterest)

My love affair with chic site www.coxandcox.co.uk continues and the whitewashed screen £175, below is definitely on the wish list for my bathroom/bedroom in the cottage. A white chandelier £63.75, in a simple room adds a touch of French elegance and the vintage style dress rail £145, if hung with clothes as gorgeous as the rail itself is definitely a beautiful addition to any room.

Clean living inspiration, for serene sleeping spaces. A little natural wood, whether stripped bare or lightly whitewashed adds texture and tone.

Beautiful bed linen is key to finishing your sleep-space. This pin tuck quilt £348, from www.freepeople.com is an investment you won’t regret.

A loosely woven blanket, from Freepeople thrown over your bed? An orchid on a vintage chair – perfectly simple.

Other ideas – pristinely white dreamcatchers £7.99, New Look, suspended on driftwood and the super chic Crosely portable record player £120, from Urban Outfitters.

Another new homes crush is fabulous French site www.laredoute.co.uk . A great go to for really well priced, chic buys like the enclosed cafe style chairs £48.30 each, and foldaway table £21.75, (great in a bathroom covered with potions)

So soft underfoot, rug from £48.75, www.laredoute.co.uk

Inspiration for the little, bargainous La Redoute table above. A light rub down and distressing will bring a lovely rustic touch to any room. (Image taken by me on location)

It’s the simple details that bring touches of modernity to a room. White vase with dried flowers. (photographed by me on location)

French Connection for homes? Yes indeed, great finds, not bad prices either. The wonky bowl of dreams, £9, white ceramic votive £12, leaning storage ladder (genius idea) £180, all www.frenchconnection.com

Crisp white paint on the walls, a thoroughly modern sink and touches of neutral tones to bring the clean and simple to life. http://Nordal – Marble Chips Tray – Beige – £25 , http://Nordal – Marble Chips Soap Dispenser – Beige – £30 http://Nordal – Marble Chips Toothbrush Holder – Beige – £20.50 http://Nordal – Marble Chips Jar – Beige – £28 http://Pendleton – Chief Joseph Towel – Grey/White – £25 http://Abyss & Habidecor – Iso Towel – 770 – £17 to £76.50 ALL from www.amara.com

The perfect scent? try The White Company’s gorgeous new SPA range. Two fragrances; Relax (featuring the calming notes of lavender, cooling clary, sage and peppermint) and Restore (featuring neroli, geranium and uplifting eucalyptus) will ensure your white space FEELS like a white space. Pictured below; Skin Brightening Super-Fine Body Scrub £20; Super Hydrating Hydra-Gel £25; Luxury Scented Candle £25 and Natural Sea Sponge £30. Go to www.thewhitecompany.com for the full collection.