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Sales of art have soared in the last year, find out how the art world has responded to lockdown and what is selling.
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We’ve all learnt to value outdoor space a little more over the last year. If you’re lucky enough to have your own garden, however small, here are some helpful ideas from Belderbos Landscapes to inspire you to make the most of it.
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Following our exclusive Decorcafe members’ tour inside photographer Cressida Murray’s 1970s home, we invite you to virtually visit this East Sussex abode.
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Victoria Jerram shares lighting solutions for every room in the house – illustrated by three very different projects.
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Becky Hirt is an interior designer and stylist living in Kingston-Upon-Thames, SW London. She creates healthy, stylish, sustainable homes for people who want to live well.
e: hello@beckyhirt.co.uk
m: 07966 518524
a: Kingston-Upon-Thames, Surrey
w: beckyhirt.co.uk
Becky Hirt shares her interior expertise to inspire & help you to develop and style your home to boost your wellbeing and ensure that you feel supported as you venture out again this Spring. Illustrated with new wallpaper designs by Elizabeth Ockford.
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3 delicious and nutritious meals from Ruth Weighill of Forkful Foods.
Whatever the additional demands on your home, one of the best ways to increase your living space is a garden room.
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Fleur Ward is an interior designer based in West London. Fleur has 25 years’ experience in the interior design industry, creating gorgeous individual designs for her clients. Her creativity extends out into the garden, painting artwork and now a range of original decor products and stationery.
e: Info@fleurwardinteriordesign.com
t: 07990 517 446
a: Chiswick, London
w: ohhfleur.com
The story of how designer Fleur Ward created a nest at the bottom of her garden
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Previously, a quick gossip at the water cooler made for a good respite in our workdays. However, staying inside and working from home has made taking real breaks more difficult. This is where Dance for Good comes in.
Louisa Warfield is a specialist in the contemporary art market who works on a one to one basis with private clients, interior designers and friends to find the perfect pieces of artwork for their homes and offices.
e: louisa@louisawarfieldart.com
t: 07855 803509
a: Wandsworth, London
w: louisawarfieldart.com
Louisa Warfield shares her favourite works from this year’s London Art Fair and her insights into why they made it onto her top six list.
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Bethany B of The Wimbledon Cakery shares her inspiration and delicious Apple Crumble Loaf Cake recipe.
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A Decorcafe collaboration between interior designer, Lorraine Sakharet and Carl Ferri. Carl is trained in the ancient art of Moroccan tadelakt, Italian Venetian plaster and microcement application.
e: lorraine.sakharet@decorbuddi.com / info@cferri.co.uk
m: L: 07956 607 433 / C: 07930 316 29
Tadelakt, a waterproof plaster used in Moroccan architecture, was the perfect choice of wall finish for this spa-like, minimalist bathroom.
May Simpkin is a qualified UK-registered Nutritional Therapist and a real woman with a busy family life. She teaches a simple, no-nonsense approach to healthy eating, backed up with expert qualified recommendations. Easy, practical, achievable food.
May runs health retreats at her chateau, Chateau de la Vigne, in the Loire, France.
e: may@simpkin.com
t: 07958 137225
a: Claygate, Surrey
w: maysimpkin.com health retreats: chateaudlv.com
Starting the year with delicious, healthy recipes from Decorcafe expert May Simpkin
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Keith Patterson is the founder of West London Kitchens, supplying bespoke family kitchens at friendly prices. As well as their studio displays, they will take you to see kitchens they have already installed so you get to see real kitchens in real homes.
e: info@westlondonkitchens.com
t: 020 8741 1981
a: Design Studio, 24 Nasmyth St, London, W6 0HB
w: westlondonkitchens.com
The kitchen is the hub of the house and the perfect place for guests to mingle. Here are West London Kitchens fabulous tips for designing your entertaining space.
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We have collated some of our best tips for how to have a more sustainable Christmas, to help you create a sensational festive day, with minimal effort and maximum impact.
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Fiona is an experienced professional photographer based in South London. She specialises in beautiful, stylish and authentic photographs and loves working with creative businesses to capture their work, their brand and their personality. She finds inspiration in the small things; light, nature, design and people.
e: fiona@fionakellyphotography.com
m: 07879 455932
a: Purley, SW London
w: fionakellyphotography.com
Fiona Kelly shares her collaborative photoshoot with Corinne Caddy-Townshend of Bear & Beau.
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Clare Topham Interior Design provides a range of interior design and build project management services, in homes across Sussex and West London. Clare has a wealth of experience and is a member of the British Institute of Interior Design. She believes that every home is unique because every family is unique and that her clients deserve beautiful designs that are both comfortable and practical; to be enjoyed for years to come.
m: 01273 206402
e: designs@claretopham.com
a: Sussex and West London
w: claretopham.com
Tucked away in a leafy mews in central Brighton, this house was the perfect canvas for Biophilic design.
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Founder and owner of Victoria Jerram Limited. An architectural lighting design consultancy offering a full range of lighting design services for commercial and private clients in the UK and abroad.
e: victoria@victoriajerram.com
m: 07930 49193
a: 3 Boyle Farm Road, Thames Ditton, Surrey, KT7 0TS
w: victoriajerram.com
Victoria Jerram takes us through her top lighting tips and tricks from the Goring Hotel for recreating luxury hotel style lighting in your own home.
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This week Helen Edwards from The Velvet Daisy gave us an insight into how she likes to spend Christmas Eve in London and juggling all aspects of her floral business over the busy run up to Christmas…
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So many of us treat ourselves to a beautiful scented candle only to be reluctant to burn it because it is such a luxury! Wick’d Wax Botanics gives top tips to help you candles burn for longer.
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We have been speaking with May Simpkin, founder of May Simpkin Nutrition about how the build up to Christmas is for a nutritionist.
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Decorcafe expert and ceramic artist Isobel Allan-Lowe is hosting an amazing giveaway in aid of Crisis UK, where you could win a beautiful ceramic art piece!
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“Colour” is the latest collaborative 4Walls art exhibition, featuring four artists, Christian Furr, Eva Chloe Vazaka, Giuseppe d’Innella and Henrie Haldane, celebrating the power and impact of colour.
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We catch up with Decorcafe expert Jo Pratt to see what she is looking forward to over the festive period.
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Ruth Weighill, is the Leiths-trained founder of Forkful Foods, offering a wide range of catering services, from sharing food (buffets, finger buffets, teas & picnics) and party food (canapés, manapés & bowls), to formal food (lunches and dinners), and the, highly popular, drop-off food.
e: info@forkfulfood.com
t: 07711 034 928
a: 15 Burntwood Close, London, SW18 3JU
w: forkfulfood.com
This is such a nice, fresh and light salad, perfect for a summer lunch on a hot day.
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When this red-chested visitor starts to appear in both nature and our home decor, it is often taken as a sign that winter is here and Christmas is on its way! But have you ever wondered why the robin is such a popular motif around the festive period?
Located in Richmond, London, Lorraine is a talented interior designer supplying Decorbuddi interior design services from “Getting Started” packages and colour consultations to full bespoke, interior design and project management. “Many years of living in Asia has given me a global approach to design which I can apply to the wide range of Decorbuddi projects we work on, keeping me challenged and constantly exploring new ideas.”
m: 07956 607433
e: lorraine.sakharet@decorbuddi.com
a: Based in Richmond – Upon – Thames
w: decorbuddi.com
Lorraine Sakharet was asked to create a living space that contained a kitchen area, living area, office and entertainment zone in just one small room, in this Battersea Pied-a-Terre.
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Shelley Hugh-Jones is a professional garden designer based near Wandsworth Common, working on projects both small and large, urban and country. Each project is unique. Shelley aims to create gardens that are in context and have a cohesive transition from the interior to exterior creating one unified space.
t: 07786 808 819
a: 39 Ravenslea Rd London SW12 8SL
a: 39 Ravenslea Rd London SW12 8SL
There is something about cooking outside that feels wonderfully estranged from everyday life. Garden expert, Shelley Hugh-Jones, shares her tips for creating the perfect outdoor kitchen:
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Annabel Lawrence is the founder of innovative, modern catering company Green Fig, providing exceptional catering for both corporate and private events. She provides a weekly drop and go service in Putney, Wimbledon, Barnes and Sheen. Still operating during COVID-19. Contact her for her weekly menu.
e: info@greenfig.co.uk
t: 07960 966764
a: Putney, London
w: greenfig.co.uk
Chermoula Chicken and Jewelled Rice As we leap into autumn, this tasty dish is ready to keep you toasty, bringing together the warmth of spices with a mouthwatering Moroccan flavour. This recipe for Chermoula Chicken and Jewelled Rice has been deliciously brought to us by Decorcafe Expert Annabel Lawrence from Green Fig. Green Fig is […]
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Founded in 1978, quality and longevity remain at the heart of Woodstock Furniture. Andrew Hall inspires the ethos of the company, putting the client at the centre of the process, listening and creating bespoke kitchen and furniture design solutions that are beautifully crafted to last from one generation to the next.
e: andrew@woodstockfurniture.co.uk
t: +44 (0)20 8876 0131
w: woodstockfurniture.co.uk
Transformation of a Victorian property to include the creation of a classic kitchen and wine room, with a contemporary twist.
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Rebecca is the founder and creator of Rebecca J Mills Designs. Creating home décor products using her beautiful contemporary prints. Inspired by the amazing every day, Rebecca’s collections are all made in the UK, using quality materials to give a gorgeous luxe feel.
e: contact@rebeccajmillsdesigns.com
t: 07867498082
a: Twickenham, TW2
w: rebeccajmillsdesigns.com
Rebecca J Mills shares her experience of turning her passion for interior design and fashion into the business and lifestyle brand that she has today.
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David Massingham, The Creative Business Coach, offers business coaching for your creative and entrepreneurial journey to success. The ability to engage in your creativity and manage the creative process are key to growth. David will help you get there.
e: david@dmd.design
m: 07710 919213
a: All consultancy available remotely
It is not always easy to balance creativity and the day to day process of making enough to live on. How can this be acgieved?
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Nina Moeller is the founder of Nina Moelller Designs, a boutique design practice that offers a bespoke modern and contemporary approach to interiors and furniture for both residential and commercial clients.
e: nina@ninamoellerdesigns.com
t: 0208 332 6204
a: 4 Dickson House, 3 Grove Road , Richmond, TW10 6SP, Surrey
w: ninamoellerdesigns.com
Nina Moeller explains how she set about creating the CURVE Bench, which would become an iconic piece that could withstand all seasons.
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Jo Connolly is an experienced garden designer working in Australia and England: London and the home counties. Her design aesthetic is strong and simple. She embraces current trends but with a timeless approach, to combine formal design with the informality of nature. Every project is unique.
e: jo@joconnollydesign.com
t: 07722 036 395
a: Maidstone Road, Tonbridge, Kent
Garden features that add interest, individuality and impact.
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Keith Malone is a RIBA Chartered Architect with over 20 years of experience designing and delivering high-quality architecture. Each project is a product of the clients’ personalities and their requirements within the constraints of their property and budget. Malone Architecture deals with projects from concept design, through Planning, to tender and on site (RIBA Stages 0-6) – managing every step of the journey with care and skill.
e: keith@malonearchitecture.com
t: office 020 8793 5135 mobile 07801 924720
a: Based in West Wimbledon, working in South-West London and Surrey
w: malonearchitecture.com
if you are considering a refurbishment how can you maximise the value of your house in the post-lockdown future? Wimbledon architect Keith Malone of Malone Architecture shares his ten top tips:
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MORGAN-DAVIES ART is a contemporary art dealership based in Clapham Old Town, London. Founder Natalie brings over 20 years of experience in the art world, where her aim now is to make art more accessible and affordable for buyers and their home interiors.
e: info@morgandaviesart.com
t: 07773 593122
a: viewings by appointment, clapham, london
w: morgandaviesart.com
Best known for her highly textural canvases, Haldane’s work continually evolves, resulting in an eclectic series of paintings full of depth, passion and emotion. Her paintings are a constant exploration of colour and light.
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Brighton based Marie Murphy is an illustrator and surface pattern designer. With over 16 years experience in the creative industry her new homeware range combines a love of two juxtaposed things – architecture and embroidery.
e: studio@mariemurphystudio.co.uk
t: 07817 539585
a: Studio 7, Level 6 South, New England House, New England Street, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 4GH
w: mariemurphystudio.co.uk
Exciting new designer Marie Murphy, of Marie Murphy Studio, talks about how she became a designer, her creativity and desire to create a range that evokes a sense of calm and escapism.
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Nicky Percival has an interior design studio based in Tunbridge Wells. Turning buildings into homes, she serves clients across the South East and London. With years of experience and an efficient serviceshe creates beautiful interiors to suit every lifestyle, taste and budget.
e: nicky@nickypercival.co.uk
m: 07773 372158
a: The Old School House, Langton Road, Speldhurst, Kent, TN3 0JU
w: nickypercival.co.uk
The full story of the renovation of a Chelsea Town House with Interior Designer, Nicky Percival
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Nikki Rees is the founder and owner of Nikki Rees Interior Design; creating beautiful interiors that tell your story. Nikki challenges every interior to make it look beautiful, timeless and simply function better. Whether it is a home or a place of work Nikki designs with purpose in mind and your values at heart.
e: nikki@nikkireesinterior.com
t: 07939 566616
a: Wimbledon, London
w: nikkirees.com
At home with Wimbledon Interior designer Nikki Rees. Nikki shows us around her new roof extension, with master ensuite and walk-in wardrobe.
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London and West Country floral designer Helen Edwards’ design style reflects an English garden, an herbaceous border. There is always a natural, relaxed and elegant abundance in her designs.
e: helen@thevelvetdaisy.co.uk
t: 0779069 2221
a: London & Devon
w: thevelvetdaisy.co.uk
The Velvet Daisy flower deliveries in SW London or by Floom in other areas. Choose from seasonal single varieties from peonies to stocks and roses or beautiful mixed Summer bunches.
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Leoma Harper founded Style the Clutter to provide a service that is all about making significant tweaks and changes that will transform your home into a stylish functional space, you will love to spend time in for years to come. Leoma also styles photo shoots for brands and homes. Finalist of the Amara Blog Awards 2018
e: styletheclutter@gmail.com
m: 07747441442
a: Hampton Court, Surrey.
w: styletheclutter.com
Ikea Hennes Side Table Hack Using Gold Foil: Leoma Harper of Style The Clutter shows us how she transformed two Ikea bedside tables with a lick of paint and gold foil.
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Amy Hannigan is the founder and owner of Amy Hannigan Garden Design. Working with only excellent and skilled trade and craftspeople, she transforms outdoor spaces into unusual and useable gardens
e: amy@ahgardendesign.com
t: 07748 948054
a: Haslemere, Surrey
w: ahgardendesign.co.uk
Creating shape, colour and lighting in a beautiful English garden.
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May Simpkin is a qualified UK-registered Nutritional Therapist and a real woman with a busy family life. She teaches a simple, no-nonsense approach to healthy eating, backed up with expert qualified recommendations. Easy, practical, achievable food.
May runs health retreats at her chateau, Chateau de la Vigne, in the Loire, France.
e: may@simpkin.com
t: 07958 137225
a: Claygate, Surrey
w: maysimpkin.com health retreats: chateaudlv.com
The “Accidentally Vegan Challenge”. Try these three desserts and tell us what you think. Are they just as good, better or not as nice at the full fat, dairy equivalents?
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Louisa Warfield is a specialist in the contemporary art market who works on a one to one basis with private clients, interior designers and friends to find the perfect pieces of artwork for their homes and offices.
e: louisa@louisawarfieldart.com
t: 07855 803509
a: Wandsworth, London
w: louisawarfieldart.com
Art Consultant Louisa Warfield shares her top picks from The London Original Print Fair.
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Wimbledon-based interior designer, Anna Auzins specialises in residential interiors in Southwest London and Surrey.
e: anna@annaauzins.co.uk
m: 07785 792247. t: 020 8944 5066
a: Wimbledon-based, working across London, Surrey and further afield.
w: annaauzins.co.uk
Could you create a library in your home?
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Brian Waring is the founder of Craft Editions; finding and collaborating with inspiring craftspeople from Ireland and South Africa to create a collection of beautiful handmade items for the home.
e: hello@crafteditions.co.uk
m: 07941227700
a: Based in west London
w: crafteditions.co.uk
How Brian Waring changed career and set up his new creative Craft Editions.
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Sophie Bates BA(Hons) Dip(ARCH) RIBA, is the founder and owner of Sophie Bates Architects, a London based studio established to deliver innovative, contemporary residential architecture and interiors.
e: sophie@sophiebates.com
t: 07725 501683
a: The Boathouse Design Studio, 27 Ferry Rd, Teddington TW11 9NN
w: sophiebatesarchitects.com
A new light filled garden room and lift future-proofs this stunning victorian Richmond property, by Sophie Bates Architects.
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Lisa Tolley is an illustrator who creates artwork for her range of prints, bespoke house portrait commissions and commercial projects.
e: studio@lisatolley.co.uk
t: 07879 671 207
a: Thames Ditton, Surrey
w: lisatolley.co.uk
Lisa Tolley tells the stories behind 5 house portraits. From purchasing a dream home to capturing the beauty of a garden.
With the pleasures of spending time at home beginning to wear a bit thin, this seems like a good time for a moment of inspiration from the holistic designer, Catherine White.
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Jo Connolly is an experienced garden designer working in Australia and England: London and the home counties. Her design aesthetic is strong and simple. She embraces current trends but with a timeless approach, to combine formal design with the informality of nature. Every project is unique.
e: jo@joconnollydesign.com
t: 07722 036 395
a: Maidstone Road, Tonbridge, Kent
A straight-forward guide to creating a raised veggie bed and starting your own food production.
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Founded in 1978, quality and longevity remain at the heart of Woodstock Furniture. Andrew Hall inspires the ethos of the company, putting the client at the centre of the process, listening and creating bespoke kitchen and furniture design solutions that are beautifully crafted to last from one generation to the next.
e: andrew@woodstockfurniture.co.uk
t: +44 (0)20 8876 0131
w: woodstockfurniture.co.uk
Beautiful bespoke kitchen design with concrete floor, cantilevered walnut seating area and floating shelves creating a hidden reading space beneath the stairs.
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Becca is the Co-Owner and Director of Athena Stonecare. Working alongside her husband Dave, the family run business is dedicated to restoring the beauty of natural stone.
e: becca@athenastonecare.co.uk
m: 07595998218
a: Chalfont St. Giles, Buckinghamshire
w: athenastonecare.co.uk
Listen In: Becca Cranfield of Athena Stonecare shares her knowledge about caring and restoring natural stone
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Gorgeous lighting that is totally portable and doesn’t need a lead or flex of any kind.
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Wimbledon-based interior designer, Anna Auzins specialises in residential interiors in Southwest London and Surrey.
e: anna@annaauzins.co.uk
m: 07785 792247. t: 020 8944 5066
a: Wimbledon-based, working across London, Surrey and further afield.
w: annaauzins.co.uk
The downstairs facilities have many names — loo, toilet, cloakroom, bathroom, powder room — but it’s one place we all visit, whether in our own homes or as a guest in someone else’s.
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Amanda Cullen is the founder of Business Made Simpler – Coaching and Workshops for Small Business Owners. She offers sound advice for people running or thinking of starting-up their own home business.
e: amanda@businessmadesimpler.co.uk
m: 07557 416 714
a: Hampton Wick, Surrey.
w: businessmadesimpler.co.uk
Do you have a mailing list that you use at least occasionally? If so, are you using it effectively? If not, you could be missing a trick.
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Sarah Speller is a garden designer who believes everyone has it in them to be a gardener and to enjoy creating beautiful outdoor spaces and plant combinations. She also believes that creating and maintaining a garden can be enormously positive for health and well-being.
e: s.humphries1@btopenworld.com
m: 07879 643483
a: Putney & North Norfolk
Helpful tips and ideas for tackling your garden with confidence during these current times.
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Anna Ainscough is a freelance copywriter based in South West London. She has worked in television, film production and for the press, developing scripts and writing features. After a career break, Anna decided to follow her passion and now focusses on writing for design and interiors. She is a regular contributor to The Decorcafe Blog.
e: annawrites4u@gmail.com
m: 07887 570408
a: Based in South West London
Enjoy Art & Cocktails at the latest Surface Pop-Up at 45 Park Lane, Mayfair.
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Notes from a morning spent behind the scenes with Alex Macarthur at her incredible Monastery in Rye.
in Features
Anna Ainscough is a freelance copywriter based in South West London. She has worked in television, film production and for the press, developing scripts and writing features. After a career break, Anna decided to follow her passion and now focusses on writing for design and interiors. She is a regular contributor to The Decorcafe Blog.
e: annawrites4u@gmail.com
m: 07887 570408
a: Based in South West London
In a behind the scenes tour of designer, Angela Cheung’s most recent development, Lesser Foxhills in West Sussex, we learn about the emerging trend of biophilic design.
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2020 will be remembered as the year we choose colour not just to adorn our bodies and decorate our homes but to soothe our souls and improve our wellbeing.
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Anna Ainscough is a freelance copywriter based in South West London. She has worked in television, film production and for the press, developing scripts and writing features. After a career break, Anna decided to follow her passion and now focusses on writing for design and interiors. She is a regular contributor to The Decorcafe Blog.
e: annawrites4u@gmail.com
m: 07887 570408
a: Based in South West London
After a twenty year career travelling the world as an interior designer and stylist on luxury hotels and high end residential properties, it was a change in job for her husband that brought Aline McKenzie-Reid to the South Coast and a very different kind of project.
in Features
Anna Ainscough is a freelance copywriter based in South West London. She has worked in television, film production and for the press, developing scripts and writing features. After a career break, Anna decided to follow her passion and now focusses on writing for design and interiors. She is a regular contributor to The Decorcafe Blog.
e: annawrites4u@gmail.com
m: 07887 570408
a: Based in South West London
Decor notes from the Decorcafe event behind the scenes at the iconic interiors and lifestyle brand, Designers Guild, at their King’s Road flagship store.
in Features
Anna Ainscough is a freelance copywriter based in South West London. She has worked in television, film production and for the press, developing scripts and writing features. After a career break, Anna decided to follow her passion and now focusses on writing for design and interiors. She is a regular contributor to The Decorcafe Blog.
e: annawrites4u@gmail.com
m: 07887 570408
a: Based in South West London
Licenced to use colour. Interior designer, Helene Dabrowski’s transformation of this listed London apartment was all about bringing in colour and light.
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Sylvie Garvey is founer and owner of Computer Fitness, offering straight-forward and practical IT advice and support to individuals and small businesses.
e: sylvie@computerfitess.net
m: 07775 638325
w: computerfitness.net
How to look professional when starting up a new business. Decorcafe home business expert, Sylvie Garvey of Computer Fitness, shares her top tips..
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What better time of year to talk about flowers than December, when we are all thinking about decorating our homes with festive flowers and putting our Christmas wreaths on our doors.
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Decorcafe Inspiration: At Home With Leoma Harper An expert member of the The Decorcafe Network, Leoma Harper of Style The Clutter is an interior designer and stylist best known for her home and product styling. We were thrilled to see Leoma’s house as one of our regular home tours and we are delighted to share […]
On the eve of her new book “The Little Book of Colour” Leading Colour Psychologist Karen Haller shares how she got started and how to use the psychology of colour to transform your life.
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Amanda Cullen is the founder of Business Made Simpler – Coaching and Workshops for Small Business Owners. She offers sound advice for people running or thinking of starting-up their own home business.
e: amanda@businessmadesimpler.co.uk
m: 07557 416 714
a: Hampton Wick, Surrey.
w: businessmadesimpler.co.uk
Amanda Cullen helps small businesses grow by following 4 key steps to success.
Decorcafe Conversation: Ohhfleur! From Interiors to Wallpaper Design with Fleur Ward Fleur has always been obsessed with interiors and creative ways to make more of her home. When her friends headed off to uni she went straight to work as an interior design assistant to hone her skills, building all aspects of the process. She […]
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MORGAN-DAVIES ART is a contemporary art dealership based in Clapham Old Town, London. Founder Natalie brings over 20 years of experience in the art world, where her aim now is to make art more accessible and affordable for buyers and their home interiors.
e: info@morgandaviesart.com
t: 07773 593122
a: viewings by appointment, clapham, london
w: morgandaviesart.com
HOW TO DISPLAY ART IN THE HOME We asked Natalie Morgan-Davies, art dealer & owner of MORGAN-DAVIES ART, to share her knowledge about how to display art in the home. I’ve always believed that art is one of the main factors in turning a house into a home. Perfectly displayed artwork can be the finishing […]
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Shelley Hugh-Jones is a professional garden designer based near Wandsworth Common, working on projects both small and large, urban and country. Each project is unique. Shelley aims to create gardens that are in context and have a cohesive transition from the interior to exterior creating one unified space.
t: 07786 808 819
a: 39 Ravenslea Rd London SW12 8SL
a: 39 Ravenslea Rd London SW12 8SL
The story of how to create a garden design that works with a contemporary extension and flows from the inside out.
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Architects Home Tour With John & Anna Proctor John and Anna Proctor’s home began life as a bombsite, quite literally. Part of the post-war development it was built by the local authority in an unassuming street near Clapham Common in about 1958. In-keeping with the rapid build programme of the time it was totally utalitarian […]
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Decorcafe Conversation. It is Never Too Late! Ceramicist Joanna Ling Shares Her Story Until recently Joanna Ling was working at a leading auction house. She had been there for more than thirty years and had loved every second. But she had always had a yearning to try her hand at ceramics. Four years ago […]
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Lisa-Jayne Baker is a Surrey based interior designer and property developer.
e: lisa.baker177@btinternet.com
t: 07775 740 549
a: Ockham, Surrey
i: prettylittlehouseco
My Relaxed & Elegant Living Room By Lisa-Jayne Baker The hardest design brief of all has to be the one for your own home & when I set about designing our living room my initial vision was for an elegant take on a ‘Cornish Beach house’. I needed a great entertaining space but also a […]
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Connecting fellow gardeners to be inspired by lovely local gardens and to create a community of garden lovers on Richmond Hill.
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Based in SW London Gabi Da Rocha is the founder and owner of Gabi Da Rocha Interiors. With more than 30 years experience, she offers a full interior design service as well as budget-friendly consultations.
e: gabi@gabidarochainteriors.com
m: 07956 833 397
a: Richmond, London. TW10 6NE
w: gabidarochainteriors.com
Quick tips to update your home and brighten the mood in these uncertain times.
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Chris Gulson founded Maitland and Poate with his wife Emma to source beautiful reclaimed encaustic and handmade tiles, lime paints and hand made ceramics.
e: chris@maitlandandpoate.com
t: 07801 055330
a: Wandsworth London
w: maitlandandpoate.com
It’s thanks to fashion icons Coco Chanel and Christian Dior, who originally introduced the base monochrome bold black and white colour blocking styles into haute couture fashion collections, that our love affair started. Heralded as a ground-breaking new colour combination […]
Decorcafe Conversation: Deirdre McGettrick shares her Kuldea In 2017 Deirdre Mc Gettrick and partner, Ray Wright bought a new apartment together and, like so many of us, found themselves spending hours searching for furniture. Deirdre took the lead and, determined to find the perfect piece for every room, reviewed all the options available. Sourcing relevant […]
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Jo Pratt is an acclaimed food writer, cook, food stylist and presenter. She creates inspirational modern recipes, using the best seasonal produce all with achievable results for the home cook. She has a unique style, which has seen her become a best – selling author, with eight cookbooks under her belt, and more in the pipeline! When she’s not writing books, you’ll also find Jo presenting recipes online, on TV, in your favourite food magazines, on stage performing live cookery demonstrations and hosting numerous workshops/cookery classes.
e: jo@jo-pratt.com
a: London, UK
t: 07778 269824
w: jo-pratt.com
Sweet & Savoury Pancake Recipes By Jo Pratt Pancake day is March 5th this year and so I thought I would share two of my favourite pancake recipes. The classic recipe is my tried and tested perfect recipe for pancake day or, if you prefer something savoury the recipes for Baked Chilli and Coriander Pancakes […]
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Anna Starling is the creative force behind Barnes-based Muraldesign. She has been designing and painting stunning murals, along with canvases to commission for 18 years. Her professional murals transform interior rooms and exterior walls into breathtaking features and one-off works of art.
e: anna@muraldesign.co.uk
t: 07974 574534
a: Barnes, London, UK
w: muraldesign.co.uk
Circus Mural Designed For Paloma Faith by Anna Starling I am an artist and mural designer and have always loved my work. I enjoy working closely with my clients to create unique mural designs for their homes and gardens, but when my second child was born I decided to take a break. I loved every second […]
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Deborah Moor & Caroline Nicholls run Slightly Quirky, an established interior design company located in West London working on a range of projects from substantial period family houses to central London apartments. “For us, interior design is more than a business. It is a passion and a lifestyle.”
e: caroline@slightlyquirky.com
t: 0207 788 6629
a: Based in West London.
w: slightlyquirky.com
Interior Inspiration: Revamping a Rental to Make it Home. By Deborah Moor & Caroline Nicholls of Slightly Quirky. We were approached by a family who had been renting out their Reigate home for a number of years whilst they lived abroad. The tenants had moved out and the property was looking very tired. They wanted […]
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Jo Connolly is an experienced garden designer working in Australia and England: London and the home counties. Her design aesthetic is strong and simple. She embraces current trends but with a timeless approach, to combine formal design with the informality of nature. Every project is unique.
e: jo@joconnollydesign.com
t: 07722 036 395
a: Maidstone Road, Tonbridge, Kent
Ideas to Climate Proof your garden by Jo Connolly. Jo brings ideas from her time in Australia to the gardens of the UK.
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Interior designer, Fiona Cochran brings a unique blend of skills in interior design, property acquisition and development. With over 18 years experience in the property industry she understands the importance of designing a space that suits the clients needs whilst retaining the individual characteristics of the building.
e: info@fionacochran.co.uk
t: 07795 164 755
a: Putney, London.
w: fionacochran.co.uk
A Beautiful Wheelchair-Friendly Bathroom Design This is the story of how interior designer Fiona Cochran created a beautiful bathroom for an older client who needed to make sure that there was the possibility of wheelchair access in the future… I was asked by a 79 year old client if it would be possible to convert […]
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Look Inside an Inspiring Grade 2 Listed Georgian Home in Richmond With Diana Thompson & Ann Jackman Built on the site of a sixteenth century farmhouse, it is formed in two parts. Two-thirds of the house is Georgian, from 1732, and the remainder a Victorian side extension added in 1853. The childhood home of Diana […]
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Nikki Rees is the founder and owner of Nikki Rees Interior Design; creating beautiful interiors that tell your story. Nikki challenges every interior to make it look beautiful, timeless and simply function better. Whether it is a home or a place of work Nikki designs with purpose in mind and your values at heart.
e: nikki@nikkireesinterior.com
t: 07939 566616
a: Wimbledon, London
w: nikkirees.com
Interior Trends From Maison et Objet 2019 by Nikki Rees On a chilly Sunday at an unsociable hour I boarded a flight with the most stylish people I have ever seen so early in the morning, all ready to see the latest trends on offer at Maison et Objet in Paris. For me, Maison et […]
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Christmas Decorating Ideas We have brought together a collection of Christmas decorating ideas from our network to inspire you. Hope you enjoy them – there is nothing quite like a few decorations to make a home feel loved at the festive time of year. Image: Leoma Harper of Style The Clutter Leoma has a branch […]
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Jo Pratt’s Brussel, Quinoa and Sweet Potato Cakes are totally Vegan and can easily be served with a dairy-free accompaniment. Delicious with a fresh tomato sauce. The option to add eggs, bacon or sticky sausage toppings keeps everyone happy.
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Andrew Hall of Woodstock Furniture & interior designer Alex Gardner transformed this landmark Tower Bridge apartment into a deliciously dark & opulent home.
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This year the Strawberry Hill House Christmas Fair will be held in a new location: the rarely seen Waldegrave Drawing Room and Suite, the creation of the infamous Lady Waldegrave.
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Mother and founder of Esme Loves, gemstone jewellery for the generations. Sophie Bawa celebrates the love and connections we have with others through the design of timeless, elegant and affordable jewellery to be given as gifts to the important women in your life, and cherished over the years.
e: sophie@esmeloves.com
t: 07956 059990
w: esmeloves.com
How To Use Pinterest for Business. Sophie Bawa of Esme Loves explains why it isn’t all about followers and how pinterest can be much more effective than facebook, instagram and twitter.
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Fleur Ward has a reputation for creating colourful individual interiors and her own home is no exception. We recently had the treat of being given an inspiring and helpful tour of her home, which we are delighted to share here.
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SJ Holden is an Australian living in Wimbledon. A great supporter of the arts, she runs the UK branch of Tingari Arts, promoting Aboriginal artwork from the Central and Western Desert. A keen gardener and Conservator of Wimbledon Common, SJ is also the self-named “obsessive Box Tree Moth hunter” helping prevent their spread and the subsequent death of the Box Tree in English gardens.
e: sj@tingariarts.eu
t: 07786 193914
a: Wimbledon Villlage, London.
w: tingariarts.com
The Box Tree Moth has decimated gardens across SW London, swooping in and destroying box hedges seemingly overnight. SJ Holden has a beautiful garden in Wimbledon and when she heard what was happening to gardens in Putney she determined to fight. This is her story and helpful advice.
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Phil Robinson is the founder and owner of Paint The Town Green. London’s first environmentally friendly decorating service with its own range of fine eco paints.
e: showroom@paintthetowngreen.biz
t: 020 8871 0531
a: 39a & b Allfarthing Lane, Wandsworth, SW18 2AP
w: paintthetowngreen.biz
By Phil Robinson of Paint The Town Green: Choosing the right deocorator seems such a simple thing to do. Ask a few friends for their recommendations, get quotes and off you go. But it doesn’t always work out quite as well as you would like as friends can have different standards, budgets and expectations. So what else can you do?
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Flooring Trends This article first appeared in Time & Leisure Magazine (Featured Image Maitland & Poate) The biggest trend across all areas of home renovation is the blending of interior and garden design. Opening up the backs of our homes with glass extensions and taking sofas and wicker furniture into the garden we are blurring the lines […]
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Rosie and Peter waited 19 years before embarking on the refurbishment of their Victorian period kitchen in Surrey. “The kitchen has always been at the heart of our home and we wanted it to stay that way” says Rosie. “We were keen to avoid anything too modern and sleek.”
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Battersea and Clapham. Emma Green is a London based interior designer specialising in providing the highest quality residential interior design and has a passion for the use of colour and lighting.
e: emma@emmagreendesign.com
t: 020 7738 0637
a: Battersea, South West London
A good place to begin any design project is to think about what you want to keep and what you want to throw away, swiftly followed by what you need to hide and what you want to display.
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Anna Ainscough is a freelance copywriter based in South West London. She has worked in television, film production and for the press, developing scripts and writing features. After a career break, Anna decided to follow her passion and now focusses on writing for design and interiors. She is a regular contributor to The Decorcafe Blog.
e: annawrites4u@gmail.com
m: 07887 570408
a: Based in South West London
Putney Garden Landscaping: Anna Wright’s garden makeover in Putney. Before & After pics and from start to finish with help from Sarah Speller & Tom Howard
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Amy Hannigan is the founder and owner of Amy Hannigan Garden Design. Working with only excellent and skilled trade and craftspeople, she transforms outdoor spaces into unusual and useable gardens
e: amy@ahgardendesign.com
t: 07748 948054
a: Haslemere, Surrey
w: ahgardendesign.co.uk
How to Plan Your Garden Design. Questions you should ask for a successful result and a beautiful garden that suits your style, by Designer Amy Hannigan.
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Sophie Bates BA(Hons) Dip(ARCH) RIBA, is the founder and owner of Sophie Bates Architects, a London based studio established to deliver innovative, contemporary residential architecture and interiors.
e: sophie@sophiebates.com
t: 07725 501683
a: The Boathouse Design Studio, 27 Ferry Rd, Teddington TW11 9NN
w: sophiebatesarchitects.com
Having worked as a residential architect for 20 years and starting Sophie Bates Architects in 2010 it was definitely about time we extended and refurbished our own home. By removing the chimneybreast and building in open kitchen shelving up to the ceiling with a hatch to visually connect the kitchen to the front room, light flows into the centre of the house.
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Putney Interior Designer Anne-Marie Taylor shares her no gardening, garden styling ideas