WELL HEAL-ED

The other day I was at a bit of a loose end so I decided to head in to town for a browse.  It's been a while since I checked out the big stores and, with summer around the corner, it seemed a perfect time to see what they've got to offer.

Walking up Tottenham Court Road I have to admit that nothing much caught my eye in West Elm, Dwell or even Lombok so it was left to my 'happy shops' to impress me - Habitat and Heal's.   Like Holly Golightly in Breakfast At Tiffany's, these are my go to furniture stores for those days when I have the 'mean reds'.

Bearing in mind my new design philosophy (see previous post) Habitat, with it's neon brights and clean lines, is probably not where I should be looking.   I am trying to be mindful not to buy anything that will clash with my restful 'dream scheme'!

So, even though I am partial to a bit of colour,  I managed to stay pretty unfazed by this season's products: these are not the droids I am looking for.

Heal's, on the other hand, is a different kettle of fish.  Like when an incredibly hot guy winks at you and says 'you have the Kavorka', Heal's has the ability to make me lose all my senses and go a bit funny, wanting everything in sight, whether it fits my scheme or not.  

To that end, this is somewhat of a Lust List Heal's Special.  I have managed to narrow down my choices however, otherwise I may just as well post a link to the website!

Living Room

'40 Winks' sofabed, £1495

'Indah' leather hide rug by Linie Design, £835

'Loha' rug by Kangan Arora (also available in indigo), £395

Bedroom

'Twiitter' Lamp, £120

100% Linen bed linen in Dove Grey by The Linen Works,
from £38 for an Oxford pillowcase

Dining Room

'Hot Mesh' chair by Blu Dot (also available in blue, red, black,
yellow and green), £135

For more information visit http://www.heals.co.uk

ALL CHANGE PLEASE!

I can't believe it's almost mid-April! 

So far 2015 has not been too kind and I'm bracing myself for some big changes in the months ahead.  But, I intend to embrace them as a new beginning and am trying to see the positive side - my new found love for Bikram yoga is teaching me to condition my mind as well as my body and I have a few good friends propping me up and gently nudging me forward.

As always when it's time for change, enforced or voluntary, I feel the need for a bloody good clear-out.  I quite often spend hours wandering around my flat looking for things that I can get rid of but, although I'm not particularly sentimental about possessions, it mostly proves a fruitless search.  Perhaps it's my state of mind or maybe just my age but more often these days I'm feeling that simplicity is key to my happiness.  To that end, I'm going to have a go at streamlining my life: chucking out the the things I don't need - stress, negativity, bad influences - and leaving only the things that can help me on my way - calmness, positivity and good vibes. 

One of the biggest changes coming my way is going to be somewhere new to live.  As a freelancer I spend a lot of time at home and so it seems natural to want a place that will fill me with a sense of peace.  Living in London I think it's especially important to be able to escape from the hubbub.  

I have a vision of what I want my new home to be like and this, dear readers, is it:

Photo: Paul Massey

This is the Primrose Hill home of photographer Paul Massey.  I first came across these images when it was featured in Living Etc a year or so ago and, whilst on a furious Pinterest pinning session searching for 'Pale and interesting', they cropped up again.  

I love colour - one can't be as obsessed with India as I am and not - but I can't live with it.   I have tried, believe me, but it makes me edgy and I always find myself hankering after a cool, calm space with natural textures and an element of rusticity. 

Photo: Paul Massey

This apartment is what some estate agents might term as 'bijou' but it just goes to show that by creating a cohesive colour scheme using a mixture of off-white, grey and taupe, and by limiting possessions to only what is useful and/or beautiful, one can make even the smallest home feel airy and spacious.

Photo: Paul Massey

Simple rustic benches in the kitchen area keep the look streamlined and are easily tucked away under the table to create more space when not in use.  The ceiling has been stripped back to the rafters to give the illusion of extra height which allows for a low-hanging dining light without it dominating the space.

Photo: Paul Massey

The look continues through to the bedroom, further enhancing the feeling of space. 

Furniture is kept simple and  antique linens adorn the bed.

Photo: Paul Massey

Gone is my obsession with show-home style perfection -  after a lot of soul searching, I can now admit it was a manifestation of my need for control.  I'm looking forward to having a more relaxed home that I feel happy to be in.

As Bikram yoga teaches us, happiness is not a destination but the means by which we travel.  If I can recreate something similar to this in my new place I may not be in Nirvana - but I'll at least be enjoying the journey! 

To see more of Paul Massey's photography and other design projects visit his website at: 

http://paulmassey.me/photography/