October is one of my favourite times of the year, and I always enjoy savouring simple, seasonal pleasures: misty walks, cosy evenings with candles, decorating the house for Halloween... And now I have a new autumn tradition to add to the list: pumpkin-picking! I love having pumpkins around the house . . .
New design finds | October 2024
It's time for my regular round-up of new product launches and minimalist design finds, and there's a bit of a theme to this month's selection: the balance between form and function. All the below items encompass practical features or respond to common design problems, without losing any of their aesthetic appeal . . .
Minimalist design in a historic setting – Casa Grande Hotel in La Rioja, Spain
I've already shared a guide to visiting La Rioja - the second stage of my recent 12-day road trip around northern Spain with my friend Becky - but I loved one of the two Rioja hotels that we stayed at so much that I couldn't resist giving it a post of its own. It's called Casa Grande Hotel, and it's perfect for anyone who likes great design, great food and great hospitality . . .
A guide to visiting La Rioja, Spain
Today I'm sharing the second leg of my recent 12-day road trip around northern Spain with my friend Becky: the beautiful province of La Rioja, just over an hour's drive south of our starting point Bilbao on the other side of the Sierra Cantabria mountain range. La Rioja is world-famous for its high-quality wines and contains three separate wine-making regions . . .
A stay at Koto at The Point – minimalist eco cabins in Cornwall
[Advertisement - this post is based on a press stay, but all words and opinions are my own.] Chris and I always love visiting Cornwall. The craggy coves and beaches, the fields and moors, the pretty harbour towns, the distinct cultural traditions combined with a thriving contemporary arts scene... It's unlike anywhere else in the UK, and it draws us back time and time again . . .
The best scented candles for autumn – updated for 2024
Now that the equinox has been and gone, it's time for my updated round-up of the best scented candles for autumn. I have a year-round obsession with candles, but there's something particularly special about lighting them as the days grow shorter and the nights longer - in fact I tend to have one or another flickering away from the moment I wake up until I head back to bed again. Not only does it . . .
My interiors book, the Soft Minimalist Home – published today!
Today is a big deal for me because it's publication day for my first book, The Soft Minimalist Home - Calm, Cosy Decor for Real Lives and Spaces. It's a dream come true - a moment that's exciting, nerve-wracking and surreal all at the same time. I've always wanted to write a book, and specifically this book . . .
10 things to see & do in Bilbao, Spain
I've just got back from my annual holiday with my friend Becky and this year we embarked on a fantastic 12-day road trip around northern Spain. Our journey took us down through the Basque Country to the wine region of La Rioja, before we headed back northwards through the little-known province of Navarra and the elegant coastal hub of San Sebastián . . .
New design finds | September 2024
After a bit of a summer slowdown and a much-needed holiday in northern Spain, I'm back on the case with blogging - and I have plenty of interesting posts in the works, starting with a round-up of the latest design finds and product launches to catch my eye. There's plenty to inspire, from sustainable twists on Nordic classics to new rugs, minimalist furniture and even super-stylish kitchen . . .
How to pack lightly & travel with carry-on luggage only
We all have our talents, and one of mine is packing lightly. I've got it down to a fine art, and people are always amazed when I head off for a fortnight or more with only a small wheelie case in tow. This weekend I'll be embarking on a 12-day road trip around northern Spain, and as usual I'll be travelling with cabin luggage only. It's years since I last checked anything into the hold . . .
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