From a career in PR to floristry and now interior styling, Leoma has all the key ingredients for a successful Instagram – and that is exactly what Style The Clutter is. We found her account after Leoma tagged us in some beautiful shots of her updated boot room using our hooks, and are now avid followers of her delicious home updates.  An eclectic mix of old and new, Style The Clutter gives us a tour of Leoma’s home, influenced by traditional rustic French style and mixed with clean contemporary Scandinavian design.

Leoma, we want to ask what drew you to this house, but it is obviously a stunning space! What features in particular sealed the deal for you?

I was instantly drawn to the high ceilings and beautiful period features along with the well balanced layout. Moving a bit further outside of London meant we were getting more internal space and a bigger garden too, so that was a massive drawing point.

When did you decide to depart the floristry world and move into interiors?

It sort of just happened! While I was pregnant with my son I struggled to keep on top of the floristry, as is was very physically demanding, so I focused more on the house. I also started helping a few friends out with their projects and it all took off from there… Since then I have done further projects all through word of mouth and of course I can’t seem to stop tweaking my own home, which is something I absolutely love doing.

What encouraged you to document the renovation progress online?

I was quite housebound when my son was born as he suffered from allergies, so I just started taking pictures of our home and bits that I was working on at the time. I wish I had documented more form the beginning, but we had already lived in the house for 1 year before I started Instagramming so had already done a lot of work to it.

You describe your home style as traditional rustic with a scandi twist, where does this influence stem from?

I went through a more contemporary phase in our last property however I have always loved mixing old with new, our current home lends itself to this style beautifully. However thinking about this more in depth, I think the traditional rustic side stems from my upbringing. My mother is French and loves antiques, as did my great grandfather who was a collector. I remember being wowed by his barn full of grandfather clocks and beautiful armoires as a child and used to love exploring through all his treasures.

How do you tap into adding your own personality into a home?

I think this is something that has happened organically over time. Colour, accessorizing, textures and pattern play a major part and say a lot about personalities and individual style. As I have got older I am a lot more confident using quite daring tones, especially as a colour pop within a room for example, painting just the inside of a door bright pink, in fact I can get quite carried away…

We love the branch feature above your dining table – inspired! This must be influenced by your floral background?

My floral background definitely comes out over Christmas and that was how the branch came about, as Christmas trees in that specific room always tend to die very quickly, due to the underfloor heating. I decided to hang a branch over the table and decorate it for the season, however it has now become a permanent feature and been up for 8 months, I love tweaking it each season and for family celebrations.

Which has been your favourite room of the house to design?

The utility/laundry room was the most satisfying, originally a very annoying dead space as its very narrow and quite small. It took me a while to figure out what to do with it, I even considered taking out a wall! However through creating a wall to wall coat rack with a storage bench below and cabinets on the other side with lots of shelving, it has totally transformed the room and it now works so well. For storage and as a second entrance to the house.

Which has been the most challenging?

The room we now have as a play room was quite challenging as it was a through room with no windows except for a glass door going into another room. The chimney had been blocked up, so it really didn’t have much to it. So we decided to open up the chimney and put in a stove, we took out the doors this opened up the whole area into the orangery/kitchen which works really well giving a nice flow to the house. I then brightened it up with fun kids accessories and a pink sofa, its’s now such a nice airy room for the children to play that will turn into more of a snug area when they get older.

If you could go back and give advice to yourself before starting up the project, what would it be?

I wish I had lived in the house longer, instead of making rushed decisions before we moved in. It’s always a good way of getting a feel for the space, however I sometimes think if you don’t go for it, you never will. So it’s about finding a balance between the two and perhaps not rushing so much and having a little mull… I also think it’s good to go for things that you really like and that will last and be timeless rather than a trend or something you are not sure about.

Last but not least, what is next for ‘Style The Clutter’ in 2018?

What next… I have started to revamp rooms/homes all through word of mouth for clients, which is very exciting! I also might open a little online shop at some point focused on styling the clutter, but this is still very much in the pipeline as I Iove being a mummy too, so I’m trying to work out a balance.

Wilton Lantern in Matt Black, Walcot Glass Pendant in Antiqued Brass, Chandler Coat Hook in Antiqued Brass

To see her full home transformation follow Leoma on Instagram. Read more about the work behind the pictures on her blog.

Many of us dream of living by the ocean, and if you haven’t, you will now. Even a quick flick through Relaxed Coastal Style by Stylist Sally Denning has us lusting after driftwood accessories, flowing linen curtains framing a sea view and worn wooden panelled shacks. After delving deeper into the beautiful homes that Sally explores in her book, it has us positively besotted with beachside living.

‘Country coastal’ is an interior style close to our hearts with the stretched out, pretty beaches of the Suffolk and Norfolk coasts a stones throw away. We love the laid back feel of the coastal homes that Sally explores, with the owners using locally sourced materials and beach-combed finds to kit out their rooms. These elements bring in on-trend style and an appreciative nod to the landscape around them…

A key motif throughout the book is the use of wood. Wooden beams, wooden panelling, rattan furniture, woven baskets and driftwood accessorised into homeware. Think brightly coloured beach huts to washed out window shutters. Even if you don’t live in an authentic wooden panelled house, there are many ways you can incorporate this look into your interior décor, such as faux-wood wallpaper, cleverly painted cupboard doors and preloved furniture. You can boost your external and internal vintage look by adding antiqued brass lighting and accessories like this modern rustic Isle of Sheppey beach hut.

Butler Pendant in Antiqued Brass, Barbican Pendant in Antiqued Brass, Edgeware Spotlight in Antiqued Brass

Beige, stone and sandy tones come naturally to coastal homes. You might as well incorporate it into the design! There is so much fabric inspiration here, even where you least expect it. Linen curtains and upholstered chairs, textured rope and cream crochet. Even netting. These textures add layers and depth by taking inspiration from the external surroundings – a key step in coastal style. Why not try our range of soft linens as shades or cushions to bring in some texture rich natural tones?

Natural Isabelle Linen Candle Shade, Putty Killoween Linen Candle Shade, Cushion Covers in Linen

A coastal existence isn’t all sunshine and ice cream. Weather-beaten porch railings, rain and rust-stained tin rooves or fading paint and aged metal furniture make up a great deal of this book. Their existence is proof of their steadfast manufacturing, but evidence that living by the ocean can be tough and wearing. This is what we love about this book – the honesty. Sure, your interior can be as glamourous as you like, but it takes a certain kind of person to embrace an old property and make it their own in often remote and exposed locations. It requires great deal of hard work, but the character of such a place is an ongoing enjoyment for those who live there. To complete the look, add in other worn materials such as our Antiqued Brass or Polished light and handle fittings – a go to match for this faded look.

Erith Polished Cupboard Pulls, Pendant Lampholder in Matt Black with Braided Cable, Norfolk Drawer Pull in Polished

We’ve cheated a bit here, because this is Sally’s own home (not featured in the book) which is too delicious to leave out. Decorating with the display items in a home can make or break a room. As is evident throughout the homes here, balance is the key. The Instagram hashtag #aquietstyle sums up the softness needed to pull off this look. It is immaculately considered, but executed in an understated manner. It is, in short, relaxed. Or rather it makes you feel relaxed. Using ancient bottles, hand-picked shells and wave-worn washed up glass might sound like clutter to some, but it’s these cherished finds that bring in personality and make a house into a home. For a shell you haven’t had to wash the salt out of, try our beautiful Scallop Wall Lights to bring a soft coastal vibe into your interior.

Scallop Wall Light in Antiqued Brass, Schoolhouse Drawer Pull in Polished, Chandler Hook Rack in Clay

Want to see more? Of course you do. You can order Relaxed Coastal Style, published by Ryland, Peters & Small, through Waterstones or Amazon. For a wealth of interior and exterior inspiration follow Sally’s Instagram @Blackshorestyle. See more by the talented photographer Benjamin Edwards. A special thank you to Sally for featuring our lighting and for supplying the images. Follow our Relaxed Coastal Style Pinterest board for more laid back décor ideas.

When we spotted an advert for Mark Wilkinson Furniture, we were thrilled to notice that our Foster Pendant Lights have been thrown into the mix!

‘The Cook’s Kitchen’ by Mark Wilkinson Furniture

Focusing on your home comforts and making the best of the space you have can be a light distraction during harder times, but one that leaves a lasting impact. With more time spent indoors we’ve all been able to reflect on what our homes can really do for us. For those of us working from home it’s never been more important to ensure our environment is relaxing as well as functional. We thought we’d share our top 10 items for reimagining your home office to create a productive (and stylish) space at home.

It’s important that your home office has the right amount of light – don’t hide away in a dark corner – or you will resent being there. Try to place your desk where there is good natural light and boost it with a statement table lamp or cleverly placed spotlight or wall light that not only provides excellent tasking light, but will also keep your desk clutter free. Our clever duel plug and usb socket is a real game changer for keeping your wiring tidy, while our collection of floor and table lamps will bring additional layers of light to brighten the whole room and enhance your concentration.

When you work from home, try not to mix business with pleasure. Ensure your office doesn’t encroach on your living space where possible. You can do this by hiding office essentials away in drawers, cabinets and cupboards. That doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style if you accessorise your work pace with stylish drawer knobs, useful hooks, a light reflecting mirror and comfy cushions. We’ve picked out ten of our hero products to help you reimagine your office space at home…

If you are anything like us your space will be inundated with chargers  – a usb facility in plug sockets is an absolute game changer. If you are looking for a stylish solution to your electrical charging needs, this designer socket could be the answer. We have incorporated a pair of USB charging ports into our best-selling 2 gang plug socket so that it now combines practicality with a handsome slimline design that will look as stunning in a modern house as it will a traditional one.

To get technical, the plug socket is wired for the UK, with 13amp brass rocker switches on an antiqued brass bevelled plate and two USB ports, perfect for charging phones, cameras and all your electrical devices. The Double Socket with 5V USB Charger will charge at 2.1amp in total, but when 2 devices are plugged in the current rating is halved.

If your actual desk is looking a bit tired, a quick lick of paint and some new handles is a super easy way to refresh the room. As you’ll be spending a lot of time sat in front of this piece of furniture, giving it some TLC can really transform the way you see the room. Our Napier Knobs in our latest Heritage Copper finish are warm, uplifting and have a slight blush tone. Incorporating copper accessories into your interior is a sure way to elevate the details from an afterthought into a cohesive and beautiful room.

Task lighting is key, and fortunately we’ve made it easy for you to make stylish choices when it comes to these practical items. Designed with a heritage look, the Abercrombie Desk Lamp is as charming when not in use as it is when it casts light across your desk.

Our Porter Table Lamp is designed to be stylishly simple so that it will look equally at home in a contemporary setting as a period one. Handmade here at our Suffolk workshop, it has a square base and clean silhouette that will brighten up any sideboard, bedside or console table and fit seamlessly into a living room or study. Shown in our popular beeswax finish, this lamp is a perfect choice to bring a contemporary touch to your scheme and works well with almost any colourway.

The perfect choice for practical, adjustable task lighting with a nod to retro design, the Single Curtis Spot Light is scaled to work in smaller spaces for those harder to reach nooks. With a slim head that can be angled through 90 degrees and rotated through 350 degrees, you can focus your light wherever you want it and light up your workspace in style.

If you are going to be in your seat a while best make it a comfy one! Our plush Hunstanton Velvet Cushion Cover in Mole is not only beautiful to look at but comfortable to lounge on too. Choose from a variety of colours to liven up your décor and ensure you look forward to taking a seat at your desk. Another quick fix for updating your interiors is to get creative with lampshades: an instant way to add texture and colour to your existing light fittings. Match with your cushions and choose from tweed shades for instant country style, soft light linens for great light spill or rich velvets to add glamour to any space.

There’s always something to tuck away, so you can never have too many storage solutions like wall hooks. Ours come in a selection of our beautiful finishes, and are straightforward to fit on the wall or door, like this Farnborough Coat Hook. Hang your laptop bag (or dressing gown!) up in style.

A touch of vintage with modern perks, a collection of Club Wall Lights will invoke the feeling of a sophisticated gentlemen’s club into your work space. Hand forged from solid natural brass that has been lightly antiqued for a subtle aged look, this wall light features a spun shade which directs its light downwards for a warm glow against your wall.

Create a soft pool of light around your desk with our Nayland Reading Light, and repurpose it by the sofa in the evenings. Charmingly hand forged from solid steel, it features a curved shade arm and tripod stand that can be adjusted in height making it adpatable to your chosen environment.

Mirrors really are magical. If you are working in a little box room at the moment, double its size instantly by popping up a delicious antique style mirror like our Stamford. We make them in plain or with ‘vintage glass‘ which has a dappled and smoky patina for a hint of drama.

With a little planning and creativity, almost any space can be turned into a useful study area for you and your family. The addition of a few stylish accessories and carefully considered lighting will do more than create the right aesthetic, but will boost that all important productivity. Visit our Home Office page to shop the look and see more of our hand finished products to help you reimagine your work space with a simple laid back luxury. Any pressing questions? You can find styling advice and technical information on all of our products in the Knowledge Base.

First things first, we want to thank every one of our customers for all the amazing support. We are committed to delivering our products to the same high standards as ever in these challenging times and our priority is to support the health and well-being of all our staff. We are blessed to have a fantastic team at our Suffolk workshops pitching in and working in every way they can to keep making and delivering our products to our customers as normal. As a mail order company safe delivery of our products is of paramount importance to us, and we have been working hard to make sure we can continue to offer exceptional service in these difficult times. See our Coronavirus page for further information on how we’re prioritising safety using the government guidelines.

Don’t forget to tag us in your Jim Lawrence interior updates, we love seeing your products in their new homes! You can find us @JimLawrenceMade on Instagram, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

A boot room, a porch, a utility room. These practical spaces might be where you shove your dog walking shoes and hide your coats to keep the rest of the house tidy, but whether it’s the entrance to your home or a tucked away room, there’s no need to overlook this wonderful styling opportunity.

If this area is cluttered it’s not actually serving its purpose. You want neat, space saving solutions to make the most out of a room that is designed to be a transitional storage space. We’ve put together a short and sweet summary on using our products to make the most out of a practical room whilst ensuring it looks its best…

Having coats and bags protruding from wall space can make a room feel too busy. Using our hooks in the nook of fitted cabinetry is a thoughtful solution, leaving the floor space of your boot room to feel open, spacious and uncluttered with plenty of tucked away storage for those necessities.

As demonstrated by customers @holly_oak_house and @casa.stook, our Chandler hooks look stunning in both Matt Black and Antiqued Brass, particularly popular against soft grey cabinetry. The longest double hook in our range, the Chandler Coat Hook is a simple, elegant item that will provide ample storage as well as a touch of charming modern country. If you’re after a full rack or something a little chunkier, take a look at our full collection.

Something we hope you don’t need, but (coming from a British company – you know we like to talk about the weather) it’s inevitable that you will. The Hardwick Hat Stand creates a great storage area out of often unused corner space. The slim and elegant design makes it a great accompaniment to any hallway, porch or boot room. We have fitted it with a tray at the bottom for catching rain water which is easily removed for draining. As well as for holding your hats, the hooks at the top are perfect for keys or other personal effects.

Inspired by the vintage luggage racks found on steam and slam door trains, our Wendle Luggage Rack is designed to be as beautiful as it is practical and could be the perfect storage solution for a stylish hallway or utility. Hand forged in solid steel, it features a gently curving shelf to stop hats, bags, throws and blankets from falling off. It also comes supplied with seven generously large hooks, three of them cleverly incorporated into the curving side and centre brackets, to allow plenty of room to hang coats, jackets, scarves and dog leads.

In a room meant for storage, cupboards and drawers are an essential. No matter the style, it’s easy to add beautiful finishing touches with knobs and pulls for a cohesive, thought-through look. To add a textural quality and warmth, turning to Antiqued Brass or Heritage Copper with our collection of handcrafted cupboard knobs, drawer pulls and cabinet handles is the way to go. Our beautifully forged fixtures and fittings help to bring the room together with robust materials that show off our classic modern country style.

We love seeing customers embracing our hand forged accessories. Our Matt Black Heart Knocker compliments this gentle off white porch from @marshlands0 perfectly, creating a sharp entrance to their traditional boot room decor. A stylish entrance is so important, ensuring your and your guests feel welcomed every time you step through the door. For more front door decor ideas view our full collection of door accessories here.

As period property lovers, a traditional basket is a go-to, ideal for wood, throws and even shoes that you kick off in a hurry by the door. If you are after a contemporary basket, our Chappel Log Basket is a forged iron construction perfect for log storage and folded blankets.

Last but never least, the lighting! Accent and task lighting is ideal for boot and utility rooms, adhering to the practical nature of the space. This delightful utility room from @humphreymunson features a pair of Club Wall Lights in Antiqued Brass. The brass detailing lifts the room beautifully, proof that this finish works in rooms of all shapes and sizes and tones. Photographed by @paullmcraig.⁠⠀

We love this customer photo from @our.country.home. Our Holt lights are perfect suitors here, lending themselves to more narrow spaces than the slightly broader Club. Function should not overtake comfort, so why not add some sheepskins like they have, or incorporate some plush cushions into the area? We suggest trying out our new Hunstanton velvets for a touch of luxury and softness.

Combining pendants with spotlights creates layers of lighting that you can opt in and out of depending on your need. Our vintage-look Weston Pendant Light is perfect for those small spaces in your kitchen, utility, cloakroom or hallway, where it can be used alongside your existing spotlights (like these dainty Cranfield lights) or recessed lights to inject a little character into your scheme.

If you don’t have space for several types of lighting, we suggest trying our adjustable wall lights for areas that need a bright direct lift. Our Aldgate Wall Light is an industrial inspired design that makes a bold statement in contemporary home after a retro look. It has an adjustable head, so can light as much or as little of the area as needed. Browse through our spotlights and wall lights to find more easy to manoeuvre, adjustable lighting.

No matter your interior design preferences, our range of finishes allow you to choose from an abundance of designs that not only look great but serve a vital role in these functional spaces. From the finer details to integral lighting solutions, we’ve got everything you need to kit out your boot and utility rooms with practicality and style.

To see more of our lighting and homeware, please visit our website. For more home interior ideas, keep up to date by following us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Don’t forget to tag us in your décor updates– we love seeing our products in their new homes!

If you have any questions at all about installing your lighting accessories or perhaps how to take care of your Jim Lawrence products, don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can drop us an email at sales@jim-lawrence.co.uk, or call us on 01473 826685.

You probably know about our popular curtain poles or very Instagram-friendly Heart Door knocker. You might even own our sought after Cheltenham Bathroom Lights. We have many items that you can recognise quickly as a Jim Lawrence design, but with over 8,000 products there’s plenty that you might not know you needed. We aren’t here to tell you what to buy, but we do know a thing or two that could help make that decision a little easier…

With many of our customers living in period homes attracted to our vintage style, we have developed some clever solutions to some common home styling predicaments that tend to arise in older homes. Here are ten accessories you didn’t know you needed, helping you to make the best of your interior and exterior design.

Our 1 and 2 gang Surface Mounting Boxes are finished to match our electrical switch and socket plates. Ideal for use where it’s not practical (or possible) to make a hole in a wall or a beam, to conceal the necessary electrical fittings for your switches and sockets.

Draw your curtains without having to reach them by hand using these fine iron draw rods which are available in a choice of finishes to match your curtain poles. When attached to the last ring of each curtain, they will help keep your curtain fabric clean on the leading edge and are ideal for tall, hard to reach windows. They are designed to hang discreetly behind the curtain edge – the simple forged detail clips very easily to a curtain ring.

A neat and atrractive solution for disused back boxes… Blank plates are useful for covering unused back boxes that may remain in your walls as they are not currently required in that location. Match the finish with your fucntional switches and sockets for a considered and cohesive approach to your lighting details. Read more about our using our switches and sockets here.

A stylish hand crafted wall mounted door stop, the Bembridge Door Stop is available in brass and steel finishes. A sometimes overlooked detail, this small but significant tool is great for preventing your door from opening too widely and any of your lovely Jim Lawrence door handles getting damaged or marking your walls. For an alternative design look to our Boynton Door Stop.

Why not add a sophisticated slant to your ceiling pendant lighting with our clever Pendant Flex Ceiling Hook. With our customary attention to detail, we have designed this ingenious little hook so that you can position your pendant in the perfect spot, no matter where the ceiling rose and wiring are situated.

To complete the look and help you with your repositioning, we offer additional braided cable lengths on many of our pendants – simply call our helpful sales team for more information.

Sometimes when installing outdoor lighting (which we have plenty of) often the practical side more is overshadowed by the ‘wow I have to have that light!’ side… Sometimes outdoor lighting can present some interesting dilemas, such as external wiring. We have the perfect solution for transforming drooping wires from a nuisance into a stunning external feature. Our Antiqued Brass Conduit is a smart way to hide ugly exterior wiring, particularly when combined with our slim Doncaster Wall Light or Bulkhead Light.

We want to make sure our conduit kits are a breeze to install, so don’t forget to read our easy “how-to” guide to assembling your own.

This neat backplate pattress enables wiring to be fitted externally if required. For example, perhaps the Fisher Wall Lights (pictured) are exactly what you’re after for your living room? If there is insufficient space in the wall for internal wiring, you can now purchase one of our pattresses to house the wiring connection externally. This pattress works with a wide range of ceiling roses and wall light back plates and comes in all corresponding colourways to give you a subtle but practical wiring solution. We have also created an equivalent pattress for our pendant lighting to match our Georgian Ceiling Rose.

Ideal for any door in your home, Jim Lawrence hooks are a fantastic way to clean up clutter where space is tight or keep your favourite coats, dressing gowns or kitchen utensils close at hand. Choose from a selection of individual hooks, hook racks and shelves in a range of finishes to ensure you get the right look.

Top tip: Our Beeswax finish is made using traditional technique used since Tudor times. The metal is heated until it darkens and then dipped in natural beeswax which gives is a lovely soft black wrought iron effect. Whilst this looks stunning in all settings, we do not recommend the beeswax finish for hanging up damp items and for use in bathrooms or outdoors, as it may rust in a humid environment. We feel that Matt Black is the preferable option.

We can’t imagine an Escutcheon is the first thing you think of when styling your home, but it shouldn’t be the last! These small details complete your overall look and prove particularly useful… Spring might be on the horizon, but there’s nothing worse than a cold breeze sneaking in to the home and an exposed keyhole might just be the culprit. Available in a variety of finishes and designs to suit your architecture and other door furniture, our Escutcheon’s feature a traditional keyhole shaped surround with a flap that will keep out the draft all year round.

We have found that making a feature out of the quirks of period homes is often the best way to enjoy them. A hinged design that fits into the floor, this 2 Gang Floor Socket is the dreamy modern rustic detail you might not have thought of, but now know you need! A great solution when you don’t want wires stretching around the room or have limited wall space, you can enjoy floor or table lamps in more central spots around the room, or use them for other portable accessories.

These are just a handful of items that we have constructed to make sure everyone can enjoy a bit of Jim Lawrence in the home. To view all of our lighting and home accessories visit our website. For even more home interior ideas, keep up to date by following us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Don’t forget to tag us in your home updates– we love seeing our products in their new homes!

If you have any questions at all about installing your lighting accessories or perhaps how to take care of your Jim Lawrence products, don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can drop us an email at sales@jim-lawrence.co.uk, or call us on  01473 826685.

Kay Prestney is an Interior Designer & Stylist working on private and commercial projects as well photoshoot and event styling. She also runs Kinship Gatherings, a business hub teaching people crafts and other creative skills. Not only is Kay’s own home a culmination of these talents, but her scandi-inspired interior is all sustainably and locally sourced. We chat with Kay about her gorgeous renovation and why an eco-ethos matters.

Hi Kay, welcome to the style journal! Your home has a rustic feel with a very neutral colour palette, but your interior is far from plain. Can you tell us a bit about how you discovered and refined your own style?

I have always been drawn to Scandinavian style, using lots of natural materials and a muted palette. As a stylist and interior designer I am immersed in design on a daily basis, I love colourful and playful interiors but always find that I need a neutral, calm interior at home to be able to switch off at the end of the day. I love to use layer textures, to bring the natural world into our home and use vintage pieces to create interesting rooms that tell the story of who lives there, reflecting their life and loves.

You keep to an eco-ethos whilst renovating your own home, is this something you stick to when styling other spaces?

Yes, very much so. I try to encourage clients to rethink their existing pieces, to look at making the most of the natural light and moving things around to get the look they want, rather than getting rid of everything and buying new. There are lots of ways you can repurpose pieces or give a vintage item new life such as adding castors and a linen cushion to a vintage wooden trunk to make it into storage and easily moveable occasional seating in one. Buying vintage makes your home unique and helps the planet, what’s not to love about that!

There is certainly a wave of recognition for sustainable practice rippling across the world – and rightly so – but how can we all implement these positive and conscious changes in the everyday home?

I think we can all start by buying less and if we are paring back then considering how we get rid of unwanted items sustainably by donating to charity, putting on free cycle or repurposing. Its amazing how many creative ways there are to upcycle unwanted things. Try googling ideas before you throw something away and you might find a new crafting hobby!

We love that you champion local businesses in your design. What draws you to Jim Lawrence products in particular?

I feel passionately about supporting small local businesses and Makers. I always try to choose heart-led companies in my work and I love the ethos of Jim Lawrence, the attention to detail and the fact it is all hand made locally. The products are also built to last which helps reduce our throw-away culture.

Of course we love your lighting choices, but where do you find inspiration for the rest of the décor?

I am always inspired by the natural world and try to get outside whenever possible to walk in the woods or over the fields. I forage fallen branches, foliage and dried seed-heads to brIng into our home to create interesting vignettes. I also love the association of fond memories when I see the pieces in my home and remember the walks or family time when we collected them. I subscribe to magazines such as 91, Enki, Elle Decoration and always look at interiors magazines when I am travelling for inspiration. I go to Design fairs and am often falling down an Instagram rabbit hole finding new Makers to follow!

When it comes to designing a room, where do you start?

I always start by taking everything out, this doesn’t have to be done physically, but it’s easy when you live in a room to just accept that pieces have their place. Sometimes just moving a sofa, adding a mirror to reflect natural light into a dark corner, bringing in some plants for colour and their health benefits and having a declutter can radically change a room on a small budget. It’s also really important to think about what a room is used for and to consider storage needs.

What has been your favourite space to design?

Ooh that’s such a tricky one as I have never done a project I didn’t really enjoy! I think it would have to be one of my first commercial design projects helping transform an old run down Barn into a cool Scandi inspired kids play space, cafe and studios. It was all done on a very small budget and I worked with the lovely owner Jo repurposing lots of pieces from a barn on the family farm where people stored things they didn’t want any more. We used lots of natural materials, upcycled most of the furniture and custom made pieces using scaffold boards and other vintage finds.

I have also really enjoyed renovating a holiday cottage on the Suffolk coast where we had to balance design aesthetics with the practicalities needed for a property that is let out. It’s now one of the most popular rentals on the agency’s books which is hugely rewarding.

Why did you start hosting the Kinship Gatherings?

When I started Kinship Creative Design Consultancy I wanted to meet like-minded people running their own small business, to make connections and find ways to collaborate and support each other. I couldn’t find anything locally so I started one myself. We meet every six months and there is now a wonderful network of creatives, Makers, small business owners and people who would like to set up their own business but are not quite there yet. It’s a hugely supportive network and we offer a workshop as part of the gathering as well as coffee and cake to fuel our creativity!

What events do you have coming up that our audience might be interested in?

Our next gathering is on Feb 7th and will feature a workshop about Marketing for small businesses. We also occasionally run pop-up gatherings which have taken place in Bristol and Guildford. We also run creative workshops and have some fun ones coming up in the New Year including Ceramics, Modern Calligraphy and Photography and Styling. I am also planning workshops on sustainable living, plant styling and care, and some new crafting workshops.

Finally, what’s on the cards for you Kinship Creative in 2020?

I am looking forward to some really exciting new interior design projects including redesigning a bridal studio, helping create a series of glamping lodges and some private home projects. I am also looking forward to styling shoots, helping small businesses thrive, expanding our Kinship Community through our Gatherings, working on some content creation with brands that share my values and maybe even finding time to make a few changes in our own home!!

To see what’s on and attend one of Kay’s events take a look here. To make sure you don’t miss out, sign up to the monthly community newsletters. To see more of her interior styling and stunning scandi home, follow Kay on Instagram at @kinship_creativedc. To shop her style, browse our website to see all of our hand forged and finished lighting and homeware.

The team behind Thatched Cottage Cotswolds have created a beautifully cool country holiday cottage with sophisticated brass details throughout. Quintessentially British complete with thatching, classic period features and located in the picturesque Cotswolds, it’s a perfect home away from home.

We spotted some beautifully styled Jim Lawrence products amongst the sweet wooden panelling and stone walls, and wanted to delve a little deeper into this stylish cottage décor. We spoke to owner Vicky about the quirks of period homes and how to stay in tune with a cottage feel without becoming twee…

The first room we spotted of yours was the perfectly quaint double bedroom with shutters, beams and our dainty Curtis Spotlights. What made you choose these lights over a pendant or other styles?

When we were designing thatched cottage I knew the look we wanted to create. The cottage walls are mostly sloped so having the chance to add some panelling was very exciting too as I adore panelling. It has totally transformed that room. The tongue and groove in the kitchen actually slopes with the wall which I love!

I chose the Single Curtis Spot Lights because they perfectly fitted in with the beautiful panelling as a backdrop.
I particularly liked the traditional twist of the fabric covered wire, and they also can be angled to work perfectly as a bedside lamp.

The cottage is a 17th century property, how does the history of the building effect your interior design choices?

To be the custodian of these beautiful buildings as we are, it’s always the feeling of the building as well as the look: a quintessentially cottage feel but not twee. I think if a house looks good naked you’ve done well. A focus on floors, walls, windows and doors etc. I wanted to keep it light, timeless and uncluttered but cosy. A serene colour palette. I’m a huge fan of light white interiors adding colour with picture, cushions and throws.

Period homes have their quirks, so which room was the most challenging to style and why?

Probably the sitting room. The quirk here is the shape. Originally there would have only been one room up and down, with a ladder to reach the room upstairs. With the addition of stairs some years ago, this narrowed the room somewhat, so positioning furniture was key. Having a sofa and a separate reading nook works really well here, as the inglenook dominates the room that end which is a feature in itself. We added some old tin buckets re-purposed for wood and kindling, plus our gorgeous Harrods box found in an antique shop fits perfectly for a cosy coffee table. It’s a great place to sit in the evening enjoying the fire and a glass of wine, or to cuddle up on the sofa and watch a film.

What are the main perks of your charming Cotswolds location?

We are in Whichford, a small village famous for its pottery so have regular visitors attracted to the area. There is a classic car meeting every third Thursday of the month too, and fortunately still a thriving village pub which is a rarity now in lots of villages. It’s perfect if you like peace and quiet: no street lights and no traffic! The dulcet tones of the nearby St Michaels church are very soothing and feel classically English countryside.

Was it always your intention to set up the cottage as a holiday destination?

Yes, we love the area so much and will be using it ourselves more as our children grow up and we have more spare time.

In your opinion, what are the three key ingredients for creating the perfect home away from home?

A great bed, great bedlinen and a great shower. And bath… That’s four! Having travelled extensively in my time at BA these were the most important aspects of creating a home from home feel and this is where we started.

And you definitely chose a good bath! Talk us through the design process for that heavenly bathroom of yours.

I have always loved the idea of a bath in the bedroom so having the opportunity when we renovated the cottage was a dream come true. It is not for everyone, but when you are on holiday it’s perfect. A bit different. A lovely little luxury. The single Barbican Pendant Light by the entrance is perfect too, we hooked it over to the side and it gives the perfect glow while relaxing in the roll top bath. A great spot to relax after a days exploring!

Of course we love your lighting choices, but where do you find inspiration for the rest of the décor?

My inspiration comes from the looks that I love on Pinterest and Instagram. There’s some incredible talented people out there and these platforms have transformed the way we all live and design houses. For me personally I think stay away from trends, traditional and timeless elegance is key. Less is more.

Thatched Cottage looks ideal for a cosy getaway in the autumn and winter months with its gorgeous fireplace. How do you recommend refreshing home interiors for the lighter summer months?

The summer months are really about throwing open the shutters to a garden abundant with shrubs, jasmine, honeysuckle and roses, feeling like the outside is coming in. The scent of these plants is gorgeous. We have added some beautiful slightly bonkers flowery armchairs  (a collaboration with Joules) for the summer months. In winter we have lovely leather chairs for a more muted palette.

Last but not least…what’s the next step for the Thatched Cottage?

The next step for Thatched cottage is to continue to be an inspiration for others. The amazing feedback we have from a followers on Instagram is heart warming, having inspired many other home owners doing up similar properties. We’d love to be featured in a Homes magazine one day, but our intention was to offer a boutique hotel room in a whole cottage was our ultimate goal which I feel we have hopefully achieved.

We think it’s safe to say Thatched Cottage has exceeded this goal – but why not find out for yourself? Book a stay in this idyllic Cotswold’s location here. To follow their décor journey, take a peek at their Instagram @thatchedcottagecotswolds.

Single Curtis Spotlight, Monkey Tail Forged Window Latch, Barbican Pendant, Bletchley Roll Top Soap Basket

To stay up to date with Jim Lawrence, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. To view our full lighting collection, visit our website. Happy shopping!

Emma and Camilla are a styling duo who operate under the name Interior Facelift. Far from surgical, their Instagram is bursting with classically romantic décor and tumbling foliage aplenty. Featuring Jim Lawrence lights in Camilla’s own home, we were stunned by their skill in creating atmosphere and individuality to a space. With an aptitude for sourcing unique pieces and a self-professed skill for ‘decluttering and reorganising’ we wanted to learn more about their business and the rooms they transform.

Photographer: Fiona Murray

Camilla’s stunning city home was recently featured in a beautiful article for 25 Beautiful Homes Magazine. Was the styling of your home Interior Facelift’s first project together?

No, our first project together was an Edwardian house in London – the owners had used a developer and an interior designer to update their house but they couldn’t make the sitting room feel cosy and so called us in to add style and individuality.

On your website you talk about how ‘breathing new life’ into a home through styling can be just as effective as starting the whole decoration process from scratch. What is the best starting place for a client when they want to refresh their home?

To work out how they would like to use the room, what they would like to keep in it, (if anything) and what they would like to change. for example, we are currently doing a job in which the client has a wonderful painting above the fireplace which is very special to them so we are designing colours around it and eclectic pieces from our treasure trove of reclaimed goodies to bring the room together.

What would you say is the most transformative step in restyling?

For us, the way to add the greatest impact when restyling is to add a few key features in a room, such as panelling as well as a couple of interesting pieces, perhaps an oversized mirror or some reclaimed doors that then make the room come alive.

What is your top tip for lighting a room?

We would say lighting is one of the most dramatic ways of adding impact and creating an atmosphere in a room. Layering is how we add interest with light, from overhead pendants to wall lights to table lamps.

Where does your flair for design come from?

For Emma life has always been about being visual – she trained as an artist , so colours and attention to detail have been second nature to her for more years than she might care to remember. I (Camilla) lived in Italy for several years, where style and design go hand in hand in effortless fashion.

With a wealth of inspiration on platforms like Instagram, sometimes it seems like a lot of houses can end up looking the same and filled with similar things. How do you tap into adding your own personality into a home?

We are both opposed to the ‘developers look’ where rooms can look bland and lack individuality. Instead, for us it is about layering different textures, making pieces work against each other and mixing reclaimed with new to add interest. The most wonderful part of our job is that we can combine our experience and flair with the client’s personality to make their home truly original.

Which has been the most enjoyable project to design?

Probably our most enjoyable project to date has been a house which just needed styling as opposed to building work; we were given free reign to style shelves, consoles, wall art etc – our idea of heaven.

Which has been the most challenging?

We have had one job where the client kept changing their mind with regards to what they wanted – a few mood boards later we got there!

Can you tell us about your dream project?

A project that allows us to use lots of reclaimed features and interesting styling. We are most excited when we can explore our ‘ inside-out’ philosophy….crafting out door spaces so that they flow from the indoor rooms and reflect each other by strategically positioned mirrors and of course magical lighting.

Last but not least, what’s in store next for Interior Facelift?

We are really excited about doing a project in Mallorca – we are planning to use a lot of natural wood and stone with limed walls, rattan pendants and some stunning Jim Lawrence outdoor wall lights. We have already discovered some dusty reclamation yards waiting for our attention!

We can’t wait to see this Mallorca project, it sounds divine… Follow Camilla and Emma on Instagram at @Interiorfacelift, and see more of their work on their website.

‘Natali in Norfolk’ is the Instagram account of Natali Pendleton, documenting her interior design and fashion choices from her luxury country lifestyle in Norfolk. We loved Natali’s dramatic bedroom design featuring Jim Lawrence lights and sockets, and needed to take a closer look at the rest of the beautiful building. In the process of a big renovation, Natali has given us an insider look into her gorgeous Georgian home.