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.

UNDERSTATED DESIGN

Industrial style lighting is all about practicality and versatility. Clean lines, simple forms and stark contrasts are a must, with an emphasis on natural materials and bare finishes. Made by us in our Suffolk workshop using traditional techniques, it’s no wonder our designs lend themselves beautifully to these more rustic hand finished colourways.

Our handsome, retro-look Aldgate Wall Light blends a classic lighting design with an industrial look to fit perfectly into the trend for stylish, vintage style lights for loft space living or kitchen lighting schemes. With its graceful swan neck arm and fully adjustable head that can be moved forwards and backwards, the Aldgate is the perfect combination of practical and stylish. Shown above in our contemporary Polished finish, this Aldgate is manufactured from solid high grade steel and polished to a deep, gunmetal grey.

To truly get the industrial look, find fixtures where the inner workings of the light are on show, such as a metal lamp holder, visible or oversized bulb and lots of braided cable. Originally, our cage-like Cowley Pendant was made to show off the beauty of a bare Squirrel Cage Bulb that was made for illuminating the sparse brick rooms of an old piggery on the farm. Refined by our design team to blend into a manner of interiors, you can now enjoy it in your home too.

MAKE THE MOST OF MINIMALISM

Make the most of your space by creating a clean, uncluttered interior that focuses on practicality and ensures your attention is drawn to your fixtures and fittings where you can make an impact with the bare essentials. Hanging pendants are perfect for introducing character and individuality into a scheme while keeping a sleek minimalist design. Choose ceiling lights with a simple outline and in block colours to create a bold statement and don’t be afraid to juxtapose modern designs with timeworn accessories for a great, layered lighting scheme.

@restore_home

MAKE A STATEMENT 

As an alternative, naked bulbs paired with our Pendant Lampholders allow you to make a real ‘loft-inspired’ feature in the home. You can enhance the natural light whilst making a statement with unique or oversized bulbs. This beautiful kitchen belons to Sian from @restore_home_. Read our interview with Sian, exploring more of her vintage-look home which is framed with a cool industrial edge.

You can still get creative even when taking a minimal approach. We offer a variety of cut to order braided cable colours to mix and match with your metalwork and paint colours.

COMBINE FUNCTIONALITY WITH ELEGANCE

Our glass pendant lights will bring some sparkle to a space as well as show off the beauty of a heritage-style bulb, while our hand forged hardware will help you turn up the rusticity.

The Bellingham features a simple, cylindrical glass shade that is cleverly suspended from three brass arms, and a visible lamp holder for added dimension. Paired with our vintage-style chain and cable, these lovely pendant lights are made with kitchen island lighting in mind.

Clear glass shades bypass the visual imposition that can sometimes happen with weightier lighting and higher ceilings, allowing light to pass through whichever room you choose to place it. Pairing the beauty of these large hand blown domes with the blushing patina of our Heritage Copper is a sure way to marry elegance with a more rustic edge. Our Walcot Pendant in Heritage Copper is a popular choice for dining and living areas, inviting multiple levels of Great British Craftmanship into your decor.

FAVOUR METAL FEATURES

Handcrafted, metallic tones will complement natural building materials like wood, brick and plaster. Whether you want to dial up your rugged look or use something more refined, our collection of spun shades and hand forged accessories will do just the trick.

Wanting to create the perfect kitchen light using our Brass finish, we’ve taken one of our most popular pendants and given it a cleverly weighted pulley system so you can adjust its height to achieve the best light for tasking or entertaining. With its elegant silhouette and warm, on-trend antiqued brass tones, our Butler Rise and Fall Pendant Light is a classic kitchen pendant that will look fabulous hung above a kitchen table, island or breakfast bar. For a more pared back version, you will love the simple Butler Pendant Light.

OLD FASHIONED STYLING

The Curtis Spot Light is an infallible choice. Traditionally styled and hand crafted, the Curtis combines the practicality of a spotlight with the beauty of our Club Wall Light with which it shares a similar spun shade.⁠ The Curtis is ideally suited as a down lighter for your kitchen, bedroom or living room. Its rustic finish and exposed braided cable gives it a retro feel which slips seamlessly into most interior styles.

This is our Fisher Wall Light, adding a subtle and gently diffused warmth to the interior of @warehouse_townhouse. Dark walls and brass are a no brainer when it comes to adding a quality lustre to your moody, industrial inspired interior.

SHOP THE INDUSTRIAL EDIT

To see all of our Industrial Style Lighting, visit our edit on the website for the whole range of lighting and accessories.

MADE BY US, LOVED BY YOU

Jim Lawrence has worked hard over the past 20 years to build up an international reputation for producing classic, high quality products. All our shades, curtains, cushions and blinds are hand made by our talented soft furnishings team here at our Suffolk workshop.

Do you want to see more? We are very proud of the quality of our workmanship and designs that we feel highlight the skill of our workers and their ability to make products that suit both contemporary and period properties. To view all of our home accessories and lighting 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.

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

The season where we seek comfort and embrace warmth in our homes is here. Choosing high-quality materials to enhance the space we live in feels more important than ever as we maximise the places we call home with items that transcend trends and answer the call for longevity and sustainability. In the name of quiet, laid-back luxury, we’ve curated a cosy autumnal look with a handful of long-standing Jim Lawrence classics that embody our ethos for great British craftmanship and timeless design.

A blend of rustic favourites and new, refined contemporary designs, creates a relaxed, lived-in look perfect for a transitional season. Layered lighting, rich satins and brass accents harnesses the power of warm tones and textures whilst prioritising a clean look that doesn’t feel cluttered.

“Autumn is a time to hunker down and feel cosy,” says Jim Lawrence co-founder and Director Sheena Lawrence. “Dialling up the ambience with different light sources is key for this calm feeling, and we felt that a colour palette of olive greens and warmer russets creates a modern, rustic look that is sympathetic to the season.”

LAYERED LIGHTING

Layering a space with pools of light from different sources ensures the area radiates comfort and calm. Balancing the traditional and contemporary in a modern rustic interior is important for creating a sphere of cosiness when the autumnal nights draw in.

Classic wall lights offer a gentler illumination than bold, directional contemporary lighting. Think of these wall lights as supplementary, helping to create additional layers of light in alcoves, nooks and to frame areas like fireplaces and seating areas with soft pools of light. They can also exist to serve a statement. Our Sussex Wall Light has been a Jim Lawrence staple for years. We were inspired by the floral motifs of Regency décor which we have tweaked to produce a more pared down, modern version for your walls. It has been fashioned from forged iron and hand painted in our subtle Old Gold finish for a luxurious look that makes it perfect for creating a feature in a period room or bringing a vintage look to a modern setting.

A central pendant can create a statement in a room where scale is carefully considered. No matter the size, however,  glass pendants reflect the light, bouncing the brightness back into the room rather than providing a visual stop. With this in mind, we chose to feature the latest addition to the Jim Lawrence collection: the Fluted Walcot Pendant. ⁠This new design features a fluted adaptation of its original shape; the sweetly scalloped edge bringing an ornamental look to this well-loved light.⁠

ENHANCING THE HOME

No coffee table is complete without a Samworth Oil Lamp. At a time to think about hunkering down and nesting, the Samworth is a go-to accessory for an autumnal and winter interior. For us, the Samworth is synonymous with the autumnal and winter months, bringing with it an old timey charm and the prettiest flickering flame.⁠ Light one of our natural beeswax candles in our Penfold Hurricane Lamp to enjoy more enchanting candlelight on these longer evenings.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

There’s nothing quite like returning home at dusk to be greeted by a warm glow pouring from the windows.⁠ Further illuminating the house and garden with a Jim Lawrence outdoor light is a sure way to make this welcome home even warmer.⁠ Dainty lights like our Clipper and Harbour Wall Lights are perfect for bringing a nautical-inspired, vintage touch to porches, pathways and outbuildings.

DISOVER MORE

We would love to see how you translate these ideas into your own home this season, so don’t forget to tag us on Instagram or Facebook. For a wealth of home décor and interior inspiration, view our Pinterest page. To view all our lighting and homeware visit our website.

Set alongside the River Gavenny, the 17th century Little Mill boasts a unique interior with a charming vintage appeal. The Welsh Mountain views and wild swimming spots on the doorstep are enough to entice you, but the rustic walls, a folky colour palette, and antique furniture are bewitching in their own right. Unpretentious in its approach, the Little Mill embodies cosy cottage styling in its most authentic sense. Unique in its simplicity, the house is dressed with traditional wool blankets and bedside candles, whilst colourful door frames and flooring adds a playful edge to whitewashed walls. We caught up with host Hayley to find out more about this historic Welsh hideaway.

How did you come to be the custodians of this beautiful property?

We were actually renting the property next to it, when it came up for sale. We had been looking for nearly one and a half years, so it felt like fate.

The Mill has incredible bones, can you tell us about the history of the home?

It is a late 16th century corn mill, sat next to the river Gavenny. I believe it was one of two mills in Abergavenny. At one point it was owned by the local Pen-Y-Fal Psychiatric hospital that loomed on the hill above. It produced flour for the people interned there. After that it was purchased by the NHS, and the local Doctor used to live next door. It fell into disrepair in the early-mid-19th century until it was purchased in the 90’s by two local musicians who began the works of restoring the old building.

Have there been any big surprises on your renovation journey? 

Too many to count! Some good, some bad. I love discovering the history of the building, so I was thrilled when we uncovered the old miller’s handwriting all over the lime plaster walls. We found the old mill stone in the undergrowth in the garden as well. I have no idea how we are going to move it, as it weighs a few tonnes! We have a lot of the old machinery including two large mill wheels and a 17th century staircase still in situ.

Your decor choices are intentional in their gently folky rusticity. Where does this influence stem from, do you have a background in design?

I did not grow up in the countryside or in cottage style homes but have always loved the aesthetic of a rustic country kitchen. I think it stems from my grandma describing her childhood in rural Estonia. It was a very simple aesthetic from her description, with a lot of handmade textiles, wooden furniture, and endless blankets in the winter. She grew up in a mill, so it is rather serendipitous that I have ended up living at one too.

What inspired the colour palette of your painted doors and floors?

As we were working on Little Mill, I went through so many colour changes, but one colour I always knew I wanted was the sorrel green floors upstairs. The colour is very saturated but without being garish and reflects the real natural tone I find in the garden in spring.

You’ve chosen to feature our beeswax ironmongery throughout, how easy have you found it to find new items that are sympathetic to the era of the house?

I love the beeswax finish. It is the right level of industrial and beauty that fits the mill perfectly. Brass finishes felt too showy for the rustic aesthetic. I have spent hours trying to find products to complement the building. Some felt to purposely ‘olde’ and others too new and shiny. I found the Jim Lawrence simple designs and finish worked in harmony with what was already there.

We’re interested in your sourcing secrets as a whole…where is your favourite place to gather antiques and other homely treasures?

I am an auction room addict. I don’t often get to attend them, but I am always looking online.

We love your dedication to ‘slow living’. Not just in terms of the aesthetics of the Mill, but the fact there is a vegetable garden to pluck from, no television, and a focus on enjoying all the nature on your doorstep. What can visitors expect when they book to stay with you?

We really want our guests to relax and step back from the day-to-day stresses when they visit Little Mill. There is a calmness in the space, which guests often remark upon, and the constant sound of the river rushing past can be very hypnotic.

Do you have any advice for others who wish to implement a simpler, more thoughtful approach to decorating their own homes?

Take your time. Don’t feel the need to finish everything in one go. Sit with a patch of colour for a while. Live with a painting in a certain spot, and don’t be afraid to change your mind the next day. Simple handmade items (whether it is furniture or textiles) always bring me so much joy. I have tried to allow Little Mill to breathe and tell its story, without feeling drowned in too much clutter.

What are your plans for the Little Mill going forward?

We are opening up the second half of the Mill in October which is really exciting. It has been a real labour of love and I can’t wait to have her finally open. We will also launch our artist residency in 2024.

Finally, a few quick-fire questions…

Three words to summarise how you want your guests to feel when they step through the front door?

Calm, quiet, informal.

Three words for when they leave.

Nourished, content, settled.

What’s the staple homeware piece that every house needs?

Wool blankets and beeswax candles.

Follow the Little Mill on Instagram (@little_mill_abergavenny) for more enticing interior shots and visit littlemillabergavenny.com to book your stay. To stay up to date with Jim Lawrence, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. Browse our website to see all of our hand forged and finished lighting and homeware.

GET THE LOOK

Suffolk Latch in Beeswax, Pendant Lampholder, Self-closing Portiere Rod, Beeswax Door Hinge 

Looking for unique ways to light up your bedroom? Discover our creative bedside wall lighting for adding a cosy touch to your sleeping space. Bedside wall lighting can add a warm and inviting ambience to your bedroom, while also providing functional lighting for reading and other activities.

Bedside Wall Lighting can be installed directly above your headboard or on the wall next to your bed, creating an area of focused lighting for each bedside. We design and make a variety of adjustable options that allow you to direct the light where you need it most, as well as an array of styles, from vintage-inspired downlighters to more contemporary plug-in options.

THE CLUB

It’s no wonder that the Club Wall Light is one of our most popular designs. With its simply striking look and vintage inspired elegance, it’s a staple for many interior styles. The Club is made for creating cosy corners out of alcoves, archways and other architectural nooks, but is also extraordinarily apt at creating pockets of light in larger rooms for boosting the ambience where needed. The Club Works a treat when looking to add dimension to a bedroom setting, as you can see in this photo from @oakhomeinteriors. The Club is also available as a Plug-in, a Pendant and a Flush Ceiling Light.
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THE LIBRARY

The Hanson Library Light comes with or without a pull cord, and as a Plug-in Light so you can illuminate your bedsides appropriately.⁠ Featuring a slim, rectangular backplate originally designed for easy fitting onto narrow beams, bookcases and shelving units –  the single hinged arm still allows you to direct the light where you need it – making it a stellar choice for smaller bedrooms. @dynarghdesign have tucked this dainty light between the bed and window; perfect for switching on when it’s time to pull the curtains closed.

THE CARRICK PLUG-IN

Not only do our new plug in wall lights enhance your room with our statement, vintage-inspired look, but they free up room for all your favourite things where a table lamp might normally reside.⁠ @lynne_bramble_barn has carefully curated this bedside using our Carrick Plug-in Wall Light, leaving space to de-clutter any surfaces, allowing for greater personalisation and still giving this restful scene room to breathe. The matching cable holder (which you can fix wherever you need) helps to keep the exposed cable tidy but to-hand when you are dozing off with your favourite book.

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THE PUTNEY PLUG -IN

Easy to fit straight out of the box without the hassle of internal wiring, our plug-ins are an easy solution to bedside lighting, as illustrated hrere by @cb_trending. For those who wish to cast a soft light without losing visual impact, the Putney Plug-in Wall Light is gently diffused by the hand blown fluted shade: perfect for bedsides and living areas that require accessible layered lighting. The matching cable holder (which you can fix wherever you need) helps to keep the exposed cable tidy whilst maintaining the desired vintage charm.⁠

THE MALDON

Our classic brass Maldon Wall Light is a neat, versatile wall sconce with an understated elegance that will look wonderful illuminating any kitchen, bedroom or dining room wall. Similar in look to our popular Chester Wall Light, we have adapted it to take a candle shade so you can choose the style and colour that best suits your interior. Here we have paired it with our popular Natural Isabelle Linen on a French Drum Candle Shade.

WHY NOT TRY A TABLE LAMP?

Layering your bedroom lighting with table lamps is essential for adding depth and modifying the energy around you. Bringing in pools of light from different sources like table lamps is the key to a balanced atmosphere whilst giving you the option to dial up the cosiness alongisde your wall lighting. Discover our 5 bestselling table lamp designs.

THE FINER DETAILS

With us, you can match all your metalwork for a cohesive, stylish finish to the home. Visit our website to explore our range of switches and sockets, handles and cupboard pulls and much more.

SHARE YOUR STYLE

For even more home interior ideas, keep up to date by following us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. Don’t forget to tag us in photos of your bedside wall lighting – we love seeing our products in their new homes.

A writer and avid interiors lover, both of Donna’s passions are expressed through her popular Instagram account, @littlestonecottageonthill. Relaxed but brimming with personal detail, Donna’s home serves up laid back luxury with a gentle period twist. The 300 year old cottage is located in an historic Yorkshire village and suitably styled with floor to ceiling modern country charm. We caught up with Donna to find out more about her beautiful home. 

Donna, welcome to the Style Journal! Please tell us more about the history of your Little Stone Cottage On T’hill. 

We bought the cottage in 2012 – it’s over 300 years old, built in locally quarried Yorkshire stone and situated in an historical little rural village.

Your style leans into the contemporary, and though neutral in colour, your rooms always feels playful and inviting. How do you balance this look whilst staying true to the era of the house?

Everyone’s different, but when you live in such an old house, I prefer the bones of it to do the talking rather than overpowering it with patterns and excess colour. It’s all about balance. The neutral tones and soft fabrics we chose respectfully allow the house to shine, from the ancient beams and the uneven walls to the aging stonework… it’s all very beautiful and we feel so honoured to be a part of its history.

Let’s go straight go your bright and beautiful kitchen. Kitchens are functional spaces first and foremost, but so often they come to be the heart of the home. How do you make this practical space as comfortable as the rest the house?

When we moved into the cottage it had the tiniest kitchen and a very narrow dining room, but by knocking down the dividing walls and opening up the whole of the bottom floor we were able to embrace open plan living. We designed the kitchen area to have curved cabinetry for a softer, more relaxed feel. By blending the colours, textures and furnishings to complement each other, and keeping the palette neutral, the whole of the downstairs feels like one big room. We chose crushed velvets and linens to create a natural look that works really well with the rustic modern kitchen, making the most of every corner.

To anyone scrolling through your Instagram it’s clear you have an affinity for lighting. What’s the most important thing you keep in mind when layering light in a room?

I love ambient lighting. It enables you to enhance all those dimly lit areas (particularly in older houses), by adding warmth and depth. Whether it’s the gentle flicker of a candle on a window sill, a table lamp glowing warmly or some magical twinkling lights hung on a beam, there’s always somewhere inviting and cosy to relax.

We were delighted to collaborate with you on your recent bedroom re-style. You opted for the hand blown glass of the Putney Plug-in Wall Lights. What led you to plug-ins over traditional wall lighting?

Because the cottage is so old it’s always a gamble to start cutting out walls for lighting, so when we were introduced to your new Plug-in Wall Lights it was a real game changer. No professional installation needed, just a plug to pop in an existing socket. Genius!

How do you keep your home feeling fresh through the year, do you find yourself influenced by seasonal trends?

I’m not influenced by seasonal trends but I do like to enhance the cottage with seasonal flowers throughout the year. I’m very much a ‘less is more’ person though; one too many blooms or accessories can make the place look very cluttered, so I’m always minimal but thoughtful with any new additions.

We have to admit that we love seeing our customer Christmas interiors unfurl. How do you prepare the home for festive period whilst staying true to a ‘less is more’ approach?

Because the cottage is so small I like to keep Christmas decorations to a minimum. A Christmas tree, a simple mantel garland and a subtle Christmas tablescape is just enough without overpowering everything. I like to trim outside the front door too so the curb appeal isn’t forgotten!

A few quick-fire questions…

What are your top tips for making a house a home?

Layering with cushions, throws and rugs. Lots of mirrors to bounce the natural light around. Candles and subtle lighting. Make sure you make your home about ‘you’ and not what’s trending.

What’s your favourite room to style?

I love styling the whole cottage so I don’t have a favourite room. We’re fairly lucky though as it’s so full of character which makes it feel easy.

Your favourite Jim Lawrence product?

We have Jim Lawrence lights all over the cottage and each one lends itself beautifully to its surroundings, so I’d be hard too hard pushed to choose one…

Finally, what’s the staple homeware piece that every house needs?

A dog!

Follow @littlestonecottageonthill on Instagram to follow Donna’s styling journey and revel in her joyously written captions. To stay up to date with Jim Lawrence, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. Browse our website to see all of our hand forged and finished lighting and homeware.

GET THE LOOK

Lynfield Pendant in Antiqued Brass, Hunstanton Velvet Cushion Cover in Mole, Single Cottage Wall Light in Matt Black, Putney Plug-in Wall Light in Antiqued Brass.

There is nothing quite like returning home from a winter walk, pulling your arms from your coat sleeves and catching a hint of lingering woodsmoke. Your hands begin to thaw as you kick off your boots and muse about what might be for tea. This is what the essence of a boot room is to us…a cosy space that says ‘welcome home’.

We love coming up with boot room ideas for every kind of house. Whether a traditional boot room, a porch or a utility room, there’s no need to overlook this wonderful transitional space. These might be tiny areas by the door where you stash your walking shoes and hide your coats to keep the rest of the house tidy, but for busy families, dog owners and anyone who enjoys the outdoor life, a well organised storage area to welcome you home will transform how you feel every time you walk in the door.

In reality you don’t need a lot of space, just some well thought out storage solutions to keep clutter at bay. If built-in cabinets are a non-starter, use a bench, chest, baskets or crates to store your kit and double up as somewhere to sit to pull off your wellies. Coat hooks are wonderful for keeping essential outerwear, bags and leads handy but out of the way, while a mirror will make a small space seem larger.

LIGHTING WITH UTILITY IN MIND

This is a sconce your home really can’t live without! The Brooke Wall Light is versatile in that you can decide with orientation works best in your room…fix up or down depending on your preference.⁠ The Brooke is paired here with our 15cm Pendant Empire shade in Cream Killowen Linen. Linen is popular for it’s beautiful texture and softness which is ideal for diffusing light evenly around a room. The Brooke is excellent for highlighting a mirror or placed in a row lighting up a hallway to lead into the rest of the home.

HARDWEARING METALWORK FOR A HERITAGE FEEL

A fundamental item for your boot room styling is the humble coat hook. Hand forged by our expert craftsmen, they will fit even the smallest of spaces yet are sturdy enough to carry as much as you need to squeeze onto them. Layer with your coats, winter wools and dog leads and keep your home organised. We’ve styled this boot room with our Ramsholt Coat Hook: a simple, pared back design that offers both a storage solution and a stylish, slimline silhouette.

Banish draughts by using an internal letter plate on the inside of your door. This one is constructed from forged iron to complete the matt black look, but choose from small or large sizes in a variety of finishes.

Give your room an instant update by accompanying your favourite Jim Lawrence products with our matching switches and sockets. When decorating a room it is sometimes easy to miss the little extras that can add the design flare your room was missing. A white plastic switch is a sight we are all over familiar with, but with us you can find a unique alternative and never have to forsake style for function.

This 2 gang black modular grid switch features a hand forged steel hammered plate, finished in matt black to complete the uniform look alongside your lighting and other accessories.

KEEP IT COSY

The Hunstanton Velvet Cushion Cover in Mole is a must-have for autumn and winter. Adding a decorative cushion or two is a quick and easy way to invigorate a bench or other seating area with colour and texture whilst keeping to your budget. This richly tactile velvet makes a statement wherever it is used, perfect for adding a touch of luxury to this otherwise practical area. Use to contrast with rich blues and burnt oranges, or blend with faded earth and gold tones if you prefer a more mellow look.

To ensure your home is kept cosy, installing a heavy curtain in wool or tweed hung from a portiere rod or pole above the door is a brilliant way to keep out the cold whilst adding a heritage touch We’ve paired the dusky grey of our Mole Velvet above with the weighty weave of our Stirling Lovat Wool in cosy curtain form.

FURTHER HOME STYLING IDEAS…

We are very proud of the quality of our workmanship and designs that we feel highlight the skill of our workers and their ability to make products that suit both contemporary and period properties. To view all of our home accessories and lighting visit our website.

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