Are we there yet?

Sit tight, we have a ways to go. So let’s stay connected, let’s stay kind, and let’s stay creative.

Cheers, Arren

Architect and interior designer Laurent Buttazzoni recently launched a cookbook with Rizzoli, Diner à la Maison: A Parisian's Guide to Cooking and Entertaining at Home. I only mention that since his Insta is filled with more cooking than interiors, but luckily AD France and Vogue Living can help fill in the gaps with some calorie-free fabulosity.

The top pic - a fab bedroom in his place in Sicily - popped into view because I was on the hunt for info on the French carpet mill, La Manufacture Cogolin (I’m currently obsessed). That’s their Trémourier design, one of many patterns woven in wool on jacquard looms dating from the 1880’s. I don’t know about you, but I am just loving the fire engine red of the bed frame against the grass green of the carpet. To see the rest of the place, featured in 2015 in AD France, click here. Do it!

Gutsy primary colours with a vintage-meets-modern twist also abound in his home in Paris, and obvs, every home needs a hand-beaded throne. Pop on over here to Vogue Living for the lowdown, and to take a peek at the rest of his place.

I’m back and forth about wallpaper at the best of times, but is it ever an antidote to the endlessly ubiquitous white walls that have become such a go-to for interiors. Listen, I love ‘em like the rest of you, but every now and then someone has to take a stand!

Thank heavens for the likes of stylist Mary Norden, who recently put this smashing vignette together for Homes & Gardens mag in the UK. That riotous wallpaper - Midnight Garden by artist Flora Roberts for Hamilton Weston Wallpapers - is literally drop dead gorgeous. Add in Bethan Grey’s Nizwa cabinet in Jade, whose work I’ve been such a fan of after seeing it in person at Maison & Objet a few years back. Then, finish up with a perfect mess of vases and pitchers. Is it all too much? Yes, and it’s all the better for it.

For even more floral goodness, snap up a copy of Gathered, co-authored by Norden and photographer Polly Wreford.

We’ve had the windows open and the doors flung wide these last few days. Thankfully in this part of the world warmer weather seems to finally be here.

So, as we start to think about cottage weekends with friends, they’re just around the corner, let’s take inspo from spaces that look like they can handle sandy feet with aplomb. I’m all about this interior by American designer Terri Ricci. It feels perfectly fresh and summery, yet also perfectly pared back.

Shiplap done right. A whitewashed wood ceiling. Worn finishes and just the right amount of modern. And hey, anywhere there’s a bulkhead light is alright by me. Roll on summer…