Hola, I am writing from a sunny and rather warm Gran Canaria, Spain, where I came to spend Christmas with my family. As usual, it always takes me a few days to settle back here, specially in Winter, as life and weather are so different, and because while in here, I work less hours and enjoy the nature and outdoors much more than back in the big smoke.

Before leaving London I went into town to enjoy the Christmas decorations, shop's displays, buy some decorations and presents and simply walk through the city, as it is looking at its best! I leave you with some Christmas postcards from my beloved London.

 Liberty

 

 Anthropologie

Fortnum & Mason

 Hatchards book shop

Sommerset house

Christmas at home

I am leaving for Spain tomorrow to spend Christmas with my family, this year I am flying very early, which is a shame because I have not being able to enjoy London, gather with friends, visit Christmas markets, fairs etc…the city is looking its best at this time of the year, as there are so many things to do and see!

I didn't want to leave without doing some decoration at home, I always do, and then continue at my mother's house back in Gran Canaria. I was very pleased to receive this very nice wreath from Balsam Hill, as it served as a starting point. I like to keep things simple and I never follow a theme or trend, I just put all the decorations I have gathered over the years on the table and start grouping them together.

I added the Russian doll to the wreath, which comes with the lights already, and nothing else, as it only needed a detail. If I had time I would have come up with a different idea…The ideal scenario would have been to have time to really enjoy the process of decorating the house for Christmas and share it with family and friends over plenty of food and laughs, (which I managed to do somehow), but not as much as I would have wanted, maybe next year...

 

Paper decorations from Papermash | Wreath from Balsam Hill 

The Narrow House by FORM studio

The Narrow house is a beautiful renovation project by FORMstudio. The architects have converted a terrace building dating back to the late 19th century into a light calm oasis in the middle of the city.

London is getting extremely crowded, and the housing situation is becoming a very difficult problem to solve. Although I am not particularly in favour of converting old office/commercial properties into residential use, somehow we have to find a balance in this ever growing capital. Well, if you have the budget, projects like this are worth it. The conservation and renovation of an existing building is going to be always better than building a new one from scratch, specially in a city with such an amazing architectural heritage.

The space calls for simplicity over luxury, natural materials, neutral colours, unique art, handmade furniture and home wares…A good example would be the Folklore shop look, see below.

Wall hooks from my shop online 

Project by FORM studio | Photos by Bruce Hemming

Real inspiration from real homes at{mine}

If you are in need of inspiration from real homes, then head over to at{mine}, a growing community of very talented people, who have a passion for their homes and interiors. I like looking at real houses, that don't belong to stylist magazines, which looks are very achievable. My Home is important to me, and spending time trying to make it a serene and comfortable space where to live, work, and entertain is a must. I have chosen some photos around the flowers/plants theme, I think they make our homes more human and personal. 

By Maaike Davina

By Sabine Wittig

 By Cate St Hill

 By Igor Josifovic

 By Tiffany Grant-Riley

By Gitte Christensen  

By Jeska Hearne

 By Margarita Lorenzo

Apartment in Primrose Hill by Amos Goldreich Architecture

When it comes to interiors, I don't have a defined style, I can either go for something very clean and modern or a more vintage old and eclectic style. Either way, white walls or neutral colours are my must. I am very interested in renovation projects of old properties, I will always be more in favour of rescuing an old property than in building a new one. Even a small simple flat can become a beauty if well renovated.

 

This flat in Primrose Hill has been renovated by Amos Goldreich Architecture studio. A small 60-square metre space has been converted in a practical living space filled with light, contemporary furniture, and added touches of colours by using colourful homewares. You can see the before and after pictures of the project here. How by using quality materials and clever space solutions they have created a beautiful and cosy flat. I like the simplicity of the open layout and the white bespoke furniture units. I can see my range of wooden knobs and bespoke handles being used in projects like this, adding the final touch.

 

Project by Amos Goldreich Architecture | Photos by Rory Gardiner