You may believe that the relaxed, “worn in” feel of a rustic home is something which has to happen over time and that you can’t “force” a rustic look, but today we are going to give you some tips on how to create the look the quick way!

First of all a distressed wooden table for the kitchen is an absolute must! Farm life centres around the kitchen and in particular the kitchen table.

This rustic country kitchen designed by New York architect Ben Herzog just wouldn’t be complete without the large wooden table and fresh flowers.

Kitchen design by New York architect Ben Herzog

Another tip is, if possible, keep your windows bare. Rustic is all about the outdoor, country life so let as much of the outdoors indoors as possible by leaving windows unobstructed by curtains or blinds.

 

Living room design by Burlington architect Smith & Vansant Architects PC

 

For a rustic-look kitchen wicker baskets full of fruit, vegetables or bread are an inexpensive way to achieve the look.

 

Tiffany Dragonfly Table Lamp

Our range of Tiffany lights are designed to imitate the original stained leaded glass lamps designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany of Tiffany Studios.  The first public exhibition of Tiffany lampshades was in 1899.  Beautifully detailed and intricate, every lamp was handmade using the copper foil method whereby glass pieces were connected by thin copper foil soldered together.  The lamps were considered part of the Art Nouveau movement and were very fashionable with affluent Americans.  More than 100 years later, Tiffany style lamps are still extremely popular – hence the number of imitation style lamps which are available from most lighting retailers.  Hardly surprising considering the limited original models cost tens (sometimes hundreds!) of thousands of pounds!  Nowadays, there are even companies that are dedicated to reproducing the traditional stained glass style of Tiffany Studios with some even using the word ‘Tiffany’ in their name.  Due to the popularity of Tiffany style lighting and the number of reproductions available, ‘Tiffany’ is now a generic term for a stained glass light fixture.

Tiffany Dallas Table Lamp

All of our Tiffany style lamp shades are concurrent with the original Tiffany themes of nature – dragonflies, flowers and fruit - while the bases portray tree trunks or roots.  In addition to these, we also have a few plainer options for those who want to keep things simple.  With such a great choice available, you can be sure to find one to suit any room or personality!

HOW THEY WORK

Many of us still use the traditional (incandescent) bulbs in our homes.  These make light by passing an electric current through a metal wire which then becomes hot and emits light.  Only 10% of the electrical energy is converted to light though which means that 90% of the electrical energy is wasted as heat!  Low energy bulbs on the other hand use all of the electrical energy to generate light.  These bulbs utilise glass tubes containing mercury vapour (please note the amount of mercury used in these bulbs is so small that it is harmless – even if the bulb is smashed).  When the light is switched on, electronic ballast carries electricity which causes the mercury vapor to give off light.

GLS 11 Watt BC Bulb

SAVING YOU MONEY

The purchase price of a low energy bulb (compact fluorescent lamp), is higher than that of a traditional bulb (incandescent lamp) of the same brightness, but this cost is recovered in energy savings and replacement costs over the bulb's lifetime.  This is because low energy bulbs use around 75% to 80% less electricity than conventional bulbs.  In addition to this, manufacturers estimate the average life of their bulbs is around 6 times longer than a conventional light bulb with each energy efficient bulb lasting between 6 and 25 years depending on wattage.  Switching to low energy bulbs could save around £9 per bulb every year on the average domestic electricity bulb.

T2 Spiral 23 Watt ES Bulb

BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

CO2 (carbon dioxide) is one of the main causes of climate change.  Each low energy bulb used to replace a traditional bulb saves around 2000 times its own weight in CO2 emissions over the course of its life.  If everyone switched, the government estimates that together we can save as much as 5m tones of CO2.  Because of the environmental benefits, an initiative by the government, retailers and the UK lighting industry are currently phasing out traditional bulbs in favour of low energy alternatives.

So why not cut down your fuel bills and help the environment by choosing low energy bulbs?

Rhode Island based writer and photographer Christine Chitnis showed us how to pretty up some terracotta pots with fabric, a brush and some glue.

Jen Ramos from Made By Girl introduced us to New York photographer Annie Schlecters  inspiring interior design photography.

We loved Young House Love’s Reader Redesign story where we heard how a couple transformed their kitchen while spending only $102!

Hooked on Houses gave us a sneak peak at the Spanish Colonial Revival-style mansion which Kelsey Grammer has reportedly purchased in Beverly Hills…wow!

Using an iPhone in a dock is a great way to play music in your home but many docks can be unsightly. We decided to investigate if there are any docks out there which will allow you to play music from your iPhone without compromising the ascetics of your home. Here’s what we found…

Below is the Megaphone from Italian design company En&is. The Megaphone acts as a ceramic amplifier for your iPhone or iPod and is a true example of functionality meets incredible design.

Megaphone by En&is

This audio end table, available from West Elm, is perfect if you are looking for a dock which doesn’t look like a dock. This table charges your iPhone or iPod while playing your music and would blend seamlessly into a modern bedroom or living room.

Audio End Table from West Elm.

This cute little guy from Overstock comes in pink or white and is perfect for kid’s bedrooms.

iPig from Overstock

This eco-friendly dock from EPL Monkey is made from natural wood which is polished and buffed with beeswax. It doesn’t require any electricity as it simply works by amplifying the sound. EPI Monkey custom makes these docks and can line the inside with metal in a multitude of colours to suit your tastes.

Bamboo Dock from EPL Monkey

The Eton Soulra XL dock is powered by a solar panel making it perfect for summer parties in the garden.  Available from Crutchfield.

Solar Powered Dock available from Crutchfield

The iLuv, available from Crutchfield, is not only a sleek, stylish dock and speaker for your iPhone; it also turns it into an alarm clock, perfect for bedside tables!

iLuv Dock available from Crutchfield

Of course you can redecorate every time he out grows his bedroom but this is expensive and time consuming. Alternatively you could pick a theme for your son’s room which he can grow with and love for years. A great option is a nautical theme as boys of all ages seem to love ships, sharks and pirates! The colour palette of reds, whites and blues are also generally well liked by boys.

We think boys will love this shark bedding, pirate map mural and boat bed, all from Pottery Barn.

Chark Bedding from Pottery Barn

Pirate Mural from Pottery Barn

Boat Bed from Pottery Barn

Shrimps and Tiddlers specialise in nautical interior accessories and they have a fab collection for kids. Three of our favourite items are the nautical coat pegs, the pirate cushion and the decorative yachts.

Coat Peg Rack from Shrimps and Tiddlers

Pirate Cushion from Shrimps and Tiddlers

Decorative Yachts from Shrimps and Tiddlers

If you really want to get into the nautical spirit then this boat bookcase from Pebbles to Sand is an absolute must!

Bookcase from Pebbles to Sand

Boisterous boys will love having this Shark Alert sign from Cottage Coastal Store on their bedroom wall or door.

Shark Sign from Cottage Coastal Store

For little book worms these boat book ends from Deborah Sparks are ideal for displaying his most beloved stories.

Book Ends from Deborah Sparks

What are your thoughts on nautical bedrooms for boys? Can you think of any other children’s bedroom themes which would see them from tots to pre-teens?

For general illumination in the bathroom a flush fitting ceiling light is a popular choice as it is unobtrusive and will give an even spread of light for the whole room. PAGAZZI Lighting has a wide range of flush fitting ceiling lights and you can be sure to find one that will suit your décor.

For areas like the mirror, additional task lighting may be required. For this purpose we offer a range of strip lighting that can be installed above or at either side of your bathroom mirror. The Palermo Wall Bracket is a sleek and simple design that looks perfect in a modern bathroom. If you are looking for something a little more glamorous, the Cabaret 4 Light Wall Bracket is a dazzling strip of globe lamps with a distinctly showbiz feel. The Shaver 2 Light Wall Bracket is another light option for your mirror and has the functional addition of a built in electric shaver socket. The latest generation of bathroom mirrors incorporate built in lights. Sections of the reflective surface are removed and the lights are fitted inside the mirror. This is an effective way of generating light evenly and we stock fantastic examples of this in the form of our Gena Vanity Mirror and Niro Vanity Mirror.

If a dimmer light or multiple lights is not an option for your bathroom, why not consider a spotlight fitting? Spotlights offer bright illumination and can be used to highlight taps and other features. Additionally, if you need a relaxing bath, they can be pointed away from the tub. PAGAZZI Lighting offer a variety of spotlights suitable for bathroom use. My favourite is our Mercury 3 Spotlight Bar which features a contemporary polished chrome finish and dimmable halogen lighting.

Mercury 3 Spotlight Bar

Every bathroom is different and there are a number of ways to maximise the effectiveness of light. With the right lighting, an average bathroom can be transformed into something stunning. PAGAZZI Lighting has a wide selection of bathroom lights to help make the most of your bathroom!

Di from Designers Block introduced us to the unique designs of MYK. MYK design rugs, poufs and chairs made from handcrafted pompoms. Our favourite has to be the roses pouf!

Holly from Decor8 shared some beautiful images from London-based interiors photographer Catherine Gratwicke.

Elle Décor interviewed textile designer Lulu deKwaitkowski who has just launched a range of fabrics for children. Think modern and sophisticated animal patterns rather than the garish novelty prints on many children’s fabrics. We think Mums and kids alike will love Lulu’s designs.

Caroline from Patchwork Harmony introduced us to illustrated prints from Seventy Tree. These prints originally begin life as ink drawings penned by Kerry Layton and are lovely and unusually artwork for walls.

There are an abundance of colours and designs available however, making bunting an ideal decoration for many different kinds of celebrations.

We love the range of children’s bunting from Cotton Bunting. They can be used to celebrate a child’s birthday or as a cheap and easy way to add some personality to a child’s bedroom.

Fly Me To The Moon Bunting from Cotton Bunting

Cupcake Bunting from Cotton Bunting

Pirate Bunting from Cotton Bunting

Gingahm Hearts Bunting from Cotton Bunting

This lovely “Home Sweet Home” bunting from Handmade by Lucy Lu would make a lovely housewarming gift.

Home Sweet Home bunting from Handmade by Lucy Lu

Floral bunting is perfect for a vintage inspired tea party in the garden. We love this tutorial on how to make your own from April at Rhubard and Rose. April made 110 meters of the stuff for her summer wedding!

Image from Rhubard and Rose

Finally, we couldn’t post about bunting without mentioning our favourite Jubilee inspired bunting!

Jubilee Bunting from Flying Colours

Jubilee Bunting from Lakeland

Jubilee Bunting from Bunting Queen

If you do a lot of entertaining in your home then red can be used liberally to paint or paper walls. Alternatively, one or two red accents in a room will add enough of an impact without being overpowering.

Not sure about red on your walls? What about on your wooden floors? This living room design from Holly Marder shows that, red looks just as good on floors as it does on walls when paired with crisp, clean white.

If you like the 1950’s retro look for your kitchen then we think you’ll love Cola Red’s American diner furniture, in scarlet red of course.

Table and Chairs from Cola Red

We love the quirky combination of gold and red stripes on this French style chest of drawers from Out There Interiors. An unusual and quirky way to add red to a room!

Chest of drawers from Out There Interiors

Do you have splashes of scarlet red in your home? We’d love to see it if you do! Sent a photo to pagazzi.blogging@gmail.com and we might feature you on our blog!