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Mid week mantra...

This post is coming as a bit of mid week mantra. I'm feeling like I need it, cos' quite frankly, up to now, my week has been shit. Not groundbreakingly or life threatening in anyway, just in general a bit pants. And it's pretty safe to say (I should get Craig to write this part for authenticity) I've been iv been a bit moody.

So when he brought me my morning brew and told me not to leave my bed until I'd drank it I started to think about what was making me feel like this and what I was gonna do to pull myself out of it. 

This is what I came up with...

So right now I'm trying to milk every minute as productively as I can to get my uni work off to the best start before I go back in September. Paired up with doing most of it from home, spending long days with none other than L and D to keep me company, the daily routine and future business plans, iced with girl issues ( don't make me say it aloud) and a seriously f*cked up wireless printer, and as you may be sensing , it's a recipe for major frustration, creative decline and obscene chocolate cookie intake. (And stupidly long sentences!)

Iv realised that creative juices definitely don't flow being home alone all day and trying hard to be productive can sometimes be the most productivity inhibiting thing you can do.

Today I'm letting it go.

Channeling the mantra that only I can control how I feel, only I can stop myself procrastinating and my work will only come and be good if I'm happy and I'm enjoying it. So today is all about that. 

Walking, cooking, drinking coffee and spending time out of my house. I'm doing stuff that I can start, complete and enjoy all in the same day. That way no pressure or guilt comes from not getting stuff done and tomorrow I will be happy and motivated to get creative again...that's the idea anyway! 

Peace out! 

Xoxo

Playing changing rooms...

Good afternoon snoozers, or is that just us today? The Eastons are feeling pretty sleepy on this warm Sunday afternoon, I have just about managed to pull myself around to share with you a little post for some easy reading. 

I trust you read Monday's blog on brown furniture right? Well look what I've been up to this morning...

We were given (yep you heard me, GIVEN - how lucky are we) this gorgeous sideboard from a member of Craigs family. It's been sat at the bottom of our hall for some time collecting dust, so this morning, with Craig out at work (hence the rug under the sideboard - it was my dragging mechanism!)  I decided it was about time we put it to good use and I started to practice what I preach...

If you're a regular reader you probably know by know that I'm not most keen of our living room ( its way to bland and the paint choice was made before I crossed over to the dark side), but I thought I'd make the best of what I have. 

Below you can see on the left hand wall was a hand painted dresser in off white (snooze), and the rest of the walls look really bland too.

So I switched out the dresser to make room for the sideboard, and popped this in the right hand alcove besides the burner...

Are you ready?

Voi la...

I hung this big piece of cow art above the sideboard, and layered up some metallic finishes (mirrored frame and copper planters) with some greenery and our home bar to add a punch of 21st century quirk to the antique piece. As I mentioned last week, this helps make your brown furniture seem more 'eclectic cool' than ' dingy Grandma'!

What do you think?

   

I feel like the sideboard totally grounds the space making it feel much more complete than before, and by adding some interest at a higher level on the back ( log burner ) wall instantly the whole place seems more interesting. It's by no means perfect yet, but it's much better than before don't you think? And all of this was done using everything I already own - who'd have thought just a little effort can make quite a difference. As silly as it sounds, I feel great for doing this too and now I want to go sit in my living room rather than avoid the place!

I'd love to see how you've styled up your brown furniture, stick them over twitter or instagram and tag in @lilliandaph and use the hashtag #brownfurniture.

Happy Sunday snoozing folks.

P.S I'm working on some monthly features for the blog and some daily stuff too across social media sites (Facebook, instagram and twitter) So if you haven't already, give Lilliandaph a heads up over there, I think you might like what's in store.

XOXO

So this post is inspired by a friends recent decorating dilemma, which upon hearing has made me think about this...

Lots of us end up lumbered with brown stuff that perhaps we didn't choose or maybe choose a long time ago before we all got super cool (we have inherited a brown leather bed, the thought gives me shivers, that Craig brought from his Dad's. You know the Argos type, he loved it when he was a teenage boy.)

By 'stuff' I'm talking things like big old comfy sofas and wooden tables and chairs that have been passed down from parents and family. Lets face it, we can't always afford to buy everything new when were changing up our spaces, and besides some of the brown 'stuff' can have the most character and charm - it's just knowing how to nurture it.

So we have a couple of options with this brown sitch:

1. We can change the colour of the stuff- So paint or re-vamp those old school, classic, built-to-last pieces that you pick up at car boots or had passed down to you. Not only paint but changing knobs and how you dress these pieces is all part of the tarting up process.

and

2. We can integrate the brown- so this is all about making the brown stuff work in your space in a cooler way. Adding other elements, offsetting with other colours and accessories, and throwing in more brown (yep you heard me -more brown) all helps to transform your brown stuff works.

Number 1 is mainly aimed at wooden furniture, (although I have come across painting leather and fabric on the crazy web I've not yet tried it myself, check it out here if your intrigued.) I adore cleaning up and painting old furniture it unleashes so much life into a piece that can be quite unbelievable, but this is going to be another post for another time. Today were talking how to work those awkward pieces into your scheme on mere integration tricks.

Add more brown 

Honing in on the hue with touches like cushions, accessories, artwork, wallpaper and even paintwork will stop your brown furniture sticking out like a sore thumb and create harmony through your scheme. Play around with tones of the colour to create an interesting feel rather than sticking to one which may leave it looking flat and boring. Be brave and try depths you might not have explored before - dark sludgy browns can add grandeur and really ground a space, where lighter tones will make a place feel more calming.

Compliment the hue 

Adding pops of other colours to offset the brown will help to update the look and modernise the whole scheme. Hit it up with brights like orange and pink for a really quirky contemporary vibe or go for greys for a more understated cool. Using lots of earthy colours (greens, neutrals and warm reds) can bring a relaxing element to your space, however for me this is kind of a bit predictable and 'been there'. This is all amount hitting up your 'stuff' with a big bag of cool. 

Go glam

If you do lean towards these earthy tones, think rustic glam and add shots of surprise in other ways. Super scale-up your shiny surfaces like mirrors and metallics, hang your lighting a little lower and layer up varied textile finishes. All of these things will stop your space looking as mundane as the front page of the Next home brochure and create extra WOW (I realise I may offend Next fans here, but I had to take the risk sorry guys. It's not that it's not lovely, but it's just not AMAZINGGGG.)

Mix it up

If your piece is old, clash it up with something uber- contemporary to create unexpected intrigue, a big wooden elephant per say. As I'm learning, this is what makes spaces exciting. Throw in the unexpected and not only does your space scream personality but it will fill your guests with decorating envy!

Play up pattern

Pick out patterns in your sofa or wood work detail and play on them. As long as your sticking to one or two colours, adding in even the most subtle of patterns will transform your space. I must admit, I'm a little bit of a pattern phobe, so I tend to add it in subtly through rugs and cushions in big prints that barely look like patterns.

Get rid of anything else uncool. 

Okay, sometimes we just have to be cruel to be kind (like the NEXT jibe). If your re-arranging or redecorating and keeping hold of your big brown 'stuff', it may be time to throw away any old pieces that just don't fit the bill. I tend to live by the rule of investing in the long term. It the same as with clothes, the more you spend on pieces the longer they will last. If you buy furniture, art or accessories for your home based on your true instinctive style, and not from the latest trend of a cheap homewards shop (I'm not saying you have to spend a fortune here- in fact sometimes the cooler stuff is cheaper - I have a big glass urn that I ADORE and it cost me eight quid from the charity shop. I also managed to pick up 4 ERCOL dining chairs for £90 in a charity shop - safe to say I was chuffed up!) then the more likely it is that you will never have to throw it away. Of course you can grab some good cheap bargains in these places that might see you through the next year, but be prepared to part with them once you're ready for a change. 

I hope these tips enlighten you, I'd love to see your brown transformations, or if you have a piece / pieces that you're not sure what to do with and would like a bit more help give me a shout!

XOXO

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Head over to pinterest for more inspiration!

Show me your best side (table)...

This blog post has been a long time coming - being caught up in the reality of timescales for uni work and a little design brief I'm working on has meant it's been tough to actually get this one down. 

It is one I have enjoyed writing though as it kind of speaks for itself and, for a change, means I don't actually have to do much gabbing! 

So I'm working on a little interior design brief that I'm quite excited to share with you all, however I'm going to wait until it's completely finished to show you the reveal and transformation. Along with very specific mirrors and wall finishes, I have been trying to source small occasional/bedside tables. 

These kind of occasional tables can be so boring yet if chosen correctly, can bring so much more than just utility to a room. 

Use occasional tables in hallways to create a really grounded SENSE OF SPACE, rather than it becoming a 'corridor' (zzzzzzz). 

OR...

dot them in unexpected places like besides your bathtub to house charming vignettes, or in the kitchen to display your cookery books. Wherever you put them, you'll find that they instantly transform your spaces - creating levels of intrigue way up the cool ladder.

Also if you choose tables that can work in multiple rooms within your home, they become the easiest and most brilliant way to instantly give your space a makeover. Frequently playing around with your furniture and 'bits and pieces' (or STUFF as Craig likes to call it) will stop YOU becoming bored of your home and will aid you on your way to creating one you never want to leave!

Here are my pick of just a few fab tables on the market - remember, don't just push them in the corner!

For retro cool go Vettra - Ikea £25

For instant understated classic vibes do Undredal- Ikea £95.

Theres place for country chic in most homes, practical and gorgeous - Manilla tray - Joss and Main £64.95

Love this leggy little number, simple and chic - Beat side table - Joss and Main £91.95

Totally in love with this quirky bird leg table, it's gold finish is the icing on the cake. Birdy urban outfitters £80

Add humour and charm to any room with this little fella,, also available in a beauty of an Elephant- Kare Bear Urban Outfitters £120 

C'est Chic! Timeless and gorgeous in any space, especially against dark walls!- Hexagon - Urban Outfitters £120

Add mono pattern to spaces with are full of colour or depth - Chevron table - Mia Fleur £150

Make a design statement with Lean to side table - Heals £95

Hit the copper trend on the head with this beauty, the hammered texture will juj up the dullest of spaces Orrico - Habitat £125

Girls' girls - this ones for you - Gold and Pink stripe  - Homes Direct £199.99

There is a little bit of something for everyone here, and as much as I genuinely love them all, I think you can't beat a little bit of quirk and glamour in any space so my faves are Kare Bear and Birdy Both by Urban Outfitters which have a huge selection of some of the best home accessories (credit cards at the ready girls).
 Which is your fave and where would you put it? Or if you have a pick to add to the list, let me know over on Facebook or Twitter.

Happy Sunday.
XOXO.

When only hot chocolate will do...

Good morning world, we're half way through the week (almost), and I'm about 100% certain that if this great British summer continues I will probably drink my bodyweight in hot chocolate (I'm all about creature comforts!) Trying to battle through the rain snapping pics on the beach battling the elements I think I earned it anyway!

In Sundays post I mentioned I'd share with you a few design layouts I've been dabbling with for my own practice (were thinking about working towards Christmas fairs). They are super simple, as I prefer to work with placement prints and play around with colour. I have mainly been working on cushion layouts but this design could be manipulated to suit other products such as lampshades, throws, tea towels and mugs.

Please let me know what you think as I'd love to get an idea of how well received this kind of look is. The backgrounds are work in progress too, I haven't gotten around to this yet but I'd like to work some hand rendered grounds in but for now I have simply selected one flat colour...

XOXO

All designs belong to LillianDaph and are subject to copy-write. 

Washed Up Glamour...

I'm not sure when I'll next write a blog post that doesn't start with "Apologies for the lack of posting...", things just seem to have been super busy since finishing Uni 7 weeks ago. BUT I am finished with my placement at Gillian Arnold and now I'm looking forward to getting stuck into my own projects.

SO I thought it could be a good idea to run my ideas by you guys, put the feelers out there so to speak, and kill two (or three) birds at the same time.

The summer months are not made to be decorating so I will be concentrating more on accessorising and pulling themes together until were all feeling a little more inclined to stay inside and stake out the paint brushes.

First things first I'm going to be spending today gearing myself up to get stuck into uni work next week, (I am planning to have a very productive few days, lets see how that works out!). I've been thinking about concepts and themes for a while but haven't had the chance to get down to business. 

I'M THINKING OF "WASHED UP GLAMOUR" (Title is a work in progress!)

I'm imagining a concept around the idea of how things change over time and the effects that the sea has on once very beautiful things, in particular bird feathers (I seem to have a new found obsession with bird feathers, you'll see when I elaborate and in the next post). Running parallel to this I'm thinking of how life does the same to us, and how peoples aesthetic and behavior changes as we age - sounds deep I know, but my Nana was THE MOST GLAMOROUS PERSON I EVER MET. God love her, she is ageing, her mind is not the same, her eyes are failing her and she struggles to pull off the immaculacy she once had - she does still manage her lipstick and copper/ red wig everyday though!!! I really wanted to make this project personal so thought what better way that to use my glamour puss Gran as concept colour palette inspiration!

Picture seaside textures, scrawny seagull feathers, mangled driftwood HIT UP WITH HUGE DOSES OF DEEP RUBY RED, EMERALD GREEN, AND SUMPTUOUS PURPLES, PEPPERED WITH MONOCHROME, ART DECO, AND DRAPED IN COSTUME JEWELLERY.

This concept needs a lot of work, but I really want to take the 'seaside' theme and throw it in a cocktail glass! My seaside surroundings have a big impact on me and I love that, but I get tired of seeing the same old stuff, especially interiors products, does anyone else feel that way? Whitewashed, blue striped and shell laden is not what I'm picturing here guys, this will be seaside with a difference.

While I work on my own mood board (which takes more time than you imagine!), here is my pick of the best home accessories to fit this theme if you like the sound of it - would perk up a bathroom or bedroom perfectly if you ask me!

P.S I am writing this post under the will of a reader whom I met out yesterday evening. I still feel surprised and sometimes even embarrassed when people approach me to tell me they enjoy my blog, it's such a lovely feeling to know that people are reading it let alone enjoy reading it. So I would like to thank you all and will hopefully continue to provide you with more content and easy reading! HAPPY SUNDAY, I'm off to the beach! ! XOXO

P.P.S Posts to come include:

OWN PROJECT WORK IN PROGRESS

CRAIGS DECKING PROJECT NEARS COMPLETION

LIGHTING LOW DOWN

Feeling like the end of an era...

Six weeks ago after a busy Saturday in the salon, (for those of you who don't know I am a hairdresser and continue to work weekends while studying) I took myself off to Bishop Aukland for an interview for an internship. With no real idea where Bishop Aukland was, and a stomach full of excited nerves I did however manage to wind up on the doorstep of Gillian and Tim Arnold. 

So Bishop Aukland is a Town undergoing HUGE REGENERATION, and Gillian Arnold is a key part of that. (I'm working on cutting my posts down a bit, but what is going on in the Town is just amazing, so I urge you to read all about it and next years amazing Night Show plans here.)

In a lovely old square, not far from an old castle, sits an old supermarket building with the new name of "POD". POD is a creative hub that supports artists/ designers/ makers. The idea is to not only to allow artists to exhibit work, but to share advice, experiences and knowledge to enable businesses to grow and succeed - amazing don't you think?! Gillian Arnold are the main business doing this here to date. Again you can read all about that here.

Back to the interview...

Instantly put at ease with a charming greeting from three curious children, I could tell this was going to be a positive experience from the off. Upon meeting Tim, the techy brains behind Gillian Arnold took me to their business premises within POD.

OH MY WORD. 

Talk about inspiring, I was hit by a big old ton of heartfelt inspiration. Right there, built by a very normal, very dedicated and very passionate man and wife, was a creative business set up in its exciting infantry stage. I instantly felt like I wanted to be part of it. 

So my internship began, I was thrown straight into production, making my first ever lampshades; from cutting the fabric, to printing it and actually creating lampshades - for actual orders. How exciting! I then learnt their jewellery making process, which again I was making up for orders (I think that was my favorite thing, despite what it has done to my hands!)

I printed mugs, coasters, cushions, dress and skirt fabrics. I saw insights into every aspect of their business, and it was just BRILLIANT. Coming to the end of my placement, I'm sad to be leaving but I will most definitely keep in touch and I will be back to Bishop Aukland!

                    

                               

Not only have I learnt invaluable new skills, I've met some fab people, but more than anything I have learnt to believe that it is achievable.

Despite always trying to be an outgoing character and pushing myself, I'd be lying if I said that the prospect (and even just the word actually) of an 'Internship" didn't scare the living daylights out of me. I mean as much as I love what I do, I constantly tell myself "I'm not really an artist, or a designer" "I can't draw." "My designs are alright', blah blah - you get the picture - I struggle to have faith in what I do. 

THIS HAS CHANGED THAT.  IT'S CHANGED ME. 

I would urge anybody unsure about their own future to gain experience, I don't think that there is anything quite like it. Being around likeminded people with vision and drive can only impact on you positively.

My time with Gillian Arnold has shown me that it is possible. This dream we are all chasing, it is within reach. You just have to work really, REALLY hard. 

P.S

Here are a few links should you be interested to read a bit more about Gillian Arnold and what is going on in Bishop Aukland...

http://www.gillianarnold.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/GillianArnoldArtist?fref=ts

https://www.facebook.com/bishoppod?fref=ts

https://www.facebook.com/pages/We-want-a-better-Bishop-Auckland-Town-Centre/348177305220299?fref=ts

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/eleven-arches-project-bishop-auckland-9378306

http://aucklandcastle.org/community/plans

My Kinda Gardening...

After a busy weekend (when I say weekend I mean Sunday) in the garden, I'm late again with posting. Nonetheless we have major improvements going on around our existing patio and soon to be raised decking area - yay!

Craig is DONE with the house now the sun is shining so we're moving into the garden.

OKAY, SO I CLEARLY HAVENT HAD AN AWFUL LOT OF PHYSICAL INPUT IN THIS ONE, BUT THE IDEA WAS ALL MINE, I ASSURE YOU!

From our patio we lose the gorgeous view due to our conservatory being in the way, so I suggested we extend the patio area out over what is now garden (mainly a bush and plant area - don't tell my Mam I said that). This is hopefully going to create a lovely seating area from which the view can be really appreciated; this area gets the evening sun too which again the patio doesn't (it's not sounding a great patio here is it!) so I'm picturing an idyllic little fairy lit abode. 

Despite not getting my 'hammer on' with this one, I did however spend most of Sunday pulling out what I thought were weeds (mainly everything - again don't tell Sue!) and planting in some new bits that will create a 'cottage garden' feel come next year. This requires patience apparently, which I most certainly don't have when it comes to creating visual change.

Anyway, back on topic. I've been sprawling the internet for garden inspiration on this one and thought I'd share with you some garden ideas and tips. Keep reading for a few tips and head over to my growing pinterest board for images galore.

MAKING YOUR GARDEN FEEL LIKE PART OF YOUR HOME...

It's so easy to forget about 'designing' our gardens, especially over here in the great British weather, but like our gal AA says, your garden should be designed and accessorised just like any other room in your house in order to create an alluring and enjoyable space.

1. TAKE THE INSIDE OUT. Dress your space with soft furnishings; throw cushions on your chairs, seek outdoor rugs for your patios, hang mirrors next to planters and string enough lights between trees to give Blackpool a run for it's money.

2. ACCESSORISE IN THE SAME WAY. Remember the post on accessorising the home? Read it again, then apply it to your garden. Mix plants at varying heights, mix up planters in different shape and sizes, combine shapes and textures of plants and flowers and ADD LIGHTING. How can anything not look good when draped in fairy lights?!

3.  HIDE THE HORRORS. Use big wicker baskets or distressed wooden chests to hide away any garden tools or games if you don't have a shed or garage to keep them tidied away- let the focus be on your gorgeous things.

4. REFLECT WHO YOU ARE. So again this is exactly the same as your interior spaces. Make your garden personal. If you lean towards clean, crisp lines, continue this through your pathways and planters - just don't let this wind up looking boring and uptight. To avoid that remember to throw in the odd surprise element, something you won't expect to see. Or again use lighting and texture to soften it up. If you lean more towards natural, earthy designs go big on chunky wooden planters and accessorise with piles of logs in wooden crates. If like me, you can't make your bloody mind up about anything, throw in a bit of everything. Don't be scared to eclecticise (yep I just made up a word) your garden as well as your home. I'm thinking boho hammocks, rusty vintage wrought iron tables, a touch of Mediterranean terracotta and oodles of fairy lights.

5. COSY UP. Nothing beats a Summer evening watching the sun go down cosying up by a real log fire with a glass of vino in hand. How much do you love that winter ideal of snuggling by a coal fire with a glass of red? Well basically you want to create that same home comfort of a fire in the sitting room with a fire pit or chimenea outside. If your garden is one open space, use tall plants like bamboo to create 'walls' which will instantly zone your space making it more intriguing and cosy. Don't pouch everything to the four corners of your garden, bring your entertaining space central and build your garden around it, factoring in your needs and the space you have to play with.

I'm well up for this gardening lark now I've realised it's just like decorating! I'll keep you posted with our progress on the decking.

XOXO.