Inspiration: Five Quick Questions With...

We have had a busy week here at Butterfly Lane HQ.  We have surrounded ourselves with lovely creative people to inspire us and they have generously shared some of their design flair and fabulousness for the Butterfly Lane reader.  Enjoy!  X

Natalie Bulmer, Features Editor for my-wardrobe.com 

Stylist turned fashion writer Natalie, has an eye for all things beautiful and here are her thoughts on home design, country living and her passion in life...

Who and what inspires you?

I'm constantly inspired by the people closest to me, particularly my mum but also get lots of inspiration from one of my biggest passions - films. 

Are you a country or city person?

I adore living in the city and could never imagine being far from one but am equally at home in the country.  The best of both worlds is where I'd be happiest with easy access to either way of life!

How would you describe your own home's style? 

     

Feminine and cluttered!  I'm an innate hoarder and enjoy girly flourishes like chandeliers and   Toile de Jouy.

Images from John Lewis and Cabbages and Roses

What do you think will be a big trend for this summer?

We won't be able to see for a plethora of print come summer and I can't wait as it's one of my favourite looks.

Image from my-wardrobe.com

Can you leave us with your top interior design tip?

I think the best thing is to fill your home with things that say something about you and what you love.


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Ashley White, Interior Design Blogger for Decorology

American blogger Ashley has a truly inspiring interior design blog that showcases her love of all things beautiful.  Her creative flair makes her a must read and here at Butterfly Lane we are hooked.  Here is Ashley on her inspiration and how to ease yourself in to new trends...


Are you a country girl or city girl?  


I am at heart, a country girl.  I grew up on 200 acres on the Chesapeake Bay, and I lived in NYC for a few years.  I loved the culture and inspiration the city had to offer, but now that I’m back near the country, I don’t know if I would live in the city again.

Who and what inspires you?  

My parents inspire me.  They are the ones who gave me my work ethic, and appreciation of nature.  Nature is also my biggest inspiration.  The variety of patterns, colors, and shapes found in nature is staggering.

What do you think will be a big trend for this summer?  

I think we’re going to continue to see a lot of ethnic and tribal prints, such as Ikat and Moroccan motifs.


How would you describe your own home's style?
  
I would say it is a mix of new traditional and eclectic.  I like a mix of styles, but always tend to favor clean design over a lot of bells and whistles.  I also try to decorate primarily with objects that have sentimental value or significance to me.

Can you leave us with your top interior design tip?  

Before making a big purchase – always step back and ask yourself if the product is true to you.  You may like a current trend or style, but make sure it’s something you can live with a long time.  If you want to test out a new trend, buy a small accent of accessory in that style before purchasing a big-ticket item in that style.  I’ve learned this the hard way a couple of times.

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Lucy Bannister, Founder and Designer of Shu & Me Jewellery

The ever so stylish Lucy creates the most beautiful jewellery from vintage finds from Paris and the UK.  Every piece is handmade and one of a kind and we couldn't recommend her designs highly enough!  Here at Butterfly Lane we are in love with her Emilie and Jemima bracelets, they are perfect finishing touch to any outfit.  

Here is Lucy on her style, inspirations and top tips for spring/summer 2012...

How would you describe your own home's style?

Well I'm currently still at home - poor mum and dad!  I have however had free reign on my room and I always use that 'when I have my own house...' line, so with that in mind I'd say - I love all things vintage (probably an obvious one considering the jewellery I make!), but combined with a modern edge too.  I like furniture/objects around the house that have a story to tell and are full of character, my nana just doesn't understand my fascination with stuff she has in her house that to her is just old but to me is 100% treasure!  I also love to be surrounded by photographs, old and new, so I reckon pictures in lots of different kind of frames would feature heavily too in my (imaginary) house!  I think it would be full of lots of bits and bobs but in an organised fashion!  A friend recently sent me a link to this and said this had me written all over it -  Jessica Barensfeld and Simon Howell 

Images from Jessica Barenfeld and Simon Howell's apartment

Are you a country or city person?

With this one I'd say I'm totally split down the middle, I love the countryside and was brought up going for long walks when I was younger, which I probably made out I hated at the time but secretly loved deep down!  At the same time I love the buzz of the city, with so much going on and it always inspires me to want to do more and encourages me.  As long as I can have a balanced life with a  bit of both, I'm happy!

Who and what inspires you?

I take a lot of inspiration from just everyday people watching and the events going on around me, I love 'street style' features in magazines and online, also blogs like The Sartorialist.  I also think blogs like this one are always brilliant too to find out hidden gems of info, finding new places, ideas for interiors, fashion inspiration etc.  If I had to pick a person who's style I like I think Olivia Palermo's style is always quite effortlessly chic.  

The gorgeous Miss Palermo.  Image: FabSugar

What do you think will be a big trend for this summer?

I think the whole colour blocking trend will be big this summer, I'm a massive fan already and it's nice to see some colour on the catwalk whether it's the more subtle pastel shades or the bolder brights, I think if done properly it's a lovely trend and has encouraged me to step away from the safer dark side!

Can you leave us with your top interior design tip?

If you're like me and love 'stuff' but don't necessarily have the space I think stylish storage when it come to interior design is key!  To make a small room feel big use clever ways of storing things, I love quirky items liked stacked vintage suitcases, they make a great feature and also somewhere to store all of your things! 

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Rebecca Woodrow, Pretty Polly

Creating all your hosiery needs from the fabulous and fashion forward to everyones favourite tummy tucking opaques, Rebecca works for the likes of Henry Holland and many more. Here are her design tips for a very stylish home...

Are you a country or a city person? 

I would say I'm more of a town girl.  I love being close to the city looking at fast fashion and life styles. Yet I love stepping back and escaping into the scenery and my thoughts with long country walks with the dog.

How would you describe your own home's style?

I would like to call it shabby grandeur, though sometimes the shabby comes across more than the grandeur I'm sure!  Guess I will spend my life evolving & tweaking to get the desired look.

Who and what inspires you?

Eras inspire me from Edwardian times to the decadent 30's.

What do you think will be a big trend for this summer?

Popping rainbow colours of club tropicana to soft subtle shade of nude/white in textured knit wear. However with the Jubilee and the Olympics there will be a love of all this British .... think bunting and street parties.

Can you leave us with your top interior design tip?

To trust yourself in judgment and decisions, taste is a personal opinion.

All images from Rebecca Woodrow


A big thank you from Butterfly Lane to everyone who took part in this feature!  X

A Feminine Study Required Please

A study is a very personal space, a place for concentration and hard work, or maybe just a place for you to carry out your internet shopping!  In any case a study needs to have an air of calm and retreat, and this is different for different people.  I worked for the designer Sir Paul Smith for many years and his offices were an amalgamation of clutter and intrigue, he is a hoarder to say the least.  Books, old bikes, toys...you name it, he has it in his office.  However, this is how he works best, surrounding himself with inspiration and creativity.  I am certainly at the other end of the spectrum!  I like a clean, tidy and above all, organised office.  As I now work for myself, my home is my office, from the kitchen table, sofa or kitchen work top, I am all over the place and this is not ideal for my organisation.  Time for a change I reckon, and this week I  embark on my new project of creating a feminine, calm and above all organised home office to be proud of and to inspire me on a day-to-day basis.

Now the word 'feminine' fills the boyfriend with dread, as he often has to work on the weekend it is a place that he needs to use too, so he is desperately trying for me to remove the words 'feminine office' from my vocabulary!  However, feminine doesn't have to mean girly , with flourishes of floral, pink and glitter...oh no no no this is not what I'm thinking!  Instead, I'm using my usual neutral colour palette, (this morning I have painted three options on the wall and decided on Clunch by Farrow and Ball, a chalky, beigey, taupey shade of calm).  I have finally decided on the fabric for the window, a beautifully heavy printed silk in a contrasting tone to the wall colour. All I need to do now is find the perfect desk, add a Jo Malone relaxing candle, along with some other elegant desk top accessories and hey presto an office is born!   

The most difficult decision is for the study furniture, in particular the desk and chair.  Here are some images that I am taking inspiration from...

All images from the Butterfly Lane Pinterest page  Why not follow us!

Dormy House make the most beautiful Filing Ottomans that I will definitely be ordering.  They are such a feminine option instead of a clumsy filing cabinet and I can't wait to place my order.  It is entirely bespoke, choose your own fabric (from Dormy House or your own option), choose the feet and the inside design to your own specification.  What a great addition to any study.  Prices start from £210 for the larger size.  

I have just bought this cute Eiffel Tower letter rack, so lovely to hold your special notes and letters in.  Everyone needs a bit of Paris at home...

...and I love this traditional cream and black telephones.  The one in pewter is particularly gorgeous!  

All images from the Butterfly Lane Pinterest page  Why not follow us!

I will let you know how the finished article turns out, stay tuned...X

Easter Time!

Happy (almost) Easter everyone!  I absolutely love this time of year, the sun is shining (at the moment anyway), the daffodils are out in force and the lambs are leaping.  You can't help but feel optimistic and positive.  The shops are full of cheerful, lovely things and all I can think about is sprucing up my home and garden.   

We have the long Easter weekend ahead of us and I am determined not spend the whole break decorating, I want to do a bit of entertaining too.  Even though I have a lot of things that need attending to on my ridiculously long 'to-do' list...call this person, email that person, paint a door, pot some plants...it goes on and on!  I am one of those annoying people who writes everything down, I think even 'go to the gym' is on my current list of 'things to do'!  But surely all this can wait?  I also have the wedding of two of my dearest friends to attend on Easter Saturday that is going to be held in true English countryside extravagance, I can hardly wait. 

I’m full of inspiration at the moment so I have started to plan my Easter entertaining and if the weather stays glorious then I might move the feast outside.  Here are two fabulous table settings that have been inspiring me so far this Easter. 

I just love how the pretty white flowers have been encased in Easter nests, how sweet!  I think numerous nests placed down the centre of an Easter table would look amazing, yet very simple.   

Why not transform your trusted cake stand in to an Easter centre piece.  Add a few chocolate or ceramic eggs, some foliage, place a few nests and hey presto, a magical table decoration that will definitely be a talking point.  


Here at Butterfly Lane we absolutely love this Easter wreathe to hang on the front door to greet your guests! 

All images from the Butterfly Lane's Pinterest page including Dreamy White
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Hot cross buns and tea, what more could you want as an Easter afternoon treat?  But I have now found this amazing hot cross bun pudding recipe, for an after dinner treat too.  It is delicious and super easy to make, I highly recommend it for an Easter dessert to be proud of.  It's pretty much a variation on the traditional bread and butter pudding but with a twist. 


Hot Cross Bun Pudding

Ingredients

600ml semi-skimmed milk
600ml double cream
1 vanilla pod
4 medium eggs
170g caster sugar 
6 hot cross buns, sliced and buttered
3 tablespoons of Cognac
A handful of dried apricots, chopped
Zest of one orange 
A little icing sugar 


Method


Preheat the over to 170°C/325°F/gas 3. For the custard base, bring the milk and cream just to the boil in a saucepan. Cut the vanilla pod in half, scrape out the seeds and add to the pan. Whisk the eggs with the sugar until pale, then whisk in the milk and cream mixture, removing the vanilla pod shell.

Dip the hot cross bun halves in the mixture, then place in an ovenproof dish. Drizzle over the Cognac and sprinkle over the apricots and the orange zest. Sieve the custard over, and leave it all to soak for at least 15 minutes.

Place the dish in a roasting tin, half-fill the tin with hot water, then bake the pudding for about 45 minutes. When cooked it will have a slight crust on top but will still be slightly wobbly inside. Dust with the icing sugar and serve.

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Here's another option...


Summer Fruits Victoria Sponge 

This is a trusted recipe in my family and as the nights are getting lighter and the sun is shining I love this spectacular summer inspired cake.  Topped with lashings of berries, it is a real feast for the eyes.  I would normally opt for just a single tier, but how amazing would this three tiered creation be for a summer wedding or special occasion!  Also no need to always fully ice the cake, it looks equally appealing with just lashing of berries on top.

Ingredients 


For the sponge

• 225g butter
• 225g golden caster sugar
• 4 free-range eggs
• 225g self-raising flour
• Zest of a large orange
• Extra butter and flour for greasing
• 2 x 8in Victoria sandwich tins
• 
  
• For the jam
• • 250g raspberries
  • Splash of orange juice (use the orange from the sponge)
  • 1 heaped tbsp golden caster sugar
  • 
    
  • For the butter cream (this can also be placed on the top of the cake to secure the berries):
  • • 250g butter, softened
    • 250g icing sugar
    • Juice of ½ an orange
    • Zest of a large orange
    
    
    Method
    
    
    Preheat the oven to 180 degrees.
    
    
    Cream the butter and sugar together.  Mix the eggs together in a separate bowl and then pour in to the mixture. Sieve the flour and add the orange zest.  
    
    
    Split the mixture evenly in to both cake tins.  Whilst they are baking, make your jam and icing.
    
    
    For the jam, put the raspberries and orange juice, with a heaped tablespoon of golden caster sugar in to a small pan.  Heat gently and allow to slowly break down, and reduce in to a jammy consistency.  Leave to cool.
    
    
    For the icing, mix the softened butter with sieved icing sugar.  Juice half an orange and zest a whole orange and add to the mixture.
    
    
    When the cake is ready, put the butter cream and jam on one cake and then sandwich both cakes together.  
    
    
    If you are not icing the cake, spread the remaining butter cream on the top and add the berries and more grated orange zest.
    
    
    Yum!

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Easter Egg Time!

Easter Eggs are filling the shelves in the supermarkets around the country, however, I am always keen to get something different than the bog standard Cadbury’s offering.  Here are my top picks for people after something a little bit different this Easter, but who are still  chocolate lovers!  


For the adults...

Beautifully painted trio of eggs from Fortnum and Mason £45.00 

What a grown up and luxurious Easter egg!  £26 from Hotel Chocolat


For the little ones...

Lots of fun!  £12 from John Lewis

A gift that they can use after the chocolate has gone!  The plant pot and trowel comes with a pack of seeds too!  £10 from John Lewis.

I always like to give the children in my family a little present to go with their Easter egg and here are a few things I have got my eye on for my gorgeous nephews (and I have thrown in a few girly options that I would be definitely snapping up if I had a little girl in my family)…

Every child loves a cuddly toy. and this cute bunny rabbit, £9 by Jellycat is so sweet.

Ideal for your little ones to collect their eggs during their Easter Egg Hunt!  £5 by John Lewis

What adorable little slippers!  Also available in blue.  £16 by Doudou et Compagnie

There was something lovely about receiving an Easter egg cup when I was a little girl (in fact I still have them all!), so I think this book with accompanying egg cup will do just the job as an Easter gift.  £8.49 from John Lewis.

Have a wonderful Easter everyone!  X

A Social 'Media' Butterfly

This week I have turned in to something of a social networking butterfly.  From Facebook to Twitter I am keeping you updated with all the Butterfly Lane news, inspirations and upcoming products along with our bespoke services, and uh oh, now a new addiction...  

Butterfly Lane is now on Pinterest and we are so excited, however it is absolutely addictive!  

Here's the gist of it....

It lets you easily organise and share all of the inspiring things that you find on the web.  Butterfly Lane is not alone in its love for everything Pinterest as it's one of the fastest growing social networks online.  

Essentially you 'pin' images that you find on the web, then you create themed boards using those images. Butterfly Lane has created lots of pin boards for inspirational interiors, homeware accessories, gift ideas, delicious recipes and lot lots more, so why not take a look.  You can then 'follow' one, several or all of our boards, or you can simply 'like' our individual images.  


Here are a couple of our recent 'pins' to inspire you...

All images found on Butterfly Lane's Pinterest page

It has endless applications.  You can create new home interiors ideas for every room, create fantasy dinner parties, gift ideas or plan your new summer wardrobe...the possibilities are truly endless, and that is why it's so addictive!  The joke flying around is that Pinterest is mainly used for thirty-something women to plan their weddings, and soooo handy it would be, so listen up all you newly engaged folks out there in cyberspace, get 'pinning'!

I also find it very useful of work, to create moodboards for creative projects and to keep myself organised as it's a great aide for my rubbish memory.  So instead of book marking link after link, I can just look at my images to remind me. 

You'll be able to use Pinterest easily on Butterfly Lane by using the Pin It button on all of our lovely products, which allows you to quickly upload an image to one of your lovely moodboards, easy peasy!  

Here are a few inspiring images that we have 'pinned',  they are very Butterfly Lane...

All images found on Butterfly Lane's Pinterest page


So why don't you keep up-to-date with all the Butterfly Lane news by 'liking', 'following' or 'pinning' us.  Become a social butterfly!

Follow us on Pinterest here

Like our Facebook page here

Follow us on Twitter here

Have fun...X