Trend: Klein Blue

Klein Blue dominated New York fashion week as the 'go to' shade for autumn/winter 2013, with Lacoste, Michael Kors and Marc by Marc Jacobs showcasing some stunning designs.  

This shade is so striking that I would love to introduce it in to every element of my day-to-day life!  So here I have tried, with a virtual wish list for the season ahead...

So a piece of Marc by Marc Jacobs will start the season off nicely.  This electric colour will amp up winter plaids and tweeds.  

Marc by Marc Jacobs AW13

Dior have created a stunning palette of blues and greys for 'on trend' eyes this winter.  The new collection is now available at John Lewis.  

Dior Eyeshadows, £40 at John Lewis

Here are a few of my favourite room designs in stunning klein blue...

You can't forget pretty flowers...

 Will you be embracing Klein Blue this winter?  

Recipe: Summer Inspired Citrus Salmon

Nothing screams summer cooking like our citrus infused salmon.  Here is our quick, easy and mouth-wateringly good recipe (even if we say so ourselves!).  

Quick, easy and healthy, what more can I say.  

Recipe for 2

 

Ingredients:

2x Salmon Fillets

2x Oranges

1x Lemon

4x Sprigs of Mint

Herb Butter

Method:  

1.  Cut your oranges and lemon in half, squeeze some of the juices over your salmon and rub in to the fish

2.  Flash cook the salmon for 1 minute on each side in a griddle pan/BBQ with a dash of olive oil

3.  On the very hot griddle/BBQ lay the 2 halved oranges and one half of lemon in the middle of the oranges (juicy side up).  So basically - orange-lemon-orange.

4.  Lay 2 mint sprigs on top of the fruit and push them in to the juicy section

5.  Lay the salmon on top of the fruit to cook and infuse the flavours

6.  Pop a small amount of herb butter on top of the salmon so it melts in to the fish for added flavour

7.  Cook until the fish is flakey

Alternatively...

If you haven't got a griddle pan/BBQ, you can follow the steps above but wrap the prepared salmon in foil and pop it in the oven to cook for 20 minutes at 180.   

To Finish...

Serve with a summer salad and glass of chilled Rose.

What's your favourite summer dish?

AW13 Fashion Hit List, Part I: Footwear

Ugg AW13 Campaign                              

The weather has taken a rather dreary turn and as I gaze out of my study window I see nothing more than flash flooding and grey clouds with the occasional flash of lighting.  Not exactly the tropical summer dress wearing days that I have become accustomed to over the past few weeks.  Needless to say I need no excuse to shop, but the blast of miserable weather has turned my attention to the new collections, albeit a few months earlier than I would usually partake.  

Shoes and boots are always a key purchase and for AW, and for AW13 I'm all about brogues in deep burgundy patent and smoking slippers in embellished suede, however there is always one winter footwear staple that I cannot live without (much to my boyfriends dismay), the Ugg boot. 

I have been an Ugg boot convert for the past seven or eight winters and they are my go to brand for snuggly, comfortable, casual winter boots.  A 'country living' staple, thanks to the sturdy sole and casual appeal.  I will defend my boyfriend who thinks they are not at all feminine and are 'clumsy' looking, they are, but they are also most importantly comfortable.  In a world of painstaking fashion choices...a pointy stiletto anyone? Your feet will thank these boots.  

I know they are not 'new' in the fashion world, but I wear a pair each winter until they need putting in the dustbin!   They are my go to 'pull on' boot for trips to Sainsbury's and walking the dog, granted not the most glamorous of activities, but a practical, day-to-day living boot.    

The new collection which is available online at John Lewis looks simple and classic, just what we like to hear.  I think I'll be opting for the Maddie Boot for my next pair.   I might also be swayed by a pair of their snuggly slippers and gloves too!   

The Maddie Boot is on my wish list, £225

Slippers 

Gloves

What is your winter fashion staple?  

Creating More Space in Your Home

The work continues at Beech House and I can hardly hear myself think through the sound of drills, bangs and workman's radios echoing through the walls.  I have tucked myself away in the one fully completed room in the house *grins with delight*, the study, to attack my bulging inbox and Butterfly Lane admin.  

I have a few clients at the moment who really want more space in their homes as their families grow, but without the hassle of moving.  My answer is simple...a loft conversion.  I have one in progress at Beech House, which will be (the soon to be) guest suite, with an extra bathroom and alternatively it can create a really useful extra room for your family:  A playroom, guest suite, cinema room or study, the options are endless.  

My main focus with all rooms is lighting, it really transforms the feel of a room and should be thought through carefully.  First step windows!  Loft rooms need the light to flood in and also for ventilation, so my go to brand is VELUX® .  They look super stylish and are of the highest quality.  Here are some of my favourite room designs which showcase the VELUX range perfectly.  

VELUX's vision is about daylight, fresh air and quality of life and looking at the rooms below I think they have accomplished their goal.  

This post is sponsored by VELUX, but all views on the product are my own. 

Monday Day Dreaming

I'm officially odd, because instead of dreading that Monday morning feeling, I genuinely relish it.  I feel my most inspired on a Monday, full of beans for the week ahead, along with a giant 'to-do' list to handle.  

The week ahead sees lots of new products arriving at Butterfly lane HQ so check our 'new in' page daily.  The team and myself also have two countryside events where we will be showcasing our lovely collection, surrounded by luscious greenery and hopefully champagne!  

But here are a few images that have got me all of a tizz this Monday morning...

I love this fresh, summery room!  White on cream on grey...what's not to love?

Wedding season is upon us (more of that to come), and this decadent, sparkling room is divine and I haven't even started to rave about that buffet!

A timeless room for a Monday morning read.

Oh dreaming of sunny get-aways...I would love an al fresco dining experience here please...now!

Lazy Monday mornings in bed are surely a must in this sun drenched room.

Dreaming of an al fresco party at the weekend?  These lanterns are beautiful and welcoming for your guests.  Buy similar ones from Butterfly Lane here.

These are almost to gorgeous too eat...but I still would!

And this too...

A little something from our new jewellery collection would put a spring in my step this week.  These heart necklaces are gorgeous and understated, the only awkward thing is which colour to choose!

What are you dreaming about this Monday morning?

Debate: Modern Luxury or Classic Country Chic?

I've always had a particular style when it comes to interior design, I'm classic with a twist (which might come from my background working for Paul Smith, as this mantra screams from his designs).  So, classic and simple, along with a quirk and I'm happy.  

However, in the last few months I've hit an unexpected cross roads in my design life, where I am beginning to be divided between classic country chic styling and modern simplicity.  Now, I live in a listed property but this doesn't mean I can't delve in to my inner modernista does it?  

Traditional or forward thinking...what's your style?  

I'm intrigued to know what you think about today's 'v's'.  

What's your style?  

What's your style?

I've decided not to stick to one camp, and instead blend both styles in to my home.

This gorgeous sitting room blends both styles beautifully with traditional features and classic lighting choices, but with a modern colour palette and plush fabrics.  

This classic country style kitchen has modern twists with its lighting options and furniture.

This stunning bathroom blends contemporary and classic perfectly.  

Contemporary artwork blends the two styles.

Love the ghost chair for a splash of contemporary living!  In fact I've just bought this chair for my study and I love it.  

Modern chairs in a traditional bathroom.

Again, contemporary artwork adds a pop.

So, what camp do you belong to?

Channel Gatsby with 20's Styling

Have you caught The Great Gatsby fever yet?  I feel like I've been waiting for years for this film to be released on to our big screens, but now here we are with the imminent debut on 16 May.  This film looks altogether stylish, from the interiors, the styling and oh the jewellery!  Apparently Carey Mulligan was wearing over $1 million worth of jewels commissioned by Tiffany during the making of the film.  I am like a magpie with anything sparkly and her oval engagement ring in the film is a thing of true beauty.    

  

Carey Mulligan's Vogue Shoot, March 2013

I'm sure that the film will create a resurgence of anything 'roaring 20's' this summer.    Prada's  decadent fashion choices in the film look incredible, and the luxurious decor is something to be truly admired...and replicated.  Here are some of my favourite 20's styling for a modern 2013 home.

                                           

              

Watch the trailer below and catch Gatsby Fever....