Pretty in Pink - embrace the latest new decor trend this spring

Spring is in the air at last (although I'm writing this in the middle of a thundering downpour, because the weather hasn't received the memo yet) - and what better way to celebrate the new season than by adding a touch of pink to your home? It's a colour I'm seeing everywhere at the moment, in both homeware and fashion. Such a pretty, confident and positive colour, it speaks of fresh blooms and happiness, looking forward to the warmer days to come - no wonder it's becoming such a trend! 

Pink is the perfect way to add a pop of color and cheer to any room. Here are a few ideas for incorporating a splash of pink into your springtime decor:

Create a gallery wall: Choose a mix of pink artwork, from abstract prints to floral watercolors, and arrange them in a cohesive display on a blank wall. This is a great way to showcase your favorite pieces while adding interest to your space.

Add a statement piece: If you want to incorporate just one print, a personalised design will make a truly unique and personal artwork for your wall or shelf.

Mix and match: Don't be afraid to mix pink art with other colors and patterns in your decor. Don't just think of wall art and prints, consider introducing different materials and textures too. A gallery wall made up of traditional prints, wooden wall art, hangings and decorative pieces gives a delightful ecclectic feel. Pair a pink floral print with a striped throw pillow, or hang a pink abstract painting above a bold patterned sofa. The key for mixing pinks is to stick to the same shade family - whether it's salmons, cerises, blue-pinks, etc, they should all have the same level of warmth or coolness in order for them to work together.

Use pink as an accent: If you prefer a more neutral color palette, you can still incorporate the pink trend into your decor as an accent color. Choose a few pink accessories, such as a vase, mug or cushion, and scatter them throughout your space for a subtle touch of springtime cheer.

Don't forget the garden: Introduce a splash of pretty pink in the garden too, with some gorgeous handmade decorative pieces to bring some real individuality and charm to your outdoor space...

No matter how you choose to incorporate pink art into your home decor this spring, remember to have fun with it! Spring is a time for renewal and fresh beginnings, and your home decor should reflect that. So go ahead: embrace the pink, and enjoy the beauty of the new season.

Discover lots of gorgeous personalised pink homeware and wall art items on the PhotoFairytales site today - all handmade to order and with free UK delivery too!

Sarah :)

Be inspired by... November

This month is the one where the festive season can really start to kick in - and often make us all feel a bit stressed and over-whelmed. Before the chaos of Christmas begins, why not take some time to regroup and think about the joy this month brings? It's not just a gateway into Christmas: it's a beautiful month in it's own right. If you're feeling a bit jaded though, and finding it hard to find the joy of chilly November - especially during Lockdown 2:0 - take a look at my brand new Pinterest board this month. It's full of stunning images that really capture the beauty of the month and I know it will leave you feeling inspired - and maybe even ready to pull on your coat and wellies and head out for a lovely autumnal and atmospheric ramble through the countryside - or a stroll through the chilly, misty streets around your home?!

Now is a great time to grab a bit of 'me time' too - long soaks in the bath with a magazine, a glass of chilled wine, and a couple of candles (and a lock on the door!). Why not book an evening to yourself to enjoy the things you've been longing to do for ages? Cosy up and watch that film (don't forget the popcorn and Revels), or pick up that book you've been wanting to read for ages. Plan a lovely, relaxing Sunday brunch with the family - one where everyone just digs in and helps themselves, where the toaster is within arms length and you take time to read the paper or chat. Pause, and collect your thoughts before December arrives and we start to feel the pressure of Christmas.

Start thinking about the family traditions and rituals that make this season so much fun - you may have missed going out to a fireworks display this year, but you can still enjoy gathering your little family together with fun family games, and gorgeous 'picky' food that everyone can help themselves too.

Make November the time when you pause for a moment - take in the wonders of nature, the crispness of the air, the russet shades and bare tree branches, the mist gathering in the fields, the cosiness of coming in through your front door at the end of the day and sinking under a cosy throw and putting your feet up. This is a month all about YOU.

Sarah x

Be inspired by... October

Ah, October - lovely, leaf changing, crisp morning'd, shall we put the heating on yet, beware of witches, October...

Autumn is well and truly with us now - but before we get bogged down with the bossy Christmas season, let's revel a bit in the glory that this month brings!

I always think it's quite exciting when you wake up to the season's first frost - or even one of those crisp, foggy mornings. Our first day of October here in Norfolk is a tad dark and damp, but I'm holding out hope for a good frost snap soon (if only to discourage the spiders that seem to have taken over the house!). If you're struggling to enjoy the cold, dark mornings though - and you're pining for the warmth of past summer days - I think my brand new October inspiration board over on Pinterest will help you feel the joy for autumn! It's packed full of gorgeous images that should leave you feeling inspired and in love with this month:

With Halloween on the horizon it's tempting to go all out with the orange pumpkins, but this isn't necessarily the only way to bring a touch of autumn glow to your home this month. Why not look at more muted tones that echo the season: soft browns, warm taupe and neutral creams and greys, gentle sage greens and blues... When you start planning your Halloween decorations, think about perhaps grouping some mini pumpkins and gourds into a bowl, swap floral displays for simple and striking grasses, introduce some beautiful linen and natural wood elements into your home, light some candles for maximum cosiness in the evening too. It's a season for adding warmth, layers and texture.

Scandinavians actually think of this time of year as one of the very best seasons - they'll be marking Brittsommar on October 7th, a day to celebrate that late summer/early autumn warmth, and named after Saint Bridget of Sweden. In fact, as a nation the Danes burn more candles than any other - so why not emulate them? Make lighting a candle in the evening part of your daily routine - a candle is for any day, not just special occasions!

There are a few fun old folk-lore sayings based around the month of October, such as "Rain in October means wind in December", "When berries are many in October, beware a hard winter", and the very charming, "If ducks do slide at Hallowtide, at Christmas they will swim; if ducks do swim at Hallowtide, at Christmas they will slide."

The word 'October' comes from the word 'octo', meaning eight, and dates back to the ancient Roman calendar. It's a month which the Saxons called Wyn Monath... or Wine Month, which sounds a very reasonable way of cosying down for the chilly nights!

Whenever you head outside this month remember to take your phone with you so that you can take some snaps to capture the beauty of the changing seasons: the golden leaves, the early frosts, the low sun - even the beauty of a steel grey sky and that beautiful soft light that it brings.

Now is the time to bring the warmth and sun indoors: take a moment, pause, light some candles, and... relax.

Sarah x

Be inspired by... September

September is a strange, transitional month - we notice that evenings are getting darker sooner, and even though the sun still feels warm there can be a little shiver in the air every now and then... I love the months that bring a change in the seasons, and September is the gateway between summer and autumn.

I've created a special Pinterest board for you, full of stunning images inspired by September - they're sure to get you in the mood for welcoming in this glorious new month, and I know they'll leave you feeling totally excited about the changing season. Click the image below to view the September board, or click here - and while you're there, don't forget to follow my account of course!

Whilst you may not be ready yet to pack away the shorts and garden chairs, and you still hold out hope for a last minute barbecue in the sunshine, it's quite exciting to think of the chilly days ahead (or is that just me?). No more being hot and flustered, now you get to wear that favourite jumper, treat yourself to a hot chocolate without people looking at you strangely, and wonder if the central heating is going to work after all these months being switched off... actually, that reminds me I need to book in the annual boiler checkup... where was I? Oh yes, waxing lyrical about the coming autumn!

And to be fair, I think lots of us enjoy autumn a lot - even the sun worshippers! (And we may even be lucky enough to experience one of those autumn sunshine weeks - the Indian Summer - when the weather is warm and the leaves on the trees are showing their golden colours in all their glory.)

It's a time to start bringing those cosy autumnal colours into your home too - swap flowers with dried grasses and flowers, pop a cosy new cushion on the sofa, treat yourself to a new print for the wall to introduce a fresh touch to a room... little touches that mark the beginning of an exciting new season. Create a little hygge corner in your home and welcome in the season in all its glory. 

Take inspiration from the low setting sun, enjoy the shadows cast over the garden, relax and find the calm and comfort in your home: it's been a refuge for many of this over the past few months and now is the time to enjoy the shelter it gave us and be thankful for the coming new season.

Why not make the most of the last of the summer sun and head out this weekend to explore? Go for a walk at a time of day you wouldn't normally think of: first thing in the morning before anyone else is awake, or just as dusk is settling in (it's a great time of the day to glimpse into people's windows as you walk past by the way... just saying...). Start remembering all those cosy meals you only cook in the colder weather: no one really fancies a salad in the autumn, so start planning some cosy stews, tasty homemade soups, and gorgeous roast dinners! 

So, release that inner child and when the leaves do finally fall of the trees head out and give them a good kick - go on, you know you want to!

Happy autumn,
Sarah :)

 

Things to love about Autumn...

There's no denying there's a nip in the air now and Autumn is well and truly here - yes, it is chilly but let's celebrate all the great stuff about this season:

1: Hot Chocolate - this is definitely the time of year when a mug of steaming hot chocolate comes into its own (with a choccy biscuit to dunk of course - or if you're feeling really decadent, a Cadbury's Flake!)

2: Halloween and Bonfire Night - two events that literally demand you stay up late and eat sweets and/or hot dogs!

3: Beautiful misty mornings - when you open the curtains and see the mist, or frosty white grass...

4: The Clothes - dressing for warmth and cosiness, and being able to hide under a coat when you need to nip out on the school run!

5: The Colours - spotting awesome autumnal trees with red and orange leaves.

What do you love about Autumn?

Sarah x