From the category archives:

Design Inspiration

One of the most exciting things about receiving a gift is the suspense of what might be hidden inside – and then the pleasure of unwrapping it. Rather than just using standard wrapping paper, personalising your gifts by wrapping and decorating them in innovative ways makes them extra special.

With the gift giving season now well and truly upon us, here are some original gift wrapping ideas for you to try. Or why not use them as a starting point for inspiration to come up with some gift wrap ideas of your own? (And if you do, please send me some images.)

Gift wrapping using autumn leaves and twine

A simple but dramatic gift wrapping idea using autumn leaves and brown twine. Natural and earthly, the warm colours of the leaves are evocative of the season and it is so easy to do. Just wrap your present in simple white paper such as tissue paper or baking parchment. Then wrap the twine around in a crisscross pattern and place a leaf under each section.

Woven Paper Gift Topper

This woven rainbow gift topper is so bright and cheerful; and a really economical way to gift wrap your presents. You can find the instructions for how to do it here.

Cup cake gift decorations

There is inspiration to be found for decorating gifts all around your home. Look how you can jazz up plain wrapping paper using foil baking cups.

Fabric flower gift decorations

Scraps of fabric can be turned into beautiful flowers and ribbons, transforming your gifts into something exquisite.

Gift wrapping pom poms

Sticking pom poms in a grid pattern onto plain craft paper is an original way to decorate a gift. The modern design is very effective, and so easy to do.

Gift wrapping coloured yarn

Tying different coloured yarn around a present wrapped in plain paper is another quick and simple way to brighten it up.

Print your own wrapping paper

You could even have a go at printing your own wrapping paper.  Here’s how to do it.

All that’s left to do now is find those original gifts so you can wrap them up.

Which ideas are your favourites? Please tell me in the comments below.

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Mediterranean style front door

Imagine coming home to a front door like this?  Doesn’t it look warm and inviting? Whatever the weather you can’t help but feel uplifted.

As the days begin to get cooler and memories of summer holidays fade away, why not give your front door a Mediterranean style update for a warm welcome home – even on a grey and miserable day.

Turquoise has long been a popular colour in Mediterranean homes. Traditionally, it was believed to ward off bad luck, and now this vibrant colour is making a big comeback in modern interiors.

Turquoise was in fact named colour of the year for 2010 by Pantone: “Combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, Turquoise evokes thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a languorous, effective escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing.”

Plants are another essential ingredient to give your entrance some Mediterranean style, and ‘living walls’ are becoming a very popular trend right now. Your local garden centre should be able to recommend some suitable climbing plants.

In addition, add some terracotta pots and fill with colourful plants. Or you could plant some herbs which would give wonderful scent the entrance to your home as well as providing you with a fresh supply of herbs.

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Open House London

September 12, 2010

If you love architecture and interior design – and planning to be in London next weekend – then don’t miss Open House London which takes place from 18 – 19 September. Called the capital’s greatest architectural showcase, you’ll have the opportunity to visit some amazing public buildings and private residential homes of all types and [...]

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7 Ideas For A Happy Home

June 15, 2010

How do you feel when you come home and open your front door? Does it bring a smile to your face and make you feel relaxed? Or do you feel stressed as soon as you enter? Here are some ideas for turning your home into your sanctuary: a haven where you can just chill and [...]

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The Magic of Home Accessories

June 9, 2010

Home accessories are to interiors what a belt or striking piece of jewellery is to an outfit. They can change the entire look or mood of a room. Accessories are able to turn a bland space into a warm and inviting one. They add personality to your home interior, stamping it with your own signature [...]

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Have Your Ideal Home Now

May 25, 2010

We all have an image in our mind of our dream home.  It’s great to have goals to aspire to. But it can be disheartening if we start to think we’ll only be happy if – for example – we have a home with more space; that we own, rather than rent; or have an [...]

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