18 November 2018

Christmas with John Lewis

18 November 2018

I was recently invited by my local John Lewis store in Cheadle to come and see their brand new Christmas collection for 2018. I know, I know - it’s probably slightly too early to be talking about the looming big day but I was really impressed by some of the themes this year and I couldn’t wait to share my favourites.

One of my favourite memories from Christmas as a child was going to the local garden centre with my Dad and brother and getting to pick a new decoration for the tree. They used to have donkeys in the stable and a Santa’s grotto and it was magical.

Over the years the tree decoration box grew and grew, and my Mum still decorates her tree with all the baubles we chose from those years. I love going round and being reminded of all the memories behind each and every decoration. I strongly believe that’s what a Christmas tree should be. It should be full of memories and love and moments that bring happiness. It shouldn’t just be about colour co-ordination and themes, although they are just as great too.

This year I think John Lewis have recreated the magic of picking decorations and there really is something for everyone. The clever merchandising of colour co-ordination on the shop floor means you can still achieve a certain colour look but judging by the current trends, it’s time to embrace the quirky and the kitsch.

I’m torn between two themes as my favourites but I think the Jet Collection just wins. The jet black and silvers are the base for this futuristic collection. It’s fun and striking with flying saucers and astronauts in snow globes sitting alongside glitter and marble designs.

This collection would be my brother’s dream as kid! And I actually love it as a 32 year old grown woman! I chose a marble bauble to take home with me but I’m definitely going back for the snow globe!

Emerald Christmas Collection by John Lewis

Next up is the gorgeous jeweled tones of Emerald. Think peacock feathers and tropical animals - it’s a lovely collection which would look great on any tree. I also loved how John Lewis styled the tree with succulents amongst the baubles - it’s a really fresh take on a traditional tree.

And I can’t not mention the fabulously kitsch Sapphire theme which encompasses everything “Under the Sea”. It’s an amazing combination of the Little Mermaid and Finding Nemo! I absolutely love it!

There’s even a tree that’s made out of coral to keep the water theme going and I can see this being a big hit. It’s just so different from anything that’s been before and I think it’s utterly brilliant!

Amazing Octopus Christmas Decoration by John Lewis

There are lots of other collections too so there will be something for everyone. Get down to John Lewis and let your inner child go wild!

Joanne Thelwell

13 October 2018

Getting Cosy for Autumn

Joanne Thelwell

13 October 2018

In collaboration with Catherine Lansfield Bedding

Autumn is my favourite time of year - so much so we’re going to get married in Autumn next year! Aaargh! As I write this though, there has been an unusual warm weather front so everyone has been baking today! Typical! Nevertheless I’m hoping it’s just a fluke and it will go back to crisp mornings and chilly evenings where it’s perfectly acceptable not to go out on an evening and instead hunker down under a blanket. Here are my tips for “cosying” up a space.

The Bedroom

My bed is one of my favourite places to be when the weather turns colder, I would go to bed as soon as it got dark if it was socially acceptable! When Catherine Lansfield got in touch and asked me to try their Stag bedding, I jumped at the chance to cosy up the bedroom with this gorgeous duvet set. It’s also a great piece for Christmas if you like to update your decor at this time.

I added a Catherine Lansfield charcoal chunky knit throw and a sheepskin rug to add extra texture to the room and make it look really warm and inviting. Of course fairylights also help! You can create your own little sanctuary where you can curl up with a good book and a massive mug of coffee, tea or hot chocolate - whatever floats your boat!

The Living Room

Candles, candles, candles are the key here. Light them all and have them everywhere (obviously be really careful and never leave them unattended) but there’s nothing better than turn the “big light” off, switching on the lamp and lighting the candles. It creates a gorgeous cosy space with a lovely ambiance. Perfect for nights on the sofa under a blanket watching a film.

The Dining Room

Pumpkins. They are everywhere at this time of year. I’m not talking about the ones carved with triangles for eyes, although don’t get me wrong I love a good carving session - it brings back so many good childhood memories. But there are so many more amazing varieties out there these days that you can use them as a styling staple all through October. Create a gorgeous display in a fruit bowl or use them as props on shelves. The possibilities are endless. Shoutout to my favourite florist - The Flower Lounge for supplying me with the most beautiful mini white pumpkins.

The Kitchen

I’m just going to say one thing - Cake! Get baking, cooking, hosting dinner parties; whatever you can to spend time here all toasty whilst the weather rages outside. If cookings not your thing - there’s always deliveroo!

And lastly - Leopard Print

You can’t escape it this year. It’s everywhere. I’ve always been a leopard print fan, Ben calls me the crazy leopard print lady. I once turned up to the airport wearing a leopard jumpsuit, leopard shoes and pulling a leopard suitcase. That’s what happens when I have to get up at the crack of dawn for an early flight!!!

Anyways I digress - but I just wanted to share this gorgeous scarf from Accessorize and think it’s the perfect Autumn accessory.

Have a lovely Autumn from me and Bojangles!

Joanne Thelwell

29 September 2018

Colours for 2019

Joanne Thelwell

29 September 2018

September in the interior world always feels like a fresh new start as everyone starts looking to the next year and the next big thing. It has seen the launch of lots of new colours from a few of our favourite companies and I’d thought I’d share some of my key ones.

First up : Farrow & Ball

I was lucky enough to be invited to the launch of the new Farrow and Ball colours in the Manchester showroom and catch a first glimpse before they were unveiled at London Design Week. They are all lovely but two colours that really grabbed my eye were Preference Red and Sulking Room Pink.

Preference Red is such a rich and inviting red, it immediately feels grand yet contemporary. I can imagine it being used in traditional period homes or as a statement in a modern new build. It will also work fabulously as a pop of colour in small formats such as a painted chair or stool.

Sulking Room Pink has the most amazing name, drawing upon inspiration from French boudoirs of the past. It feels feminine and romantic but also fresh and modern. I can see this pink being used in any scenario.

Dulux Colour of the Year 2019 : Spiced Honey

At first I wasn’t so sure about this announcement. My first thought was “oh no it’s beige”. But this is ANYTHING but beige. It has such an earthly tone and feels very grounded. When teamed with a dark navy, the colour becomes really contemporary and sophisticated.

Continuing on the Earthly theme, Sherwin Williams have released Cavern Clay as their Colour of the Year 2019. This is a gorgeous terracotta tone which when teamed with prints gives a real bohemian palette.

And for the eccentric colour lovers - Tiru by Graham & Brown. This is what I love about the interior world, there is always something for everyone. I love this vivid teal which looks so luxurious against the dark woods and bright brasses. Again this colour can work as a whole colour scheme or in small doses.

What do you think? I would love to hear your thoughts, drop me a comment below or message me on Instagram!