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So far Catherine has created 408 blog entries.

Lights, Action!

As Autumn draws in and we lose natural light, our interior lighting becomes so important. We are seeking a cosy, soft and inviting light to counteract the grey outdoors. Check out a previous post https://interiorharmonyblog.com/2019/04/28/lights-a-wow-factor/ which outlines the different ways to light a space through practical fixtures and those that give a wow factor. There are so many choices which can be confusing and there is a chance you may revert to something straightforward instead of going for  a statement piece that adds style to a room. What Does the Light Do? There are three key kinds of lighting, general functional

2019-10-28T06:36:43+00:00October 28th, 2019|Interiors|Comments Off on Lights, Action!

Feng Shui Conversations – Black and White

I was immediately attracted to the clean, chic look of this teapot. It stands out immediately as fresh with just enough negative space not to be dark or boring whilst adding a wonderful graphic effect. So how to use black and white and where to use it according to Feng Shui practice? The key point is to recognise that the combination of white and black can instantly add style to a space but you do need to know how to balance them to create an equal partnership otherwise one colour takes over the other.   Black is Black Black

2019-10-28T06:47:29+00:00October 28th, 2019|Feng Shui|Comments Off on Feng Shui Conversations – Black and White

Feng Shui Conversations – The Dining Room

We are about to decorate our dining room and it is going to be a fun opportunity! This is a room that is all about abundance and Feng Shui practice definitely sees food as a sign of prosperity. There are some key elements with the table, style and setting. The Table This is the central focus of the dining room and should mirror not just your style but how you see the space. The ideal table is made of wood with gentle curves and no poison arrows. It is best to avoid glass tables as stated in a previous

2023-08-23T12:55:55+00:00October 20th, 2019|Feng Shui|Comments Off on Feng Shui Conversations – The Dining Room

Vintage Style

I love everything about this sign! The only thing it needed to add was Cocktails and Chocolate!

2019-10-20T18:18:13+00:00October 20th, 2019|Photo of the Week|Comments Off on Vintage Style

Feng Shui Conversations – Fountains and Why You Should be Careful

Let's recap what the Water Element is all about in Feng Shui. Water is the word for Shui and is seen as a yin energy that flows, representing emotion, wisdom and offering life and getting sectors of the Bagua map flowing. However; water often needs to be contained or not used due to the area. Within a positive partnership, Water needs Wood to grow and Water is created from Metal. In a negative relationship, Water puts out Fire and Earth drains Water. Fountains are often seen to be one of the key Feng Shui solutions but there are some

2019-10-13T16:00:50+00:00October 13th, 2019|Feng Shui|Comments Off on Feng Shui Conversations – Fountains and Why You Should be Careful

Recycle, Reuse, Revive

Living in France a couple of times, I am asked if shabby chic is still OK to use for interior design. The answer is - let's drop the shabby and focus on the chic but it depends what your definition is of this trend. There seem to be a range of answers within this style and it continues to be updated. French greys, soft neutral pallets with linen as a feature and chalk-painted wooden furniture with a bit of a distressed look to add age and texture. Recycled furniture, preferably 40s or mid-century and painted in soft colours including

2023-08-23T12:54:33+00:00October 13th, 2019|Interiors|Comments Off on Recycle, Reuse, Revive

Decor Styles – Belle Epoque

It spans a range of styles from classic Art Deco sharp, metallic brutalist squares to Art Nouveau floral arts and crafts and I am instantly attracted to its chic Parisian mode. My preference is for the short period that sits in between the hard lines and ornate curves which shouts luxury but doesn't overdo it. The style works with modern and old and is best with the soft curves of wooden panelled furniture. Art Deco was the start of the interest in Asian and Egyptian decor so don't ignore a Chinese cabinet you can update to look Belle Epoque.

2019-10-06T05:10:32+00:00October 6th, 2019|Interiors|Comments Off on Decor Styles – Belle Epoque

Feng Shui Conversations – Poison Arrows

You will often hear about 'poison arrows' in Feng Shui books. These are sharp corners and are said to bring negative energy to a point and then like an arrow, they shoot that energy towards you. They can be found both externally and internally in your place. Externally, they are often seen in sharp corners of buildings and roads that point directly to your apartment or house. You can counter these with mirrors, plants and other remedIes. However; I want to focus on the poison arrows inside your space and the main culprits and how to cure these. Furniture

2023-08-13T11:00:40+00:00October 6th, 2019|Feng Shui|Comments Off on Feng Shui Conversations – Poison Arrows

How To Start Your Feng Shui Journey

It was over 20 years ago when a friend convinced me to attend a Feng Shui class. She owned a kitchen business which is a key room in Feng Shui practice and had read lots of books. I went along and was hooked. After attending the course, I was fascinated to learn about placement, balance and other aspects. However; it was the Compass school and I started to get confused. Friends know that I get lost in a building, so using a compass isn't even in my mindset! I let it go and just used the basics. We moved

2019-09-29T13:18:47+00:00September 29th, 2019|Feng Shui|Comments Off on How To Start Your Feng Shui Journey

Budget Renovations – Bathrooms

An architect friend gave me a key piece of advice; think if you are about to buy or rent - can you live with the bathroom and the kitchen? These are the two most expensive rooms to renovate. If it requires plumbing or electricity and you don't have the money, walk away. These incur major labour costs and, more often than not, you will discover other issues behind such as a leaking sink - our current apartment -or a totally live electrical box in my first house! If you have an unlimited budget, lucky you but this post is

2023-08-23T12:51:55+00:00September 29th, 2019|Interiors|Comments Off on Budget Renovations – Bathrooms
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