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So far Catherine has created 384 blog entries.
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How To Plan Your Renovation Timeline

Let's be honest from the start, it is more than likely that the timeline set aside for a key renovation is going to take longer than planned or promised by your contractor. Even if you are doing it yourself there are possibilities with delays in ordering and delivering, discovering an issue once you pull down the wall, open up a space and so on. Put it down on paper, plan the timeline with the contractor, ask questions even if they seem stupid, talk to other friends who have renovated rooms or full places and finally - search the web,

2023-08-23T12:16:51+00:00May 20th, 2019|Interiors|Comments Off on How To Plan Your Renovation Timeline

How to Feng Shui European Apartments

With old buildings, styles of renovation and general architecture, many European apartments and houses represent a list of Feng Shui challenges! The ideal Feng Shui apartments are square in floor plan with no steep staircases, strange corners or floor plans. Having rented and owned a range of apartments in Europe, it is interesting to match Feng Shui practices with European structure. As with most issues, there is a Feng Shui solution.   Front Door We would all love a meandering path to the front door but many of us have our key entrance on a street with no foyer

2019-07-06T14:26:46+00:00May 20th, 2019|Feng Shui|Comments Off on How to Feng Shui European Apartments

Renovations – Where to Start?

I keep saying that the last kitchen and bathroom renovation was IT! If it can't be painted, tiled or recycled, I am no longer interested. We have completely renovated a small 18th century French townhouse, two kitchens in different houses and a major bathroom renovation and all were stressful, had good moments and mistakes. But, we keep doing it! Key Tips to Start Decide on your budget and don't forget labour costs - ask yourself if it's a cosmetic makeover, a partial renovation or whether things need ripping out and stating again. Kitchens and bathrooms will always cost more

2023-08-23T12:15:42+00:00May 12th, 2019|Interiors|Comments Off on Renovations – Where to Start?

Feng Shui Basics – Plants

Plants and flowers are life energy in Feng Shui and connect with the Wood element of the Bagua map. I am useless with indoor plants and stick to flowers or a few outdoor annuals - more on that later. Let's point out the obvious; no dying or spiky plants and avoid dried flowers. According to the Bagua Map, plants are best placed in the Wood, Water and Fire sectors as Water helps wood to grow and Wood feeds fire. However; even in these sections you need to be cautious. Use the colours carefully to match the areas and to

2022-04-30T18:13:27+00:00May 8th, 2019|Feng Shui|Comments Off on Feng Shui Basics – Plants

Feng Shui Basics – Glass and How Not to Use It

Glass, including mirrors and crystals, represents the Water element in Feng Shui. Water represents the flow of emotions and Chi energy and feeds the elements of Wood and polishes Metal. On the negative side, Water muddies earth and puts out fire. So, it makes sense to have any glass or mirrors carefully placed in the Water, Metal and Wood areas in the Bagua Map. In some sections, glass is also considered to be part of the Metal element so take care where you place vases, glass tables and other similar objects.   Glass Doors Let's talk about front doors

2023-08-23T12:13:38+00:00May 5th, 2019|Feng Shui|Comments Off on Feng Shui Basics – Glass and How Not to Use It

All You Need

Love and chocolate is all I need and if it happens to be by the sea and I am wearing my aqua dress, summer heels with a cocktail in my hand and my Andrew is making me laugh - I am in heaven.  

2019-05-05T17:06:38+00:00May 5th, 2019|Photo of the Week|Comments Off on All You Need

Lights – A Wow Factor!

'You can disguise any set with lights and shadows' - Allan Dwan. And he is correct, it is all about setting a mood. As stated in a previous post https://interiorharmonyblog.com/2018/10/19/lights-lanterns/ lights add a real wow factor to a room. Don't be scared to go big if you can. An interior designer told me years ago that a key mistake people make for small spaces is to add small features and accessories. Strangely, a large light feature and tall, long mirrors and frames can often make a small apartment look bigger. It is all about perspective and measurement. What is the Light For?

2023-08-23T12:12:25+00:00April 28th, 2019|Interiors|Comments Off on Lights – A Wow Factor!

Feng Shui Colours – In the Pink

The colour pink can range from soft hints to absolute lollipop colours including hot pink which was invented by the fashion designer, Schiaperelli. In Feng Shui, pink is seen as a combination of red and white and is considered to be the colour of relationships. That being said, Feng Shui practice also says to be careful of the shade - apricot as it is sending out a message that you are available - interesting! It is a difficult colour for couples in a bedroom, as in Western decor the colour is associated with young girls and naivety. However, it

2023-08-23T12:11:12+00:00April 28th, 2019|Feng Shui|Comments Off on Feng Shui Colours – In the Pink

Birthday Wishes

When you are young, you focus on the presents and not the people. As you get older, you cherish the friends and the fun.

2019-04-28T15:48:02+00:00April 28th, 2019|Interiors|Comments Off on Birthday Wishes

Sun, Sand and Sea

In a tiny Frejus junk shop, there are piles of 1931-1934 Illustration magazines with wonderful adverts and articles. I love this picture as it sums up the sense of life and joy as we start the early summer with fresh, crisp, blue sky mornings of promise.

2019-04-22T06:43:06+00:00April 22nd, 2019|Photo of the Week|Comments Off on Sun, Sand and Sea
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