VISUAL CONTENT CREATORS TO FOLLOW FOR CALM LIVING INSPIRATION
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As much as I began seeking out blogs and Instagram for style inspiration (and still do indulge in a periodical scroll through the wardrobes of numerous stylish women), the last few years has seen me cramming my feed with calm homes and slow lifestyle inspiration. Whilst I love a spot of home perving, as a good friend so aptly calls it, my reasons for doing so go a bit deeper than that.
The home we live in is so much more than bricks, mortar and shelter. It feels like a place of sanctuary, familiarity, comfort, softness, calm and serenity. With the last few months requiring all of us to be here all of the time, it has, on occasion, felt less than calm and serene - no matter how close and loving you might be as a family, after that amount of time it’s perfectly natural to start craving your own space. But the sanctuary and comfort elements have become ever more important in a world that sometimes feels like it’s coming undone at the seams.
Instagram in particular is packed to the brim with minimal spaces, calming corners and beautiful imagery created with the sole intention of satisfying those of us with a wandering aesthetic eye. Whilst I have an appreciation for spot on styling and an awareness that these images are not fully representative of lives lead in a state of permanent tranquility, they still act as balm for the soul whenever a generous application is required.
The criteria for my particular brand of balm?
Muted tones and uncluttered spaces - thoughtfully pulled together to exude peace and inspire a long, slow exhale. Elements of nature brought indoors, a calm corner that whispers “Quiet…”, a kitchen that makes you want an invite to sit at the table. Images created for the purpose of telling a short story and some that might on occasion, inspire an idea I’d like to translate into our home.
Interior Images by Ida Thun - @bythun
1 Malhou Plates - Urbanara * | 2 Glass Pendant Light - H&M Home * | 3 Paper Ceiling Shade - Habitat * | 4 Washed Linen Duvet Set - H&M Home * | 5 Malhou Mugs - Urbanara * | 6 Wool Rug - Urbanara *
It doesn’t matter if you opt for minimal, maximalist or somewhere in between, the aim should be to create spaces or corners in your home that you can retreat to. Whether to curl up with a book, escape from the pressures of life (and yes sometimes, the rest of the household) or just to sit and gaze in quiet contemplation. If the homes we live in can offer up a haven or two like this then we’ve got it right.
Three Favourite Design Blogs
I first found Abi via Instagram and was overjoyed to see she had a blog too. Her photography and eye for just the right amount of detail in any setting is sublime If you love Scandinavian inspired design, Abi’s blog is a must read.
I’ve read Cate’s blog for a long time now and I think she achieves that soft minimal look perfectly. She also had the cutest Dachshund, Francis and I loved seeing the photos from her wedding last year. It was as stylish as I imagined it would be!
Helen has been painstakingly renovating her 1930s house for a couple of years now and I’m loving watching the rooms come together one by one. The kitchen is the latest project to be finished - take a look and prepare to fall in love.
Abi Dare - These Four Walls | Cate St Hill | Helen Powell - Design Hunter
L : R @amymenton | @perolavsolvberg | @elveravanschaik
As we begin to understand the long term effects of mass consumerism on our planet, more of us are carefully considering the choices we make when it comes to the spaces we live in too. Making sustainable design and build choices where possible and questioning what we actually need to buy versus what we think we might want are both good places to begin. When we look to purchase something for our home, I find it always helps to have the infamous William Morris quote at the forefront of my mind:
“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”
When I carefully consider those words, I realise they are the underpinning for everything about minimalism and de-cluttering that’s ever been written.
L : R @purecoliving | @workshopliving | @forgehous
When it comes to inspiration for re-styling a corner or taking on the bigger prospect of making over a room, I find that by turning to a select few content creators whose style and authenticity I believe in, I can tune out the loudness of influencer noise that abounds on social media and hone in on what I truly love.
Since I began the countdown to midlife I realised that it’s better to be patient and save up for the investment pieces for our home - lasting quality and timeless design need to be at the forefront of any purchase, large or small. It wasn’t always that way and I’ve made mistakes in the past - moving forward I plan on doing much better. Theres always time to evolve.
Interior Images by Willow Style Co
1 Glass Vase - H&M Home * | 2 Bamboo Shelf Unit - Habitat * | 3 Concrete Table Lamp & Bulb - Oliver Bonas * | 4 Ceramic Plant Pot - eBay * | 5 Basil Shower Gel - Le Labo * | 6 Waffle Flannel Set - H&M Home * | 7 Parsley Seed Facial Cleanser - Aesop *
Cate St Hill and Laura Gheorghita have recently launched an initiative called Swap & Gather - a platform where we can participate in mindful homeware exchanges. I think this is an amazing idea and a way to perhaps change up the look and feel of the corners of your home without creating unnecessary waste - I can’t wait to take a look at the website when it’s launched.
L : R @hali.mason | @dhowelldesigns | @theclinicalhome
I really hope you like the inspiration I’ve rounded up here and have perhaps found some new content creators to check in with. I’ll be the first to admit that Instagram is to “blame” for my love of the Cooee Ball Vase, swathes of deliciously rumpled linen and foraged twigs that get taken home for a faffing session.
But then I don’t think blame is the right word for something that brings so much creative joy.
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