All in Inspiration

Verona, Sirmione & Bologna; Where I ate and what I saw on a 5 day trip

Eating traditional food on holiday, especially in Italy can be a bit stressful for me because I get worried that heat and hunger will get the better of me and fall into a tourist trap. I’m always want the nonnas kitchen vibe, so anything less just won’t do. I wanted to document the lovely things we saw and the tasty (and traditional) places we ate for future trips, as a reminder for me, and (hopefully) of help to you. So here’s a run down of the best places to eat and see in Verona, Sirmione (Lake Garda) and Bologna.

The Standard, London; The 1970’s Design Hotel of Dreams

The Standard, London is housed in the former Camden Town Hall Annex built in 1974 in true Brutalist style, and it’s been on my hotel wish list since it opened in 2019. With it’s jaw-droppingly cool interior, sympathetic to its 1970’s exterior, great restaurants and bars within its shell, and bedrooms with a view of my favourite building in London - I thought it was time to visit The Standard.

Meet The Maker - Eleanor Bowmer; Determined Attitude, Joyful Designs

I came across Eleanor Bowmer’s work last year when researching independent, local businesses for my Indie Christmas Gift Guide. I quickly found myself in a rabbit hole of manic ordering when I discovered her retro inspired Christmas designs - Christmas stockings, Santa sacks, cards and wrap (and that was just for me) were fast being added to cart.

How To Buy A Statement Rug: The LLG Guide

I have a thing for rugs, but I equate the researching and purchasing of rugs to the same stress involved in buying the ‘big coat’ for the winter season. Because it’s such an investment piece, it needs to be everything; durable, well-made, great value, transformative, statement, BEAUTIFUL and most importantly, work with everything you have.

Meet The Maker - Poodle & Blonde; A Fearless Female Dynamic Duo

Poodle & Blonde is a favourite luxury interior brand of mine which I’ve fallen head over heals in love with. Launched in 2018, headed up by creatives Whinnie Williams and Kierra Campbell, (who first met on Instagram!) their homewear brand is built on and inspired by times-gone-by, nostalgia, vintage, sometimes with a pet motif and oftentimes with a heap of of whimsy, kitsch and fun.

Wedgwood: A British brand steeped in history and heritage

Wedgwood pottery is a personal favourite. Considering it’s legacy began over 260 years ago, this heritage brand is so in-line and in-tune with modern day luxury, not only with their product offering but also their branding and styling across their website and social channels. I think they’ll have the ‘New Heritage’ audience hooked.

The ‘Emotional’ Interior Lifestyle Trends of 2021

As well as the usual ‘physical’ side of trends, in my opinion, 2020-2021, more than previous years have given rise to what I’m calling ‘emotional’ trends. These are what I believe to be the common sentiments and attitudes of the public, in terms of how we’re approaching general life, working life and home life as a result of Covid-19.

Design Book Wish List - An Enriching Start to the New Year - Part 2

Deeper into lockdown we go, and my mid-January birthday is on the horizon. All I want to do is eat comfort food, but I’m trying to impose a health kick on myself to boost my system post festive season richness. The daily walk is helping my sanity and I’m appreciating the air in my face, even if today’s was fuzzy rain.

Design Book Wish List; An enriching start to the New Year - Part 1

I realised that reading really is one of my favourite pastimes. Not only is it soothing and luxurious, but so enriching; actually being able to gain knowledge, insight and inspiration all at the same time. Spending time surrounded by my books, hot drinks, snacks, a blanket and, in our case, a log fire bought to us by Now TV, really is my happy place, and for this reason I love to invest in beautiful books that will continue to bring me endless joy over the years.