As the warmth of August embraces us, it’s a perfect moment to pause and reflect on the vibrant moments and cherished discoveries of July. This past month has been a delightful blend of home comforts, stylish finds, inspiring explorations, and captivating reads. Join me for a concise yet comprehensive roundup of all the things that have captured my attention and brought joy to my daily life over the recent weeks. From enhancing my living space to exploring urban landscapes and diving into insightful books, July has been a tapestry of rich experiences, and I’m excited to share my favorites with you.
At Home: Curating Comfort and Style
My home has always been a sanctuary, a canvas for personal expression and a haven for relaxation. This July, I found immense pleasure in introducing some exquisite new pieces that seamlessly blend functionality with aesthetic appeal. Among these, a standout addition from the renowned COS x HAY collection has quickly become an indispensable part of my morning ritual: this beautifully faceted espresso cup*. Its minimalist design and tactile finish make my morning coffee not just a routine, but a moment of quiet indulgence. The collaboration between COS and HAY is celebrated for bringing sophisticated, everyday objects into our homes, elevating simple necessities into design statements. This cup, with its unique geometric form, perfectly embodies that philosophy, transforming a mundane daily act into a small luxury.
Beyond visual aesthetics, the power of scent to transform a space is something I deeply appreciate. This month, I’ve absolutely fallen head over heels for the new Coco and Sandalwood candle* from Molton Brown. It’s more than just a candle; it’s an olfactory journey. The fragrance opens with warm, intoxicating top notes of coconut and cinnamon, immediately transporting you to an idyllic, balmy tropical beach. This exquisite blend is a masterclass in evoking memories, allowing you to relive the tranquility and joy of your summer holiday long after you’ve returned to your everyday routine. I have a genuine passion for testing out home fragrances, and I’ve been fortunate enough to receive quite a few exciting samples recently. I’m already planning another detailed roundup of my absolute favourites very soon, and I can confidently say this Coco and Sandalwood candle will undoubtedly secure a coveted spot in my top 5. Its ability to create an atmosphere of serene escapism, coupled with its elegant, minimal white packaging, makes it a true gem for any discerning home enthusiast. The design of the candle itself is understated sophistication, making it a beautiful decorative object even when unlit. It’s a testament to how thoughtful design and captivating fragrance can elevate the entire home experience.
In My Wardrobe: Effortless Style for Transitional Seasons
Fashion for me is about comfort, versatility, and expressing a subtle personal style. The latest addition to my wardrobe perfectly encapsulates this philosophy: an oversized camo shirt. This piece is ingeniously described as a ‘shacket’ – and yes, apparently, that’s a legitimate term now in the fashion lexicon! It strikes the ideal balance, being just a little heavier and more structured than a traditional shirt, yet notably lighter than a conventional jacket. This makes it an incredibly versatile item, perfectly suited to navigate the unpredictable British weather. It’s destined to be my go-to layer for those cooler summer evenings when a light cover is needed, and I envision it gracefully transitioning with me into the crisp days of autumn. The oversized fit offers a relaxed, contemporary silhouette, ensuring both style and comfort. What truly sealed my affection for this shacket, however, is its abundance of pockets. Practicality woven into chic design is always a winner in my book, providing both functionality and an edgy utility aesthetic. The classic camouflage print, while bold, also acts as a surprisingly neutral base, allowing for endless styling possibilities with both casual and more elevated outfits, proving its enduring appeal in any wardrobe.
Out and About: Urban Discoveries and Architectural Wonders
July presented a fantastic opportunity for urban exploration. Graham and I recently ventured into the heart of London, where our visit included reviewing the newly opened citizenM Tower of London hotel. Known for its innovative approach to luxury and technology, citizenM hotels offer a unique guest experience, and this particular location, with its unparalleled views, promised something truly special. While in the vicinity, we seized the chance to visit the iconic Tate Modern, specifically to explore its much-anticipated Switch House extension. This architectural marvel, designed by the acclaimed Herzog and de Meuron—the same visionary minds behind the original Tate Modern building—is a testament to contemporary design and urban regeneration. Its striking brick façade and unconventional pyramidal shape make it an instant landmark, seamlessly blending with, yet boldly distinguishing itself from, the former Bankside Power Station.
Our journey through the Switch House was an experience in itself, offering stunning visual surprises at every turn. We were particularly captivated by the ‘Tanks’ on Level 0, which are transformed former oil tanks now utilized as unique spaces for live art, performance, and film. The raw, industrial aesthetic of these cylindrical chambers creates an incredibly immersive environment for artistic expression. This level also featured a fascinating exhibition showcasing designs by Jasper Morrison, who was instrumental in selecting the furniture for the new building. His philosophy of ‘super normal’ design—creating objects that are useful, responsible, and discreet—perfectly complements the Tate Modern’s ethos, emphasizing functionality and timeless appeal in every piece. Another profound highlight for me was the dedicated Louise Bourgeois room. Her powerful and deeply personal works, often exploring themes of memory, family, and the body, resonated deeply, offering a poignant and thought-provoking experience within the museum’s vast collection. And finally, no visit to the Switch House is complete without ascending to its rooftop terrace. The panoramic views from here are truly unmissable, stretching across the Thames to capture landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Shard, and the bustling city skyline, providing a breathtaking perspective of London. For another insightful take on the Switch House, Mary has also penned a great post about it, which you can read here.
On My Bedside Table: A World of Interiors Inspiration
My bedside table is a revolving display of books that inspire, educate, and offer moments of quiet reflection. This month, it has been graced by Will Taylor’s second book, Dream Decor, which has been an abundant source of lovely interiors inspiration. Will holds a special place in my professional journey, as he was one of the very first interiors bloggers I had the pleasure of meeting. Back in the nascent days of interiors blogging, we both had the unique experience of being featured in the same article in The Sunday Times. Since those early days, I’ve watched with immense admiration as he has built a tremendously successful career, achieving a level of recognition and influence that is truly well-deserved. His vibrant and uplifting Instagram feed, which constantly buzzes with snapshots from the latest exciting destinations he’s travelled to, is a testament to his boundless energy and global perspective on design.
It comes as no surprise, then, that his second book, Dream Decor, takes readers on a captivating journey across the globe, showcasing diverse homes and demonstrating how to style a cool, creative, and comfortable living space, regardless of where you live. The book is thoughtfully structured, beginning with an exploration of several key decorating elements that form the foundation of almost every successful interior design scheme. These foundational principles equip readers with the essential tools to understand space, light, color, and texture. Following this, Will delves into eleven unique decor styles, each presented with a wealth of inspiring visuals and practical advice. These styles range from the rustic charm of ‘Cool Country’ to the minimalist warmth of ‘Scandi Comfort’ and the refreshing serenity of a ‘Coastal Retreat’. What makes Dream Decor particularly impactful is its ability to demystify interior design, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone. It encourages readers to embrace their personal style and create homes that truly reflect their personalities and enhance their well-being, proving that beautiful design can be achieved anywhere with creativity and thoughtful intention.
Elsewhere: Sharing Insights and Expertise
Finally, I wanted to take a moment to mention a couple of guest posts I’ve had the pleasure of writing for other platforms recently. It’s always rewarding to share my insights and contribute to the broader design community. Over on the Homestyle PR blog, I delved into the evolving landscape of kitchen design, outlining 5 Kitchen Design Trends for 2016. This piece explored how functionality meets aesthetics in modern kitchens, discussing everything from integrated smart technology to the growing popularity of dark, moody cabinetry and open shelving concepts. Additionally, I was invited by Saneux to share some of my essential bathroom must-haves. In this post, I highlighted key elements that can transform a bathroom from a purely functional space into a personal sanctuary, covering everything from luxurious freestanding bathtubs to smart storage solutions and innovative lighting that enhances relaxation and well-being. Both opportunities allowed me to explore different facets of home design and offer practical advice to a wider audience, underscoring the dynamic nature of interior trends and timeless design principles.
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And so concludes my July roundup. It’s been a month filled with inspiring finds and memorable experiences, both within the comfort of my home and out exploring new horizons. As we step into August, I hope this recap provides you with a dose of inspiration for your own surroundings and adventures. If you’re fortunate enough to be heading off on a summer break this month, I wish you a truly wonderful and rejuvenating holiday. May your days be filled with sunshine, relaxation, and cherished moments.
* gift or sample
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