An Evening with the Dulux Mixlab

I was very excited to attend an evening learning about the new Dulux Mixlab with a talk from Joanna Thornhill whose book Home for Now really inspired me. I am no expert when it comes to choosing colours, putting colours together and knowing exactly what it is I need to buy. I simply know what I like and I guess the rest. The new Dulux Mixlab looked a little daunting at first but once explained it was actually really simple. The wall of colour was split into cool, warm and neutral colours. It so clear to see all the different tones you can work with when picking your key colour.

I found it particularly useful to see the harmonising colours simply by looking at the colours either side of your key colour. However the ones I liked most were the contrasting colours which were slightly more dramatic in effect and can be found by skipping along 2 colour blocks. There are such a range of tones that mean you can decide how bold you go! 

Another amazing feature is the scanner, you can take an item into store that you love the colour of and scan it. I took in a vintage cake plate with a bright turquoise flower design. I just loved the bright colour and wanted to add it to my kitchen. Joanna helped me match the colour and we looked at harmonising and contrast colours. I decided on bright turquoise furniture paint to update my dining table and chairs and a bright yellow lampshade for above the table.

All the functions and examples of finish are clear for you to choose. For example I had no idea that you could buy hardwearing paint for hallways for knocks and scrapes. Having 2 boys I think I may need to decorate my whole house in the stuff!!

There is a great video here that explains things in much more detail.

Another option to help with your decorating is to use the new Dulux Visualizer App which actually allows you to see the colour on your walls! I am very excited about this as I think sometimes its so hard to visualise things particularly if you are going for something very different or bold and feel a bit scared of making a big change. You just point your camera and pick a colour. Such a great idea! I have been all over my house adding colour! 

Anything can inspire colours and schemes but its not always easy to know where to go from there. Putting colours that work together can seem daunting so its nice to know you can use this Mixlab to try things out and have some guidance. 

Look out for my paint project coming soon! I can't wait to get started. Thanks to Homebase and Dulux for a fab, colourful evening!

Love Lemon x

Tesco Spring/Summer 2015

I know its raining and cold and summer seems so very far away but I for one love a bit of colour and seeing lots of bright yellow, blue and tropical colours in the Tesco Spring/Summer collection for 2015 was a lovely treat in November. Not to mention a favourite new collection of mine Stockholm that adds a bit of vintage style.

Here are some of my favourite bits.

Love Lemon x

High Street Goodies

Recently I have been thinking about my own personal brief for my home and looking to buy some new bits and pieces. I have a wish list however I also have a very tight budget. A budget that does not stretch to my visions full of room of luxurious fabrics, an Ercol love seat, Parker Knoll armchair, G-plan units, Anglepoise lamp and a Heals sofa. It does mean I have to work with what I have, search vintage stores, auction rooms, eBay, paint items to fit in with my scheme and be patient. To be honest all of that is a challenge but also stretches my imagination and helps me stay focused. I like to buy vintage pieces but I also like to shop on the high street and mix and match. I often find bits and pieces that are great copies on expensive designs for a fraction of the price. Here are a few of my favourites at the moment.

There are quite a few sofas on the Made.com site that I like. So many have that 60's style about them and I love the colours available. This is the Jonah 2 seater which is £499.

I recently bought this lamp that was a bargain price of £49.99 from The Range. 

This chair is perfect for a lounge with vintage character. At only £150 from IKEA I think it's a great price too. It can be hard to find a vintage chair without some work needing to be done to the wood or re upholstering necessary. For me this chair offers the vintage style without the work and endless searching on EBay!!

I bought my g plan sideboard quite a few years ago on eBay for £50. I was quite shocked I managed to get it for that amount and I love it. However I did find a great option to buy a new sideboard that looks the part but doesn't break the bank. This is from the Stockholm range at Tesco and is only £319 (currently on sale). I love the American White oak and cut out handles. Such a solid piece of furniture.

Now all you need are a few colourful accessories!

Have you found great vintage style pieces on the high street?

Love Lemon x