littleBIGBELL Product Archives

16 Jul

I was excited when London estate agent Marsh and Parsons asked me to be part of their ‘Holidaying from Home Campaign’.

The campaign plays on the idea that it’s not easy to get away right now, so instead we’re looking at the home with fresh eyes to find a little bit of paradise in London.

Giving our homes a holiday feel can do wonders for our general mental health and wellness.

Many people may not be travelling this year, for obvious reasons due to the Pandemic.

A change in decor, no matter how small, can help us get out of that “staying at home” rut.

I’ve decided to transport my home above to the colourful warmth of Havana. Admittedly, I’ve never been there before, but it’s on my list of places to visit.

The streets of Havana are a visual delight of colourful colonial houses, old vintage cars and vibrant street style. I was inspired by the colourful photos on An Adventurous world’s article on things to do in Havana.

I’ve styled a corner of my home mingling bright hues of pinks, yellows, blues, oranges and green together.

There is no set rule on how to style this look as long as you bring at least 3 to 4 colours from the palette above to your room. Don’t be afraid to mix and clash colours together. ‘Holidaying from home’ Havana style also bring Mojitos, the rum based signature cocktail from Cuba to mind.

I’ve created a slight twist on the Mojito at home, using Aperol instead of rum, mixing it with sugar syrup, soda water and wedges of citrus limes and lemons. So, this is now my new haven to sip chilled cocktails from, a space to lie back and feel the sun on my face.

Even if there’s there’s no sun, you could bring the warmth of Havana in with some lush green plants. I’ve placed a Fiddle leaf fig tree next to my sofa.

All the items I have used to create this look can be bought from U.K. stores:

Bespoke yellow Harper velvet sofa with blue trims from sofa dot com

Limited edition prints by David Newton from Print Club London.

Anglepoise Type 75 floor lamp Margaret Howell edition.

Hand blown Splash vase by HAY from Black Bough.

Rainbow cushion and throw from Peachy Parrot.

White around coffee table by Muuto from Nest.

Molly rug by Pappelina from Twentytwentyone. Hope you’ve enjoyed the post and that it has put you in the mood to create your own holiday corner at home. If you want more easy tips on how to bring colour into your home, then do check out Marsh and Parson’s post here.

( All photography and styling are by Little big Bell. This is a paid partnership post with Marsh and Parsons, all opinions are my own).

01 Jul

The most comfortable sofa bed from Sofa Workshop

I’ve been in desperate need of a sofa bed since the start of the Covid 19 Pandemic, because I’ve been sleeping in my above “basement bunker” to isolate from my family whilst dealing with Covid patients in hospital during the peak.

My back was starting to hurt as the padding was thinning, and I could feel the metal frame beneath.

I was getting desperate, and so started researching for a sofa bed.

I wanted something comfortable both as a sofa and a bed, but would also fit in aesthetically with my home. So, here it is! The gorgeous Caruso sofa bed from Sofa Workshop. There is a choice of fabrics and finishes to pick from, and no surprises, I picked a pink fabric called Echo Rose Quartz.

I also selected light wooden legs to go with the pale pink. The sofa covers are removable, so can be easily laundered which is just amazing. The covers fit so well and look so smart. You wouldn’t have known that they were loose covers. The bed itself pulls out easily. One little tug and it’s out, then pull up the legs for a wonderful comfortable double bed. Here it is up close in all its glory. As I write this post near midnight, I’m nestled on my cosy Sofa Workshop Caruso sofa, listening to Motown whilst sipping coffee. I’m really so happy with it. As lockdown is gradually being eased and the number of Coronavirus cases are coming down, I am becoming more relaxed in my interactions with the family. I’ve even ventured back into my bedroom upstairs.

However, as much as I’m hopeful for no second wave, I’m more prepared for it at work and at home.

I know that I will sleep better if I isolate in the basement again. If you are looking for a sofa bed, then the Caruso sofa bed from Sofa Workshop is super comfortable and the quality is amazing too. I write this after having used it for a few weeks. The cushions provide great back support, are adjustable and the seating are wide and deep enough for a whole family of four to snuggle together. When this Pandemic ends, the sofa bed would be handy for guests staying over.

If you are looking to buy one, then Sofa Workshop is currently offering a 15% discount off their Caruso range.

If you are an NHS worker, then you could get 15% off any sofa range. Happy shopping and have a gorgeous day all.

( All photography and styling are by Geraldine Tan, editor of Little Big Bell).

27 Jun

Groen en Akker for cool colourful homewares from Muuto, Raawi and more.

I love exploring designs from all over the world. I particularly love Groen en Akker because they curate and stock some really gorgeous brands. This beautiful blue Muuto kink vase is from Groen en Akker. Despite them being based in the Netherlands, the vase arrived so quickly in the post. All so well packed too. Next to my Muuto vase, are vases from Raawi, another favourite brand of mine. The great news is that they stock Raawi vases too. Those white Hydrangeas are from my garden. They look so good in that blue vase don’t you think? Let’s now move my vase to the living room.

My Muuto Kink vase fits perfectly on my narrow mantelpiece. Spot that neon pink candle?

It’s the twist candle by Lex Pot, and one of the best selling items at Groen en Akker. Flanking the other side of the kink vase are 3 pretty coloured glass vessels by Studio About, a new brand to me. Here’s a close view. Aren’t they so pretty and dainty? These vases are all specially handmade, perfect for small sprigs of flowers.

I’ve placed some of the leftover blooms from a previous bouquet into them. I think some wild flowers would look great in them too, don’t you think?

If you love them, the great news is that I may be running a giveaway of them in the very near future.

So do keep your eyes peeled on Instagram. You won’t want to miss it.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend and here’s hoping for some more sunshine. I will be back next week with a room reveal unseen in my home before. Can’t wait to show you soon.

( All styling and photography are by and the Copyright of Geraldine Tan, editor of Little Big Bell. The vases were kindly gifted.)

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