OMG

Oh my goodness Australia I am blown away, totally blown away by the responses to the master classes.  Our system literally went into melt down I have never seen such an incredible response and am so touched, flattered, delighted and so much more. Cannot wait to get over, wish October was next week (even though that would mean skipping summer this side of the world and going straight into winter I actually don't care, lets do it)! Today I thought we might yabber about dining rooms. Whether they are situated in stand alone rooms or are in a more open plan configuration like mine the important thing to me is that they feel as fabulous and integrated as say your living rooms. I tend to feel that they often get a little bit neglected particularly if they are only used for entertaining, I guess that’s because we use the space less and are therefore a little less critical about it being squishy, comfy and layered. Recently I went to someone's house who has two spaces for eating, in the kitchen and a stand alone dining space both beautiful but the kitchen space was full of life, soul, stuff, the dining space beautiful but lacking. Part of it came down to the styling - and obviously style is utterly personal but I tend to go for dining chairs that shout 'relax' rather than the more formal varieties.  I also tend to mix my chairs up it lightens the mood I find. Talking of styling you need layers, layers add intrigue, whether that is rugs on the floor, shelves housing art, blooms, lamps, just stuff. The colour palette (how could I forget that) is super important. Do you want edgy, sophisticated, and cocooning like me, do you want bright and invigorating or pale and neutral?  Choice is yours; no one scheme is better than the other (it is but I am feeling kind today) t get that right and everything else will fall into place. My pad below, the dining room which isn't a room it’s an area in the open plan basement and a nearby shelf (an Ikea one at that) housing a few things I love. Photography by the very fabulous Rebecca Reid. Happy weekend I should be working (have sooo much to get done) but blow that i'm  going to Top Shop and Selfridges, need clothes for Australia.  Yes yes I know its not until October have already heard that argument from somebody else this morning, but you know what I don't care!