Inspiration Monday #8: Marvel at Marble

Like with many of the trends I feature on this series, marble has very quickly become a design element I'm seeing absolutely everywhere. Not only is the physical stone making waves in home design, but imitations are just as highly sought after- It seems you can get just about anything printed with this trendy design! 

The use of marble in the design world dates back thousands of years. It was a highly favoured material in ancient Greece and Rome for structures and sculptures due to its durability- Something evident in the fact that many of these pieces are still around today.

www.decoist.com

www.mammatuppy.com

cushandnooks.blogspot.com.au

www.modcloth.com

ilgranito.be

www.spruceandfurn.com

 

Doesn't the marble in each imagine just create this great sense of sophistication? I just love it! I believe as a whole, the design world has moved away from the big 'handmade/reclaimed/vintage' movement and entered a more premium, simplistic style that truly embraces the use of natural stone. Here's hoping that marble will continue to grace us with it's presents through 2016.

What are your thoughts? Please leave your comments below.

If you enjoyed today's post, remember to check out my Pinterest board dedicated to this timeless trend. I'll speak to you all again soon, just after I pop out to buy marble printed everything!

Love Megan xo

Changing Seasons

 

Well, I know what you're going to say, Where the heck have I been?

It feels like more often than not I'm coming back to you all with apologies and excuses to explain my absence from the internet which I hate. Getting back into some kind of blogging schedule has definitely proven to be easier said than done. At the end of the day, I love working on this blog and I love interacting with you all so I'm back to give it my best shot. I hope there are still some of you out there who'll join me on my journey.

Can you believe its already September?! These days are passing faaaar too quickly!! For us down under, this means warmer days ahead filled with plenty of sunshine. Although my preference has always been cooler weather, I can't be any more thrilled that its finally spring!

"Seeing all of the flowers blooming just warms my heart and inspires me!"

Actually, I always seem to find myself feeling particularly excited at the beginning of each season. I believe new seasons bring promises of change, and I'm excited to embrace new changes so as to grow in these upcoming months. 

Being expressive and creative has always been my passion in life. Any recent efforts to be expressive have been for a purpose rather than for passion and I find that it takes away the pleasure of creating. I don't see any reason as to why these can't go hand in hand with each other, and thats exactly what I'm hoping to accomplish. It can definitely be challenging at times to find motivation or time- like with anything, but it makes my soul happy.. And so as the days grow longer and the warm summer air fills the atmosphere, I hope that you'll find me creating, always.

Another huge priority is improving and maintaining my online presence. My relationship I've worked hard to build with you all over the past year is extremely important to me- Just as important as the relationships I build in my personal life. Like with any relationship, it requires constant maintenance and effort but hard work really does pay off- I'm most excited about this new change.

For all of my friends up north where it may be getting a little colder, my wonderful friend Rossye has created a post on her blog about autumn, she'd love for you to check it out! She was actually the inspiration behind this post (Thanks love!) I hope this seasonal change you'll be experiencing is one you're all excited about. Will you be making any changes? Leave your comments below, I'll see you again very soon!

Love Megan xo

365 Days..

Well, can you believe it? 
Its been exactly 365 days since I launched myself into the wonderful world of blogging... and what a year it's been! 

When starting this journey of mine a year ago today, I definitely didn't know what to expect or if anything would come of it at all. I simply wanted my own little place to inspire change. Have I succeeded in doing so? While that may be up for interpretation, I believe by developing this space, I've unintentionally inspired change in myself.

This past year has been the biggest so far for me in terms of personal growth. While much of this growth is due to external influences and experiences I've had, I can't deny that my emotional health has been uplifted by the work I've done on this blog, as well as the interactions I've had with you, my readers. I am often asked about my contributions and experiences with the blog in my everyday life and nothing pleases me more than the fact I am proudly able to say that I've not confronted any negativity from readers,  nor others in the blogging community. It may be my intention to always remain positive and work to inspire, but it is everyone who continues to support me who are truly responsible for the operations of this blog even a year on. 

If you're a new blogger, my biggest piece advice to you in overcoming your first year would be to seek support from others in the community. I've gotten involved in group discussions particularly over on Twitter and have now made absolutely wonderful friends from all around the world. It's such a rewarding interest and starting up the blog truly was one of the best things i've done to date.

I have a few things I would love to accomplish in this next year of my blogging journey and you may have read about them previously in this post of mine. Hopefully by taking things slowly, I can achieve some of my current goals and continue on to the next. Again, regardless of whether you've been around from the very beginning or if this is the first post of mine you've stumbled across, Thank you for everything. I'm very appreciative of the support and kindness that's always been shown to me.

Happy 1st Birthday 'Room With a Bloom', hopefully many more to come! 

Love Megan xo

Inspiration Monday #7: Copper Culture

'Inspiration Monday' are easily my most requested posts and they're one of my favourite ones to make. Creating them also makes for a great excuse to spend hours on Pinterest (not that I ever need an excuse, right?!) 
It seems as though everywhere i look lately is being dominated by these warm, brass shades.. If the title didn't already give it away, today we're talking about the copper/rose gold trend.

Copper was initially used to create tools and weapons before it was ever utilised in the design world. During the 15th century, the material began being used to create artworks and sculptures. Both copper and rose gold had also become a widely desired alloy in jewellery design in passing years. Now both of these materials have become quite favoured in home design and fashion and it doesn't seem like a trend that will be letting up any time soon.

 homeanddelicious.com

 missmoss.co.za

 dornbracht.com

 lemanoosh.com

 annixen.blogspot.se

zoella.co.uk

apartmenttherapy.com

Anyone who knows me personally would know exactly how much I adore all things copper and rose gold- Isn't it just so pretty?!
These warm metallic fixtures and fittings always stand out. It just looks absolutely beautiful when added to simple interiors. What i love most about it is the versatility of the material. When paired with light, delicate pieces, a sense of elegance and femininity is formed. In contrast, copper can carry its own in industrial settings. 

Now I want to know your thoughts- Do you love this trend as much as I do? If you do, don't forget to check out my 'Copper Culture' Pinterest board to see what else inspired me to create this post. 
Thats it for this time. Please let me know if you've got any ideas for my next instalment of the 'Inspiration Monday' series and I'll see you back here for a new post very soon.

Love Megan xo

The Positivity Tag!

I've seen this particular tag floating around the YouTube world for some time now and thought it would be fun to create my interpretation here on the blog- Let's hope straight in! 

1. Name three things in your life that make you feel happy and positive

My wonderful friends: Theres just something about great friends isn't there? They know just how to cheer you up when needed most! These past few months in particular have been some of the hardest I've gone through and I have no clue where i'd be without them being by my side- so thank you!!

My baby Maxi: He's always making me laugh and smile! My world would certainly be a much less colourful place without this special pup!!

Nawwwwsss!!
 

My blogger friends: As you all know, the blog has been a very quiet place over the past few months with everything going on in my personal life. I never expected all of my friends and readers to be so understanding and supportive! It means the world to me to have so many of you checking in and inspiring me to continue forward and i really do appreciate it!

2. What do you do to try and be more positive?

You may remember that towards the end of 2014, I was taking part in the Instagram #100happydays Challenge. If you're unfamiliar with that challenge, you are to post 1 picture every single day for 100 days in a row of something that makes you happy. I can honestly say that although i didn't finish the challenge, it certainly did help me to focus on the small things in each day that make me smile.

I've got 45 days left of the challenge and I'd really love to continue moving forward. If you'd like to see my pictures for the remaining days of the challenge, head on over and follow me on Instagram!

3. What do you like to do to relax?

I've recently been heading out for long walks most days. I find that it helps me clear my mind and wind down.

I also find painting landscapes in my spare time very therapeutic! I've been doing little bits every now and then but haven't completed any new artworks as of recently.. But here's a shot of a painting i completed a few months ago that I've gifted to my eldest sister!
 

4. What is your favourite positive quote?

I found this question incredibly hard.. How could anyone expect me to pick just one quote?!!?!

 

"The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision. So write and draw and build and play and dance and live only as you can." -Neil Gaiman

This quote reminds me how much my thoughts and actions matter in this world,  something we all need to be reminded off at times. 

There is only one you, so be the best you that you could possibly be! 

5. Everybody has a part of their body that they dislike. Say something positive about yours

Mine is definitely my stomach, I'm not too sure theres much to be said about it except for that its a part of me. Every little part of me has been brought together to make up the person that I am, and at the end of the day there really is no one else id rather be! 

6. Who are your positive role models?

I did a lot of thinking about this question and I really believe that I'm inspired most by content creators- Have you really ever seen a more positive bunch?!

I know I may have chosen bloggers/vloggers specifically as my motivation because the pessimistic side to their personalities are rarely ones they wish to portray online. Regardless, it is the optimistic side that's shown every day that truly inspires me to be an overall more positive person.

7. Who should do this tag next?

Instead of tagging specific people, I'm leaving this one open for anyone who would like to do this tag post. If you do, please leave me a link and i'll be sure to check it out! 

Thats it for the positivity tag, I really hope you enjoyed reading my responses! 

I'll see you back here for a brand new post soon!

Love Megan xo

Inspiration Monday #6: Monochrome Madness!

Happy Monday!

Can you believe it's already February? It'll be time for some Christmas crafts before you know it!! I thought I'd write a quick Inspiration Monday post this afternoon to get you through the rest of the week- Let's talk monochrome!

Words that come to mind?
Bold, Sophisticated, Classic.

This style has been around forever and is forever finding ways to reinvent itself.
Monochromatic design plays on design principles such as shapes, lighting and textures to create stunning spaces with the additional benefit of having clean lines to create definition.
 

 http://conceptbyanna.com

 http://decordots.com/

 http://stylizimoblog.com

http://shopmodmint.com



http://www.harpersbazaar.com

This style certainly makes a statement!
The pictures I've chosen to include in this post are quite beautiful. The contrast between the shades can easily appear harsh, but each interior uses soft textures and natural materials that warm up the space. These images in particular are just so bright and airy- something I just adore! If you prefer a dramatic look, try searching for some interiors that use darker tones as the dominant colour.

What about you, are you loving this bold trend at the moment? As always, please leave a comment sharing your thoughts as well as ideas for new posts in my Inspiration Monday series. Also, don't forget to check out my 'Monochrome Madness' Pinterest board for more Pinspiration!

I hope you all have a wonderful week and I'll see you back here for a new post soon!

Love Megan xo

Inspiration Monday #5: Scandinavian Design

Hello there!

Monday again already? Oh well, Let's all remember to take each day as it comes and celebrate all of the little successes we have today. If that doesn't make you beam with positivity then todays 'Inspiration Monday' post definitely will! If you're like me and can get 'lost' in IKEA on purpose, then I think this just might be the post for you..

Today, we're talking all things Scandinavian!

This design movement began in the 1930's throughout Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland. It had branched off Modernism and was characterized by it's simplicity of forms and functionality. It's often observed that this design movement has a strong relationship with nature due to the natural materials used and shapes formed.

Here are a couple of tips for achieving this truly gorgeous style:

1. Start with a blank canvas: These interiors have white walls and light coloured timber flooring.

2. Add small splashes of colour: This style is known for being a bit fun so add colours through use of accessories and soft furnishings!

3. Add soft, natural textures: This will not only give visual warmth but will increase comfort- which is another key component of this style!

 http://myscandinavianhome.blogspot.co.uk

 http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com

http://myscandinavianhome.blogspot.ca

 http://www.poppytalk.com

 http://moderndecorho.me

http://www.amazine.com

Oh I simply adore this look- aren't these interiors just beautiful?
I think the pale colour palette makes the overall feel of these interiors bright and 'airy'. The soft textures and bright accessories introduced creates a warmth so as not to feel sterile and cold.

These pictures are giving me so much inspiration for my own future place, I just love it!!

 

Thankyou so much for reading this quick post today. What are your thoughts on this style? Please feel free to leave any thoughts below, it really makes my day seeing all of your wonderful comments! Remember to check out some more of my favourite pictures on my 'Scandinavian Design' Pinterest board!
I hope you have a fabulous week and I'll talk to you again soon

Love Megan xo

Inspiration Monday #4: A Vintage Affair

Hello Everyone!

I thought it was about time I wrote a new 'Inspiration Monday' post for you all, so today I would like to share my thoughts on the vintage trend.
 

This style has been all the rage in fashion, media, music and interiors for quite a few years now. Logging into Pinterest without seeing the iconic style is near impossible nowadays. As I browse through boutiques stapled with distressed crates and old fashioned milk bottles, I wonder what it is exactly about this trend that's turning our homes into time machines?

The design world constantly looks to the past for inspiration. We see it on runways and in home magazines, but why? Perhaps its simply doing what we know works while adding our own contemporary twist on the idea?

Well, I believe this style performs so well because as a society, we embrace the push for sustainability. We are now beginning to look at the way we use resources differently, including up-cycling old products to create new, innovative ones.

 http://www.projectwedding.com/photos/1/581348

 http://www.flickr.com/photos/leboudoirgourmand/5669717580/in/photostream

 http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/2013/06/a-junk-filled-summer-home-tour-funky-junk-interiors.html

http://indulgy.com/post/PpeQUL9JU1/old-sewing-machine-base

http://hananhanna.tumblr.com/post/79087567821

 http://www.amazinginteriordesign.com/10-brilliant-ways-repurpose-old-cribs/

http://jonesdesigncompany.com/things-i-like/before-there-was-pinterest/

This has got to be my favourite 'Inspiration Monday' trend so far- I just think its absolutely adorable! I love the idea of adding a bit of history to your home. I think it just makes the space a little more interesting, wouldn't you agree?

Grabbing these décor items from thrift shops and markets at bargain prices is also an added bonus, who wouldn't want current trend pieces for a fraction of the price?!

That's it for today everyone.. So, Are you loving this trend?

Please let me know your thoughts and/or if you have any ideas for future 'Inspiration Monday' posts - I'd love to hear them!  As always, don't forget to check out my 'Vintage Affair' Pinterest board for more Pinspiration! While you're there, why not give us a follow too?! :)

You may also like to check out past 'Inspiration Monday' posts:

Geometric Love        Pretty Pastels        Pineapples?

Have a good week!

Love Megan xo

10 Ways To Dress Up Blank Walls

Hello everybody!

Today on the blog, I have rounded up my favourite ways to decorate blank walls. I hope with this post, I'll be able to inspire many of you who are looking for some fresh ideas for your home.

Lets jump right in!

 

1. Unique wall art.

 

http://beautifulartdesign.com/unique-wall-art-ideas.html

Yes, starting with the obvious one!
You really don't need to stop at frames when decorating walls. There are thousands of unique designs for wall art out there if you look hard enough. I particularly like the textured design in this image- it practically flies off the wall!

2. Gallery.

 

http://bossycolor.com/nate-berkus-parade-magazine-and-me/

 

I adore this quirky idea! Why not gather a few of your bits and bobs to display together as a wall gallery? It certainly creates interest in the space!

 

3. Wall decals

 

http://www.vinylimpression.co.uk/collections/popular

Wall decals or stickers are absolutely fantastic! They come in a range of designs & sizes, and if you change your mind, they usually peel off easily without leaving any marks!

4. Collage's

 

http://bellamumma.com/

I just love inspirational collages! It'll easily fill your blank walls and it'll make you smile every time you see it!!

5. Clocks

 

http://bricolage-decoracao.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/diferentes-tipos-de-relogio-de-parede.html

Why not fill your space with a decorative clock?! Cute and practical? Yes please!

6. Textures

http://www.handmadecharlotte.com/8-fun-easy-diy-wall-hangings/

If your place seems cold and clinical, use these soft textures to warm up your space! Yarn & Quilted wall hangings are perfect if you're looking for something a little different. Isn't this one just adorable?!

7. Washi tape

 

http://www.styleitlikeyoustoleit.com/site/reasons-to-fall-in-love-with-washi-tape-interiors-ideas-tutorials-inspiration/

Oh, Washi Tape.. The possibilities are literally endless with this one!

Here's a link to a site that shows you some great ways to use the tape: 10 ways to transform your space with washi tape.

 

8. Storage Shelves

 

http://oldsoulstyle.blogspot.com.au/2014/09/unique-wall-decor-shelves.html

Why not take advantage of the wall space and add some extra shelves? They'll add some interest to the room and store your little knick knacks too!

9. Mirrors

 

http://www.babble.com/home/reasons-you-need-a-mirror-in-your-living-room/#let-there-be-light

 

Not only will a large mirror fill your empty space, but it'll also bounce light around the room making it appear larger and brighter!

 

10. Wallpaper

http://www.houzz.com/photos/206777/Doheny-Wallpaper-by-Jeff-Lewis-Design-modern-wallpaper

 

Wallpaper is such a versatile product since it comes in about a million different colours and patterns. You can use wallpaper to make as big or as little of a statement as you want- the options are endless!

I hope you enjoyed this post and maybe even found yourself inspired to decorate! Please let me know which ideas were your favourite as well as any ideas you might have that could be added to the list! I hope you all have a wonderful day!

Love Megan xo

 

Inspiration Monday #3: Pineapples?

 

Hello Everyone!

I've really been enjoying creating posts for the 'Inspiration Monday' series- In fact, I've even found myself excited to write this post! I've had great responses from you all in the past as well so I thought I'd go ahead and write a new instalment in the series today.

So lets talk about Pineapples.

No you didn't read that wrong, yes I did say pineapples. Are you as confused as I was when I saw this becoming a trend? It's almost as if a group of people sat in a board room naming completely random inanimate objects to slap all over accessories! My curiosity got the better of me and I decided to do a little bit of research on the subject.

 

It seems the pineapple has had a long and rich history dating back to colonial times.  It was seen as the fruit of the wealthy and dinner guests were delighted to discover their host had spared no expense to ensure they were satisfied. It was also bought as a gift to the hostess when entertaining guests. Since then, the pineapple has been known as an icon associated with hospitality.
 

Perhaps this is why the tropical fruit made its way onto our pillows and tea towels?

 

 http://blog.hgtv.com/design/2014/05/09/pineapple-decor-trend/?soc=pinterest

http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/30/07/18/300718f7398feec473fafadd6845bf4f.jpg

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/pdp/detail.jsp?&navAction=jump&id=32480352#/

 http://www.nousdecor.com/blog/say-aloha-pineapple-trend-tropical-rooms

 http://www.nousdecor.com/blog/say-aloha-pineapple-trend-tropical-rooms

 

http://decor8blog.com/category/trends/

I personally like this trend. The treat reminds me of hot summer days days and beach parties.. doesn't it just make you wish you were sipping cocktails somewhere warm?! I think adding a few pineapples is a fantastic way to add character to your space. The bright colours and quirky shape will also add a retro vibe. Its definitely a hot pick for this summer!

 

So what about you, Is this a trend you'll be trying? Let me know in the comments your thoughts as well as suggestions for upcoming 'Inspiration Monday' posts. Also, don't forget to check out my 'Pineapple trend' Pinterest board I've created for you all!

You may also like to check out past 'Inspiration Monday' posts:
Geometric love & Pretty pastels

Have a wonderful week!

Love Megan xo