Carrie Johnson 15/12/2017 Carrie Johnson 15/12/2017

6 Ways to Transform Your Bathroom Space

A lot people neglect their bathroom space, and besides those relaxing hour-long bubble baths, it's not a room people spend more than 10 minutes in. But let's be honest, your bathroom space is being judged by your visitors probably as much as the kitchen, if not more.

Becoming an adult doesn't only mean working 40+ hours a week and figuring out how to actually take care of yourself with little help from your parents. It also means feeling more fulfilled in the space you live. A lot people neglect their bathroom space, and besides those relaxing hour-long bubble baths, it's not a room people spend more than 10 minutes in. But let's be honest, your bathroom space is being judged by your visitors probably as much as the kitchen, if not more.

Here are 6 ways to easily transform your bathroom space to make your home more complete.

1. The Shower Curtain

The first thing most people will see and notice in your bathroom, is your shower curtain. It says a lot; how clean it is and the design are all things people will see first when using your bathroom.

If you take well enough care of it, you can use your shower curtain for years and years, so choose something you'll still like in a few years time. I personally like cloth curtains. They tend to have a longer life than the plastic ones, and they add a warmth to the room. Fabric curtains can run a little bit higher £ on the scale of shower curtains, but the money you'll save on not having to replace it as often might be something to consider.

Choose either neutral colours, or show-stopping design. Depending on what you'll enjoy in a few years time, decide if keeping things relatively neutral is the route to go, and spruce things up elsewhere in your space; or choose the dramatic route, and choose a bolder statement curtain that can be the room's centre of attention.

Tip: A very simple thing to do for a more 'adult' shower curtain is to line it with a simple white or black cloth liner. You can find these at almost any home store: Wilko, Sainsbury's or Tesco (the larger ones that have home departments) and Primark (Target, Bed Bath & Beyond and Walgreens for those in the states) should all carry them without breaking your bank. This completely transforms your shower curtain from dorm room to adulthood. Not to mention it's a showering game changer; no more shuffling the plastic sheet around to stay in place.

2. Get a Rug

Rugs are great for making your space more cosy and adult-like. Avoid colours that are too bold or bright or patterns that are too distracting. Take the bathroom design into mind as well: tiles, colours, textures and layout are all things to consider. Be sure it's something you can wash as needed, and one that can get wet from the shower.

3. De-Clutter

Most of us have a lot of stuff that we need in their bathrooms; from extra toilet paper, to hairbrushes, to lotions and toothpaste. But there's nothing worse than feeling disorganised and having the eyesore of all of your stuff laid out across your counters. De-cluttering time starts now!

Mounted shelves, ladder shelves or even rolling carts can be used for great bathroom storage. Organise your things according to use. Hair products, brushes etc should be grouped together, and so on.

Free up your shower space. Shower shelves are a great and easy way to not only make your space look more organised and put together, but it'll also put your stress at ease. Cleaning will be much easier without having to move the 120 bottles of shampoo and poofs.

4. Plants and candles go a long way

Some of you may never have thought that plants belong in the bathroom, but they absolutely do. Plants are a great way to add life and color to your bathroom with such little effort. They instantly make your bathroom more expensive-looking as well for some reason. If you want more plant ideas for your home, I have more here!

Candles are a must in all bathrooms, so please pick some up - the good smelling ones that have some matches to light them. Basic bathroom etiquette.

5. Use Containers

Once I bought containers for things in my bathroom, I felt an instant zen in my bathroom {and in my mind}. You can get as crazy as you want, but if you want to start small, try getting some glass containers for normal things like cotton balls and q-tips. They'll adultify your bathroom and make your friends think you have your sh*t together, even if you might not... I found buying a

6. Towel Addition

Besides shower curtains, towels are the other things you should invest in. Invest in good quality towels, so they won't disintegrate in the wash, and also so you can show them off without wanting to stash them away in the linen closet. Choose decorative patterns that compliment your bathroom decor, or choose simple colors with textures to add some depth.

Carrie Johnson 27/07/2017 Carrie Johnson 27/07/2017

5 Coffee Table Books to Add to Your Collection Today

Coffee table books are a great focal point for your living room, and finding the right ones is an art. In my opinion, it’s all about finding the right books for the atmosphere; both style/look and what’s inside. Coffee table books can become the topic of conversation, so having ones that are worth mentioning is key. Here are a few of my favourite coffee table books {based on types} that will make your living room welcoming to your guests.

A Photographer’s Life, 1990-2005

by Annie Leibovitz

There’s no explanation needed on why you’ll want the photographs of one of the most amazing photographers in your coffee table book collection. Annie Lebovitz is one of the most inspiring photographers to me. Her photographs are better than television, they carry so many conversations to begin. She’s one of the reasons I switched my major from visual journalism to Still Photography. She captures people’s stories in her photographs, with stunning lighting and design. Her photographs make my heart swell with inspiration.

The Kinfolk Home: Interiors for Slow Living

by Nathan Williams

Not only is this book’s appearance worth the purchase, it’s also filled with design genius. The binding of the book will make anyone curious to flip through to see what it has to offer.

Paris versus New York

by Vahram Muratyan

You absolutely must put a little travel into your life. This book is a great addition to any collection. The cover and binding is aesthetically pleasing and won’t destroy the nice color scheme you’re trying to achieve. Personally, I’m just not a fan of coffee table books that have too much going on on the cover/binding, I find it a bit obnoxious… Sorry.

IT

by Alexa Chung

This book is a great addition to your collection, and it’ll add a nice splash of colour. Alexa Chung is a model, fashion designer and author that shares her style inspiration, stories, and photographs in this pink read. It’s gorgeous inside and out.

Vanity Fair 100 Years

by Graydon Carter

A lot can change in 100 years. This book captures the best of the classic magazine. It’ll look great in your collection too ;)

Carrie Johnson 20/07/2017 Carrie Johnson 20/07/2017

Baskets for Every Room in Your Home

The way you store things can make your space less stressful, more put together, and not to mention you'll be able to find things.

Everyone who knows me, knows that clutter makes me insane. There's a place for just about everything, but keeping things in order doesn't have to be an eye sore. The way you store things can make your space less stressful, more put together, and not to mention you'll be able to find things.

Wire Baskets

If you're the type that wants to be able to find things fast, wire baskets are perfect for this. Plus they look great in almost any space. Store your books, blankets, linens or even your socks. Find old refurbished farm baskets, or brand new shiny baskets to finish your space.

Woven Baskets

These are great for storing all different things, even great to put plants in them to give some warmth to your space. Put them in your bathroom, kitchen pantry or use them as a foyer storage. This is a great place to store the less attractive things laying around (hats, mittens, sports equipment etc).

Wooden Storage Boxes

Though these aren't exactly 'baskets', they're still great and do the same job. Try some painted boxes to bring colour to your space, or these stacked wooden boxes for the bathroom.

Baskets are great for your space, and they're great for to clean up your act. You can find them for low costs, and you'll have them for a long time. xo

Carrie Johnson 05/07/2017 Carrie Johnson 05/07/2017

Bar Carts That Will Make You Swoon

Adulting means changing the way you present/display your alcohol collection; more like a sophisticated grown up, rather than a broke ass uni student.

Adulting comes with a lot of changes, including your drinking habits. There’s less need for buying the cheapest vodka with the money from your change jar, and more desire to sip on an actual adult beverage. Adulting also means changing the way you present/display your alcohol collection; more like a sophisticated grown-up, rather than a broke ass uni student. Here are some carts, and other ideas of how to show off your collection.

How I love a pretty and shiny bar cart. I’m obsessed with gold finishings {more of the vintage gold, I hate really bright gold that makes things look cheap…}, so I’m a bit bias to thinking these look so amazing, they literally go with any décor really... Mirrors are also a great addition to the carts, making the space look larger and more sophisticated. Distressed mirrors on the bottom of the cart will also give it a nice vintage look & feel. Great Gatsby, eat your heart out.

Vintage-style Brass Cart with Wheels

Round Brass Bamboo Cart with Wheels

Metal Kitchen Trolley with Wheels

Wooden Kitchen Trolley with Shelves

TIP: An inexpensive hack to make a bar cart look more expensive: buy this shelf from Ikea and some gold spray paint. Assemble the shelf, and then spray the metal parts. Don’t stress if the paint distresses a bit. I constantly get compliments on my coffee table that I did this to. It looks great, saves you cash and will bring your living space to adulthood.

Wall shelves can be used as your bar space, these are easy to install and will give the same effect as a bar cart. Suggestion: screw in a wine glass rack to the bottom of the bottom shelf, and voila! You’ll have a place for the wine glasses, and it looks much more put together {and frees up shelf space for more booze!}.

Rustic Shelf

Copper Shelf

Wine Bottle & Glasses Rack

Transforming a basic shelf is also a great and inexpensive way to make a bar space. You won’t need to cover any holes in the walls if you’re a renter, and you’ll have the freedom to move it wherever you feel looks best for your space.

I also love love love the look of refurbished dressers/cabinets into bar carts. Add some wheels and it’s mobile! Open the doors for when you’re hosting, close the doors and use the table top for flowers and books.

Wooden Cabinet with Marble Table Top

White 3-tier Shelving Unit

Shelf with Cabinets

Don’t forget to accessorise your bar cart! Building a bar cart takes time and love. Start small, maybe with a quirky wine opener or a fun shaker. Build your collection by asking for things for Christmas and your birthday. These are the best gifts to receive and to give – stone ice cubes, cocktail books, tumblers, BOOZE… the list is endless!

Most importantly, enjoy hosting cocktail parties – your guests will love what you’ve done with the space, and they’ll give you a stamp of approval for adulating.

Cheers! xo

Carrie Johnson 27/06/2017 Carrie Johnson 27/06/2017

Plants That Will Make Your Home, Homey

Plants have always been on trend, but lately I've found an obsession with plants and how much the improve a home. Plants don't only make your home look stunning, but they're also really great for your health. I found this great website that delivers plants to your home in London here: patch.garden. They have great options for all of your rooms, including your office!

Here are some ideas for when you're trying to choose a new plant, or when you need a little room refresh, or when you're wanting to start your culinary hobby.

Plants in the bedroom

Rubber Plants, Palms, and Ivy are some of my favourites for the bedroom. The larger plants can be put in decorative pots on the floor, and the smaller plants can be put on window sills, desks, vanities or shelves. I love the look of ivy overflowing down a shelf. If you're scared of killing plants like I was {am}, get some succulents and/or cactus. They're easier to maintain {keep alive} and look great in metallic or bright pots. Adding any greenery to the bedroom will make your bedroom cosier and that will keep you in a good zone for sleeping and chilling.

Plants in the bathroom

A lot of people have asked if having plants in the bathroom is weird, and I definitely don't think it is. I think it's a great way to decorate and make your bathroom more of a paradise. Some bathrooms can be a bit plain with decor, and most people don't think of decorating with living things. Here are some ideas on how to improve your bathroom, and make it a relaxing space - so get those soaking salts, bubbles and candles lit with a tall glass of vino and book.

Plants in the kitchen

The kitchen is an obvious place for plants, the ones you can eat are the most gratifying and resourceful plants you can have in your home. They bring life, food and not to mention they smell amazing! The fresh herbs and spices in your kitchen will also inspire you to experiment with new dishes. My newest favourite has been my chili plant. I bought it at the local grocery shop, and it's had its ups and downs. But now it's thriving and I get to have fresh chilis in my avocado toast with poached eggs {yum!}.