Live Breathe Decor

I have never been a ‘girly’ girl. I wasn’t exactly into reptiles and motorbikes, but I had no interest in frills and flowers and all things girly. Decorating-wise, I never wanted a pink bedroom. I have always been attracted to what I consider quite masculine style: think leather, concrete, raw timbers, tweed. And for years I was the only girl in an all-male household with a husband and two boys, the result being that even though I started to toy with the idea of a pink dining room and ‘softer’ surroundings, I felt that I couldn’t (or shouldn’t) have them.
But the birth of my daughter earlier this year had me celebrating in my now-justified longing for a more feminine style. By feminine I don’t just mean pink. I find I am attracted to a muted palette of soft greys and pastel pinks, blues and purples – so gorgeous! Here are some of the interiors driving my ‘feminine style’ at the moment..

I love this image, but the combination of french antiques, damask fabrics, an ornate gilt frame and a chandelier could have been too much: the bare dark floorboards, white walls and seamless, wallpapered cupboard doors gives it a lighter, more modern twist.

Aged Gustavian style: how beautiful is the pale palette and the antique foxed mirror?

The wallpaper really ‘makes’ this room. So feminine styleisn’t always subdued, it can be bold too!

This is one of my favourite images and I have had it in my ‘inspiration files’ for years. I love, love grey, and the combination of the wall colour and curtains slightly draped on the floor is so elegant. What makes this room? The pink posie of flowers and a hint of pink cushion. I want a bedroom like this!!

I see this as a country cottage with a modern twist. The twist is the ball lamp, black and white photos and the silver-lined light shade. What makes it feminine? The delicate wire candle holder, the old portrait of a woman, the pink roses in a jug and of course, lots of pink candles.

Beautiful hand-painted walls and romantic staircase. I love the way the underside of the staircase is stepped and not smooth.

This home, feautured in House Beautiful and then in the book ‘the Southern Cosmopolitan’ uses feminine shades of pink, blue, aqua and green to perfection!