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A slice of suffolk

A BRITISH HOME & LIFESTYLE BLOG

Interiors

Styling the Seasons with Hogben Pottery

March 30, 2019

How potty are you about pottery?

Established in 1991 by Jane Hogben, Hogben Pottery began by creating decorative terracotta, urns and flower pots for the garden. Today its very much a home affair, specialising in jugs, bowls and mugs and created entirely ‘in-house’ using a specialist technique called ‘sprigging’ {applying separately moulded designs in 3D}.

A brand known for its love of the countryside, animals and garden pickings, each design is curated with love and nostalgia of all things quintessentially British.

I first stumbled across Hogben Pottery in London at one of the Country Living Fairs, totally enamoured by their unique designs and ability to convey the beauty of the countryside so perfectly. I loved the way each item was special, slightly varying in size and colour; providing each piece with its own uniqueness.

As well as pottery, Jane and her team also create greetings cards and sculptures, available online and via various stockists across the country and even internationally. You can also catch the team at various shows and events throughout the year, all information available via their website.

I am absolutely sure you will love this brand as much as I do {my cupboards are positively brimming with Hogben joy!}

Happy darling weekend, which mug will you choose for your Sunday morning tea in bed? ☕️

    Emily x

    *this is a sponsored post by Hogben Pottery, some items were gifted for photographic purposes.



    Interiors

    Spring Fresh with Garden Trading

    March 18, 2019

    At long last the days are lengthening, the trees are now covered in a blanket of lush greenery and the blossom is in abundance. Spring, it’s got to be one of the most joyous seasons of the entire year and after a long unpredictable winter, we certainly welcome it with open arms. April officially marks the season of new life, the bulbs begin to push through the once sodden ground and the anticipation of new life comes into fruition. Ranunculus , Peonies, Hyacinths and Daffodils fill our homes with a sweet aroma as our thoughts turn to refreshing our living space for the season ahead.

    Spring pickings

    For me Spring ignites the desire to clear away anything that’s been hoarded during the winter period and breath new life into a room.

    I have been working with Garden Trading to add a little ‘Spring Fresh’ into my living area and to create a sanctuary of seasonal bliss. My sitting room upholstery needed cleaning and the chimney sweep gave the log burner a thorough going over! Albeit happy with the general decor of the room it was looking tired and in need of new life. I kept hold of the pink velvet cushions and a pale grey wall colour but wanted to add further points of interest {and a place to enjoy a coffee with friends}.

    I was keen to add some more texture to my sofas, I wanted them to look cosy but still very fresh.

    I chose the Recycled Diamond Blanket in grey and woven from 100% plastic bottles, so if you decide to use it outside for picnics too it dries out really quickly. Alongside it the Charlton Cushions in Linen with a gorgeously heavy weight, they’ve added just the right level of texture whilst still harmonising beautifully with a neutral colour scheme.

    Botanical decor is a big factor in any room revamp, a seasonal style is never complete without blooms to accent the time of the year. Soft Early evening lighting is my favourite, with the correct level of lighting it can really complete a rooms atmosphere.

    The Bermondsey Table Lamp with its rustic raw oak and contemporary coated steel and a movable arm, I just adore this and the Broadwell Vase, large enough to house even the biggest of bouquets. These completed my coffee table look perfectly.

    We always have logs on on the hearth, even in Spring~ I’m inclined to light the burner on a chillier evening to add cosiness.

    The Tapered Basket certainly brings the wow factor, a striking shape and hand woven in rattan; it makes the log run SO much easier and much less plentiful due to its capacity, my husband is over the moon!

    Finally, candles….I’m a candle junkie, I’ll admit it. A Spring aroma complimenting my seasonal blooms makes me VERY happy. What works better than ‘Sea Salt?’ This is the Sea Salt House Candle.

    Inspired by windswept beaches, large open spaces and the salty spray of British coasts, this is perfection. Along with the fact that they are poured by one of my absolute favourite candle companies St Evals.

    The prettiest of Spring revamps, I hope you’ll agree?

    Garden Trading have very kindly offered one of my lucky readers the opportunity to ‘win the lot’. All of the new items featured on this blog could be coming directly to you, for your very own Spring revamp! Tap the link below to enter.

    Garden Trading Competition

    Emily x

    Happy seasonal styling,

    *This post is sponsored by Garden Trading. All items featured have been gifted for the purpose of marketing.

    Terms and Conditions of competition;

    • Entrants must be at least 18 years of age and not employees of Garden Trading, A Slice of Suffolk, their immediate families or anyone else connected with the promotion or either business

    • Winner must be 18 or over and have a UK postal address

    • No automated, bulk, third party or consumer group entries are permitted

    • Entrants can enter the competition only once

    • Entry into the competition is valid from 19.03.19 to 23.59pm on 28.03.19

    • Full details on how to claim the prize will be provided to the winner upon notification that they have won

    • The competition winner will be selected at random after the competition has closed

    • The prize is as stated above and no alternative will be offered

    • The competition winner will be contacted via the email provided upon entry to the competition no later than 01.04.19

    • All reasonable effort will be made to contact the winner, however, if the winner has not claimed the prize within 3 weeks of notification a new winner will be selected, and the previous winner will no longer be entitled to claim the prize

    • Garden Trading’s decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered

    • The name of the winner will be available by sending an SAE to A Slice of Suffolk Competition, The Marketing Team, Garden Trading, Carterton South Industrial Estate, Carterton, Oxfordshire, OX18 3EZ

    • Entry into the competition includes sign-up to the Garden Trading email newsletter only if you opt-in upon entry. Once opted in, users can unsubscribe at any time

    • Your details will not be shared with anyone else

    • Any entry which is incomplete, incomprehensible, late, incorrectly submitted or otherwise does not comply with the rules may be deemed invalid at the sole discretion of Garden Trading

    • Garden Trading reserves the right to withdraw or cancel this competition for any reason and at any time

    • Garden Trading will use your details to administer the prize should you win

    • If you are successful at winning, Garden Trading reserves the right to use your name and or/image on the Garden Trading journal, Twitter account and/or Facebook page and any other social media if required, highlighting you as a winner

    • Garden Trading reserves the right to withdraw this competition or amend these terms and conditions without notice and at any time

    Interiors

    Wreath making with Lily Loves Flora

    December 11, 2018

    For those of you who have been following my blog and Instagram for a while you will know I’m pretty obsessed with anything flower based. Whether it be letterbox bouquets, country garden pickings, a posy in an old jam jar or foraging for botanicals for a handmade seasonal flower arrangement; flowers make me VERY happy {and I know i’m not alone}

    This time of the year our thoughts shift to our very own garden offerings, inspired to forage for the last of the autumn greenery. Berries appearing and every shade of green in abundance down country lanes. A few years ago the idea of making my very own seasonal wreath was pretty daunting, surely I didn’t have the skills needed to make such a thing? But, the truth is, it doesn’t require any skills. Every floristry creation is a personal work of art.

    Lily Loves Flora offers a homemade DIY experience with a twist.

    You simply order the luxury kit and it provides you with mostly everything you need to make a traditional moss base door wreath. Providing the moss for the base, designed to be used with Blue Spruce and Eucalyptus; which can be foraged for, maybe even as a Sunday afternoon activity with all the family.

    Complete with pheasant feathers, birch twigs, pine cones and cinnamon and a beautiful hessian ribbon you have everything you need to make your very own take on the perfect Christmas wreath.

     

    Each kit contains:

    one 12″ copper wire wreath frame, reel of wire, moss pins, stub wire, a bag of moss, a selection of accessories and trimmings to decorate your wreath, and ribbon.

    Choose from one of two options for your accessories and trimmings:

    Country Charm: Pine cones, cinnamon, pheasant feathers and natural hessian ribbon

    or

    Fruit & Spice: Whole oranges, dried lemons/grapefruit, chillies, cinnamon and red ribbon.

    I throughly enjoyed every part of this experience, from admiring the beautiful packaging and guide materials, to following the excellently orchestrated step by step instruction guide on how to make your beautiful creation. What a superb idea, which I am definitely keen on trying again. There’s something VERY satisfying about homemade…don’t you agree?

    For more information pop over to Lily Loves Flora

    Or for stockists Magnolia Grey Interiors

    Happy seasonal styling,

    Emily x

    *This post is sponsored by Lily Loves Flora & Magnolia Grey Interiors.

    Interiors

    Christmas Gifting with Magnolia Grey Interiors

    November 23, 2018

    So finally, after the longest summer that I can remember for years, we are settling well into Autumn. The golden crisp leaves are beginning to fall from the trees, the lawn no longer needs cutting and even the perennials are starting to hibernate for the harsh winter, which I am sure is to come. Our evenings consist of lit candles, wrapping up in cosy throws, twinkling fairy lights and lighting the fire. Christmas is almost upon us and if you’re like me, encapsulating the house in all things cosy and inviting and thoughtful Christmas gifting is on my mind.

    Many of us will be inviting family and friends in abundance into our homes over the festive season and I always enjoy giving everywhere a ‘spruce’ up, ready for my favourite time of the year.

    Here are some of my favourite picks for adding homely touches to your nest and the ultimate gift guide to the discerning;

    St Eval Winter Thyme Candle Tin  and St Eval Winter Thyme Tealights Pack of 9

                  

    These beautiful candles are a definite must have, the St Eval range is probably one of the nicest range of candles I’ve tried in a while and are hand poured in Cornwall, England. The Winter Thyme has a scent reminiscent of earthy woodlands, providing the perfect ambience for a winter setting {also perfect for stocking fillers and teacher presents}.

    Antique White Chamberstick

    I love this traditional style beautiful antique chamberstick, I am a big fan of the Nordic white style. This would be perfect for evening mood lighting, dinner parties and adding a classical touch to your Christmas styling, but likewise can be used all year long.

    Trailing Ivy Garland

    Oh how I love a garland and this one is very realistic looking, so versatile too. Beautiful styled over the mantelpiece on the run up to the big day, then transfers as a stunning table centrepiece for Christmas dinner parties. I love it twisted into a wreath too, try adding fairy lights and extra seasonal foliage for the wow factor.

    Lily Loves Flora Christmas Wreath Making Kit

           

    To mark the start of a new season, or to celebrate festivities, my absolute must buy this Christmas is this stunning wreath kit by luxury florists Lily Loves Flora. It provides you with everything you need to make your own traditional handmade door wreath, all inside one box. The only thing left for you to do is forage for the evergreen foliage. I just adore the concept of this design, a complete guide to making your own; with a beautifully personal touch that the whole family can get involved in. By selecting ivy, box tree stems, laurel, yew, twigs or whatever takes your fancy, your wreath will become completely unique {and the envy of all your neighbour’s!}

     
    Mini Pine Tree

    The mini pine tree has almost become a Christmas staple in our house and provides a great addition to the main tree. This cute mini tree is a firm favourite of mine and I am especially pleased that its faux {whilst still looking very realistic} that way I can bring it out year after year.

    Fabulous for the kitchen, a table centrepiece, a children’s bedroom or the hallway, I just love the hessian base; giving a lovely Scandinavian feel.

    Silver Mercury Bauble

    I have chosen this beautiful mercury vintage bauble along side the mini pine tree. With a beautiful glass effect mercury finish, ribbed with a silver top. Just gorgeous! Styled with a colourful, classical or Nordic style scheme; these baubles will finish any tree perfectly.

    I hope this guide has gone a little way to making your Magnolia Grey Christmas simply perfect and a big thank you to Charlotte for curating the most beautiful Christmas collection. So many stunning additions to add to your home for this festive season and some wonderful gift ideas to buy from a wholehearted small business.

    Here’s to filling our homes [and hearts] with all things beautiful this Christmas!

    Emily x

    *This is a sponsored post*

    Interiors

    Tablewear by So Souk

    July 5, 2018

    I first came across Petrina and Jo of So Souk probably a year ago, since then its safe to say I’ve been pretty hooked; following their travels to Morocco to source items for their stunning artisan collection of homewear and accessories. It was Petrina and Jo’s love for the Moroccan culture, people and treasures, that inspired them to create So Souk and give us lucky people the opportunity to be apart of the diverse and colourful culture of Morocco, enabling us to buy these wonderfully original sourced and produced pieces.

    They gifted to me these beautifully hand blocked, printed in fern print grey (also available in blue, pink, green and navy) napkin and table cloth set, the range so gorgeous. Made from 100% cotton, I was pleasantly surprised how incredibly soft they are and so unique. The table cloths are available in a 6-seater and 8 seater size, the napkins are available in a set of 6 or 8. I think buying an artisan item is always so special, knowing that this design is hand blocked and designed exclusively for So Souk in India.

    This weekend I am hosting a dinner party and these have definitely make the cut for the table!

     

    Stay tuned on instagram for the full table prep this weekend…..

    You can shop the artisan collection here

     

    Happy weekend all!

    Emily x

     

    Interiors

    Project Kitchen {Part two}

    June 29, 2018

    I didn’t think I would ever get to ‘Part Two’ of this kitchen reno blog, in the thick of renovating, its tricky to see the light at the end of the tunnel. But, in the whole scheme of things, from planning to completion I would say its been about 3 months (so I know I have no room for complaining).

    Project Kitchen {Part One] detailed much of the plans and before pictures, plus stories upon stories of the project start to finish; which are still live on the highlights of my instagram page, so feel free to pop over to take a look.

    The point of this final entry, is to really be a “where do I buy” guide. I always try and tag my images on instagram, but I know many of you are still popping DM’s to me with questions, so hopefully this blog will cover it.

    Im SUPER happy how the project has turned out and looking back at our ideas on the first blog, I feel that the decisions we made, on each element, have certainly been good ones for us. I actually wouldn’t change a thing!

     

    Cabinets are Pebble Ermine, you can buy here

    Worktops are quartz in colour Artico, you can buy here

    Range cooker & hood are Stoves UK, you can buy it here

    Stool you can buy here and is painted in this

    Tea towel is Pebble from here

    Canisters, shelves & stools are from here

    Belfast sink is from here

    Tap is from here

    Pendants are from here

    Handles are brushed nickel from here

    The flooring is Wellington Oak, from here

    Hand wash is from here

    Feature wall is Stiffkey Blue from here

    The utility room has been a real success, I just love the contrast between the two areas, plus I have gained lots of extra storage in the larder cupboard.

    Cupboards are Northumberland grey from here

    Oak worktops from here

    Hooks are old Laura Ashley

    Baskets are from here

    Walls are painted in All White from here

    I’ve still got accessorising to do, plus I would like a roman blind and some art,  but I hope this has been a help, especially to those that have emailed and messaged me that are planning projects of their own. I’ve been so flattered at those that are keen to use our kitchen as inspiration.

    Feel free to ask any questions & a very happy weekend!

    Emily x

    Interiors

    Project Kitchen {Part One}

    April 24, 2018

    I have wanted to take down the adjoining wall between our kitchen and dining room for as long as I can remember. I think initially when we bought the house five years ago, it almost seemed a novelty to have a ‘formal’ dining area and a kitchen area we can just shut away when littered with pots and pans from cooking. The reality is, an open plan setup really is the ideal family living space isn’t it? Just being able to help your children with homework while cooking dinner, chatting over a coffee with a friend while pottering. I knew taking down that wall would make such a difference.

    Excuse all the clutter in this photo, it was one of those quick snap moments, thats turned out to be a photograph I’ve used a lots in my Kitchen updates!

    So mind made, we needed to make plans to remove the wall, fortunately for us the wall wasn’t load bearing. This meant it was a 2/3 hour job for a local building firm and required no building regs or planning permission. Be aware, if the wall you are removing IS load bearing you will need to arrange for a suitable steel to be put in situ, your builder can carry out the work, but it will need to be signed off officially for building regulation purposes and planning permission will need to be obtained.

     

    Once the wall was down we could really get a feel of the space we were working with. We had explored a lot of kitchen suppliers online, wanting something mid-range but of a  good quality. There is a lot to think about, especially weighing up the design and choice of colour options, worktops etc etc. The other matter was of course cost, setting a budget is always one of those tricky things and always be prepared to exceed it! On paper (well the spreadsheet, dare I admit it!) we are already over our projected costs. Mainly as, like I said in a recent instagram story, one thing definitely leads to another  (I am still having  dilemmas on whether to change our existing Karndean)

    I will admit, we didn’t do too much shopping around. We decided, off the back of research online, to make an appointment at our nearest Wren kitchen supplier, and to date I haven’t been disappointed with the service. Armed with measurements of our newly created space and utility room we arranged to plan our kitchen. We took the children, crazy I know! BUT Wren cater fabulously for children, supplying playstation’s, unlimited water (and custard creams) they actually had a lovely morning!

    Our main aim was to plan a light and bright space, to maximise the space we have, but to also create a sociable breakfast island area.

    So these plans outline the lay out. You can can amend these with Wren as many times as you wish once the deposit has been paid, once the balance has been paid the plans and choices are locked in. I have decided on a contemporary shaker style, Ermine. We have planned just lower units, with exposed shelving, up stands in quartz instead of tiles, integral appliances (fridge freezer and dishwasher) and a range cooker. Im still yet to decide on design of the range, but it’ll probably be stainless steel and dual fuel. I have decided on one three drawer unit in the island, the rest cupboards.

    So this is the style and colour the kitchen will be, the grey is pretty subtle and hopefully very fresh looking. The worktops quartz (not the one shown but still white, I am yet to make the final decision on these, as I am getting these from a separate supplier)

    The breakfast island will have three over head pendants like this

    With stools, I love these

    and these

    I really love the shallow belfast sinks, I think they are little more contemporary looking, so have opted for this

    We are planning on a stainless steel tap, and probably brushed chrome cup and knob handles (I am yet to decide on these)

    This is the Rangemaster tap I have just ordered

     

     

    This is the scheme for the utility room, although I did change the door colour to a very slightly different shade of grey (Northumberland). The worktops will be solid oak (although I am beginning to wonder whether I should go quartz in there too) Fortunately the worktops wont be templated by the stone- masons until the new units are fitted, so I have time on my side to make our final decision. I plan to make the utility contrasting, with a tall larder cupboard, integral appliances (washer dryer) and deep drawers for pots and pans.

    The flooring is yet to be decided, but will probably be Karndean or Amtico, I love the Rose Wash Ash in the Karndean range.

    Still lots to do, the LED spot lights have now been fitted (we’ve opted for warm lighting) The fixings for the pendants and the switches have been shuffled around to include a USB charging point and zone lighting. The plastering will be done early next week. I have paint colours to choose, the last of the kitchen to be removed and lots of other odds and ends to deal with over the course of the next three weeks, before the carpenter starts. I am also aware that I haven’t included any pictures of the utility room as its currently full with boxes, I shall sort this, so that you can have a peek at what its currently like.

    I have, naturally, been eyeing up lots if accessories, kitchen wear and beautiful linen, but I’m trying to restrain myself until the bulk of the messy work is done!

    Feel free to ask any questions, but in the meantime, I will keep you updated!

    Emily x

     

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