I'm clearly not the "blogger of the year", but my days are so full, that I have to admit, blogging is sometimes not on my priority list ... Right now, I am in full Autocad/Sketchup/learning mode ! So I spend all my days reading, learning, drawing, pulling my hair and so on. In addition to my course, and the kids. And the husband. And social life.

Thankfully, I think I begin to understand the basic features, and the logic of both.

And I really want to keep this blog alive, so I'm gonna have to find a way. Working on it !!

Stylish designer: April Hamilton

Based in Surrey and London, April Hamilton team has been designing beautiful interiors in England since Rosie Ridgway founded the firm in 1995. Just like Karen Howes (see last week's post), they focus on being friendly, approachable and very good listeners to ensure prospects and clients the most enjoyable experience.

They work with luxury global brands but also design bespoke furniture to meet their client's requirements, for either residential or retail projects.

I love the way they combine different textures, through fabric, metals, wood finishes, etc. Lighting plays also a great part in their design. No wonder they got elected "Best of Houzz 2015" ! Make sure to visit their portfolio to get inspired for the new week !

Now, on a more personal note, we celebrated our daughter's birthday this week-end. I can hardly believe she's already three ! She was such a sweet baby, and is now turning into this cheeky, funny, loving little girl, and she makes us so proud everyday ! Happy birthday Violette !

Have a great Monday !

Ben Wood photography

I love the sea. I just do. I've spent all my holidays as a kid by the sea. I've been sailing since I was 3 moths old. Not that I really enjoy laying on a beach for hours - which has always seemed quite boring to me, but I do feel like home every time I look at the sea.

So I am sucker for any sea/beach/boat related art, and when I stumbled across Ben Wood's photos through Trowbridge Gallery website, I fell in love. And I bet you will too !

I especially like his work on the boat fronts. The contrast between the amazing skies and the weathered wood on each boat is just beautiful. Ben Wood lives on the Isle of Wight and his work is exposed in London and Paris. Now, I just need to save a bit of money to afford one of these, or write Santa a very nice letter, with extended links to his website ...

Have a great week-end !

Stylish designer: Taylor Howes

Taylor Howes is a London/Chelsea based Interior Design firm was founded in 1991 by Karen Howes, and is now one of the most successful team in the UK. Karen and her associate Gail Taylor legitimately won the prestigious Andrew Martin International Interior Designer Award in 2006.

Take a look at this article on HealsBlog where Karen explained her philosophy, which consist in getting to know their client perfectly while putting any ego on the side in order to create the most relevant and dedicated designs. They "run the practice as family" which makes them a very approachable despite their high-end portfolio.

I totally agree with this way of thinking. Good designers shouldn't be intimidating, should they ? After all, you are asking them to create your home, it doesn't get more intimate than that. So it is crucial that you feel comfortable with your designer.

Their portfolio is a beautiful mix of luxurious yet completely "liveable" designs, mostly in and around London, and each project is a feast for any design addict's eyes.

10 lovely Easter tables

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We're off to Cornwall this week-end, and although I can't wait to spend 3 days with husband and kids by the sea, I won't get to set up any Easter table nor cook our traditional Easter lunch on Sunday. But if I had, we would have had Nigella's fabulous Rosé, Anchovies and Olives slow roasted lamb with potatoes and veggies. This has been by far our favourite lamb recipe for a few years now !

I wish you a great Easter week-end and a happy egg hunt !