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Shelf Styling Secrets: Maximise Impact and Minimise Clutter

Open shelves are typically more than just storage; they’re an opportunity to showcase your personality and create a visually appealing focal point in your home. Shelf styling secrets: maximise impact and minimise clutter.

So, how do you go from cluttered chaos to curated perfection?

Let’s dive into some tips and tricks on the art of shelf styling.

Start with a Blank Canvas
  • Clear Everything Off – empty your shelves completely. This allows you to see the space with fresh eyes and visualise potential arrangements.
  • Clean and Dust – give your shelves a thorough cleaning. This will ensure your displayed items shine.
The Power of Balance
    • Vary Heights and Shapes – create visual interest by incorporating items of different heights, shapes, and textures. Unique ceramics are a stylish way to add interest. Avoid placing all tall items on one side or all small items together.
    • Create Visual Triangles – arrange items in triangular formations to create a sense of balance and flow. This technique draws the eye and creates a polished and intentional composition.
    • Distribute Weight Evenly – avoid placing all heavy items on one shelf. Distribute them evenly to create a balanced look.
shelf styling secrets
Tell a Story
  • Personal Touches – incorporate personal items that reflect your interests and passions. This could include travel souvenirs, family photos, or cherished collections.
  • Themed Displays – consider creating themed displays based on your hobbies, interests, colour preferences or the season.
  • Books as Décor – stack books with interesting/visually appealing covers and spines horizontally and vertically, combining them with decorative objects.
The Art of Layering
  • Create Depth – layer items in front of and behind each other to create depth and dimension.
  • Use Backdrops – lean artwork and framed photos against the back of the shelves to add visual interest.
  • Vary Textures – combine items with different textures, such as smooth ceramics, rough wood, and glass. Willow wood trays with unique ceramics add interesting layers.
Less is More – Usually
  • Edit Ruthlessly – don’t be afraid to edit your collection. Choose only the items you truly love and that contribute to the overall aesthetic.
  • Negative Space – leave some empty space on your shelves to create a sense of balance and avoid clutter.
  • Group Items Strategically – group similar items together to create a cohesive look.
shelf styling secrets
Practical Considerations
  • Accessibility – place frequently used items within easy reach.
  • Weight Limits – depending on your shelving unit, be mindful of the weight limits of your shelves to prevent accidents.
  • Functionality – if your shelves are in a functional area like an office/study space, prioritise organisation and accessibility.
Experiment and Have Fun!
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment with different arrangements – shelf styling is an ongoing process and can always be changed.
  • Take images of different arrangements – get inspiration from others to see what appeals to you most. Create a mood board before you start.
  • Remember, there are no hard and fast rules – The most important thing is to create a display that you love looking at.

To wrap up…

With a little thought and some style suggestions, you can transform your open shelves from cluttered storage to stylish showcases and really add style to your space.

Be considered and edit, edit, edit until you can stand back and love what you see. Experiment and have fun.

Happy styling!

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Embrace the Robe Life

Why staying in your robe all day can be perfectly acceptable. Embrace the robe life.

Let’s be real, there’s something undeniably luxurious about slipping into a cosy robe. It’s the ultimate symbol of relaxation and comfort.

And sometimes, just sometimes, you need a day when that robe becomes your official uniform. Here are a few reason why staying in your robe all day can be absolutely ok (and maybe even beneficial) – embrace the robe life!

  1. Ultimate Comfort and Relaxation
  • Softness and Warmth
    • Robes are designed for comfort. They offer a gentle hug and a sense of warmth that can soothe mind and body.
  • Perfect for Lounging
    • A relaxed fit robe is perfect for lounging and relaxing.
  • Sensory Bliss
  1. A Day of Self-Care
  • Prioritising Your Well-being
    • Staying in your robe can signal that you’re taking time for yourself and prioritising your well-being.
  • Mental Reset
    • A day of relaxation can help de-stress, recharge, and improve mental clarity.
  • Physical Rest
    • Allowing your body to rest and recover can have significant health benefits.
embrace the robe life
  1. Productivity (Yes, really!)
  • Comfortable Workspace
    • Working from home in a robe can create a comfortable and relaxed workspace – encouraging productivity.
  • Creative Flow
    • Some people find that working in a relaxed environment can enhance creativity and productivity.
  1. The Joy of Simple Pleasures
  • Embracing ‘Hygge’
    • Staying in your robe embodies the Danish concept of hygge, which emphasises cosiness and contentment – what a fabulous word!
  • Savouring the Moment
    • Taking time to enjoy simple pleasures like reading a book, sipping tea, or watching a movie can be incredibly fulfilling.
  • Unplugging and Reconnecting
    • Or, a day in your robe can be an opportunity to disconnect from technology and reconnect with yourself.
embrace the robe life
  1. It’s Your Day, Your Rules
  • Breaking Free from Expectations
    • Sometimes, you just need a break from social expectations and dress codes.
  • Embracing Your Inner Homebody
    • There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the comfort of your own home.
  • Doing What Makes You Happy
    • Ultimately, the most important thing is to do what makes you happy and comfortable.
A Few Tips for a Successful Robe Day if it’s all about relaxation
  • Choose a Cosy Robe
    • Choose a soft, comfortable robe that you love. Wrap yourself in a 100% linen robe.
  • Create a Relaxing Atmosphere
    • Play soothing music, spritz some room spray, have your favourite nibbles ready.
  • Indulge in Your Favorite Activities
    • Read a book, watch a movie, take a bath, or simply relax.
  • Don’t Feel Guilty
    • Remember, it’s okay to take time for yourself and prioritise your well-being.
embrace the robe life

To wrap up…excuse the pun!

Be gentle with yourself if there are some days you simply don’t want to get out of your robe.  Find a soft, cosy, relaxed fit robe and wrap yourself in it.

Whether you need to be productive or it’s time to wrap and relax, being in your robe can inspire and it’s absolutely ok.

So, go ahead and embrace the robe life! Make it work for you and enjoy a day of comfort, relaxation, and pure bliss.

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Top Tips for a Sparkling Clean Home

Let’s face it, cleaning can feel like a daunting task. But with the right approach, it can become a manageable and even enjoyable chore – a crazy concept…right!

Here are some top tips the suki. team has discovered/used to help make cleaning around the home a breeze.
  1. Break it Down
  • Don’t try to tackle the entire house at once – break down cleaning into smaller, more manageable tasks. For example, focus on one room per day or dedicate 15 minutes to a quick tidy-up each evening.
  1. The “Two-Minute Rule”
  • If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. This prevents small messes from piling up and becoming bigger problems later.
  1. Declutter Regularly
  • A clutter-free home is easier to clean. Regularly declutter surfaces, drawers, and closets to prevent dust and dirt from accumulating.
  1. Make Cleaning Fun
  • Put on some upbeat music to create a more enjoyable cleaning atmosphere.
  • Turn cleaning into a game challenge yourself to clean as quickly as possible or reward yourself with a treat after completing a cleaning task.
Top Tips for a Sparkling Clean Home
  1. Utilise Cleaning Tools Effectively
  • Invest in quality cleaning productschoose effective and environmentally friendly cleaning solutions.
  • Microfiber cloths are your friend they are incredibly effective at trapping dust and dirt.
  • Use the right tools for the job a good vacuum cleaner, mop, and duster can make a big difference.
  1. Don’t Forget the Often-Overlooked Areas
  • Clean behind furniture – dust and vacuum behind sofas, chairs, and other large pieces of furniture.
  • Don’t neglect the tops of door frames and light fixtures – easy to forget!
  • Clean your cleaning tools – make sure your sponges, mops, and brushes are clean to prevent the spread of germs.
  1. Schedule Regular Cleaning Sessions
  • Establish a regular cleaning schedule that works for your household. This could include weekly deep cleans, daily quick tidies, or a combination of both.
  • Involve everyone in the house!
  1. Reward Yourself & Your Cleaning Partners
  • Celebrate accomplishments! After admiring the good work & enjoying the amazing feeling of a sparkling space(s), treat yourself/everyone to a small reward after a successful cleaning session.

Keeping your home clean doesn’t always require expensive cleaning products. In fact, some of the most effective cleaning solutions can be found in your pantry!

We’ve discovered some surprising remedies that seem to work (be sure to test small patches before going crazy cleaning!).

Top Tips for a Sparkling Clean Home
Vinegar for Sparkling Glassware

Do you have cloudy drinking glasses? Try this remedy.

Mix equal parts of white vinegar and warm water in a basin and soak the glassware for 15-20 minutes. The vinegar cuts through mineral deposits, leaving your glasses crystal clear. Rinse with clean water and dry with a lint-free cloth.

Baking Soda for Deodorising Carpets

To freshen up your carpets, sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the surface. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly. Baking soda absorbs odours and can leave your carpets smelling clean and fresh.

Coffee Grounds for Eliminating Fridge Odours

Don’t toss those used coffee grounds! Place them in a bowl and leave it in your fridge to neutralise unpleasant smells. Coffee grounds can be used as a natural deodoriser, absorbing unwanted odours without adding any artificial scents.

Olive Oil for Polishing Stainless Steel

For streak-free stainless steel, try dabbing (& just a dab!) a small amount of olive oil onto a microfiber cloth and gently buff the surface. Not only will it remove fingerprints and smudges, but it will also add a beautiful shine.

Wrapping Up…

Who doesn’t enjoy being in a sparkling clean home – it’s good for the soul and for your health.  Finding the motivation and time is the challenge!

We hope these tips & tricks help give you inspiration and some practical ideas on how to conquer (& dare we say…enjoy) the cleaning challenge.

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Did You Know You Spend a Third of Your Life in Bed?

Here’s Why That Is Actually Fantastic!

It’s true – most of us spend around a third of our lives in bed. That’s about 26 years sleeping and lounging under the covers!

It might sound like a lot, but when you think about it, our beds are the one place we go to relax, recharge, and sometimes escape from the world. So, if you’re spending that much time in bed, it might be worth celebrating!

Here’s a look at why spending so much time in bed is pretty awesome.

Bed = best hangout spot ever

Think about all the things you do in bed (aside from sleeping) – binge-watching your favourite shows, scrolling through social media, reading a thrilling novel, relaxing to calming music, listening to your favourite podcast or enjoying a lazy Sunday morning with breakfast in bed.

With so much time in bed, you’re practically a relaxation pro.

you spend a third of your life in bed

Resting is basically your superpower

Every minute in bed isn’t “just” sleep – it’s a moment for your body to recharge, repair, and prepare for the next day. Good sleep boosts your immune system, helps with memory retention, and can even improve your mood.

So, while you might not always feel like a superhero under the covers, your body is using that time to work some real magic.

Creating the ultimate comfort zone

Since you spend so much time in bed, why not make it the cosiest spot in the house?

Investing in soft 100% French flax linen sheets and duvet covers, fluffy pillows, and a mattress that feels like a dream can turn your bed into a little slice of paradise.

A comfortable bed means better sleep, and better sleep means more energy to tackle your day. Plus, crawling into a well-made, comfy bed at night…sublime.

you spend a third of your life in bed

An excuse to nap? Yes, please!

If a third of our life is dedicated to sleep (or at least being in bed), why not make the most of it with naps?

Science even backs this up.  It is said that a 20–30-minute nap can improve alertness and boost mood, and a longer nap can help with memory consolidation and creative problem-solving.

So, next time you feel drowsy and choose to take a quick nap, just remember that you’re investing in your health (and using your time in bed wisely)!

Perfect for self-care nights

Your bed isn’t just for sleep – it’s a self-care haven!

Light a candle, grab a good book, or queue up a favourite movie for a cosy night in. This “me/us-time” recharges you and makes the time spent in bed feel even more valuable.

you spend a third of your life in bed

Ready to make the most of your bedtime?

Since you’re already spending so much time in bed, why not make it the ultimate experience? From cosy bedding to restful sleep routines, every detail counts when you’re creating a space you love.

Embrace the time you spend in bed – you’re investing in your health, happiness, and a little luxury every time you rest your head.

You are so worth it!

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Sometimes Winging it Just Won’t Cut It!

When winging it might not be enough, we’re offering some suggestions for preparing for the holiday season.

There are numerous scheduled holidays and typically many occasions to show respect, gratefulness, acknowledgement and to celebrate over the holiday season no matter where you are.

It can be an exciting, yet busy time filled with gatherings, gift-giving, and wonderful moments with family, friends and those around you. Preparing ahead can make it more enjoyable and less stressful.

This quick guide may help you get organised and ready to embrace the season!

1.        Create a holiday calendar and budget

Start by mapping out key dates, including gatherings, travel plans, shopping days, and special family & friend’s traditions. A holiday calendar can help you stay on top of things and avoid last-minute scrambling.

If you sometimes lose track of spending (wink wink), a simple budget can help you stay on track. Plan for gifts, food, decor, and travel expenses, and, if you feel like being super organised, set a budget for each category. Tracking these expenses early on can help you avoid overspending and help you make more thoughtful choices.

1.        Declutter and Decorate Early

Decluttering before you get started can make holiday decorating more enjoyable and ensure you have the space you need for new decorations. If you’re feeling brave and have the time, start by going through each room, setting aside items to donate, and clearing out any unnecessary clutter.

Decorating early, even just with a few touches, can set a festive tone. If you’re into DIY, try creating personalized ornaments, wreaths, or centrepieces. For an eco-friendly approach, consider natural decorations like pinecones, dried orange slices, and reusable garlands.

2.        Plan your holiday meals

If you’re hosting holiday meals, plan your menus well in advance. Check with guests for dietary preferences and make a grocery list to streamline your shopping. Some time-saving tips include:

  • meal prep and batch cooking – prepare sauces, sides, or baked goods in advance to save time on the day of the event.
  • order ahead – consider ordering pre-made items or special ingredients early, especially if they’re holiday-specific items that sell out quickly.

3.        Get ahead on gift shopping and wrapping – you probably say this to yourself every year!

Start gift shopping early to avoid crowded stores and last-minute decisions. To make it more personal:

  • make a list – write down each recipient’s interests or wishlist items to make gift-buying easier.
  • consider experiences – instead of physical gifts, give experiences like a local class, a family day out, or a streaming subscription.
  • prep wrapping supplies – stock up on sustainable wrapping materials like kraft paper, reusable gift bags, or fabric wraps to create beautiful, eco-friendly gifts.

5.        Prepare for guests in advance

 If you’re hosting guests, preparing in advance can make them feel right at home. Tidy up guest spaces and add thoughtful touches like fresh linens, towels, and extra toiletries.

Stock up on essentials like snacks, beverages, and breakfast items for a welcoming experience.

6.        Set aside time for self-care

Amidst the holiday rush, don’t forget to prioritise self-care. Whether it’s a morning coffee break, a walk outside, or a cosy night in with a book – set aside time to recharge.

Being mindful of your own needs will help you stay energised and enjoy the season fully!

In summary

With a little planning and creativity, preparing for the holiday season can be enjoyable and stress-free. By staying organised and adding personal touches, you’ll be ready to embrace the spirit of the holidays and make lasting memories with loved ones.

Don’t forget, especially at this time of the year, it’s important to be inclusive and mindful of those whose circumstances may be different.  Being aware and acting with kindness will not only potentially help someone around you feel considered and thought of but also may very well bring you more joy and happiness.

Happy holidays!

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