Imagine walking into a store that has everything you need to update your home. Up until earlier this week I didn’t believe that such a store existed, that was until I attended the B&Q Spring/Summer preview.
Heading into London earlier this week I made my way to the Good Housekeeping Institute where B&Q were holding their preview. Welcomed by Alice who immediately felt like a friend showing me around her new home rather than a saleswoman trying to get me to buy everything in the room. She explained that everything that was on show at the preview was available within B&Q stores and that all the props were made using everyday items that you would find in their stores but might not have thought to use in a different way.
Botanical
Walking into the preview I was immediately drawn to the Botanical range, the soft lilacs, fresh greens and natural greys were very calming.
Our beautiful Botanical collection, new for spring/summer 2015 is reminiscent of summer days in the country. Echoes of shabby chic are transformed and given a new lease of life with the focus on elegant typography and natural materials. Beautifully sketched and detailed meadow flowers add a soft and graceful theme throughout.
The Botanical collection to me is all about accessories, from glass jars that can be used in a range of different ways to wicker hearts that can be hung as they are or upcycled with ribbon, flowers or even a set of fairy lights. A mix and match of textures and prints really pull the range together with beautiful calming colour options.
Neutrals
Neutrals are the backbone of every design, selecting one or two undertones that runs throughout your room which you can then add a stronger colour or design piece to finish the room.
Presenting a simple, easy range of essentials products that will underpin and support any look you choose to layer them with. These beautiful basics are what we are known for but this is the first time we have pulled them as a collection.
Personally I’m loving the collection of bedspreads which are reasonably priced at £25 for a double and £29 for a kingsize, alongside a selection of throws to add texture and warmth to a room. Cushions can transform a flat, boring space into something that looks far more inviting, and with a range of different cushion designs starting from £9.00 there is no excuse not to treat yourself.
Docklands
Living just a stones throw from the sea I am lucky enough to be able to enjoy the sand, waves and ice cream whenever the mood takes me. The nautical theme has been a big hit in homes across the country for a number of years, personally I’m not a huge fan of the primary colour stripes that is associated with many designs. The Docklands collection however allows you to have the subtle nautical look without it looking tacky.
Bold motifs with strong stripes in classic nautical colours revitalise this popular trend for our Docklands spring/summer collection. Vintage harbour inspired accents, photographic prints and industrial typography complete the look of a quintessential crisp summer’s day out by the coast.
Wallpaper has been making a comeback over the past few years, it is no longer just used on the chimney breast but instead making more of a feature within bedrooms, studies and even bathrooms. With a range of nautical themed wallpapers you can easily transform a space with rolls costing as little as £8.00.
How to make…
Walking around the preview it was really interesting to see how building materials had been used in a different way, yet worked so well. Take copper pipes that are used for your central heating, imagine using these to make a wardrobe, coat hangers and even hooks on wall or door.
With the ongoing ‘upcycling’ and craft trends, this is the perfect time for us to shout about our DIY heritage. B&Q will inspire you to create and personalise your home using simple, good quality materials and know how.
So next time you take a walk around B&Q try to think of how differently you could use a sheet of wood, house bricks or even sample tiles. For inspiration take a look at the B&Q YouTube Channel.
Disclosure: I was invited to attend the B&Q SS15 preview and received a goody bag.
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