Sofa in Thatch House Fabric, £1,195, Loaf,
RUG (95cm x 70cm), £75, Yonder Living,
CUSHION, £40, Ian Mankin,
THROW, £89.95, Bronte by Moon,
EASY ON THE EYE… AND MIND
A simple space is much more relaxing than an overly stuffed, overly fussy one: there is a lot less to worry about if you are not scanning the room for things to dust or frills to flounce. For a pared-back feel, look to clean lines when selecting furniture and create plenty of storage space to ensure a light-filled atmosphere.
The symmetry of this space creates a wonderful feeling of serenity, enhanced all the more by the subdued colours and fuss-free bench. For a similar bench, try The Conran Shop (
In this writing corner, a large wire basket awaits crumpled mistakes and the spindly legs of the chair and desk ensure the space feels clean and simple. Just a few postcards and a hand mirror decorate the window ledge
WHAT TO PLUMP FOR
The key components to creating a simple, happy habitat are colours, materials, textures and craft. Be sure to throw them all into the mix, otherwise your home could end up looking hard-edged or austere. Use utilitarian fabrics such as ticking or canvas to cover your sofa or even as a hardwearing tablecloth. Add richer, velvety fabrics and a few vintage textiles, softened over time and washing cycles, to give a sense of warmth.
Extra-large stitching gives a reassuringly handcrafted feel to this chunky sofa. The woven tapestry behind adds another warm, textured dimension to the space. For a similar wall hanging, try Holly’s House (
Piles of ticking cushions and blankets provide contrasting stripes of colour. For similar fabrics, try Ian Mankin (
THE KITCHEN
As our houses become less compartmentalised, the trend for combining cooking and dining areas makes perfect sense. The result? A more casual and versatile cooking space and a practical social hub for friends and family.
BACK TO BASICS
Many of us don’t give much consideration to the materials our houses are made from – we only notice them when we feel a cool tiled floor beneath our feet or slide our hand along a smooth handrail. Bare brickwork, wooden beams and old tiles look lovely and help to promote a laid-back vibe. Hardwearing materials such as wood and stone gain beauty with age and are perfect for creating a kitchen that requires little TLC.
These twig serving platters highlight the untamed nature of wood. Set on a smooth marble surface mounted spotlight
The key to serene living is to keep it simple: think pared-back spaces and a soothing neutral palette
THE LIVING ROOM
Your living space should be a tranquil haven where you can escape from the busy events of the day and read a novel or listen to music.
A slouchy chair in a muted colourway invites relaxation. Whitewashed floorboards and a seagrass rug add to this feel.Office wire in-trays make ideal storage units and the bookcase is spacious enough to hold both CDs and possessions. For a similar armchair try
Sofa in Thatch House Fabric, £1,195, Loaf,
RUG (95cm x 70cm), £75, Yonder Living,
EASY ON THE EYE… AND MIND
A simple space is much more relaxing than an overly stuffed, overly fussy one: there is a lot less to worry about if you are not scanning the room for things to dust or frills to flounce. For a pared-back feel, look to clean lines when selecting furniture and create plenty of storage space to ensure a light-filled atmosphere.
The symmetry of this space creates a wonderful feeling of serenity, enhanced all the more by the subdued colours and fuss-free bench. For a similar bench, try The Conran Shop (
In this writing corner, a large wire basket awaits crumpled mistakes and the spindly legs of the chair and desk ensure the space feels clean and simple. Just a few postcards and a hand mirror decorate the window ledge
WHAT TO PLUMP FOR
The key components to creating a simple, happy habitat are colours, materials, textures and craft. Be sure to throw them all into the mix, otherwise your home could end up looking hard-edged or austere. Use utilitarian fabrics such as ticking or canvas to cover your sofa or even as a hardwearing tablecloth. Add richer, velvety fabrics and a few vintage textiles, softened over time and washing cycles, to give a sense of warmth.
Extra-large stitching gives a reassuringly handcrafted feel to this chunky sofa. The woven tapestry behind adds another warm, textured dimension to the space. For a similar wall hanging, try Holly’s House (
Piles of ticking cushions and blankets provide contrasting stripes of colour. For similar fabrics, try Ian Mankin (
THE KITCHEN
As our houses become less compartmentalised, the trend for combining cooking and dining areas makes perfect sense. The result? A more casual and versatile cooking space and a practical social hub for friends and family.
BACK TO BASICS
Many of us don’t give much consideration to the materials our houses are made from – we only notice them when we feel a cool tiled floor beneath our feet or slide our hand along a smooth handrail. Bare brickwork, wooden beams and old tiles look lovely and help to promote a laid-back vibe. Hardwearing materials such as wood and stone gain beauty with age and are perfect for creating a kitchen that requires little TLC.
These twig serving platters highlight the untamed nature of wood. Set on a smooth marble surface mounted spotlight with an elaborate base, their wonky charm is all the more evident. Terracotta pots add warmth. For similar platters try Amara (
Salvaged tiles act as a splashback and provide a battered, authentic contrast to the sleek mixer tap. For similar tiles try Baked Tiles (
Plain wooden shelving allows these white fluted-edged plates and serving dishes to take the spotlight. For similar tableware try Zara Home (
Split bamboo provides the backdrop to this utilitarian kitchen space, which is filled with shiny steel tea urns, teapots and an industrial coffee machine. It is a practical environment that still looks inviting to relax in, with the extra-thick wooden table top to lean against while drinking coffee
Here natural bamboo provides the perfect foil for these shiny silver tea urns. A clock placed casually on a shelf rather than wall-mounted adds to the laid-back mood
RECLAIMED COZAR TILES (right), £5 per tile, and RECLAIMED ALTEA TILES, £8 per tile, both Bert & May,
CHEESE PLATTER, £35, House of Fraser,
TAGINE, £24.95, Divertimenti, COOL, CALM AND CURATED
To live simply doesn’t mean you can’t build up a collection of your favourite things, you just have to be discerning. Think of your space as a personal museum, showcasing your beloved pieces of art, found objects or cherished travel memories. Being selective means that your possessions will be a constant source of delight, rather than piles of clutter.
A cupboard is lined with a quirky assortment of ceramics. Shells from travels hang from the door knob. For similar lettuce plates, try Rockett St George (
A collection of kitchenalia, pictures, postcards and a McDougalls flour man are arranged on a skinny steel shelf and a vintage factory trolley. Mix the practical with the aesthetic in your kitchen to reflect your personality. For similar monochrome kitchenware, try Skandium (
THE BATHROOM
This should be a place of sanctuary rather than hurried necessity. A light, spacious and, most importantly, clutter-free space will provide the soothing environment you need as you begin your bleary-eyed morning ablutions.
A salvaged bath with classic ball and claw feet shows off its pipe-work with pride. The theme is continued with the exposed copper-pipe towel rail, which is modernised and sits well with the botanical print. A collection of shells and pebbles on the wall adds to the found-objects aesthetic
A curvy cast iron sink sits on turned legs, saving on space and allowing light to flow around them. The wall tiles are classic Delft pottery. For similar tiles, try Norton Tile Company (
LEFT: Don’t be afraid to mix things up. Here, a hammered silver cup doubles as a vase and adds a hint of opulence contrasted against a bleached wooden block on the sink. For similar bathroom accessories, try the Casa Couture range at House of Fraser (
TOWEL RAIL, £162.50, Period Property Store,; SOAP DISPENSER, £18, Laura Ashley,
BATH, £360, Soakology, This is an edited extract from Simple Home: Calm Spaces for Comfortable Living by Mark and Sally Bailey, published by Ryland, Peters & Small, price £19.99.To order a copy for the special price of £14.99 until 14 May, visit