I always welcome late autumn as a blissful period of nesting that lasts well into the new year. I tend to focus on seasonal vignettes using foraged forest stuff like branches and cuttings, leaves, acorns and pine cones. I’m always on the lookout for fallen or cut trees while on forest or park walks, and I am obsessed with nurseries and garden centres.
I’ve worked hard to create an attractive but livable interiors suitable to both family life and home entertaining.
I've recently given an interview to House and Home Magazine on home decorating and how I turned a big hobby into a small business. Tell me what you think ... 1. Tell us about your business and what kind of decor you provide. Home|Lust Concept Store, home-lust.com, is a small Dublin-based business that offers a hand-picked selection of timeless and versatile design and home … Continue reading Design for the home, design for life
Spring and summer are a celebration of nature, so natural elements from foraged foliage to a bouquet of pampas grass or a single big sunflower are great ways to bring the outdoors in without spending much or anything at all.
What is IKEA's 'DEMOCRACTIC DESIGN' and what it means to us as interiors consumers?
A new, serene Scandi style focused on rich colours, interesting shapes and sustainable materials will be dominating interiors for the rest summer ...
One of my favourite trends of all time is Scandinavian Maximalism, also known as bohemian minimalism or modern boho. Here are my thoughts on how to pimp up your Scandi decor...
The colours of the year 2019 have been revealed. Here are some of the hues that are going to feature in home decor and commercial interiors next year.
Don’t let the larger furniture pieces dictate the style of the room. Choose your sofas and armchairs in neutral colours and simple shapes, and go as big as the room allows. This space is for lounging, a playroom for adults, really, so bring in the element of comfort but steer clear of bold patterns or faddy designs for your seating.
Trying to make the most of our homes’ available space we've all had to deal with sharp corners, oddly-shaped alcoves and cramped corridors.
Welcome guests into your abode with a room that is stylishly decorated and features all the comforts of home …
My interview with House and Home Magazine at the Ideal Home Show, Spring 2017 in the RDS, Dublin where I designed and exhibited a garden room in the Colourtrend Interior Design Forum. Join me @idealhomedublin in the RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin this Friday to Sunday, 21-23 April 2017. I'd love for you to visit my interior … Continue reading Spring/Summer Interior Trends 2017: Flora & Fauna
Even the smallest urban space can become a blooming outdoor oasis if you approach it in the right way ...
Come autumn, everyone is looking to cosy up and embrace rustic charm and warmth. But how do you combine those with your modern amenities and contemporary interiors?
When the summer holiday is still a long way away, we look at ways to bring that wanderlusty holiday feel into the home ...
On mintmag.ie Image: chanelbagsandcigarettedrags.com Are you wondering whether the good weather is ever coming back? It is! And when it does, here is how to enjoy the warm summer days in-style, with our ideas and product recommendations on styling the coolest outdoor dining space. Modern Monochrome The Scandinavians practically invented cool contemporary and the monochrome … Continue reading Three Ways To A Cool Outdoor Dining Space
Bring the outside in and keep it smart with these ingenious ideas for small outdoor areas: 1. A tiny but charming dining nook in a corner of your little terrace (Houzz) 2. A travel-inspired, geometrically-playful outside area on apartmenttherapy.com 3. Build a loft deck and go wild with decorating and planting like in this Houzztour 4. If … Continue reading #urbangarden: Green In The City
My take on this combination is a sparse Scandinavian space, terrifically textured textiles, dark clay and stone homewares, North African or Middle Eastern furnishings, reclaimed or distressed wood...
A version of this article appeared on Mint Mag: 10 Ways To Bring Summer Into Your Home Have a look at these tried-and-tested decor tips to bring sunshine into your home. A little playful print here, a happy homeware piece there .. here are ten ways to make your indoors more inviting, plus some pretty products … Continue reading Happy Decor Tips To Cheer Up Your Home
Published on mintmag.ie: Quirky Prints For Your Home One of the easiest – and cheapest – ways to make changes to your decor and add a little personality to your home is by purchasing some pretty prints. Illustrations and stencil work are having a moment in the Irish creative industries right now, so you’ll be spoilt … Continue reading Illustration Nation: How to decorate with prints
THE LOOK If you love the sumptuous feel of smooth, velvety textiles between your fingertips or the tasteful opulence of a vintage sparkling chandelier in your home, you probably love the luxe look. So do I! This luxe decor moodboard is inspired by the retro interiors of cinematic experiences such as I Am Love and The Great Beauty. There, vintage furniture … Continue reading Retro Luxe
With an established arts and antiques quarter on Francis Street, beautiful and imaginative vintage shops all around town, as well as new fleamarkets and vintage fairs popping up every year, we have a lot going on, and it’s only getting better.
On image.ie
In today’s home gallery I look at traditional and country-style interiors…
With our renewed interest in traditional local products, a resurgence in old Irish craft techniques, and the eternally inviting appeal of a cottage-style property, no wonder people are falling for trad again. Snug interiors, patterned wallpapers, traditional rugs, woollen blankets, sumptuous curtains… what’s not to like?
Here’s a selection of the best traditional house tours featured in Image Interiors & Living and my pick of the best products to recreate this cosy look:
This new store showcases an impressive and eclectic range of high-end furniture, sumptuous textiles, out-of-this-world lighting, ceramic wares and sweet prints and more. A nice touch are the lovely quotes from the makers themselves which accompany the product descriptions, so that you learn a new story when you buy one of these beautiful pieces.
There is more to Scandinavian crime lit than just morally-complex and exceptionally-dark stories – the decor inspiration and iconic design it brings are also to die for (see what I did there?).
I confess: I find coils of wire intensely appealing ...
HOUSE TOUR: An old Ranelagh redbrick turns into a warm and welcoming Scandi-inspired home…
On mintmag.ie How To Create An Outdoor Oasis And so the good weather has finally arrived! Whether you have a patio, back garden, or a small balcony, take advantage of the warm temperatures and long evenings with our guide to creating a luxurious and inviting outdoor oasis. Found on dwellingsanddecor.tumblr.com We browsed around on Pinterest … Continue reading Outdoor Oasis
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Published on image.ie Dive into the world of colour-dip cooking and dining accessories and add a burst of colour to your summer table … 1. Royal Doulton tapas tableware, from around €18, John Lewis 2. Atelier cutlery set, around €121, Anthropologie 3. Pair of oak chopping boards, €27, Marks & Spencer 4. Julia Paul Pottery … Continue reading Double-Dip Dining
A version of this article appeared on mintmag.ie My Mug tableware | Earth vase in rose | Glacier wine accessories Smoke glass and wood lantern | Copper-finish mirror | Set of gold wire baskets Wall sticker | Cherry blossom mug | Rustic wall-mounted vase Dip bowl | Enamel plates | Breadboards Bird feeder | Felt coasters | Bud vase Tray cloth | High tea napkins | Summer berry cushion Wooden … Continue reading 10 Best Independent Design Shops in Ireland This Summer
This is the story of the If you weren't able to join us last weekend for the preview event, consider a trip into town October 16-18! Interested in media please contact hello@theflower.house. @hsaundersphoto #handmademodern #americangrown #americangrownflowers #flowers #flowerhouse #flowerhousedetroit @toddoldham @handmademodern A photo posted by flower house detroit (@flowerhousedetroit) on May 11, 2015 at 6:43am … Continue reading Urban Decay: When Flowers Fight Back
Are you a big film fan, love food but can't cook to save your life? Or perhaps you are just lacking motivation in the kitchen lately? One of the best ways to get in the mood for cooking, get over your fear and learn a few things is to watch cookery programmes and YouTube recipe videos. … Continue reading Cinematic Cravings
A House Tour from Blakstad Architects: nothing but white, natural wood and light Images and copyright: blakstadibiza.com
Copper bowl | Decorative boxes | Olive cushion | Yellow dot mugs | Concrete lamp | Yellow rug | Day bed | Vase
Meet and marvel at Malin Menningsson's wearable jewelry art: and this is how it's made: Malin's story Shop Malin here.
One of my favourite eats! Depending on how you want to serve it and how much of it you want to make, it is: a dip, a spread, a meal, and it comes in amazing colours. Very versatile, you can really be creative with your dish composition, and it's more nourishing and healthier than most side dishes and … Continue reading Easy #partyfood: Bean hummus & roasted peppers
Published on: image.ie Here we scale the dizzying heights of ladders’ elegance and usefulness about the home… Fun and functional, it's no wonder that ladders are having a moment. They've been filling up our Pinterest feed for quite some time now, so we've rounded up the different brilliant ways they could work in your home. … Continue reading Steps to Heaven
I have a thing for scorched/smoked wood and beautiful pastel flowers with a subdued #boho vibe, so I had to put together this #lookbook where #florals meet dark wood and the feel is modern #Japanese - almost #wabisabi - with a side of dark #Scandinavian, like from TineK. [Click on the pictures below to see where the … Continue reading Smoke & Petals
On image.ie There is an old myth about not mixing interior styles, but, with a good eye and some careful sourcing, you can do it quite prettily... As most of us now live in contemporary-style homes and apartments, the question is how to incorporate heirlooms seamlessly into our interior design schemes. Here are some tips … Continue reading A Touch of Retro
On image.ie Inspired by this IMAGE Interiors gallery of modern living rooms for the urban-minded? Get the look with these awesome products with a modernist edge … 1.Tablo table, €223 by Normann Copenhagen, Bodie and Fou 2. Arco floor lamp, €650, CA Design 3. Different Trains cabinet, around €2,240, Haus London 4. Fauteuil de Salon armchair by … Continue reading Sleek Sitting Rooms
On image.ie Pink is possibly the most versatile hue you can use in your home. Here are some tips on how to pull off a grown-up colour scheme that’s poised, not princessy, from one of the sisters behind Belfast's cult interiors store Maven... One of the trends we’re smitten with for the coming year is … Continue reading Think Pink
On image.ie To achieve the perfection of the most magical mid-century abodes as seen in this IMAGE Interiors gallery, I've put together some time ago, think: joyful patterns and playful colours, a combination of 1950s gin-and-tonic mentality and laid-back insouciance, a romantic-eclectic ensemble with a touch of retro pop: Mid-century Swedish sideboard, price on application, Kirk Modern Kilim ottoman, … Continue reading Mid-Century Magic
Don't want your children's room to look exactly like page X of brand catalogue Y? Me neither! Here are some adorable, mostly DIY, marvelously ingenious kids' projects from creative mums and dads from around the world. Some of these come with tutorials and they are super-easy - and reassuringly cheap - to make (so, no excuses!) using items from the … Continue reading Cute Cuddle Rooms
Desperate for a home makeover but unsure if you have the guts to attempt it? Follow these foolproof home facelift tips … 1. Create a moodboard for your project or use an online room planner. Know what you want, and plan it out. Plan and project-manage the jobs, and don’t lose track of deadlines. 2. Work … Continue reading Home Makeover
Modern retro and vintage + contemporary - my favourite look in a Pinterest board I put together for IMAGE Interiors
On image.ie This is the easiest dinner party you’ll ever throw… Picture this – you whip up ALL the courses the morning of, you leave them in the oven/fridge, have a relaxing afternoon – and, come evening, a radiating, well-rested host opens the door,apéritif in hand! Sounds good? Here’s how to do it! Make good … Continue reading Totally, Yoghurtly Yours
With many interior design trends from across the years now coming back in, insurance company chill.ie looked at one of the great Irish TV series of all time, the unequalled Father Ted, and reimagined it its setting and decor using with some interior design trends from previous decades. My favourite of these is the midcentury design look.
Recently I was interviewed by the Irish Indepedent's Nathalie Marquez Courtney for an article on foliage vs flora for home decor. Here are my tips on creating a relaxing nature-like haven that oozes lush luxuriousness and elegance with natural foliage and plant patterns...
Woven rattan furniture is available almost everywhere and fits in nicely with the Bohemian look, preferably if it hangs from the ceiling.
What a great honour to be featured in the Irish Independent on Saturday Gardening Supplement this weekend. Irish Independent, 10 Mar 2018 ME AND MY GARDEN Irish Independent DIANA VALENTINE is the owner of interiors store home-lust.com. She grows a container garden on the balcony of her fourth-floor apartment in Booterstown, Dublin. She says: “I … Continue reading URBAN GARDEN: Small can be beautiful
Spring has finally sprung, and it’s time to embrace its happy hues and beauteous botanical patterns. Here are four ways to introduce green into your home, and where you can stock up on emerald home accessories and living greens in Ireland…
Welcome spring 2017's New Romantic look with these 10 tantalising décor trends…
Spring has finally sprung, and it’s time to embrace its happy hues and beauteous botanical patterns. Here are four ways to introduce green into your home ...
Creating a work space that is both pretty and practical is not easy. Taking inspiration from the latest 2017 interior trends such as decorating with moody blues and luxurious living greens, I've come up with this impression of my perfect creative space in the home ... Creative Space by homelust
Looking for a truly hideous Halloween? Here are some horror-show hand-outs that are cheap, fun, easy to make, and … prepare to be shocked ... hauntingly healthy! I know, frightening!!!
It was a pretty special night at the Irish Blogging Olympics earlier this month ...
Every year I try to do a Valentine's day blog post, if only because my name IS Valentine, so here is my 2016 little guide on Valentine things to do in Dublin and Ireland, from special events to go to with your special one, to Valentine's Day for singles, families and charities, because "love is all around us" and Valentine's Day is for all.
I recently returned from a skiing holiday, and I am missing the snow. To recover from the post-holiday January blues, I've put this little post together for home-lust.com on how to create a winter haven at home ... image: home-lust.com The cold weather and dark nights are the perfect excuse to justify snuggling up on the sofa preferably … Continue reading How To Create A Cosy Home in Winter
Some two weeks ago, in the aftermath of Aylan Kurdi's death, I was writing about those boats, about how the refugees are coming and why, and wondered what was going to happen to them and with us all, once they are here. A lot has happened since then. Lots more people died, including lots of … Continue reading ABOUT THESE GERMANS
A QUICK'N'EASY SUPERCHARGED RECIPE FOR the school lunchbox
I've never visited a refugee camp, donated heavily to a refugee charity or volunteered to work with refugees in any capacity. The only times I've come close to the reality of being a refugee on foreign shores were a couple of holiday drives...
The time has come to get the school gear together, and I’ve browsed around for some cool items your little ones and older kids should not go without this September.
Remember children’s parties? They used to be easy. You knew what to expect. Everybody seemed to have fun. No one ended up broke after those three to four hours of silly fun. Kids were generally happy with their presents. There were no special dietary requests, no gift suggestions sent weeks in advance, no fancy stationery … Continue reading Kids’ Parties – What To Do and Not To Do
You can’t really prepare to be a mum and nothing can really prepare you for what motherhood throws at you. Best advice I ever got: “Expect the unexpected!” This is a realist’s guide to expectant motherhood, which might – or might not – help you keep your sanity after birth and beyond. Your newborn will … Continue reading Agony & Ecstasy: A Realist’s Guide to First-Time Motherhood
City guide coming soon ... This is Belgrade for lovers or architecture and design... Places to see AMBAR COMMUNALE DIJAGONALA FRIDA GALDOLFINI IGUANA KRAN LABORATORIJA MIKSER HOUSE RADIONICA SAKURA SOFA PLAY SUPERMARKET TORO SMOKVICA
