Great Gatsby Gorgeousness

The beautifully feminine bejewelled flapper dresses, and the rich golds and graphic lines of 1920s interiors, all make for a much-anticipated remake of The Great Gatsby and it seems that director Baz Luhrmann hasn't done things by halves - we say take a leaf out of his lavish book...

Images from Project Fairytale 

You may well have seen the film by the time you read this post, but as we write this on the day of its UK release, we've excitedly seen just meagre hints at what Baz Luhrmann has created for his "unrestrained" shall we say, film sets, and we're already inspired enough to follow his lead. We've seen tonnes and tonnes of papery blooms - literally flowers everywhere, spilling out of urns and cut-glass fishbowl-shaped vases at every turn. Re-create this in your own French bedroom - if you don't have the tabletop spot on your shabby chic chest of drawers for a generous vase of huge hydrangeas, stand it on your painted floorboards beside your white dressing table and dainty dressing chair. When it comes to the feminine touch in 1920s interiors, think ladylike and very grown up rather than frivolous and girly, so French style furniture, luxe cream upholstery, geometric and graphic Art Deco flower prints (but restrained in their application - see below re: pattern) and blush peach and pink velvets - simply delicious.

Stylish Side Effects

Tray tables, short bookcases, stools, shabby chic beside tables, pedestal tables, petite console tables, even French Louis chairs - get creative with your side table styling...

1 Bijou Side Table: £245. 2 Buffalo Leather Side Table: £199. 3 Delphine Distressed Painted Bedside Table: £260

When space is at a premium or when you're looking for the perfect new spot to show off your new Abigail Ahern Poodle Lamp on, think outside the side table box, and look to alternative tabletops. Think a fabulously sculptural stool with only space for one favourite key piece to sit on, or a bedside table rather unusually in your lounge but fitting with other French furniture pieces in the scheme and providing desired drawer space too. Make a real focal point with them by choosing a finish in a contrasting accent colour - metallic gold or a fluorescent bright to sing out against muted neutrals.  Or play with symmetry by placing side table alternatives at either side of a sofa for example, and dressing the areas at each end - a wall light above each of them, a single wall shelf displaying a favourite vase or objet d'arts, even a little rug under each area like our Simple Chic Sheepskin.

Create a Relaxing Atmosphere in your Bedroom

We spend nearly a third of our lives sleeping, so it’s really worth investing time in making your bedroom just perfect, inducing a feeling of calm, improving sleep patterns and creating a feeling of wellbeing. Waking to a beautiful, clutter-free space, will ensure each morning starts with a positive feeling and an outlook to match.

Regardless of bedroom size there are always options when it comes to layout. Choosing where to locate your French bed or upholstered bed and the direction it faces can make a big difference to sleep patterns. Be smart when positioning furniture; try not to position the bed next to the radiator, as this can not only be uncomfortable, it also blocks the heat from circulating efficiently around the room. If the property is in an apartment block, for example, think about which wall is the quietest and arrange the furniture accordingly.