Interior design ideas for your home

House and Interior Show Olympia

The way we are living is changing, with smaller spaces to live in British homes it is important to be creative with design.This post is for anyone who wants inspiration on creating a beautiful looking home and garden.  

Outside of food I love architecture and interior design. Architecture and interior design done in the right way can make a space both practical and beautiful. But good design can really bring a building to life. 

Below are some buildings that whilst they may not be conventionally beautiful to me are stunning because they use the space and design in an interesting way. 

Recently when I saw that Kensington Olympia had a new exhibition 'house', I knew instantly that I really wanted to go. The show was divided into three areas: 

• Interior and exterior design
• Gourmet food 
• International art and antiques

I thought it would be nice to share some of the highlights from the day. 

Interior and Exterior Design:
I have admired David Harber and his work for a number of years. This is partly because he came to sculpting later in life, which encourages me to keep alive my desire to make bronze statues in the future, rather than just being a pipe dream.

David uses water, light, and three dimensional design to make the most beautiful works of art for any size garden.

Many of the exhibitors showed off the best of British design and talent. But I specifically liked the winners of this years Design Guild Mark awarded for excellence in furniture design.  

The Hat Tree designed by Ben Fowler and made out of beech is not only beautiful but highly practical. 

The Windsor Rocker designed by Katie Walker is made from one continuous piece of wood. It is reminiscent of the original Wheelwright Windsor chair. 

British designers really are among some of the best in the world. 

Taking one of the most iconic objects of the second world war, the Spitfire; Huw Edwards Jones has built an amazing Spitfire memorial table using restored propellers from the actual aircraft.

I couldn't help but love this next table that reminded me of past fun I've had building and designing in the Minecraft world (does anyone else see a sheep?).

Gourmet Food:

Many a stand were letting you sample their foodie wares, and it didn't take me long to head over to this side of the exhibition to see what was on offer.

Some of the samples were of such high quality that after having a small feast, I waited patiently for them to put out fresh taster plates.

It would have been rude not to try more than one of each type! 

I also bought enough sausages to keep me going till next years show.

You might have thought that after my mini tasters that I couldn't possibly have been hungry, but the legs were getting a little weary so I decided on a rest in a section that just happened to serve afternoon tea. 

Certainly not the Ritz, but a welcome break for tired legs and well received. After all the eating we headed to the next exhibition to walk the food off. 

International Art and Antiques:

The Arts and Antiques exhibition was running in conjunction with the 'Home' show and had some lovely exhibits that would happily adorn my house if the lottery fairy ever blesses me.

We had a wonderful day and since my visit have been actively adding ideas to Pinterest. If you get a chance to go next year then I would highly recommend it; however, you might have to gently nudge me away from the free tasting samples to try ones for yourself.

What's your favourite room in your house? If you could redesign your home or a room what would you do?

I would love to read your comments. Share any design tips you have.