It’s been said that Louis XIV had 413 four posters –– “the bed of kings, and the king of beds.” Well, these days they’re making a comeback, returning as a minimal version of their once opulent selves. As a child I had the posts, (lucky, me) but no drapes to play hide and seek behind. So, if I ever have a four poster bed again, I’d go the whole way, with a romantic canopy (circus fabric, perhaps) and decadent wood posts.

It was my friend Stephanie who inspired me to bring Eucalyptus leaves into the home. Last time we visited her and her family in New York, I noticed a large glass pitcher stuffed full of tall Eucalyptus branches on the dining room table. What a simple way to bring colour and texture (and scent) into a room. They’re not expensive, and they last for weeks. Even dry they look great. I buy them often now, and plonk them in vessels all over the house.

I’m a sucker for stripes, I really am, and red and white ones are hard to beat. Maybe it’s because I think of the circus, or a Punch and Judy show, but I can’t help but smile when I see them. This little nook is calling my name. I like the whimsy of the stripe next to the formal of the painting. Who’s he writing to?

London has cherry blossoms, New York, too. But in Toronto, we’re still counting snowdrops, one by one. Before long, we’ll also have cherry blossoms and tulips in our paths, but in the meantime, Laura Jones‘ flowers paintings will have to do. Have a look –– they might brighten your day. They did mine.

I find minimal design beautiful, but boring. Give me tchotchke, colour clashes and contradictions. “Maximal” is how owner and children’s clothing designer, Victoria Roper describes her charmingly higgledy-piggledy cottage in the thick of the English countrside.. Every room is a hodge podge of print and colour, and no room is without books, toys and pictures. I love the vintage beds in the children’s rooms and the bright yellow (like freshly churned butter) in the kitchen is delightful. Take a look at the Eat Me Drink Me Cottage’s instagram page, or better yet, book a holiday there.

Who doesn’t love a sink that looks like a small tub? I love the ever-so-gentle hues of blush, beige and butter yellow. The lighting seems subtle enough to soften the appearance of all fine lines and dark circles. And that mirror is pure drama. Yes, this is a loo, I’d be happy to spend a penny at.

I came across a website today called Minimalist Home, and it’s one beautiful space after another. I think that minimalism often implies cold and stark, but these space are anything but. If William Morris were alive, he would no doubt appreciate them. “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” There are so many playful juxtapositions in these spaces. They’re simple, nuanced and unique. Have a look around.