Autumn is a season marked by vibrant colors and a sense of warmth and cosiness. It’s a time when nature transforms into a picturesque scene, with leaves changing colours and shedding gracefully from trees. One way to capture and magnify the beauty of this season is by incorporating artificial flowers into your home decor.
Artificial flowers have come a long way in recent years, with advancements in materials and the manufacturing techniques used. The days of stiff, unrealistic-looking blooms are long gone. Now, you can find artificial flowers that are so realistic, they can very easily be mistaken for the real thing. I once had a customer tell me that her mother in law watered her faux flowers while she was on holidays because she thought they were real!
One of the biggest advantages of using artificial flowers during autumn is the longevity you get from them. While fresh flowers may only last for a short amount of time, artificial flowers can be enjoyed throughout the entire season and beyond. You can create stunning autumn-themed arrangements and enjoy them year after year.
When it comes to selecting artificial flowers for autumn, there are a few key elements to consider. The colors should reflect the rich hues of the season, such as deep reds, yellows, and organges.
To complete your autumn vibe, you could style your artificial flowers with other natural elements. This could include incorporating branches with colorful leaves, acorns, or even small pumpkins. By mixing the natural and artificial elements together, you can create a truly harmonious autumn display.
So, this autumn, why not embrace the beauty of the season with artificial flowers? They offer a low-maintenance, long-lasting solution to bring the colors and textures of autumn into your home. With their realistic appearance, you and your guests will be able to enjoy the beauty of these blooms without even realizing they aren't real.
I love flowers. I do. But my new build, highly energy efficient home…not so much. I have always been that girl who cannot pass the florist without a deep inhale and a flurry of thoughts about how many of the arrangements I’d like to bring home. And to some degree I still experience those feelings and emotions whenever I am near fresh floral delights.
BUT….
I could no longer justify spending money regularly on fresh blooms that the heat would see wither in a couple of days. On top of that, I have many places in my home that florals elevate and I want to be able to enjoy them for longer than a week. Enter faux flowers. My search for quality artificial blooms was the ‘AHA’ moment in where my career path was going next. I had a new build home that I wanted to furnish with some beautiful flowers and I knew that other new build homeowners would have similar problems once they realised that heat + fresh cut flowers = no bueno! And so, The Irish Country Home was born.
To me, faux flowers are as much a piece of the home décor as the photo frame or a pretty rug. They add colour, texture and provide another layer of what makes a house a home. I love to create ‘fresh’ but faux bouquets that will fill that purpose and give my customer another reason to smile day after day.
And what about the maintenance I hear you ask? Well, that is minimal. An occasional blast of a hairdryer on low heat or a gentle wipe with a damp cloth will do the job nicely. When I say occasional, I am talking once a year, max.
So, there you have it, imagine getting to enjoy seasonal blooms all year long with little to no maintenance that will always be at their best and are allergy free for your human and pet friends. It’s a win win! I hope you find something that you will love and cherish for years to come.
Laura x
]]>Artificial Flowers are Long Lasting
Faux flowers and plants won’t wilt or droop and can be enjoyed for years with very little maintenance at all. They will look fresh all year long and can be placed anywhere unlike their real counterparts.
Faux Flowers are Hypoallergenic
Faux flowers are the best solution is you suffer from hay fever or any pollen related allergies. The flowers can be enjoyed without worrying about them having any adverse effects on you or your guests. This makes them the perfect alternative for workplace receptions, salons and medical practices.
They’re Maintenance Free
Faux flowers are pretty much maintenance free. A real flower arrangement requires you to change the water, cut the stems, feed them, pick up the fallen petals…the list goes on. All our faux flowers can be lightly blown with a hairdryer on a cool setting every once in a while, to remove any dust. A wipe with a clean cloth or baby wipe also does the job.
Pet Friendly
Fresh flowers and plants can be extremely poisonous to cats and dogs. Our furry animals can be very inquisitive and will want to play with and chew flowers and as we can’t watch him them all the time this is the last thing we want. You can rest assured that our fabulous faux flowers look as good as fresh but will not harm your beloved pets.
Cost Effective
Faux flowers might seem an expensive outlay but in the long term they will save you a lot of money. Real flowers can be expensive and will only last about a week. An artificial alternative will cost you once and can be enjoyed for years!
]]>1. If you find your accessories are a little small when styling then why not stack a few books beneath and place your accessories on top. Not only will it rise up your decorative piece, it will add interest to the whole look.
Image via Pinterest
2. Books are great for filling in the gaps in a vignette. Layer them horizontally to fill up a large space and to create interest. You'd be surprised how pretty a few books can look leaning against each other or tucked along side of something.
Image via Pinterest
3. Curate your own at home library. Your books can be just as stylish and telling of your personality as a fabulous vintage antique or a piece of art. Colour code them for an extra wow look!
Image via Pinterest
Shop Our Coffee Table Books Below;
and lots more here
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The most obvious place to start is with the walls. One of the most effective ways to update any space whether it be a rental or your own home is to create a great foundation and paint will do just that. I like to keep walls neutral so that I can let the furnishings and art be the main focus. I feel like a neutral base allows for far more creativity and colour splashes elsewhere. One of the questions I get asked about most is what colours I have on the walls in my own home and I would still happily recommend it to anyone. It is Slaked Lime Deep by LittleGreene paints. Their paints are very high quality so will stand the test of time and can be wiped clean. You can buy it direct from Littlegreene.ie with prices starting at €30 a litre.
Textiles
Textiles are a great way to add personality without making any radical changes. If the floors are hardwood or cold then rugs will add a layer of warmth and texture. A large jute rug will create a new carpet look without any great cost. Then add some smaller textiles like cushions, throws and ready to hang curtains to completely transform the space. We have some beautiful merino wool throws and linen cushions at theirishcountryhome.com. Cushions will be available from September and throws start at €129.95
Lighting
Getting an electrician in to change the lighting in a rental is not going to be likely so you’ll have to work with what you’ve got. However, there are lots of options for personalising the lighting. Using oversized pendant lights and changing lampshades to add a feature to a room. If you’re dealing with badly placed lights or bad bulbs, adding some lamps will give the space a warm and cosy feel. IKEA have lots of affordable lighting options with prices starting at €10
Accessories
There are lots of ways to add accessories. Add plants, big and small to add interest and to disguise any ugly walls or floors. Baskets are another simple piece of decor that adds texture to your space without too much colour or distraction. They’re amazing for storage, making them functional as well as pretty. Hanging art is a wonderful way to show your personality and if your landlord doesn’t allow you to use nails in the walls there are ways around it. You can use 3M Command products or White Tak to hang lighter pieces and it won’t leave any marks behind. Add in your own home decor pieces like artificial flowers, decorative boxes and coffee table books to put your unique stamp on the place.
I hope that was of some help to any of you currently renting or thinking about it. As always, feel free to email me with any of your questions to laura@theirishcountryhome.com
Laura x
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Hello everyone, I hope you are all well and enjoying the good weather. Today we are talking bathrooms. This is probably one of the easiest rooms to style well and one that can be refreshed quite easily. It's amazing what a few accessory updates can do to make a room feel fresh and up to date. Here are some of my tips to give your bathroom a new lease of life.
New Towels
Sometimes it's the small details that make the most noticeable difference, and when it comes to the simple luxuries in life, the perfect, lush towel is at the top of the list. Investing in good towels will not only make your space look better but it will make your showering or bathing experience a whole lot better. I like to go for towels that are at least 500gsm or higher as I know they will last a lifetime but will also feel great against my skin. Arnotts offers Luxury Egyptian Cotton Towels that are made from 700GSM twisted Egyptian-cotton with prices starting at €6.
Update your Handwashing Area
Since Covid hit we are all a lot more aware of our handwashing routines. What better way to make the experience more inviting than adding pretty handwashing accessories like a pretty soap, fresh hand towels, and even a pretty hand sanitizer bottle! To create an even more hygienic area, try rolling up your hand towels and styling them in a basket for use. I have recently added the beautiful Meraki brand to my website and it is not only a functional hand wash but it also looks great and smells amazing! You can pick it up at theirishcountryhome.com from just €17
Add some Greenery or Florals
Adding real or artificial greenery to any space brings it to life and that includes bathrooms. I love to style pretty faux florals or a plant on my sink countertop to add a bit of natural colour to the room and give it some extra texture. If space is an issue on your sink area, then consider mounting some shelves where you can add your florals and even store your bathroom products. Again, there are lots of options for faux florals on theirishcountryhome.com with prices starting from €19.95
Wallpaper
I am a big fan of wallpaper in a bathroom. It’s a simple way to make an impact, especially in rooms which are usually quite small. It's also a good way to divert the eyes from any unattractive features you may want to hide. There are some really amazing wallpapers on the market these days so why not check them out and infuse some fun into a room that would typically be the most boring space in the home. I put some beautiful Thibaut wallpaper in my downstairs bathroom and it is one of my favourite rooms in the house. wallpapermyhome.com have a huge selection of wallpapers both classic and contemporary so will suit all styles. Prices start from €20
For any interior styling questions email me at hello@theirishcountryhome.com
Laura x
Take your time.
Interior trends will come and go seasonally and while it is nice to peruse them, it doesn’t mean you need to change your aesthetics to keep up with them. Your home should be an expression of you and not someone else’s taste. Who has the time or money to keep up with changing trends anyway! Build on your interior space slowly and invest in long lasting design whether that be a piece of sustainably made furniture, buying an antique piece or simply repurposing that you already have. I love antique auctions for picking up something unique and giving it a second life. See www.willowantiques.ie for regular online auctions.
Select Sustainable Materials
Whatever you are investing in, try to choose sustainable materials such as bamboo, FSC-certified timber, energy efficient lighting and eco friendly paint where possible. For textiles, aim for natural fibres such as organic cottons, wool, and seagrass which have a much lower environmental impact than synthetic ones. I love my seagrass baskets for both storage and how eco-friendly they are. Pick up a set of 3 for €124.95
Repurpose, reuse or upcycle
Before replacing tired or worn-out items, consider whether a revamp would breathe new life into them. Sometimes a new coat of paint or the reupholstering of a chair or couch is all that is needed to create a fresh new look, and it is far more satisfying than buying new. I have an ottoman that has been with me for nearly ten years and I will recover it for the third time this year which gives me such pleasure. For reupholstery or repair see www.thesofafactory.com for a wealth of stylish options.
Choose Accessories Carefully
Nowadays most homes are made up of a mix of investment pieces and high street finds. While the cheaper items are great for minor updates, be careful not to accumulate needless clutter. H&M, Zara, and IKEA have some lovely sustainable designs but before you buy, think how long you intend to keep those pieces. Could they be rotated seasonally or could you see those pieces being passed down to future generations? Rotating interior accessories throughout the year will keep things interesting while producing less waste. See www.zarahome.com for lots of sustainable options.
I hope this has given you some food for thought. My motto has always been “if you buy cheap, you buy twice” and this has never been more evident in todays fast fashion world. Good luck with creating your own sustainable designs and I will chat to you next month.
For any interior styling questions email me at hello@theirishcountryhome.com
Laura x
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You don’t need to overhaul your paint scheme or modify your furniture to adapt to the seasons. There are lots of simple ways to change things up and accessorise are a great place to start. Swap out your winter cushions for more light and airy tones, update shelves with house plants, and remove the dark blankets in favour of pastel throws. My new collection of luxury merino wool throws is perfect for this.
Flowers, Flowers, Flowers
Nothing says spring like a good scattering of fresh or faux flowers. Use seasonal florals around the home to add both colour and embrace the time of year. Tulips are very much in season throughout spring so why not pick some up and distribute them around the house for an instant lift. A great tip I recently learned is to put a copper coin into the vase with them to keep them upright for longer!
Add New Tableware
Another easy way to make changes to your home for spring is in your kitchen. Keep a set of lighter coloured dishes and cups in storage to rotate when the seasons change. I love using all-white pieces throughout the year but I also love to see bright colourful plates and bowls in spring tabelscapes. Add in some colourful glassware and you are set for indoor and outdoor dining for spring and summer. I like these LSA International tumblers for €36 on amara.com
Swap out your candles
If your house has been adorned with cinnamon and gingerbread scented candles throughout the winter, you might want to consider changing things up with some light floral or citrus scented candles for spring. This will help set the mood for the months ahead. I love all candles by Herb Dublin, especially this Daffodil one.
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1. The first thing you can do to stave off dust is to put a hairdryer on a cool setting and use this to blow away any dust that may have built up on the petals. This is particularly important on lighter coloured blooms as it's the dust that tends to cause marks whereas these don't show up as much on the darker colours. If you do see a mark on the blooms then use a damp cloth to try remove any stains. Alternatively, a baby wipe works just as well to remove both dust and any small marks.
2. Another simple way is to place flowers in a bag with half a cup of salt, close, and shake it around gently for a few minutes. Check on your flower and repeat if necessary. Remember you will need to do this with each individual flower.
3. Spray a mixture of vinegar and water. First test the spray to make sure that it does not cause any of the colour to run. Lay the flowers on a newspaper to soak up excess spray. Mist the flowers very lightly with the mixture and allow them to air dry.
4. There are special silk flower sprays on the market that work too but can be expensive.
Other than that, enjoy your new fabulous faux flowers!
Laura x
]]>I am not a florist, though I do adore flowers. If you have followed me for a while you will know that I always had fresh flowers around the place from the moment we moved in. In our last house I was the same. As soon as Spring came, I’d be putting fresh blooms in every corner to add a splash of colour and life to the place. This new house is bigger though and I also now have two small children so time is of the essence for me. I still love fresh flowers but with the heat in this house, maintaining them was becoming a daily chore. Plus, it was killing me to see a fresh bunch just wither after a couple of days. That is when I started buying some faux flowers. Oh and what a joy it became to wake up everyday and guess what, they were still “fresh”!
When you think of faux flowers you’re probably thinking about all those hideously fake looking ones that were around years ago. Nowadays, Faux Flowers are bang on trend and the botanical look is everywhere. Interior designers are using them in every project and for good reason. They have become an inexpensive way to style the home and bring a layer of elegance to a room. They are of such good quality that you would literally have to touch them to see if they are in fact artificial.
Since deciding to bring these incredibly life like blooms to the market, my home is adorned with them and I love it. The entrance hall has the beautiful “Green Elegance” bouquet. I have split the “Green with Envy” luxury arrangement into two and have the meadow fresh stems on my dining table and the main floral stems in a vase on the island. My living room has peonies which I literally just admire every time I look down there. And best of all, there is no maintenance with any of them!
What’s the cost?
So maybe you are thinking about bringing some faux flowers into your home, but you are unsure of how much they will set you back. Any high quality, life like arrangement is going to be €85+ which may seem expensive but isn’t that close to what you would pay for a fresh bouquet that will last the best part of a week. Going faux is so cost effective.
Tips for buying Faux Flowers
I have spent a lot of time searching for the best artificial flowers available and I promise you these are incredibly lifelike. They are by no means cheap, but again you get what you pay for and I hope if you do treat yourself to a few stems or an arrangement that you will agree.
Laura x
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