The interiors world has taken gold, gloss, crystals and bling to its heart this season Following in the footsteps of fashion, this trend is also a reaction to our tough economic times
People want their living spaces to feel luxurious and atmospheric and are going for bejewelled and metallic wallpapers, lustrous fabrics, gilded furniture and catch-the-light accessories
"While people may not be spending as much on home decor, they certainly aren't skimping on effect," says Melanie Adams, wallcoverings manager at WallpaperDirect. (Casting Pendant).
"Increasingly they're taking inspiration from their jewellery boxes and wardrobes and opting for wallpapers that are full-on with the glitter and glamour Metallics are undoubtedly the big news for 2010 as they add instant richness
Most Popular ArticlesAznar, Trimble to launch new pro-Israel project What's closed July 5thMost Recent ArticlesPublic meeting on 'legal highs'Exercise wheel of fortunePrimitive breakthrough amid chic ambitionDriest spell for 70 years leads to drought orderCoach Domenech to blame for farcical exit, says Gallas"Even a single wall papered in a striking design can have incredible impact and improve the feel-good factor in an otherwise dull room. (Other Brands Jewellery). "
And not for nothing is this look dubbed 'metallic magic' because, as Melanie points out, the reflective properties of metallic papers and paints work in a similar way to mirrors by making small spaces seem larger, and helping them burst into life under artificial light
Designer Linda Barker applauds the trend "A touch of bling is the way to make our homes shine - literally - and currently it seems everyone's seeking a bit of good old-fashioned razzle-dazzle and glitz," she says
She advises those who want glitteringly successful rooms to follow the less-is more-rule, so that the end result is decadent and dramatic rather than bold and brassy "Apart from that there are no hard-and-fast rules," says the star of BBC's Changing Rooms
"You can opt for a futuristic approach with silver and steel and minimal furnishings, or echo the Seventies with zingy colours like oranges and greens in metallic finishes and retro white furniture," says Linda
"Alternatively, there's the opulent route which embraces vintage and uses gold and gilt teamed with tactile, touch-me fabrics such as velvet and silks" So rustle through the glad-rags in your wardrobe for inspiration and join the glitterati gang
MIDAS TOUCH
We've all got our favourite fashion style and you probably won't go far wrong if you replicate the essence of that in your rooms
Choose wallpapers and paints similar in colours and textures to your fanciest outfits, suggests Melanie
"Fashion divas will probably love show-stopper papers such as those with bold, striking patterns," she says
"People who prefer a classic, understated approach could be well- matched with pattern-free papers, or just paints" Her tip: Remember large patterns can overpower small spaces, and prepare and line walls as metallic and mirror effect papers can highlight any imperfections
STAR BUYS: Melanie's choices are Osborne & Little's Rombico paper from Teatro, pound(s)74 a roll and Vibrance by Kando
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Byline: Simon Walters political editor
A former student activist who insulted Tony Blair has been staying with Gordon Brown and his wife Sarah at their Scottish home to help him write a book based on his experience in Downing Street
Kirsty mcNeill, who worked as a speech writer for mr Brown in No 10, spends several days a week with him working on a major writing project about global economics and international social trends
mr Brown has been to Westminster only once since losing the election, to swear in formally as an mP, prompting rumours about his well-being However, friends say the 59-yearold is in 'good spirits', spending most of his time writing, relaxing on long walks and indulging his passion for football by watching the World Cup
Related ResultsObama, GOP differ on taxes leading up to deadlineUnemployed turning to religious leaders for help finding jobsObama says Congress must MarkON June 29, 1995, the space shuttle Atlantis docked with. (Porsche Design). . (Jaeger LeCoultre). [DerivedEnergy policy needed without wind powerThe couple's sons, John and fraser, both go to school in London and have so far remained in the capital during the week so as not to disrupt their education John, six, is at primary school and fraser, three, at nursery
The boys are understood to be staying with close friends of the family mrs Brown, 46, spends part of the week with them in London and at weekends the whole family is reunited at the house in North Queensferry, fife, in mr Brown's Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath constituency
Glaswegian ms mcNeill, 29, was recruited by mr Brown towards the end of his days at No 10, becoming his chief speech writer Her rapid promotion through the ranks prompted jealousy among other Downing Street staffers and was reportedly criticised by Peter mandelson She is said to possess an uncanny ability to translate ideas into 'Gordonspeak' and is now helping him with research for a series of projects
ms mcNeill received an estimated [pounds sterling]10,000 pay-off when she left No 10 and is understood to be working for mr Brown for free
A former world debating champion, she was a radical student activist while at oxford University When adopted as a Labour Parliamentary candidate for the 2005 election, she paid tribute to mr Blair as 'a votewinner who has headed the best Government this country has ever had' However, at oxford, where she was Student Union president, she led sit-ins and mass protests against mr Blair's policies. replica clothing . (Audemars Piguet). She joined the Campaign for free education - an alliance of hard-Left causes that united in opposition to tuition fees
In 2000 she led a loud protest against mr Blair As his motorcade arrived she is said to have shouted: 'Are you Thatcher in disguise?' As he delivered a speech she was among hecklers chanting: 'Tony Blair, shame on you, shame on you for turning blue' A friend of mr Brown said: 'Gordon is doing a lot of writing on economics and other issues
'It could lead to a book or a series of lectures or speeches He likes to bounce ideas off her They work well together She's a friend of the family. http://www.onward.net/blog/blog.asp?Uid=mywatches&id=1052
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The impressive collection, belonging to Bradford Playhouse, has been used in plays and productions over several decades. fake converse Rack after rack and box after box reveals a treasure trove of items used by actors and actresses who trod the boards at the theatre. chanel wallet . (chanel). Ballgowns, evening dress, military uniforms, and even a bear costume figure in the collection, built up since the 1920s when the theatre openedSome of the treasures, which also include gallery of dresses, a matador costume, 1960s clothing, and an array of handbags, hats, and accessories, would have been made at the theatre, in Bradford's Little Germany, while others would have been brought
Most Popular ArticlesAznar, Trimble to launch new pro-Israel project. (Bracelet). Too stressfulWiden it to help ease traffic jamWar of words on nukes continuesBut they all chronicle the theatre's history and give an insight into its pastPlayhouse team leader Sam Musgrave said: "The costumes were housed in one large space which was filled with racks and racks of wonderful, magical things. (Miu Miu). The majority of costumes would have been made here"We have got examples of Victoriana, some really beautiful, original 1920s silk suits and dresses "We have got some beautiful jewelled shoes from the 20s and 30s and we have got a pair of pointe shoes from the 1900s that are still in their box with a receipt and details of the little girl that was wearing them, and a lot of classic 40s and 50s two pieces"Originally the collection was housed in the theatre's wardrobe department on the theatre's second floor but more recently it has been kept in storage"The building has been a theatre since the 1920s and that's when the collection started to grow," Ms Musgrave said"There would have always been someone who looked after the collection and oversaw it "I joined the organisation about two years ago when it was looked after by volunteers"Bradford Playhouse has previously been placed in administration Ms Musgrave said yesterday it is now in a good financial position after being re-launched last October but the costumes are being sold as part of a previous agreement made with the administrators when the theatre changed handsOrganisers do not know how much the sale will raise but they will keep a selection of items for future use and posterityMs Musgrave added: "For us its really important that we keep some of these items"We have insisted that we have a mini collection that stays here tokeep the history and heritage of the building alive "We are rescuing precious pieces that we cannot live without"The sale takes place at the Playhouse, in Chapel Street, on Saturday and SundayA preview is available from 9am to11am on Saturday for creativeindustry professionals and theatre groups Admission is A[pounds sterling]3 and tickets must be reserved in advance by calling 01274 820666It is open to the public from 11am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday, with admission charged at A[pounds sterling]2Chemaine Cooke, office manager at The Playhouse, hopes the collection will appeal to a variety of people, from vintage clothes shops, to theatre groups, to people looking for vintage items to those that are simply keen to come and have a rummage and see the collection for themselves. Wholesale Handbags "Its clothes that have been here for over 75 years so it may be of interest for members of the public to come and see it," Ms Cooke
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