We caught up with Maxine Brady, creator of the WeLoveHomeBlog to pick her brain on how to mix pattern and find out what inspires her unique style.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Gosh - everywhere really. I never switch off. When I'm at music festivals, I look at the way they decorate the fields for out door party ideas. When at friend's houses for dinner, I copy their clever decorating ideas. Shop window displays are always inspiring. Love hunting through home design blogs and style magazines. On holiday I take photos of things I find or the hotels I stay in. Basically, I'm a sponge for ideas - too many whizzing around my head sometimes.
Photo credit- Maxine Brady
How would you describe the style in your own home?
My first flat was all white and blue and very grown up (considering I bought it at 26 years old). This time I'm a little more brave and playful. My Open Plan living space is a homage to black and white, with ethic patterns and random art I've picked up from my holidays. My kitchen is inspired by a trip to New York, and the bedroom is very romantic and floral. I'm just decorating my spare room with an amazing Cole + Son wallpaper - you can see my ideas here for that room. There is still a lot to do, and I'm always changing things ALL THE TIME!
Photo credit- Maxine Brady
What’s your favourite room in your house? Does lighting play a big part?
I'm obsessed with statement lighting. It took me 3 months to get the lighting right in my living room. I thinking lighting can be hugely overlooked in making over a room. Since investing in some WOW shades, I would never go back to a dull old drum again.
We believe mixing and matching colour and pattern can make for some stunning results – do you have any top tips on how to do this in the home?
Mixing patterns is hard, there is no denying this. Even after 20 years of working in interiors I struggle. Key is always to start a mood board with swatches and paint samples. Pin them up on your wall and live with them for a bit, take some away, add some more. Eventually you will come up with a scheme that you will love.
Photo credit- Maxine Brady
Finally we’ve got to ask you, what is your favourite Pooky light and why?
The Connie pendant light is just beautiful. It reminds me of my trip to Morocco for my birthday in May, when I stumbled into this dusty junk shop filled to the brim with light shades like this. I love the shape, the metal edging and the way the light is refracted when they are turned on. And, to be honest, how good they look when turned off. Adore! To view our entire range of pendant lights click here.
