Tag: luxurious

Interiors Journal; Lounge Decor Refresh

July 26, 2026

There’s something so satisfying about giving a room a little refresh without completely renovating it. Our lounge has always been one of my favourite spaces in the house, but recently I felt like it needed brightening up. The soft furnishings and decorative details were beginning to feel tired and with so many grey tones throughout the room, it had started to feel a little colder than I’d have liked. My goal was simple: create a space that felt warmer, cosier and a little more elevated, without replacing all of the larger furniture.

So here is the before photo:

…and here is the after:

The first thing to go was our old rug. We’d had a dark grey shaggy rug for years and whilst it looked ok, it blended into all the other grey tones in the room and made the whole space feel darker.After plenty of searching, we settled on this super plush cream faux fur rug from Dunelm, and I honestly don’t think I could love it more. At just under £300, it feels far more luxurious than its price tag suggests. It’s incredibly soft underfoot and instantly brightened the entire room. It’s amazing how something as simple as changing a rug can completely transform the atmosphere of a space.

For years we’d used a large pouffe as our coffee table, but I was ready for something that made the lounge feel a little more grown up and a little less like a man cave! This beautiful travertine-effect coffee table from Dunelm for only £179 turned out to be exactly what I had in mind. The creamy stone finish complements the new rug perfectly and adds such an elegant focal point to the room. My favourite coffee table books and a cute basket tray with candles are the chicest finishing touch to complete the look.

With the oversized pouffe gone, we still wanted somewhere comfortable to put our feet up in the evenings, so I found the perfect solution in a soft cord pouffe from Dunelm in this gorgeous olive green shade. At only £45, it’s practical, lightweight and easy to move around depending on where we’re sitting. It also introduces another subtle pop of colour that ties in beautifully with the rest of the room.

One thing I’d really wanted to update was our cushions as the ones we’d had for years were definitely beginning to show their age. Amongst the endless cushion displays at Home Sense, I found these beautifully plush cream faux fur cushions that complement the rug perfectly. I love the subtle textured pattern which adds interest without competing with the patterned cushions we already owned. To finish the look, I went on the hunt for a cosy throw and eventually found this ribbed cream blanket on Amazon. It matches the textured base of the coffee table so well and is ideal for curling up under during cosy evenings at home.

Inspired by the boho chic aesthetic of interiors in Bali, I’ve always wanted to get a large wicker lampshade for the lounge and found the perfect match from (you guessed it!) Dunelm for only £49. Again, this adds a warmth to the room which was lacking before with those grey lampshades and the pattern it makes on the ceiling when turned on at night is stunning.

I’m still on the lookout for a new floor lamp for the corner of the sofa, but in the meantime I found this gorgeous rechargeable lamp from Amazon that looks so chic and elegant on our side table. It gives off such a warm glow in the evenings and adds another cosy layer of lighting to the room. The final thing I’d like to change in here is the wall artwork as well. Having now deviated from the blue tones we had before, we need something featuring some touches of greens and golds to complement the new colour palette.

Sometimes it’s the smallest changes that make the biggest difference. Simply updating the rug, coffee table, lampshade, cushions and accessories has completely transformed the feel of our lounge without the need for a full renovation. The overall palette now feels much softer, with neutral creams and warm greys layered alongside touches of jungle green and gold for a cosy yet timeless aesthetic.

It’s brighter, more inviting and finally feels like the relaxing, grown up living space we’d always envisioned for our living room ❤

72 Hours In Marbella: The Ultimate Long Weekend Itinerary

June 28, 2026

With its golden coastline, designer boutiques, picturesque old streets and effortlessly glamorous atmosphere, Marbella is the perfect destination for a luxury long weekend.

We spent three unforgettable days soaking up everything Marbella has to offer, from leisurely marina strolls and hidden vintage treasures to sunset dinners overlooking the Mediterranean. Here’s exactly how we spent 72 hours on Spain’s most stylish stretch of coastline.

Where We Stayed

For our long weekend, we based ourselves on Marbella’s iconic Golden Mile at Eurostars Oasis Hotel.

Perfectly positioned between Marbella Old Town and Puerto Banús, it made exploring the area incredibly easy while offering a peaceful retreat after long days in the sunshine.

The room was nice and modern with plenty of space, we had our own large terrace and the breakfast buffet was one of the best we’ve had yet!

Friday: Puerto Banús & Golden Hour Glamour

After arriving late the night before, we woke up on the Friday and headed into Puerto Banús for the afternoon.

There’s something about strolling around the marina that never gets old.

Luxury yachts gently bobbing in the water, Ferraris casually cruising past and rows of designer boutiques make it feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard of Mediterranean luxury.

Naturally, we couldn’t resist browsing the designer stores before stopping for lunch at LaLaLa overlooking the marina.

Spanish tapas, chilled drinks and unbeatable views, it was the perfect way to ease into holiday mode.

After some time relaxing by the pool back at the hotel, we made our way to Forum Marbella for dinner at Zilij Restaurant.

By Friday night, the Golden Mile was buzzing and the atmosphere was electric.

Stylish crowds, beautifully dressed diners and music spilling out onto the terraces created that unmistakable Marbella energy.

Delicious fresh food, local Spanish white wine in hand, and the golden hour light lingering into the night, I felt fully settled into Marbella mode.

Saturday: Wandering Through Marbella Old Town

Saturday morning was dedicated to exploring Marbella’s enchanting Old Town.

We began in the beautiful park, where elegant fountains and tropical greenery provide a peaceful contrast to the lively coastline.

From there we wandered through the maze of ancient cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings overflowing with colourful flowers and hidden little squares.

Every corner looked like a postcard.

Lunch in Plaza de los Naranjos was wonderful as we enjoyed more yummy food and embraced that slow Saturday mood.

A post lunch stroll complete with an iced coffee was idyllic.

Hidden amongst the charming streets, we stumbled across Deja Vu Vintage; a beautifully curated designer vintage boutique that completely stole my heart.

With everything from homewares, clothes, bags and shoes, it’s all presented so tastefully, almost like you’ve stepped into a chic Spanish home.

I found myself drawn to the brilliant selection of designer shoes so naturally, I had to try some on. From the classic YSL‘s to the Chanels, they were all in perfect condition and basically unworn.

But it was a pair of sparkling Valentino heels which I fell in love and for just €330 barely worn, they felt like the bargain of the century. Needless to say, they came home with me.

On the way back to our hotel, we stopped by the legendary Marbella Club Hotel to wander through its stunning grounds and tropical gardens.

We also found the famous dock with the iconic Marbella Club sign which I’d seen on Pinterest and had to get that ultimate Insta pic beneath.

Saturday Night: Date Night at Puente Romano

With my new Valentino heels waiting patiently in their box, Saturday evening called for full glamour.

Dinner was booked at La Petite Maison within Puente Romano Resort, and it exceeded every expectation.

Modern French cuisine, elegant interiors and a sophisticated yet lively atmosphere, made it one of the most memorable meals of the trip.

As the sun slowly disappeared behind the Mediterranean and live music filled the air, the entire evening felt effortlessly magical.

After dinner, we wandered into the Plaza area of Puente Romano for cocktails.

If Marbella has a place to see and be seen, this is undoubtedly it.

As night falls, the resort completely transforms. Every bar spills onto the plaza, music fills the warm evening air and beautifully dressed guests gather beneath the palms by moonlight.

A fun yet super classy way to end our Saturday date night on Marbella’s Golden Mile.

Sunday: Cruising the Mediterranean

Sunday began with something we’d been looking forward to all weekend, a morning out on the Mediterranean.

Originally, we’d planned on taking one of the tourist ferries, but after spotting a company offering private boat hire in Marbella Old Town marina, we decided to upgrade the experience.

For just €150, we enjoyed a private one hour speedboat ride with our own skipper.

We cruised along Marbella’s spectacular coastline before arriving at Puerto Banús from the water, passing incredible super yachts that looked even more impressive from the sea.

We then ventured slightly further offshore in the hope of spotting dolphins, although they remained elusive this time.

Even so, gliding across that impossibly blue water under the Spanish sun was one of those moments you wish could last forever.

If only every Sunday could look just like this.

After returning to shore, we enjoyed a leisurely walk along the beachfront promenade, before stopping at one of the relaxed beach restaurants for a coffee and bite to eat.

One Final Golden Hour

For our final evening, we ventured into the hills above Marbella for dinner at Nota Blu Brasserie.

Surrounded by mountain views and glowing in golden hour sunshine, it was the perfect setting to end the weekend.

The aesthetic was effortlessly chic, making it the ideal excuse to wear my stunning new Monday maxi dress.

Dinner was simple but exactly what we were craving; a classic prawn Caesar salad for me, a Margarita pizza for him.

To round off our final evening, we headed back into Puerto Banús for one last drink while admiring the endless parade of supercars cruising through the marina.

It felt like the perfect full stop to an unforgettable weekend on the Costa Del Sol.

Final Thoughts

Marbella has a way of making even ordinary moments feel luxurious.

Whether you’re wandering through flower filled streets in the Old Town, discovering hidden vintage gems, dining beneath swaying palm trees or watching the sun melt into the Mediterranean, every part of the experience feels beautifully curated.

If you’re planning a long weekend in southern Spain, this itinerary offers the perfect balance of luxury, sightseeing, incredible food and those unforgettable Mediterranean moments that leave you counting down until your next visit.

Mentally, I’m still in that magical Marbella mode ❤

Monday Night Tipple; Sky Bar at The Aviator

October 13, 2020

Good evening babes! I’ve kicked off this week in style, as my boyfriend and I decided to go for cocktails at our new favourite local bar to bust those Monday blues.

Working in hospitality means I am on shift most weekends, so my time off tends to be early to midweek. Whilst I do love my weekends and socialising with friends, in the current climate it’s actually a blessing to be going out in the week, as places are quieter and tend to have good deals on too.

With our local pub The Oatsheaf offering 50% off mains this week, we decided to head there for dinner before indulging in a late night tipple at the Sky Bar.

Situated in the The Aviator hotel right next to Farnborough Airport, this local gem is always a treat to visit with its super luxurious decor and decedent cocktails to match.

The glamorous, relaxing lounge bar situated on the first floor overlooking the runway, sets the scene for stunning cocktails with a view.

From the timeless classics to bespoke signature creations, there’s always something new to try from the ever-changing vast drinks menu. On this occasion, I opted for a show stopping smoked whiskey and chilli infused short cocktail served in a glass dome containing actual smoke!

With tangy notes of mango and passionfruit, this was the perfect sweet tipple to end my night on. I’m also obsessed with these gorgeous embossed tumblers along with the gold platform coaster mine was presented upon.

So there we have it, a slightly more boujee Monday evening than I would usually allow myself, but I guess this is like my Saturday night and a well deserved treat following work over the weekend. And with the current state of affairs leaving us all in limbo at the moment, there’s all the more reason to soak up these little moments of joy to lift our spirits.