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make your space your home

HOW TO: MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR DESK SPACE Create the ideal study area

20 KITCHEN ITEMS FOR UNDER £20

Unmissable bargains for your kitchen

COMPACT LIVING WITH ABI BURDEN

SHOP THE LOOK

Tips on how to make the most of a small space

Get designer products for High Street prices MAY 2015 £2.50

a Message from THE TEAM...

Whether you’re preparing to move into university halls or looking for inspiration to do up your rented house, yourspace have got you covered.

Unlike all of the other interior magazines on the market, we are here to cater for the forgotten youth by recommending affordable and stylish ways to enhance the place you call home.

Make your space your home!

The yourspace Team @yourspacemag

@yourspacemag /yourspacemag

/yourspacemag

yourspace

make your space your home

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MAKE A STATEMENT WITH YELLOW THIS SPRING/SUMMER 2015 The must-know colour trends for the up-and-coming season

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SHOP THE LOOK

Designer items for High Street prices!

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COMPACT LIVING WITH... ABI BURDEN

Top tips from a stylist breaking into the industry

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SET SAIL IN YOUR BATHROOM WITH NEXT HOME

Check out Next Home’s new nautical collection

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20 KITCHEN ITEMS FOR UNDER £20

THE BUTTERFLY MAN

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Grab a bargain for your kitchen

DESIGNER FOCUS WITH... SHANNON BUTLER

Blendworth’s latest recruit gives us an insight into life as an interior design student

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HOW TO: MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR DESK SPACE Never have a messy desk again

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14

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Alex Carroll tells us all about butterfly mounting

GO GREEN!

Plants: often the forgotten essential in your home

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NOVELTY ITEMS: ANIMALS

Find the purr-fect accessory

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TOP INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS TO FOLLOW

Do you need fresh ideas? Turn that follow button green for these popular Instagramers

Make a statement with

YELLOW this Spring/Summer 2015

Get out of your comfort zone and go bright!

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S

pring/Summer 2015 is all about daring to colour block. It’s time to introduce some cheerful hues and what better way to do this than with the colour yellow?

Being the most visible colour on the wheel, yellow is best used in either small doses or in softer shades. Grey and white are great basis colours to team with yellow. The key to this trend is to keep things neutral, with many underlying layers around the room, but braving it out by adding a pop of bold colour here and there. The 1970s are making a firm come back this year in the world of fashion and interiors, with a more edgy pop-art feel entering the showrooms.

Don’t be afraid to upcycle old, tired pieces of furniture by painting with bold colours and reupholstering. Grab a pot of yellow paint and get to transforming any boring bits of furniture that sit around your room. This will spruce it up and save you money along the way.

c l o c k , I K E A , £ 3 0 - c u s h i o n c o v e r, H & M , £ 7. 9 9

- s e t o f t h r e e c a n d l e s , I K E A , £ 5 - f l o w e r s , W i l k o , £ 1. 5 0 - s e t o f t w o b o w l s , I K E A , £ 3

colour trends

d e s k l a m p , D u n e l m , £ 17. 9 9 - d u v e t s e t , H & M , £ 2 9 . 9 9

Add a splash of colour by stacking beds, sofas and dining room chairs with printed cushions. Introduce some decorative items such as a yellow desk lamp to brighten up your workspace.

Blues and greens work well in summer as they perform trickery on the brain to make things seem cooler around your home.

By teaming yellow with neutral palettes this could also create a calming essence.

Psycologically, yellow is the strongest colour.

The right yellow will lift our spirits and our self-esteem; it is the colour of confidence and optimism. Your creativity and positivity will be flowing through your home this Spring/Summer if you choose to follow this trend.

By Hannah Griffiths

- t a b l e a n d c h a i r s , I K E A , £ 215 5

SHOP THE LOOK S

ummer is around the corner and it’s making us want to redecorate our rooms. There is only one thing holding us back – the price. However, we’ve found the cheaper options on how to shop the look for less. Wanting to get hold of some cheap trends or looking for a bargain? Here are this season’s best money savers. You (and your purse) can thank us later!

By Cecilia Kohlmyr

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shop the look

high street Candle holder £4.99, H&M

DESIGNER Candle holder £30, Debenhams

High street Clock £25, Debenhams

DESIGNER Clock £79, M&S

High streeT OWL TEALIGHT £4, H&M

High street MIRROR £88, Debenhams

High street GLASS BOWL

DESIGNER OWL TEALIGHT £27, Debenhams

designer mirror £103.20, M&S

Designer glass bowl

High street Biscuit tin

designer Biscuit tin

High streeT RETRO CLOCK

Designer retro clock

High streeT STORAGE BOXES

DESIGNER STORAGE BOXES

Designer dog clock

High street BUTTERFLY TRAY

designer butterfly tray

£8, Sainsburys

£19.95, dotcomgiftshop

High street dog clock

£14,99, gettingpersonal.co.uk

£24, Amara

£65, OCCA-Home

£40, Cuckooland

£21, Amara

£3, Tiger

£4.95, dotcomgiftshop

£152, Amara

£18, Debenhams

£42, Amara

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COMPACT LIVING WITH...

ABI BURDEN

Sam Ahmed spoke to up and coming interior stylist Abi Burden, a twenty year old Interior Design (Decoration) student, who gave us tips on how to make the most of a cosy room, her inspirations and her career ambitions.

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compact living

L

iving in a small space isn’t an easy feat as you are restricted by what you can do with it. Sometimes, it seems like a room is impossible to work with because you can’t rearrange much or because it is just a small room. However, it is a reality for most of us that we are currently living in a small space and the concept of compact living is our reality.

Abi Burden hopes to specialise in styling and re-styling compact spaces. As she currently lives in a student house in Southampton, she has a few helpful tips on how to make the most of your room.

“My interest in interior design was sparked when I was young. I was fascinated by the different things that make a beautiful room,” Abi told us from the bedroom of her student house. When asked how her degree has helped her, she said: “the course has allowed me to channel my passion and it has taught me so many new skills – I’ve learnt how to design using different textiles and create floorplans and such on software I hadn’t used before.”

It’s worth using the Internet for inspiration, particularly on social media, “there are so many different accounts on Instagram for example, either run by companies or real people, that feature a lot of great pictures of interiors.” She also cites her mum as a big inspiration on her “because she has fantastic taste.”

Her degree has also introduced her to a number of different interior designers, who are also a big inspiration on her creative process. “I would say Olivia Gregory is my favourite interior designer - I found her website when researching for one of my modules and I found her work to be so inspirational. Her website is also really nicely laid out.”

The key to getting to know your space (do you see what we did there?) well is by re-arranging the items within the room on a regular basis. “I love re-arranging the different ornaments I have in my room,

Abi’s styling collection

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just for a change.” It’s also important to re-arrange the furniture in your room. Abi re-arranged the furniture in her room when she moved in last September, as she was unhappy with the floor space. “Sometimes it’s just a case of experimenting and seeing what works for you and what doesn’t.”

Does home differ from student housing?

“Student housing does exactly what it says on the tin and provides a living space, kitchen, bathroom – or rooms – and bedrooms for us, the tenants. Home offers so much more because it is exactly that – home. The one big difference is the garden; I miss the outdoors here.”

However, she went on to say “every space has potential.” Even if your home is very different to where you have moved, there’s no saying you can’t make this new space your home.

Living in rented accommodation can be a pain due to restrictions, but that shouldn’t ever hold you back. “Landlords will have their own rules regarding their houses which I completely understand. However, there are always ways you can change and improve a room – it’s just a case of finding what suits the room and your wants and needs.”

It was at university that she discovered that a career in interior styling is her ideal job. “We had a task to style a small sofa area – so we had to decide where the chest of drawers would be placed, where the flowers would sit and how the cushions would be placed. It was a simple task but it really spurred on many ideas in my head and that’s when I realised I could do this on a larger scale, as a career.”

Abi’s styling collection

Abi’s top 3 tips for compact living: 1) Fairy lights brighten up any room 2) Get hooks for the back of your door to hang up all your coats, dressing gowns and towels 3) Shelving and drawer space give an illusion of a tidy room 10

Abi has also secured work experience with two top designers in the coming summer which will further enhance her skills within an industry environment. “I am really excited to work alongside Olivia Gregory and Janet Raby in the summer. I hope their experience will give me helpful tips in how to be successful when I finish my degree.”

Abi’s Instagram: @abiburdeninteriors Abi’s blog: www.abigailburden.wix.com/abiinteriordesign

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The nautical theme is always popular in the spring/summer as it gives the room a light and airy feel. It radiates a very summery, beach vibe which is perfect for the good weather we should have this year. The colour scheme of blue, white and red is unisex, making it perfect for living rooms, kitchens and in particular, bathrooms.

Next Home have released a range of affordable essentials to give your bathroom a makeover ahead of the new season. Each item within the collection is affordable even for those of us on tight budgets, so your bathroom can look fantastic regardless of your money situation.

chrome anchor, £10

toilet brush, £14

Stripes are the key to this popular theme, as horizontal stripes will make a room look much wider. As a bathroom is commonly the one of the smaller (if not the smallest) rooms in a house, having a striped rug would make the room seem bigger. The use of white is also a very important part of the theme, as it lets more light into the room, again making it seem bigger.

The wall decorations are also important to your bathroom refurbishment. By hanging up an anchor, it emphasises the theme in the room, adding the final touch of class to your bathroom.

By Sam Ahmed 11

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DESIGNER FOCUS WITH...

SHANNON BUTLER

Thinking of going into a career as an interior designer?

Hannah Griffiths spoke with a Southampton Solent student who is soaring her way into the business.

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designer focus

Shannon’s Blendworth collection

When did you first become interested in interior design?

After finishing my A-levels I went on to study an Art & Design Foundation course, where I learnt skills in textiles, photography, fine art and illustration. My love of design and growing interest of home décor, meant it was an obvious choice for me to pursue a career in interior design.

What skills/techniques has your degree taught you so far?

I’ve learnt so many techniques so far in the modules I’ve done. I’ve progressed in skills like drawing, painting, photography and creating material mood boards. I also learnt how to make models, use digital modeling software and think critically about my work. I definitely want to specialise in fabric and wallpaper design.

Tell us a bit about your designs.

I love to make delicate yet bold contemporary designs for wall coverings and upholstery. I like to use natural forms and surroundings like nature and animals as inspiration for my work, abstracting all sorts of patterns.

Do you have any work experience lined up?

I’ve been given the opportunity to work with the company Blendworth Wallpaper and Fabric and I’m in talks with Liberty London to complete an internship there after I graduate.

“My degree is working as a huge platform to set me up to achieve my goals.”

Where do you find inspiration?

A lot of my inspiration comes from searching online and through magazines Pinterest and Instagram are great sources of images. I love to doodle random designs, sometimes that’s the best way to go – let your creative mind take control.

What interior designers inspire you the most?

I don’t specifically have a favourite designer but I love the work of Liberty London. A lot of their designs are nature based and florally which is right up my street.

How did you come about their work?

I was skimming through a magazine and came across a feature about their work. I saw that they used similar patterns to work I like to produce myself.

How did the opportunity to work with Blendworth arise?

Our course teamed up with Blendworth to produce some designs for the company as a module. My designs were shortlisted, which enabled me to be able to present to Blendworth themselves. I was then fortunate enough to be announced as one of two winners, which was fantastic.

What skills will you take to Blendworth?

For all work experience opportunities, you’ve just got to give it your all. You only get one chance to make an impression, so I’ll take all the skills I’ve learnt over the years and put them to full use! You really need to stand out and be confident with your designs in the industry.

What’s your dream job in the future?

My dream is to have my own range of fabric and wallpaper designs in stores up and down the country. To have an established name in the interior design industry is an ultimate goal of mine. I believe my degree is working as a huge platform to set me up to achieve this!

Shannon’s blog: shannonbutlersblog.tumblr.com

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how to

HOW TO: Make

the most of your desk space Did you know that an organised workspace encourages

you to get more done? There is something about having a neat space to work that just makes things easier. When your desk is cluttered, there is a big risk your brain will be as well. So how do you go from a cluttered, tiny desk space, to an open, creativity-boosting atmosphere? Let us give you a few ideas:

Noticeboards are awesome

These are perfect for getting things out of the way. You can hang pictures, stationary and anything you don’t want to take up space on your desk. This way your desk area is kept tidy, and the things you need are never far away or out of reach.

Velcro hanging strips

Velcro strips are a great problem solver. You can hang anything from picture frames to noticeboards – it looks neat and you gain valuable space at the same time. They are easy to take off as well, if you want to move things around. No holes in the walls – what more could you want?

A light space is a happy space

The way you light your room can make a massive impact on how big or small an area looks. Light, colour choices will make a space look bigger than a room with dark walls or less lighting. Also, make the most of your windows. A good view not only makes the desk area look nice, but also helps increase your productivity and creativity.

Stack your books for extra room

Whether you’re at university, in an office or simply want to organise your desk at home, you’ve got a whole lot of space saving to discover. Create that noticeboard, stack your books on a wall shelf.

By Cecilia Kohlmyr 16

profile

THE

BUTTERFLY MAN

Butterflies are beautiful creatures and are just a small part of why we love the summer. Alex Carroll, a 21-year-old from Peterborough shows Alex Walker how he brings a piece of the outside, inside.

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Enthused by the trend, Alex Walker caught up with butterfly hobbyist, Alex Carroll, who has recently been inspired to try butterfly mounting himself. “I’ve always had an interest in animals and regularly used to go and look at the insect displays in my local museum when I was younger. More recently my grandma handed down a family heirloom of extremely old, framed butterflies and this kick-started the whole thing.”

Framed butterflies are an easy way to add colours to a room and are a nice alternative to modern art. “My design style is quite minimalistic. I keep it as basic as it can be and let the natural beauty of the specimens do all the hard work. I personally have a few frames from my personal collection on my bedroom walls and I recently did a large frame with lots of butterflies, in a single frame as a gift for my mum, which she has put up in the living room.”

Alex’s family heirloom

“Every time I think I’ve seen every type, I discover a new one that is unlike any others I’ve seen before and I it never fails to make me think ‘wow.”

Alex ethically sources his butterflies and moths from various breeders around the world. The price depends on what kind of butterfly it is. “It can vary quite a lot. The price is mainly decided by the species of butterfly as I’ve seen some butterflies sell for pennies and some go for thousands of pounds. All the other costs such as frames, craft materials and printing are all fairly small in the overall project.

Alex’s butterfly collections

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The combination of bringing the nature inside our homes creates beautiful pieces of art. For Alex, it’s the specimen itself that makes his projects truly special.

“I think for me it’s the diversity of all the butterflies and moths.

Every time I think I’ve seen every type, I discover a new one that is unlike any others I’ve seen before. It never fails to make me think ‘wow.’ The other part of it that blows my mind is that all the colours and patterns are natural because they look like works of art.”

What has traditionally been a work of preservation, destined for museum display, is now more of a quirky home accessory with plenty of modern day decorative application. “I think everyone should have a go if they get the chance. It can be really rewarding, seeing all the effort you’ve put in come out as a finished project. You do have to have a bit of patience and a steady hand due to the nature of it. I’ve destroyed my fair few butterflies by rushing and generally being clumsy.”

Alex’s recent venture into butterfly mounting has enabled him to sell his unique pieces of art. “I have made and sold a few frames for friends, family and a few strangers so far. I believe there could definitely be a market for them and I know there are already plenty of other sellers out there selling similar products.” What was once a hobby inspired by a family heirloom, has now allowed the budding butterfly enthusiast to sell his beautiful art work.

Check out Alex’s Facebook page where you can purchase your own butterfly frames: www.facebook.com/alexsbutterflies

accessorise

GO GREEN!

There’s nothing like adding that touch of green to your space.

Check out how plants in your room can benefit you.

W

hen redecorating, what do you think of first? Decorations, picture frames and pillows? Where and how to hang your fairy lights? Sure, these are all important when redecorating your space. There is one thing you should definitely save a spot for - a plant.

Plants can improve your mood. The responsibility of taking care of something living can make you feel instantly better about yourself. Plants have health benefits too - when you breathe out, the plant will take up the carbon dioxide and create new, fresh oxygen for you.

Besides the fact that plants provide us with oxygen, they also clear airborne toxins, perfect for a fresh and clean room. Toxic chemicals that are impossible to spot with the naked eye are hiding in carpets, furniture and even your computers, can have harm the well-being without you realising. Plants, however, have been shown to effectively work as a detoxifier, by absorbing these poisonous airborne toxins. This way, they clean out the air and release clean oxygen back into your room.

Desk plants are not only good for producing oxygen around your workspace, but they can make you feel more productive, reduce stress and thereby also increase your work ethic.

Who knew nature could do so much for us?

The psychological benefits of plants: • Lowers blood pressure • Improves reaction times • Increase productivity • Improves general welfare

large plant, HomeSense, £12.99

citrus plant, IKEA, £20

cactus, George Home, £10

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novelty

TOLD ME, YOU LIKE CUTE ANIMALS IN YOUR HOME

By Alex Walker

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social media

Top Instagram accounts you need to follow

By Sam Ahmed

Do you fancy re-arranging your room and unsure of what to do? Do you love looking at beautifully designed (and clean) rooms? Here’s the list of Instagram accounts that you need to follow:

@homepolish

@designsponge

@theeverygirl_

HomePolish are an American interior design company that reckon they could give you “beautiful, affordable interior design by the hour.”

For the quirky personalities amongst us seeking high-quality photography of beautiful interiors and exteriors as well as plants, animals and other funky objects.

With images of sleek interiors and beautiful landscapes, it’s hard not to want what they present on their account. Make that follow button green!

@designlovefest

Living in Los Angeles, CA, Bri Emery is constantly posting pictures of the beautiful interiors and exteriors she has visited and looks like she’s having the time of her life.

@homesteadseattle

Homestead Seattle find and restore vintage furniture and goods, so if you’re looking to rearrange a room with a simple and classy feel, this account will be a wealth of inspiration to you.

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@emily_katz

@ohfoxcreative

Emily Katz has interior styling done right – her clever way of organising even the most cluttered spaces is definitely food for thought for the hoarders amongst us.

Candice Leigh sells the quirky objects that she finds – so if you’re looking for something truly unique and standout to light up your living room or bedroom, this account is for you!

@elenafrankel

@Ilenia Martini

The beautiful white space interiors You can’t go wrong with white are complimented by colourful space, and Ilenia Martini, a flowers, patterned wall decorations photographer and art director living and quirky objects. Elena Frankel is in Berlin is an excellent example of it the burst of colour anybody needs done right. on their Instagram feeds.

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DO AND

Tips on how to utilise colour around your room

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