“For the newly-wed, the about to-be-wed or indeed any young couple, setting up home is one of the most exciting of adventures. But although it is – and should be – a marvellous experience, real problems can arise which may create anxieties, perhaps even mar the pleasure of the occasion.” – introduction from The Complete Homemaker,  edited by Isabel Moore, Marshall Cavendish, London, 1976. And here dear readers are some of the solutions for a harmonious life together. Enjoy!

…. Arabia Pastoraali vase

WINKS – weekend links. Here we list what has come in during the week, things we’ve found and things we think you’ll want to see. If you’d like to see your blog or website featured email us and if we think it fits with our readers we’ll link you. So what’s in this week?

• It’s no secret that I love vintage books, that I can’t throw my magazines away. Love these wallpapers by Tracy Kendall. I’m scheming already where I can use them.

• Whimsical and lighthearted these metal pieces by Bohuslav Horak  at anthologie QUARTETT are perfect for the dream house conservatory. Or imagine in a feminine bathroom. To hold your carelessly tossed clothes in the corner of your boudoir. So pretty.

• Cute. Just too cute. Deer wall hooks from Brown Button Trading. Scattered across a child’s bedroom wall to wrangle wayward coats and bags. Perhaps a herd in the bathroom for towels. If deer are still dear to you these are so sweet.

• It’s delicious, it’s delightful, it’s de-lovely. Oh my oh my oh my I’m craving any of the lighting from Delightfull. With cool jazz names and cool jazz on the website I feel I could be on the set of Mad Men. This is definitely a case of “must” lust. Must get my hands on one of these.

• From the sublime to the sentimental but both beautiful, Johan Lindstén references embroidery and the Swedish dream of a little red cottage by the water with Idyll Concept. More whimsy but definitely a statement piece.

•  Lisa Bengtsson at Bemz? Cool Swedish design on cool Swedish design. If you loved her wallpaper then your IKEA Klippan might just be calling out for a little Lisa love.

Whether it’s portraying the freshness of a contemporary space or revealing the aged splendour of a country farmhouse, I can’t get enough of the soft light and gentle beauty of Tim Beddow’s photographs. He understands the individuality of these homes. Definitely not cookie cutter. Soft shadows, bright light, rich colour and texture, beautiful rough texture. Tim captures it all.

Reserved, stiff upper lip, conservative, carry on. Everything British. No try instead refined, elegant, modern with traditional references. London interior designer Helen Green creates spaces with a subtle luxury, establishment with a contemporary take. Careful though. She won’t be boxed in by tradition.

I couldn’t stay away. I just had to go stalking through Swedish real estate sites. From Alvhem Mäkleri & Interiör  – the look is almost their brand. White floors, cute accessories, the pop/splash/flash/dash and dollop of colour, a classic scandi piece or two and the obligatory pair of discarded fashionable shoes and dress on the hanger. The story that the styling tells lures you in. You want the lifestyle as much as the apartment. If you could you’d buy this home, live this life. Mission accomplished.