I’m somewhat obsessed with interiors at the moment, as we frantically decorate the home we’ve lived in for two years (and done nothing to, I might add) before Little Lady Bump’s arrival in a few weeks. Now I have a little person in my life, gone are the ethereal whites, grey and putty colours and in come the rich injections of colour, print and art and tonnes of storage.
So, it was an honour to catch up with Elizabeth Kelly, former Graham & Green PR Manager, and co-founder of new interiors’ blog Chamber Tales, showcasing great makers and designers, it’s a veritable ‘Through the Keyhole’ of super stylish homes. The superstar interiors mama and fashion lover, gave me her tips on creating a stylish family-friendly home, juggling work with home life, maintaining the style after nine and shopping for her cutie pie baby, Luella.
Mama and Mini-me fabulousness, Elizabeth and baby Luella
Has motherhood affected your style?
YES motherhood has most definitely affected my style. I used to live in jeans, but now I am mostly sitting on the floor and bending over helping Luella to walk they just don’t cut it. I love Topshop utility trousers or J.Crew joggers, softer is key!!!
Are there any post – baby body areas you struggle with? Or love?
My cleavage, sigh. Having never had a big bust, pregnancy and breastfeeding gave me a taste for being curvy and I loved it. Now post BF and pregnancy, I think they are smaller… Luckily motherhood gives you very little time for vanity.
What’s the hardest thing you’ve found to maintain in your beauty regime?
A beauty regime was non existent at first, it was a choice between moisturiser, brushing my teeth or deodrant! Now I have it down to a fine art but indulge a little more in the evenings when taking off my make up. Mornings are a rush!
What are your 3 beauty essentials?
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser
Lanolips Lip Balm
Caudalie Serum
You find £20 in your pocket what do you buy as a style pick me up?
Definitely getting my nails done!
Where do you shop for baby Luella?
I shop for Luella all over and try and do the high end places in the sales – favourite places are Zara, Gap, Boden, Elfie, La Coqueta, Greenberry and Hucklebones.
How are you enjoying life as a working mum?
Being a working mum has its ups and downs, especially being freelance, so my weeks aren’t straightforward. Sometimes I have a huge workload and require more help from family. It would be great to have a set few days, but then the upside is I can work around Luella and be at home more often. Someone once told me it’s a luxury problem to have and it is, I feel very grateful to be able to be freelance.
What are your working wardrobe essentials?
I mostly work from home, but when I am in town for meetings it gives me chance to dress up and be smarter. I love wearing heels but tend to leave them for nights out. I have a gorgeous pair of lace up Isabel Marant flats and usually wear them with trousers/jeans and shirts.
Where did you get the inspiration for Chamber Tales?
Chamber Tales came about as my friend and I were surprised at the lack of British fun interior websites/blogs. I think it wouldn’t be wrong of me to say we are both nosy when it comes to homes and teamed with a love of shopping and the buzz we get from discovering a new interior designer, we felt we had something to work from.
Who’s home would you love to peruse?
I have a thing about interiors in films. Would love to have a nosey round Charley from a Single Man’s house or any of the Woody Allen apartments and most definitely the Mad Men sets!
How has your home changed since becoming a mother?
Yes our home has definitely changed. Pretty much everything I had envisaged in regards to plastic has gone out of the window! Now Luella is one, we have managed to store away plastic (jumparoo etc) and hide away toys. She is is much happier exploring cupboards and luckily some wooden blocks now keep her amused for a (short) while.
How do you balance style with function in a kid-friendly home?
I think you need to be fairly strict with style and function. Luckily I was well advised by parents that kids don’t need loads and I am trying to stick by that. We definitely also went for brands whose designs suited our aesthetic such as Baby Bjorn, Stokke and Brio.
Tell me about Luella’s room.
Luella’s small room was finished when I was pregnant and didn’t know what I was having. But I preferred the gender neutral pieces. I love her ceiling which is a beautiful star wallpaper by Barneby Gates, it sets the tone perfectly with that being our starting point, we stuck to greys and metallics with the odd pop of a ditsy floral print.
Are there any hot trends in nurseries/ kids rooms?
I think nurseries are very modern at the moment, lots of big graphic prints. Social media, especially Pinterest has made people more creative and educated us on veering away form the norm…i.e. generic teddy bear bedrooms that only suffice really for a couple of years. I have tried to think longevity.
Why do you think motherhood inspires new passions/careers in mums?
Motherhood definitely inspired me and gave me the confidence to go freelance. My priorities changed but I also had a desire and new motivation to want to work for myself.
Lastly, what’s in your handbag/nappy bag?
Books, purse, phone, sunnies, a few toys, raisins, wipes and milton wipes!
Image may be NSFW.
Image may be NSFW.
Image may be NSFW.
Image may be NSFW.
Image may be NSFW.
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