Homes from home

Go on, admit it, you’re into property porn. Thankfully, the easiest, guilt-free way to deal with a decor addiction is to browse online home design blogs, which can open the doors to homes throughout the world, as well as being inspiring, entertaining, and informative.

“Online, there are no limitations, no boundaries, you don’t need a passport, a visa or a plane ticket, just sit back and log on - a whole world of inspiring interiors awaits your arrival,” says Ellie Tennant, who’s travelled the world visiting 15 design bloggers and their homes for her book, Design Bloggers At Home.

“The world of interiors and design blogging is a close-knit, friendly community of passionate enthusiasts, who love sharing what they love and can give you an undiluted dose of style, as well as an intriguing glimpse into their lives and what makes them tick. Frankly, what’s not to like?”

Two of my favourites are designer Abigail Ahern’s, which highlights trends and tricks of the trade and features shots of her rich, dramatic decor, and Apartment Therapy, which is informative and illustrated with stunning photographs. Beginners - be warned, just like dipping into a box of chocolates and finding you’ve scoffed the lot, you can find that blogs are a major distraction and you can’t get enough of all those yummy rooms.

While it’s fun to check out bloggers who have a similar taste to your own, it can be inspiring looking at the online scrapbooks of others who follow their own stylish path.

FRENCH CHIC

THE BLOG: blog.bodieandfou.com

Karine Candice Kong, a French expat living in London, owns stylish online boutique Bodie And Fou. On the award-winning blog, she shares her life, pictures of her home (here and in France) and creative inspirations. Most usefully, she also opens up her little black book of places to shop and visit.

“I started the blog originally to promote the shop, but it quickly became about much more than just my business,” says Karine. “It’s almost like a diary to me. It’s very personal, and is a way for me to share my passion for interior decoration online with other enthusiasts, and a creative virtual space where I can explore ideas and designs.

“As well as sharing photos of my home and design finds, I post about simplifying my home life, my yoga challenges, my family and my health.” HER HOME: A spacious four-bedroom Victorian house which she shares with her husband and daughter Mila. It is predominantly decorated in neutrals, with warm, natural materials such as leather, marble and wood preventing the rooms from feeling too stark or cold.

“I always find beauty in natural objects. I pick up bits of wood at the beach and bring them home to display them. I like shells too. My look is pared back and edited so each room has a story behind it,” she says.

“I’ve always wanted to create a home that has a laid-back holiday feel, so colours like turquoise feature, to remind me of blue skies and seas. I don’t think you need much stuff, just simple furniture. We have made a bed base out of wooden pallets, and have a crate as a bedside table.”