Pretty Inspired: For The Love of Beautiful Things

In Absolutely Beautiful Things, designer Anna Spiro shares secrets from her life in decorating, gives practical details on how to work with pattern and colour, and provides a room-by-room guide to furniture choice.With Anna's help, you'll find beauty in unexpected places, see your old belongings in a new light, and have the confidence to put together a layered and very individual home using elements you love.

This book has inspired me very much. I've recently taken an interest in interior decorating, and get so excited for my next purchase or project, and finding that perfect piece. 'OMG, cushions/textures/that colour!!!' I have thought to myself with glee on more than one occasion. I get more excited to go to a homewares store than I ever used to think would be possible, and I can get quite obsessive. When I fall in love, I do it completely and entirely. Once I see a piece I love, it has to be mine (within reason of course). I believe your best china, so to speak, should not be left on the shelf for when Julia Morris comes to visit (hilarious Aussie comedian I would love to have for dinner). Use them often and appreciate them often.

What I have learnt from Anna Spiro: Not everything in your home must match. 'Mix inexpensive with expensive, modern with antique; timber with metal; objects with different heights; the rough with the refined. The contrast will create a wonderful, eclectic and purely individual style in your home.'

My favourite quote from the book: 'Your house is a self- portrait of you. The greatest compliment you can receive is if someone walks in and says, this house is so you.'

Here is a selection of some of my own beautiful things (photos taken by myself)...