Ireland.com

Hey guys .... well I'm back.

I took a couple of weeks off from blogging - went to Dublin for a Eurovision Fan meet up which was fantastic fun - not cool I know but gazillions of fun.

Started Christmas shopping and all - bout half way through and my Bridal Shop - The Bridal Boutique Cork has been mental busy these past few weeks - which is great news.

Anyway - to the good stuff!

So the Christmas countdown is on, with vengence. It's time to look at decorating trends for this season.

Metallics.

The first big trend I've noticed this season is a leaning towards metallic finishes.

Lots of Coppers and Golds blended together with Oranges and Spicy colours - there isn't alot of greenery on show here.

Soften the look with dried fruits, such as orange slices and cinnamon scents for atmosphere.

Blue and Silver.

Another combo that is set to be big is the cooler mix of navy blues and silver hues.

Think blue baubles against silver shimmering surfaces to get the look.

Mix through some purple hints for a more dynamic look.

Pure and Simple.

White and more white .... this seems to come back into fashion on a regular basis and 2009 is no exception.

To achieve the correct balance use candles and lots of glass.

Crack out the crystal.

The cut edges will add to the sparkle and the overall look will be frosty and enchanting.

Pink and Brown.

Yes ... it is a little girly but this can be butched up using chocolate brown decorations and cinnamon sticks.

Ok so .... its still gonna be fairly girly but check out this pink Christmas tree - Fab!

Are you man enough :)

Order this extravagant talking piece at Amazon.com

Right so that's your lot for today.

I am off to get me some more Christmas gifts.

Next time I'll show you how to personalise your centre-pieces and we will look at some clever ways to make your own decorations.

Ah the fun of it all eh! ......

Smarmore Castle is one of Irelands oldest lived in buildings

The Viscount room .... rather fab!

Sorry for not blogging til now about the final episode of At Your Service - I have been bonkers with the shop and with classes starting again ..... BONKERS!

Smarmore Castle - Ardee, Co. Louth

Well now what can I say ..... talk about tough clients to please.

My job was to reinvigourate the entrance hall as well as adding a splash of pizzaz to the bedrooms.

Man what a chore ..... it is amazingly hard to work with clients who don't believe you know what you are talking about.

I am a qualified professional and I do have an inkling when it comes to interior design ya know :)

"Trust me I'm a designer" isn't just a fancy catchphrase and I wasn't there for the laugh - it was a long drive from Cork.

Anyway the owners of Smarmore were resistant to say the least when it came to my fabulous new hallway.

My first pick wallpaper IS widely available despite what the castle owners said, so my second pick was used instead. As it happens I was pleased with the results and the hallway looked gorgeous when it was finished.

The chosen wallpaper was Connemara from Laura Ashley in Cinnamon.

The fact that my clients didn't like my first choice paper only hurts a little :) Cry!

Would have been fab lady !

Anyway there were cushions a plenty and some properly sized table lamps to lift the bedrooms.

In fairness the rooms were grand on the whole and I was more interested in creating wow factor in the entrance area. Cushions, throws and proper lamps were all I added to the bedrooms.

I hope the At Your Service experience helped Smarmore Castle cause its a beautiful building, in a lovely setting and it really should be raking it in.

I just wanted to thank Waddell Media and John and Francis Brennan for the pleasure of working with them throughout the series and I would be delighted to be asked back again for series three.

Thats for another day though eh!

So thats it for this collection of blogs and blabs.

I will be back next week with that build up to Christmas I was gabbing on about last time.

Until then ..... Karl