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Eco-friendly Interiors

Here at Maria Allen Boutique we believe it's important to be as eco-friendly as possible. It's never been easier to find eco-friendly alternatives, so if you want to do your bit for the earth here are 5 things to consider when updating your interiors. Being eco conscious doesn't mean you can't be style conscious! 🌿
  
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1. Buy 'pre-loved'
Spend some time searching your local flea markets, they are full of vintage gems and pre-loved furniture that with a little TLC, can be revamped into a great one-off piece. Give any old furniture to a new home, whether thats selling online or giving to a charity shop. 
   
   
   
2. Choose FSC 
If you are buying new, make sure it's made from FSC certified wood. This guarantees the wood was sustainably sourced and harvested according to FSC guidelines meaning it's a lot better for the environment and helps to combat deforestation. 
  
        
3. Watch out for VOC 
VOC is short for volatile organic compounds that are harmful to the environment and your health. VOC can be found in paints, many household products, furniture and carpets,  So, when decorating your home always try to buy items that ideally do not emit VOC or have a  low VOC content.
  
4. Setting the mood
Lighting candles around the house certainly adds to the ambience, but a lot of cheap candles contain the same harmful VOC as standard paints! Make sure you buy candles made from natural materials such as beeswax or soy and are scented with essential oils.
Essence + Alchemy have a beautiful range of earth friendly candles, no synthetic fragrances, no additives, just pure and natural Mother Earth goodness
   
Image source
    
5. Plant power
Houseplants breathe in carbon dioxide and convert it to oxygen, purifying the air. Why not join in the botanical craze and brighten up your home by adding plants to every room! 
Plants such as the Peace Lily, Boston Fern, English Ivy and Spider Plant are all proven to improve air quality and adding plants to your home is known to boost mood and well being.
     
 
   
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We're proud to note that all wood used in our products is FSC certified and sustainably sourced 🌿
  
  
Follow us on Pinterest for more interior inspiration! 
 

 

Summer Home Interior Trends

With summer now in full swing we've been thinking about how to inject more sunshine into every aspect of life! We've been scouring Pinterest for inspiration and have found some beautiful home interior trends that have got us feeling inspired. Here are some of our favourite trends and tips for updating your home this season. 
  
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1. Bringing the outdoors indoors 
 From splashes of green paint to indoor jungles, plants are taking over! Add a breath of life to your home with some tropical palms or cacti. 
  
 
 
2. Bold colours 
Plain walls have been replaced by vivid colours and prints, think emerald greens, deep blues, mis-matched patterns and palm prints. Why not embrace this trend with a feature wall or jazzy furniture?
   
  
  
  
3. The curated home
Your home is an extension of yourself, whether you have open shelves in the kitchen and lounge or a clothes rail in the bedroom, put your treasures on display - it's certainly easier to find things! 
 
  
   
    
4. Back to basics
Scandinavian minimalism meets traditional Japanese aesthetics. Declutter your home and fill it with natural materials such as wood, concrete, wicker and terracotta for a modern yet rustic feel. 
 
  
   *All images sourced on Pinterest

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Visit the website to view our full home and lifestyle range & for more
inspiration head over to our Pinterest page! 
 
  

Summer Bucket List

After last week's short but sweet fling with summer, it's got us all excited for what July and August have in store! We've got plenty of ideas on how to spend the perfect summer day but for those of you looking for some inspiration we've put together a summer bucket list of things to do both big and small.
  
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SUMMER BUCKET LIST
  
1. Swim in the sea 
2. Stargaze
3. Go to an outdoor cinema 
(Check out Brighton Big Screen)
4. Watch a sunset/sunrise 
5. Go fruit picking 
6. Travel, anywhere & everywhere!
7. Go rock pooling 
8. Have a picnic in the park 
9. Roast marshmallows on an open fire 
10. Go camping
11. Play rounders 
12. Make a daisy chain 
13. Go hiking 
14. Fly a kite 
15. Have a beach BBQ 
16. Go on a road trip 
17.  Have a water fight 
18. Visit your local museum 
19. Play in the arcade 
20. Pool party (paddling pools count!)
    
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     For more summer inspiration follow us on .