Brit Decor: Tweet Tweet

1 Errol embroidered owl cushion £35 Habitat 2 Birdy: Thrush cushion £20 Hunky Dory Home
3 Organic Bird print cushion by Peris & Corr £40 Not on the High Street 4 Pelican Patrick floor cushion £100 Yoke 5 Flame Flamingo cushion £45 Clippings

Brit Decor: Palette/Woodland

1/ White resin Stag Head with antlers £55.00 Graham & Green 2/ 'Forest' paint by Morris 3/ 'Forest' paint by Albany (both from Designer Paints) 4/ DeGross Lectiolux Table Lamp £160.00 Heals 5/ Cole & Son Nottamblue wallpaper frieze £100.00 Heals 6/ Kristjana Williams Twin Stags cushion £120.00 Heals 7/ Fireside Easy Chair (Oak) £1275-1699.00 Heals

Earthy greens are set to trend on many of our interior store's palettes this AW13. Think British woodland, luscious leafy greens, country walks and, of course, think of the amazing variety of wildlife. Just writing about this setting makes me feel very tranquil - green tones have long been known to have a calming effect, quite possibly because they subconsciously take us back to nature? Whatever the psychology behind this colour, it works for me!

I have selected some of my top picks inline with the green woodland palette (above) to give you a head start with your interiors shopping. I am crazy about the Twin Stags graphic print cushion from Heals and the resin Stag Head from Graham & Green!

Brit Decor: Brit abroad in Venice

IMAGE: KATHRYN CAMPBELL DODD

The Holiday countdown has truly begun for me, just a few more work related tasks to whizz though in the office and then over the weekend I can throw myself into some frenzied packing and last minute shopping for those essential holiday items which I just haven't had the time to pick up. 

There is something about these last few days of anticipation which I find rather touching - the way that friends and colleagues begin to share in the feverish excitement and, of course, the heart warming goodbyes. After all, it was during an excited conversation about Italy with my colleague Mark that I first became inspired to explore this year's chosen Summer destination.

My holiday adventure actually begins next week when I fly out to Venice for the very first time (why has it taken so long!?). As this will be my 'virgin' visit, I intend to catch the boat from San Marco Polo airport, which will enable me to approach the island from the water for maximum visual impact and I dare say that a blast of invigorating sea air following my flight will be a welcome tonic.

I feel rather like a sponge right now, eagerly waiting to soak up all of the amazing sights and sounds of the vibrant Venetian culture, not to mention the wonderful Biennale, which sees much of the Art world travel to Venice for countless exhibitions and glamourous parties.

However, the real beauty of this experience will be that through the wonders of social media and my trusted iPhone, I will be able to record and share my sights and experiences with you so just close your eyes and imagine you are there too...