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The Life Creative blog aims to put a playful spin on all things interiors. Creator Chris Carroll (pictured above) is also studying interior styling at ISCD, having already completed a design qualification. Chris has also featured in interior magazines Real Living and Inside Out, and most recently shared some seasonal styling tips on The Morning Show. We find out more about the blog, and Chris's passion for simple styling ideas... 

What's the story behind The Life Creative?
I started the blog in November 2012, so I could share my love of design and home wares and connect with local creative types. Six months in, it started gaining a bit of a following and 18 months on I'm now in mags and on TV. It's been beyond exciting to realise the vision I had for it.


Chris makes common accessories his own with an easy how-to.

What can readers expect from TLC? 
It's a very light-hearted look at design and decor. I'm a self-confessed dag, so the content is very attainable. I've studied design, too, so there's an 'info-tainment' element to the blog; I share what I've learnt about styling, colour, DIY and crafting along the way, which I think is a nice point of difference.

How would you describe your personal style?
It's a bit of a mixed bag, because I tend see the appeal in everything. Half the time, I just cram different decor together and pray it'll work! It's definitely on the colourful, quirky, art nouveau side of the spectrum, though. I love marrying industrial and retro decor.


Chris demonstrates how simple it is to create personalised art.

Describe your home workspace for us. Organised chaos or practically perfect?
Definitely not chaotic! When I work, I have my Ecoya candle burning, some pop music playing, a kikki.K notepad full of scribbles and a cork board full of inspirational imagery. It's very light, airy and playful.

What are your tips for Autumn trends (as seen on The Morning Show)?
It's all about reducing the chaotic colour and upping the texture. Warm oranges and reds teamed with neutrals like soft grey is a winning strategy.  And you can never have too many cable knit throws!


Chris creates his own cushions.

What are your favourite interiors resources (on or offline)?
I always look to T&W for home styling inspiration - naturally! I also love the UK blog Bright Bazaar and have a mag stack at home that I'm going to end up trapped underneath at some point in the near future!


Chris shows how easy it is to change the look of items with decorative paper.

Quickfire questions:

Style icon(s): Jonathan Adler and Abigail Ahern.
Pet hate: Design snobbery.
Local secret: I find a lot of good stuff at Vinnies!
Something no-one knows about you: I once had a cat phobia!
Surefire styling tip: Every room should have 'you' in it.