AD – This Post is a paid collaboration with M&S.

Spring is definitely on its way, proper Spring I mean, lighter days, showers, milder temperatures and buds starting to creep out from their hibernating position, not the oddly dramatic late Spring preview we had a few weeks back making us all feel optimistic we were further through the year than we thought we were! And with this in mind I have tried to make my March edit of pieces from M&S home an anticipation of the change – lighter bed linen, less robust blankets for overnight chill, vases for displaying new season treasures from nature, fresh smells and linen cushions.

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I am really smitten by this collection of pieces from M&S, I’m categorising them as artisan minimalism because they speak to me of well though out design details, care and an honesty of material, and minimalist in a homely sense (you know that I could never be a complete adopter) but with its pared back colour palette of monotones and blues there is something very lagom about the pieces I’ve put together here. Its a perfect time of year for it, after the post-winter-clear-out we are all in readiness for the lighter seasons, simplicity is what a lot of us are craving at this time of year. So here it is, a selection of my favourite simple, but beautiful pieces, from the new M&S Spring/Summer range.

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The majority of items are from a collection M&S are calling Warm Neutrals. I loved seeing these items at the M&S press show, they have a simplicity but one which is interesting, the grooves and etchings on the pottery which feel artisan, the duvet cover which is waffled on the outside (producing a beautiful texture to this grey textile) but cotton rich on the inside for comfort and luxury. My favourite kinds of homewares these days are those that are delicate, which add texture and can be layered. As I have grown to become comfortable in a taste I call my own (I’ve been blogging, I realised the other day, for six years) I am far more drawn to interiors storytelling that is more subtle and also enduring. The items I’ve chosen for this months edit feel like they have an aesthetic durability that will outlast any seasons trends, which is something which can’t often be said for the fast paced turnover of the High Street these days.

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In fact I have put my money where my mouth is and bought this bedding (and the throw, and a vase, and a pitcher, and a bowl!). I think it’s nice to treat the home to a seasonal refresh, it can be a really effective way of changing how you feel about a space without major investment. In late Autumn I love to pull out heavier blankets and throws, cosy cushions, and more elaborate bedding. In early Spring (I only do two refreshes a year) I pack away these heavier and bulkier items along with the winter duvet and bring out more lightweight and sparse textiles. These linen striped cushions (also available in a lovely deep grey stripe and also a mustard colourway thats very on trend) and the lighter, but still textured, square stitch throw are perfect for bringing a hint of the balmier months to come.

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Can we pause for a second to talk about the vases? I am so impressed with this range. In fact there were so many I liked I hardly knew which to choose. But choose I did (believe me it was difficult, I could have had a room of vases!). I went for the Linear bulb vase (in all three sizes) and the Drip reactive short vase. I love how un-high street these feel, like the Sunbaked ceramics I featured last month, there’s a lovely patina to the unique markings and textures on these pieces which feel very individual and charming. They are the perfect size for Spring posies, and also more architectural but sparse arrangements of dried flowers and grasses (which I have chosen to style them with).

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The final items I have brought in are from the M&S apothecary range which are made up of two spa like smells that I can’t get enough of, one is called Calm, the other Balance. I have bought all of the items from the Calm range and a couple from Balance as they pack a hell of a lot of bang for their buck. I am definitely a bit of a nose snob, but these candles made with real essential oils are only £7.50, they come in lovely amber glass holders and they release the most gorgeous fresh scents. Calm is based on notes of Lavender, Sweet Orange, Clary Sage and Cedar, whilst Balance uses Geranium, Black Pepper, Jasmine & Cinnamon Leaf.

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I am really smitten with these pieces which look like they could have been picked up in a Scandinavian boutique, and the room smells like a incredible, retreat like and fresh. There is something really fresh about these greys, monotones and blues together in our white bedroom. I love how season ready we feel with these new pieces. The feeling of calm about this palette combined with the variety of textures and finishes makes the collection a real winner. I have already done the spring clean in our home, and tidied up the garden. Now, if only Spring will hurry through to bring hints of early summer I will be very happy.

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What do you like to do in your home to mark the the new season? Have you done a spring clean yet? What are you looking for in the new season, and what are your favourites from this collection? I’d love to hear in the comments below. You can see in this next final shot a little preview of some of the items I have chosen for next month which I have styled in a very different setting, but here they are in the bedroom looking all botanical and striking. Come back next month for the full range and how I’ve put them to use!

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Items used in Edit:

Items clockwise from top left: Micro Waffle Bedding Set // Square Stitch Throw // Linear Bulb Vases // Calm Difuser // Block Striped Cushion // Abstract Geo Quilted Cushion // Balance Candle // Dahlia in Bottle Vase // Drip Reactive Shirt Vase //