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She’s the go-to girl for all thingsAmerican and design-related. Andnow we’ve got her on our team!Home Plus Scotland welcomesRonda Carman.

all the bestShe’s

For most of my life it has been my habit to amass asmany books and magazines as possible. When wemoved from our native Texas to Glasgow four years

ago, all of my printed possessions came along too. Ofcourse, it did not take long to realise that my growingcollection would not find a home in our flat given thecloset shortage! I either had to use an electronic mediumto store my findings or move house.I decided that starting a blog would be a much easieroption, and so began All the Best - A Passport to StylishLiving. What started out of necessity has become a wide-reaching style and design blog that is now read in morethan 75 countries. The focus of my attention and writing is people. I havehuge admiration for the artists of the world, and I lovegetting to know the mind behind the work of a designeror an emerging brand. In my opinion, it’s the creativepeople in our society, the minds that think outside the box,who deserve attention and limelight. Whether it’s wine, wallpaper, sheets or shoes, I am alwayson the search for an interesting back-story or a fascinatingindividual creating a life doing something they love.Which is why I guess I fit in so well with the Home PlusScotland team!

Never in a million years did I imagine that I would one daywrite a blog, much less end up living in Scotland andwriting for HPS. Life has a funny way of bringing about theunexpected.As a family, we now call both Scotland and America home.Living between two continents, sometimes literally, oftentimes virtually, I am offered an amazing opportunity tomeet people across many countries. Through my writingfor Home Plus Scotland, I hope to share many homes(plus people) with you from both Scotland and around theworld. This issue we start with the fabulous Brad Ford, aNew York based designer, a great house in the West Endof Glasgow which is rented by fellow Texan Gwen Nicoland her family, and my top tips for staying cosy – it’s a lotcolder here than in Texas! Hope you enjoy it.All the Best,

RondaPS… Don’t forget to check out www.allthebestblog.comwhen you’re online looking at the new Home PlusScotland website!

New York based, Arkansas born interior designer BradFord is one to watch. Understated yet sophisticated,straightforward, elegant and functional rooms underpinthe foundation of Brad Ford’s trademark style. Very muchlike the man himself, his rooms exude warmth andsophistication.Brad established his eponymous firm in 1998 with anemphasis on residential spaces. “Whether a room isformal or casual, traditional or modern, accessibility andcomfort are a must,” Brad says of his design philosophy.With more than 10 years’ experience in the interiordesign field, he also holds a degree in Interior Design

from F.I.T. as well as a degree in Business and Economicsfrom Hendrix College. Brad honed his skills under suchleading New York designers as Thad Hayes and the lateJed Johnson.Recently, Brad was featured as one of ‘10 New Designersto Watch’ in both New York Spaces Magazine and in NewYork Magazine, was named one of America’s Top YoungDesigners by House Beautiful and recognised as one ofthe Rising Stars of Interior Design by the InternationalFurnishings and Design Association.

Profile: Brad Ford

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Profile: Brad FordHow would you describe your personal style?I would describe my style as warm, approachable,serene, casual, yet sophisticated.

What inspires your creativity and designs?I'm from Arkansas originally and grew upsurrounded by the most beautiful natural resources.I've always loved natural materials and organicforms, and I think that comes through in my work.I'm also heavily influenced by Scandinavian design:simple and uncomplicated, yet functional andstylish.

What is your most prized possession?My dog Turbo. He's a gentle giant... he weighsalmost 100lbs and still likes to crawl up and sit in mylap.

What is the one thing in life you cannot livewithout?I have two: music and movies! I'm absolutelypassionate about music and always have to havesomething playing in the background. In addition,one of my favourite things to do is go to the movieson a Friday night. I can't think of a better way tounwind from a hectic work week.

What is your favourite luxury in life?Enjoying a delicious meal. Breakfast, lunch ordinner... I love food!

What is your idea of earthly happiness?Sitting on a big back porch overlooking a beautifullake, sipping an icy cocktail with friends and familywatching the sun go down. I honestly can't think ofanything more perfect.

What do you consider your greatestachievement?Making a living doing something I love.

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Ronda Carman chats to a fellow Texan inGlasgow, Gwen Nicol, to find out how she has

made their rented house feel like home.

homeThere’s no

place like

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"The last thing that I wantis a home where family andfriends aren’t free to relax"

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Want confirmation of the old adage, home iswhere the heart is? Then look no further thanthe beautiful detached villa Gwen and Scott

Nicol are temporarily calling home.When the family of five moved to Glasgow from Texasthey were certain of two things; that the move wouldn’tbe permanent and that the house had to feel like home.For the Gwen that meant an abundance of space forher three boys to run and play, a garden, a largekitchen and, most importantly, their own furniture.Unlike in Scotland, it's rare to find furnished flats orhouses to let in America. "I can’t imagine not havingour own belongings and furniture with us, especially aswe have children," Gwen says, looking around thebright, airy and spacious lounge. "It's very importantto me to be able to create a home environment. To us,that means being surrounded by memories and thethings that we love. The architecture of this house isvastly different from the Southern and Frenchinfluenced styles of my childhood."The stylish and easygoing Louisiana native had veryclear ideas about how to both play up and play downthe magnificent interiors of the West End villa to makethe house appropriately stylish and comfortablycharming. "The last thing that I want is a home wherefamily and friends aren’t free to relax," Gwen quipswhilst waiting for a turkey to be delivered andpreparing a Thanksgiving dinner for their network ofScottish friends, which includes 12 adults and 13children. Playing host to the occasion is one of themost striking and well-used rooms of the home — thedining room. Deep green walls create a stunningbackdrop for art, family, friends and food, Colin Parkartwork takes pride of place and a gorgeous white lightdominates the eye-line.Skilfully mixing playful with the precious and old withthe transient and new, each room has a unique anddistinctive aesthetic. A pair of Ariat cowboy boots restsagainst the garden door, whilst a rustic coffee table inthe lounge marries with modern art and antiques in ahappy, unpretentious manner. "When you adddifferent styles and textures to a room you create acertain cosiness and liveability. Our furniture is meantto be used, you can dance on this table," Gwen laughspointing to a table anchoring the lounge. "I love ahome that bustles with activities, guests and parties."This unpredictable, personal mix of styles lends to thesense that the house is truly a home, one that has longbeen cultivated by fun, interesting and cultured people— even if it’s a temporary arrangement.

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Hot chocolateDivine Fair trade Hot Coca £1.49 Whether whisking up a rich dark cup offragrant hot cocoa or using it in yourfavourite chocolate recipes, Divine Cocoa isthe perfect choice.SlippersVelvet Lined Slipper from Toast £59These simple metallic leather, velvet linedslippers are sure to keep your toes both toastyand stylish.www.toast.co.ukCandlesVotivo Red Currant and AmberwoodCandles £28 each

Votivo Red Currant is savoury blend of tartred currants and golden fruit glaze. VotivoAmberwood is a rich, woodsy, masculinescent that combines ambergris, spicy blondtobacco, burnt cedarwood, amber andhoney. Both very different, both very

gorgeous.www.homeofhomefragrance.co.ukSoupBaxters Luxury Soups £1.59I adore homemade soup and make it everySunday (www.allthebestblog.com). If you findyourself short on ingredients or time try anyof the Baxters Luxury Soups. Each is richand deeply flavoured, created from the finestingredients. I especially love the LobsterBisque. A delicate mix of Atlantic Lobster,dry white wine, fresh Scottish double creamand a dash of brandy, this soup is the best. Tea liquor Qi Black Tea Liqueur £30Warming Qi Black Tea Liqueur ishandcrafted from smoky Lapsang Souchongtea, rare fruits, exotic spices, and barrel-agedbrandy. www.farehamwinecellar.co.ukTightsLace Knit Tights from Brora £45

Cashmere and silk blend tights to keep youwarm and beautiful this season.www.brora.co.ukBeddingDouble Waffle Blanket £44John Lewis textured waffle textured blanketsare ideal as an extra layer or as throws.www.johnlewis.comHot water bottleScottish Cashmere Hottie and BedSock Set £99.50This great cashmere set will keep you superwarm this winter.www.scotweb.co.ukAu naturaleSnuggling £0Credit crunch or not it’s the best way to keepcosy and warm.

See you next issue… x

all the best...ways to keep cosy