The January Cure

I blogged about this month-long project here and although I haven't completed as much of my list as I'd have liked, I did manage to get some stuff done!  Some time ago I inherited a very large ornate mirror frame.  It was a very dark finish so I sprayed it white, leaving it a bit patchy for interest and variety; a sort of vintage look.  I got as far as putting it up on my newly painted wall with an idea for a gallery wall, within the frame. It sat there empty for many weeks.  A few more weeks.  I kept looking at it and thinking I must complete the project but I had one major problem.  In the summer I bought these prints at a market in Tynemouth:

I loved them.  But, they've sat in a cupboard for the last 6 months waiting to be framed.  I always do this.  It's one of my less endearing traits.  So I started hunting for thin black frames 10x8".  Seriously - how difficult did this become?!  I went everywhere and the only frames I found were priced way over my budget; then, quite by chance I noticed some black frames on a supermarket website.  A quick trip later I was the proud owner of three black frames at a bargain price of £1.98.  So, my gallery wall is now complete.  Here it is in all it's glory.  I love it.  One thing to strike off that list too...

House Envy

I don't normally hanker after houses in the city, after all I live in one; but this one happens to be just around the corner to where I live and I certainly wouldn't mind swopping - it's the garden that really gets me...

 What a beautiful space.  I love the way the garden is reflected in the greens and creams used in the living space so that it flows seamlessly.  One day....

Parisian Living

Every so often I come across a space that completely takes over my imagination.  This beautiful rooftop apartment in Paris has done that lock stock and barrel.  I mean, look at it!  Tasteful, eclectic and in one of the most romantic cities in the world. Take a peek with me...

 Who wouldn't want to live in this gorgeous apartment, with a view over the zinc grey slate roofs of Paris?

 

 Or sip their wine at this table?

 

 Or scour the flea markets and broccante stores for objects d'art for their home?

 

 Or paint their new home in pretty pastels

and drink champagne on this gorgeous terrace?

Wouldn't you like to live here?  I would.

 

Images all from here

House envy

I'm still apologising for lack of regular posts!  So sorry....am unbelievably busy both at home and at work (applying for a new job) and there just doesn't seem to be enough time...BUT, I promise after next week that will all improve and posts will be more regular.  But for now, here's a little house envy to keep you going.  It's a Danish home with a very French feel, and of course, it's white!  Enjoy my dream home...

I could...

laze here

find calm here

be oh-so organised here

drift away on dreams here

snooze here

entertain here

image source: Bolig Magasinet

A Morrocan Moment

I've always been drawn to the Mediterranean lifestyle; the food, culture, way of life and that includes the way they decorate.  It's always been a dream of mine to have a little bolt-hole in my home that is just for me; a place to dream, relax, create and re-charge and in my dreams it has a Morrocan feel to it; big floor cushions, lanterns, rich colours...but then I remember I love the spaciousness of white surroundings and wonder if I can ever marry both sides of myself!  Then I came across these photographs and I realised that YES! I can have it all; Morroco in white...I'm dreaming on...

 What styles are you inexplicably drawn to and why?  I'd love to hear...

Mirror, Mirror...

I know most people decide to have a clear-out in the Spring; but the urge is upon me and I've decided to do something about my living room.  Not only is it going to get a tidy-up but a coat of paint too.  It's currently painted a colour called 'hessian' which is a pale taupe/cream colour and it's done it's job of showing off my treasures very well, but time for a change.  I'm thinking white - throughout the living room and dining room and using the colour from paintings and soft furnishings to vary the tones and break it up.  However, that's not my dilemma.  My current obsession is not paint but mirrors.  Yes. Mirrors.  I have a wonderful Edwardian mantlepiece that is the centrepiece of the room and above it stands a nice (but boring) mirror with a plain gold surround.  It's not enough.  It's just not big enough and I'd quite like something with a bit more detail.  Here's the dilemma: gold or silver or white french chic? 

silver gilt?

classic gold?

ornate gold?

or French chic?

What to do? 

House Envy

My love of white interiors and neutral colours is no secret.  I spotted this house recently and instantly fell in love.  It has everything I look for; calming colours, amazing light, quirky details and a great view.

I could relax here

Sleep here 

and dream away the hours here

 Can you tell that I'm hanging onto summer with all my might?  There's something about the light in this Cape Town house that draws me.  There's also something about that amazing view and the relaxing vibe the decor gives off.  I'm loving it.

Source

Bonne Vacances



Sleepy villages and shuttered windows

 With just over a week and a half to go until I take myself off to the South of France, I'm gearing up for sunshine, great cuisine and a touch of rose to help me recharge the empty batteries.  To get me in the mood - after all, it's pretty difficult when all I can see out of the window is torrential rain - I've been looking at these pictures..

Cool Interiors...crickets chirruping, soft breezes and afternoon naps

Shaded lounging, leisurely lunches and twinkly nightime lights

celebrations and girly get-togethers

Bliss...

*image source: Maison

Calming Colours

It's that time of year, towards the end of term that I start feeling truly frazzled - exhausted by the daily routine, bored of the rain and in need of a dose of calm; so when I came across this source of calming photos I was instantly hooked.  My overstimulated brain is craving calm scenes and neutral colours to gaze upon and these blogs fit the bill perfectly.  Here I can sink into a feather sofa, let soft chiffon and twinkly gauzes drape me still, pen a vintage card in old-fashioned inks and let serenity envelop me in it's perfect entirety.  Sigh....

What's your go-to when you're feeling the pressure?


*image credits: assorted Whipped Cream Network

Pretty corals and seafoam green

I'm absolutely loving the different shades of corals that are out at the moment!  I've just got to buy myself something in this shade to feel this summer's vibe.  It's so fresh and vibrant, without being overly loud and garish; it adds a real pop of colour to an outfit, or design scheme. 

My other colour fad at the moment is the palest, pastel, seafoam green.  I recently redid my bedroom in this shade as I find it instantly soothes and refreshes, making my space soooo relaxing and inviting.


Meadowsweet Wallpaper by Dulux

  This delicate 'shabby-chic' design perfectly evokes the uplifting feeling of summer days and flowering meadows. I used Sea Urchin 4 on the walls to complement it and it's such a haven after a long day...



Seafoam and coral, mix and match

 What colours are you gravitating towards this season?

*image credits: collages from CamilleStyles/Dulux

Best of the rest...

Who doesn't like to browse the internet and if you're a blogger there's nothing nicer than having time to trawl the virtual hemisphere looking for inspiring writers and sites.  In fact, it can become quite compulsively addictive!  I impose a time limit on my browsing or I'd never get any work done and it's usually at the weekend that I have time to sit and appreciate all the hard work my fellow bloggers have put in during the week.  Here are some of my favourite sites at the moment - they showcase creativity at its best and always give me something to go away and think about or put into practise, so if you've time to kill, take a quick peek...
1. Camille Styles a fabulous blog from Camille and her team; featuring fashion, DIY projects, food and interior decor.  She's been seen in Apartment Therapy and Design Sponge, both great sites for decor inspiration. 

*credit: Chris Perez for Apartment Therapy

2.  The Life Styled by Catherine Shepherd.  I've only just discovered this one and I LOVE it!  Based in LA Catherine is a stylist and her blog covers beauty, fashion and other inspirational things from her daily life.  Beautifully put together and great photos too.  What's not to love!

*credit: Catherine Shepherd for The Life Styled

3. Three Beautiful Things by Claire from Tunbridge Wells.  It's the simplicity of this blog that makes it so attractive.  Everyday Claire journals three things about her day that have been noteworthy.  It's a sort of meditation on mindfulness right there in front of you; a reminder to be in the moment and that even on a bad day, there are good things!
"When I have a cold, to make up hot apple juice and honey, to take another paracetamol and have some breakfast. It's amazing how much better everything seems" *credit: TBT


4. Cupcakes and Cashmere by Emily.  Another LA blogger who is just about to release a book of the same name.   A good go-to for fashion inspiration as she mostly chronicles her daily outfits, with other bits of inspiration for variety.  She's also an ambassador for Estee Lauder and you can check out her beauty tips here.

*credit: Cupcakes and Cashmere

5.  Pure Vegetarian by Lakshmi a gorgeously simple food blog with exquisite photographs.  She is a follower of Krishna and her recipes are all about healthy wholesome food cooked with love.  She lives in Finland and not only can she cook, but her food styling is beautiful.

*Credit: Pure Vegetarian

I hope you find something inspirational to take away, enjoy your reading and have a wonderful weekend...x