Teal tension...

Well hello there! So much has happened over the summer, I almost feel like I've lived through a whole separate existence! Hence there has been very little time to devote to blogging, and I am only just catching my breath. My parents, sister and brother-in-law came over to the UK to visit, and for us it was a very special time spent making memories. Sadly we had two bereavements in the family, as well as that of a very dear friend, so life has dealt us a few blows too....But, it makes you appreciate every single day for the gift that it is, and you can't help but feel challenged to seize every moment of opportunity that comes knocking at your door...

Over the summer I have also been very fortunate to participate in a Christmas feature for Style at Home Magazine which will hit the shelves in November, but more about that later! As the children are back at school and the normal rhythm of life is returning, I thought I'd share a quick bedroom update with you today.

Last summer we re-decorated the master bedroom by injecting a bit of drama with a dark feature wall, and a few pieces of furniture was given a new lease of life with a lick of paint too. I have never felt completely at ease with the whole scheme, as I have always felt that something was lacking. So, after a little planning and tinkering, I have made a few inexpensive and easy changes that somehow makes it all look and feel more cohesive. The first thing I did was to rethink the most important element of any bedroom scheme...the bedding! I wanted something less sugary and pale than the existing pink floral duvet cover we had on the bed. I found a fabulous linen set that looks and feels more in keeping with the darker colour scheme. I think it is adding more depth and texture, thus creating a more grown-up feel.

I visited the Milton Keynes Handmade, Vintage and Retro Fair at the weekend, and came away with the most charming 1960's floral prints. They were an absolute snip of a bargain, but I am very aware that they would have been a considered purchase for someone back in the day, as people gave a lot more thought to any new item for the home in an era of frugal living. These now have pride of place on the wall behind the bed.

By adding a few new touches, such as some freshly cut sprigs from the garden, and a lush green plant, the room is feeling more inviting and 'pulled together'. A favourite tip of mine is to peruse the bathroom accessories isles in shops like Dunelm, where tumblers used for tooth brushing and rinsing come in all shapes and styles, and they won't break the bank. These are perfect little vases for small posies on the bedside table. They also look fabulous grouped together in odd numbers for a quirky display.

I am very pleased with the overall feel of the room now. It certainly is a haven of relaxation now, perfect for reading in and listening to some old records while daydreaming away...

As always this is a work in progress, but homes always are, aren't they?

Blessings,

Tania

And so the seasons change...

Right...Who did it? Who flicked the 'summer off' switch? It really seems this way, with temperatures feeling decidedly chilly these passed few days! I am not sure that I am quite ready for woolly socks and cardi's just yet, but needs must. One thing is for sure though...With autumn knocking, it's a wonderful excuse to re-decorate the dresser again!

Cheery blooms, ginger beer and toffee apple cider...

Fruits of the season...

A hand sewn leafy garland...

Soon there will be pumpkins too! I am excited about autumn picnics, hot chocolate and marshmallows by a toasty fire, and hearty soup! Hmmm....The change in season doesn't seem so bad after all?

Blessings

A happy place to be...

September is here, and we are all trying really hard to hang on to the hem of summer's skirt! But, as the kids are going back to school this week, I know it won't be long before the nights draw in and autumn descends on us in waves of yellow, rust, orange, red and gold. It is a good thing that I am rather fond of the chillier weather, as I know it lasts for an awfully long time in the Northern hemisphere! Normally I'd like to think that I am quite organised, and usually at the dawn of September I have managed the pre-winter clear out of cupboards. Preparations are usually under way to get everything ship-shape before school starts, in real squirrel fashion thinking of the busy months ahead. But alas...this year I am well and truly dragging my feet! However, I have made a little effort this weekend to kick start things!

I was given a writing bureau some years back, and it is definitely one of my favourite pieces of furniture. There is something very 'Jane Austen'-like about owning a bureau. Sometimes I imagine myself sitting there on a crisp morning, winter rays pouring through the window, cup of tea steaming away on the foldout leaf, and pen in hand jotting down all my deepest thoughts. Or, equally, in my imagination it comes to life by candlelight, as I pull out my diary at the desk, and put the world to rights on paper with my best calligraphy pen. Ha! Reality is a very different story though! No such romantic past times has it yet encountered! I did give it a fresh lick of paint a few years back, but since then it has lived a rather non-descript life, and has been the dumping ground for discarded mail, and all manner of  'I'll-sort-that-later' junk.

I think the reason why I haven't used it as intended, is because it felt a little dated, even though it had been given a lick of paint.

I had only painted the outside before, so this weekend I decided to tackle it on the inside too! I painted it a fresh green, with a top coat of glitter glaze. It is utterly yummy! At night time it twinkles and sparkles! If think that if I can manage to keep it tidy, I can leave the foldout desk down and this way I will use it more often. A few new flourishes later, mixed in with some retro touches, I find it a happier place to be!

I used my favourite weapon to brighten things up too, a can of gold spray paint! I had a dull elephant sellotape dispenser which I'd picked up from Tiger stores, a standard black stapler,a black pencil holder and an old vintage jelly mold that I thought I could use as accessories on my desk. I tackled these with the paint, and voila! A little co-ordinated girly glamour!

Some quirky pencils and stationary add a bit of fun, and I am looking forward to spending more time here getting organised. Who knows...I might even write that book I keep talking about!

So, although the rest of my abode is still off colour, at least this one little corner is as it should be! Here's to some more squirrel tinkering getting ready for the long, cold season ahead!

Blessings

Master Bedroom Reveal

Can you hear that crying? It's the sound of wailing walls! The master bedroom in our home has not been touched since we moved in nearly ten years ago, and it is crying out for a makeover! Let's do this....

And so I set to work...Inspired by a colour that I love, I decided to go for something a little bolder than I'm used to...Be gone Magnolia! Hello Teal...

I painted the main wall behind the bed this luscious deep teal, as well as the wall surrounding the main window. This way the room won't end up being too dark, as the light will shine from within, so to speak! The remaining two walls were painted in a crisp white to set off the teal. And I am so happy with the results! The light in here changes all day long, and the colour goes from blue to green, from light to dark. I love the various moods it creates...

I wanted to create a gallery wall above the bed, but when I spotted these metallic letters and wings, I knew it would add a little more drama. The gold accents work well with my existing gilt mirror and vintage swallows in flight, and creates a more cohesive look in what could be a busy scheme otherwise.

Now, I love the design of a skeleton lamp matched with an over sized retro bulb, but these can be quite pricey. I had a silk covered shade which I'd picked up from a thrift shop some time ago, so I stripped the cover off, and spray painted it gold. I found a discontinued lamp base in a Homebase in the sale...it cost me the total sum of six pounds, and is just perfect. It has slight accents of gold to tie in with the shade, and teamed up with a giant bulb, it was just the look I was going for. Design on a budget! All for under a tenner!

Apart from the walls, I have been toying with the idea to paint the furniture. But as it turns out, I really like the look of the pine bed against the teal wall, so for now that will stay as is. But, the dressing table really did need doing...Eugh...

It looked dull and worn, and in need of some TLC. I opted for a lovely fresh 'nearly white'...And a delectable glitter glaze by Craig and Rose. The result is fresh, clean and at night the glitter comes to life with a subtle shimmer for a bit of glam.

The built-in wardrobes were also looking tired. After a fresh lick of white satinwood, they looked fresh-faced, but a little bland. I decided to decoupage some wallpaper motifs on to the doors, and it is just a lovely sight to wake up to in the morning!

And of course, there will be no end of faffing and nesting to get every little corner looking just right...

I am so pleased that I didn't shy away from this colour in favour of a safer option. And I know that I can change and add to it as the mood takes me. I dare you to be brave next time too!

Blessings

Painting and pondering...

Well, the weeds have certainly grown in this little blogging patch, hasn't it? It has been a while! The summer term is always hectically busy as the school year draws to an end. The children need ferrying around from one place to the next, days are filled with school plays, sport days, work, transition days...the list goes on! Trying to find time for creative pursuits seem an impossibility! But, while the days are wrapped in warm sunlight, it seems more important to 'make hay while the sun shines'!

So, I have a rather long list of painting projects waiting to be tackled. Our master bedroom is in dire need of freshening up, as we haven't touched it since we moved in ten years ago! I am thinking drastic changes. It has always been a little 'safe' in it's decorating choices, with a theme of pale pink and pine running throughout. Now I'm leaning towards bolder, brighter colours! I have kicked things off by painting a little glass cabinet in a bright shade of  'Verdigris' by Grand Illusions Vintage Paints. It is utterly yummy! Here is the before picture...A vision of...well, dull...

And now...

I cannot recommend this paint highly enough. I have used several brands of chalk paint, and this particular brand goes on like a dream! You don't have to prepare the surface by tediously sanding it down. You just paint. Compared to other chalk paints, this one went on smoother, and had a much nicer, organic smell. I painted two coats, and then used a clear wax over the top. I don't like things too perfect, so I distressed it in places with sandpaper after waxing it. I am so pleased with the end result!

That is one tick off the re-decorating 'to-do-list'! Now, the real work begins! I am still pondering on what colours to use, and whether I will paint the bed and dressing table. At the moment it looks like this...

I am thinking of painting this wall behind the bed in a bold, dark shade of blue. Yes, I am! Watch this space...For now, I am scratching my head, planning, thinking and deciding...

I hope your summer is equally as relaxing as it is productive. But do remember to take time to smell the flowers...

Blessings

Simple things...

Hello my lovelies! Well, we've enjoyed a long weekend here in the UK, and it has been a lovely, lazy one for us! Life has become so hectic, and I have to remind myself sometimes that I am not a hamster on a treadmill! It is important to stop. Yes, stop. Climb off. And  take the time to smell the flowers...

So this weekend, we did just that. We made time to enjoy the simple things...

Leisurely cuppas...

Reading...slowly...without having to look at a gadget screen...

Relaxing to some good tunes...

We had cosy lie-ins, walks in the sunshine, BBQ's, family movie time by candle light...

And a little car boot thrifting! The whole family like a bit of car booty hunting, from the youngest to the oldest. I do try to teach the kids to have an attitude of re-purposing, re-using, and that 'new' doesn't have to mean 'never been used'! In this life so much is disposable, and people's attitudes are rather wasteful! I do think that we need to learn from our elders who believed that it was important to 'make do and mend'. And if you have a keen eye, you can find some really useful, beautiful treasures when thrifting. I did find a few this weekend!

This very pretty Cath Kidston teapot and creamer...I cannot believe it was no longer needed...

This cheery retro salt and pepper shakers...A 50p bargain for both! I kid you not...

A blast from the past! These quirky tumblers featuring the Asterix and Obelix cartoons. I grew up reading the cartoons, and watched it on the tele too, so this was most definitely a nostalgic purchase! They are originally from Germany, and were Nutella containers! I thought the kids would enjoy drinking from these! Best part...I had set out on the morning with 'tumblers' on my wish list, as we very much needed to replace some following breakages!

Three days have proved this...If you stop, and take time to enjoy the simple things, it restores a little sanity where chaos and the word 'busy' can cloud your mind...I hope that you too can find the time to enjoy the simple things...

Blessings

Light...

This winter has proven to be a little challenging for me. As much as I love the coziness of snuggling like a hibernating bear inside my den, I have longed for the sun's balmy warmth to wash over me. Grey, dull skies have dampened my mood, and it takes a monumental effort to hoist myself out of bed in the mornings. But, having said that, nothing is more charming than those crisp, clear mornings when all is draped in icy crystals, and the landscape lies white and still after a blanket of frost has settled upon it. Today has been such a day. The sun came out to accompany the blue sky in a symphony of light! Those of you, who like me, wait with bated breath for the 'good light' to appear so perfect snaps can be taken, will know that one must 'make hay while the sun shines'! 

All budding photographers will know that natural light is your best friend. It drives away shadows that can make your pictures look a little lacklustre. Everything looks so much nicer draped in light! 

Here are a few snaps taken on brighter days...

Even the daffodils have been coaxed from the snuggly earth they've been buried in...

And we know this little fella likes the light too!

Today was a good day...

Here's to a bright and sunny weekend!