Design Solutions

Today I have a little challenge for you all: what should I do with this space?

My room is almost finished now, having received my curtains last week, and just needs really two things: my photos and pictures getting hung up, and deciding what place in this little gap. To help set the scene, I am planning on popping my decorative hangers on the wall above, and pinning a retro print above my bedside table, to the right of the photo.

I need just a little extra area for sticking stuff displaying my things. Some of my ideas so far:

• A chair or stool
• A small table
• A slim chest of drawers (like this)
• A mannequin for holding bags and jewellery

 What do you think? Do you like any of these, or do you have some better ideas of your own?

Currently Lusting: Anthropologie's Homewears

As the world is undeniably a global village, a lot of the blogs that I read and follow are based in America, or are in London and have access to flagship stores and travel the world like the airport is part of their daily commute. Consequently, I hear about a lot of global brands that we don't have the same access to in the UK, including Anthropologie. I hadn't really bothered look at their website until now, figuring that it wouldn't be as good an experience as visiting one of the London shops (WHY are there two or three stores across London, one in Edinburgh and nowhere else? I mean, they could have put one in Cardiff or Birmingham, just to spread things out a little? Gah).

Anyway, eventually, I caved in, looked online, and fell head-over-heels in love with all their home accessories, especially all their patterned bowls. I just wish that they stocked more!

 Large serving bowl, £22

 Small 'inside-out' red bowl, £8

 Small stripe bowl, £8

Small tiled and dotted bowl, £8

While the large bowls create a lot of impact, I love the idea of brightening up my morning yoghurt or porridge with one of their smaller bowls.
Anthropologie has also got lots of sweet little things for around the home. I adore this notebook:

 

And, while I know that loads of people have this little owl pot, I think it would make a lovely gift, or a treat for yourself.

What are you currently lusting after?

Bedding and Room Haul

I think it is safe to say that I had a pretty busy week off. After a long (nearly eight hours!!) journey back from seeing Paloma Faith at Ali's, I had a fair list of things to do. My Grandmother had come up for the week, so taking her dog for walks around my village gave me a chance to have a nosy around my new community.

The next few days were split between stripping wallpaper in my room with my Grandma and dealing with the pile of work and essays I had to do. I'm pretty pleased now though; the work is done, the steam strippers and scrapers have done their job, and my walls are now ready for painting! We've decided not to remove the carpet; although it is a little scary and violet, it is pretty good quality. Instead, I've ended up going with the colour rather than fight it. I'd spent ages carefully making up Pinterest pinboards with simple grey and green pallets, but by the time we had hit the shops on Saturday, I had changed my mind at least twice...

So, Saturday. We left the dog, and hopped on a train into town. After running a few errands we stopped off for coffee and brunch. While I have been going off coffee a little lately (shocking!), nothing can beat hot filter coffee from a Nick Munro cafetiere, drunk black or with hot milk. With this, I had a toasted English muffin with tomato chutney, bacon, and a side salad. Having refreshed ourselves, a battle plan was laid -objective: decorate my room.

I started at Cath Kidston, and in a blissful haze inspire by the oh-so-pretty bedroom display, I almost came out with armfuls of kitsch prints. I was really taken by the green eiderdown and two-sided antique rose duvets. After some to-ing and frowing between Cath Kidston and Laura Ashley, I settled on heathery-coloured throws and cushions from Laura Ashley. I'm still casting furtive glances over at floral teawear sets, mind.

I can't wait to get my room painted so I can start using these!! We then went to BHS to get some plain white bedding and a light shade. I got a pretty, chandelier-style cover, but I forgot to take a photo, so that will have to wait until my room is finished and I can do a room tour. I also spotted lots of nice throws and sheets in the "Vintage" collection, which would be nice if I ever feel like a summer decor refresh.

We found two pretty  accessories too. In BHS I bought a sugar tin, reduced to £2.20 because of a near-invisible dent. From a really pretty homewear/crafts shop, my Grandma bought me this purple vase, which I love.

I'm looking forward now to getting everything finished and looking pretty.... Who else has been redecorating lately?