November 16, 2012

Shabby Chic Bedroom

This shabby chic bedroom has such appeal at first glance. It induces peacefulness.Yet, taking a closer look it appears too 'staged' for me to consider it a truly practical room.
Where shall I start?
The mirror with the knick-knacks above the bed is not a good choice. Are you supposed to light the candles? How safe would it be to have multiple lit candles above your bed?
The waste basket is a messy addition - basically adding texture and a link colour to the equally unnecessary stand with scarfs and clothes draped over it.
Plus the central light fitting is too low enables you to bang your head as you change the bed clothes.

In short, the individual pieces are interesting but not as a composition as presented here.
So, what do you think?


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November 9, 2012

Art Deco Doorway


I have commissioned builders to build, carpenters to create beautiful furniture and I have first hand knowledge of working with those who work 'with love'.
I chanced up this beautiful Art Deco doorway and just had to share it with you. Just beautiful. This example costs in excess of $7k USD but having such a wonderful work of art as part of your home is a small price to pay if it is within your budget.
Want to know who made this? Here's the link to their site - only because I love this so much! (And no, I am not being paid in any form for this. Tut tut!!)

Beautiful or not?


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November 7, 2012

Original Victorian Kitchen Range


Now having become quite nostalgic in the previous post I thought I would give you an idea of the kitchen range we had in the cellar of the house I grew up in. This is almost the same range!
The fire would roar and the heat travelled up and away through the house plus it also heated the hot water!
Needless to say we did not use it often but occasionally on cold winter nights the whole family would descend into the cellar and play games in front of the warm flames.



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November 5, 2012

Quilted Comforter

bedroom showing light blue quilted bedspread, opulent
I cannot think of anything that evokes my childhood more than a handmade quilt or a quilted comforter. This is an example of simple, classical elegance which could fit most types of decor except  the futuristic modern.
This reminds me of the large Victorian house I grew up in with the original cast iron stove in the cellar, complete with bread prover. The high ceilings, fireplaces and huge surrounds which were 5ft tall! The winding staircase all the way up to the rooms at the top of the house which were clearly used by the servants of old. I never failed to be out of breath once I reached the top!
Sounds rather romantic but it was a big old draughty house and cost a fortune to keep the wind, rain and snow out plus the garden was far too small for such a grand house. Still it did make a great place to play hide and seek in with my siblings and friends!

 
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November 3, 2012

Wood Burning Fires

fires, stoves, rima
My sister-in-law lived in a beautiful cottage with a woodburning fire which stamped its authority on the room! Big, bold and pumped out an impossibly high level of heat on a cold, frosty day.
I have yet to see another one as striking.

This  example is from a company that specialises in all types of fires/stoves. They can be contacted here and I love this one for its sheer simplicity which would suit most types of rooms.

Throw down a beautifully soft rug, wine at the ready and dim the lights...!

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