Reduce Reuse Recycle

Using old food tins as plant pots has really started to catch on. I have even seen them used on tables in Bistros.  It's a great idea, I have a couple in my kitchen that I have planted herbs in. 

I planted some basil seeds and they are starting to sprout

They look great in the garden, even when they get rusty

Clever Storage....

I love all kinds of shopping, including window shopping. However the latter only occurs when I'm feeling uncharacteristically indicisive or planning large purchase.  Over the last few days, I have done a lot of wondering around.  Here are some of the things I purchased. 

From IKEA's Komplement series this hanging storage. It works great in our lou as it's out of the way and keeps the clutter to a minimum.

From the same series these soft boxes, they are great for jewellery and make up

 

 

Finally this soft compartmentalized drawer box (you can also put it under the bed). I use it in my drawer to organize my bras, undies and tights. these are great because they are machine washable. Brilliant! 

Not quite the major purchase I was hoping for...but it will do for now.

WoW!

As I set up this blog mainly to showcase how wonderful & versitile small spaces can be, I spend a lot of time on the internet looking for insiration from others who live in spaces like mine.  Today I came accross this and I luv it! I hope that I can get this much personality into my home.

  At  only 178 square feet, it's a fantastic use of space. The more is more approach actually works here.  The Kitchen has been cleverly slotted into an  alcove so it appears to be hidden.  The island doubles as a console and breakfast bar. Nice!

          Using clever storage solutions saves space & minimizes clutter

JUJUing It Up

Since I decided to revamp the lounge I've been scouring antique fairs, charity shops and the Internet for the weird and wonderful.  As the summer brings with it the urge to uncloak  and the overwhelming sense of "feel good", this is always a good time to inject colour not only into your wardrobe but into your home as well.  I decided that a bold coloured statement piece was absolutely necessary.  While on eBay I came across the most unusual wall hanging and decided this was just the ticket.  Now it sits proudly behind my sofa and it's Fabulous!

It's called a JUJU Feather Hat, originally worn by tribal chiefs, royalty and dignitaries in the Cameroonian kingdom during royal affairs, weddings or funerals and now it's entered the world of Interior Design.

                             Now to find some new cushions.......stay tunned!

Ta Daaaa!

After cutting the legs down, much sanding and some gold paint, I finally managed to turn this dark and drab second hand chest of drawers into a fantastic addition to my lounge.

                                                   
                                                      What do you think?

My Latest Project

I recently purchased a chest of drawers for the lounge. Unfortunately it was too high, too deep and the colour wasn't working.  I've since moved it to a less invasive place and stare at it everyday trying to figure out how I'm going to make it work.  I think I've finally made a decision and all will be revealed soon. In the meantime hear it is......

Not exciting I know, but I'm working on it

White Space

I love fresh white paint on walls, but oddly I don't like bare white walls.  It can make a room feel a bit cold and unloved.  I especially think that if you live in a small place you need to utilize the wall space and make every inch count....including the blank spaces in between, which can work as a frame for smaller pieces of art and photos.
As I mentioned previously I feel that a well rounded interior takes time to get right. After all Rome wasn't built in day, so how can you expect to furnish your whole house in a weekend?  It takes months and sometimes years.

I have been working on this particular corner of our house since we moved in 6+ years ago. I find it quite awkward and constantly look for things that I think may work.  It is still a work in progress and I am not sure what the end product will look like but hear it is.

The beginning of After

A Zebra patterned cushion in orange, a hanging plant pot holder from Ikea and a  carved wood shelf that I found on eBay add depth and interest.  Still working on the window treatment. Watch this space.....

Before

Before before...boring....