I'm loving living in my studio! As you can see, it has evolved in the few months since I've moved in. I've made few changes in the layout except for adding a funky, rustic shelf that effectively separates the kitchen and provides an entry into the apartment. I've hung a coat hook beside the door and voila! I no longer walk straight into the kitchen (a Feng Shui no no) and better yet, I do not see the kitchen from my bed. I also stitched up some unbleached (white) burlap curtains for the areas which need ...
Done! Made a few pillow covers with textiles I had on hand - determined to use what I have and not acquire more - and rearranged a bit. I think I'm done! I have gone mad with prints, texture and layering here. I think it works because of the amount of white present in soft furnishings, painted wood and objects - including shells. I love bringing nature indoors. I've hung a few mirrors but more for Feng Shui reasons than as decorative tricks - there's no getting away from the fact that this is only one ro...
The challenge with downsizing from a two bedroom house to a studio is zoning space for all the activities that take place in a home. Storage too is a problem. In a one-room studio, specially, a lot of storage is going to be on display and everything really needs to be organized to the max. I didn't have enough closet space for instance, so I carved out a 'closet' in the bathroom by hanging two rods, one for clothes and one for a curtain, in an empty area behind the sink. I put a small dresser beneath the...
I've been gone because I've been making some big changes to my life. Biggest change was a big move to a smaller space! For a number of reasons, not least of which, the urge to travel more, I decided I no longer needed the amount of space I called home or the past five years. Deciding a smaller footprint was a more conscious decision, I divested myself of about half of my possessions (children, yard sales and giveaways) and rented a 650 square foot, rustic studio loft at the top of a building which houses...
Bottle trees have a cool history. They were first brought to Europe and the Americas by African slaves who believed that evil spirits are trapped in the bottles, preventing them from coming inside and doing harm. They are also very pretty and sparkle in the sunlight like stained glass. I used old bottles I'd collected and lined the path with them.
I'm sorry for my absence - real life calling - but I'm here today and wanted to say thanks so much for the comments! In between writing I've been gardening and trying to stay connected to the Earth as we all go through these tumultuous times together with Gaia. My garden is a wild meadow, slowly being returned to a natural state with a little planting of tree and shrubs, along with growing veggies and flowers in raised and layered beds. This year I've co-opted a bit of the wild, forested area I leave alo...
The fabulous Corine of Hidden In France fame has a novel out; aptly titled Hidden In Paris - I am delighted to be one of the winners of this book and will post a review here after I read it. Many of you are already visitors to Corines charming and often, amusing blog, but if you haven't, please click on this post title to go there. Her aesthetic is fabulous, French and full of wit! She's also colour happy, which is what attracted me to her blog initially. I am sure this, her debut novel will be as witty,...
When I opened the kitchen doorto my deck yesterday afternoon, a brilliantly colouredfinch was in the birdbath on the far right corner of the deck. It flew up into one of the two old pine trees that shade this garden, as I ran for the camera. I was able to get one shot between the branches, beforehe flew off. Above are a few more pictures of accents inthe back garden that leads off the deck; a fenced in spot I am currently planting with shrubs, climbing roses and a forsythia bush - all yellow. Coyote Will...
Last Winter, I painted the tiny hallway between my bathroom and guest room a deep, slate grey-blue. It opened up the small space brilliantly and the contrast against the surrounding white walls and pale woodwork is stunning. It's hung top to bottom with a mix of drawings, paintings and favourite photographs. I love the old wooden kitchen chair against the sooty colour of the walls. This Spring, I have continued the moody theme outside, in my garden. Taking inspiration from the aged teak decking and fenci...
Inspiring me today. This relaxed and personal home in Australia (from the Taverne Agency.) Its laid back vibe is unpretentious and comfortable yet elements of style and design remain very strong. The fearless use of colour and pattern is another plus in my book. This house reminds me how important it is that we consider the occupants of a home, before decorating. This house is obviously home to children and all the stuff that comes along with them! It is also filled with vintage and hand-crafted furnishi...
