Idle Hands…

 Image found here

Since I finished my interior design course, I have been itching to start a new project and learn something new. Since I spend a huge chunk of my time slouched in front of a computer screen, I am keen to do something that involves working with my hands. I have finally settled on something that requires me to get my hands dirty and caters for my almighty chair obsession – reupholstering! I’ve done a little research and thanks to amazing bloggers and tons of websites, there is a wealth of reupholstering info out there for amateurs like me.  Now just to find a chair with good bones that needs some love and care! Have you/would you reupholster something? If you have, what am I getting myself in for?

Here is my (ambitious) inspiration…

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Mapped Out!

   

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I’ve gone a little map crazy at the moment. I am truly obsessed with decorating with vintage maps and globes but have found that they are incredibly expensive. There is an alternative though. What do you do with the old travel maps that helped you find your way in a new city? Mine just get stuffed in a box that eventually goes in the loft only to be opened when I have lost my passport and can’t think of anywhere else to look. It’s such a shame because they hold those memories of discovering a new place: that little bistro you found when wondering off the beaten track, the endless arguments of left and right and the thrill of realising that you are going in the right direction for once! Why not display them as art and relive those memories every time you walk past them?

Why not create a map memory board?

Create a map scrapbook?

Or cover your Geography/travel scrapbooks with old road maps?

Or create this little keepsake with your maps, subways stubs photos etc?

Or display them and other objects in a shadow box?

Or how about just creating a simple collage?

All ideas/images via Martha Stewart (aka my hero)

Quirky Homeware

A couple of weekends ago, whilst taking a stroll around Covent Garden, I found my nose pressed up against the glass of quirky homeware store Pylones. I convinced myself that I could stick to my budget and just have a quick browse. I managed to restrain myself but only just. I checked out their website when I got home (purely for blog research, I wasn’t thinking of buying anything. Honest). Their stuff is pretty darn cool. What do you think of quirky homeware products? Do they have a place in your home?

1. Teapot; 2. Angel Mug; 3. Nail Scissors; 4. Umbrella; 5. Garden Spade; 6. Radio; 7. Rice bowl; 8. Scissors; 9. Hairbrush; 10. Grater; 11. Stapler;                12. Hammer

Upstairs, Downstairs

While trawling the internet for a place to eat this weekend, I stumbled across the Bangalore Express in Waterloo. With space being at such a premium in London, these double height designs seem to be popping up everywhere! I particularly love this design – it’s got a cozy intimate atmosphere with a bit of a trendy industrial feel at the same time. According to Outline Projects (who designed the space) ‘the client required a re-invention  of the traditional curry house to match their vision for fast, healthy, Indian food.’ I am so excited to check it out in person!

IMAGE CREDITS: Outline

Outdoor Chic

Garden furniture usually gives me the heebies. I am always the person that gets stuck with the wonky plastic chair and ends up going flying when it gives way or sinks into the grass. With the days getting longer and the fact that I only have to wear one pair of thermals (instead of 2), I have been happily re-designing the layout of our tiny garden for the arrival of summer. I came across these garden furniture pieces whilst browsing for ideas - aren't they lovely? I love the concept of bringing indoor furniture outside - who's to say you can't be comfortable and stylish just because you are outside? These pieces are by Spanish company Kettal and have been designed by some great names in furniture design - Marcel Wanders, Rodolfo Dordoni and Patricia Urquiola to name a few (this is the second time I have heard her name in two weeks)!! I can only dream of being able to afford something so extravagant for my garden but they are nice to look at anyway!



IMAGE CREDITS: Trendir



Let them eat CAKE!

Take a look at these quirky cake dishes made by Italian company Secondome. It almost makes me want to bake… almost. (FYI I hate baking, mostly because I have never managed to bake anything edible and I can’t face the amount of dishes it uses). But I can picture these arty pieces grouped together on my kitchen counter or catching the light on the window cill, I might even have to buy cakes daily to put in them. Now there’s a thought?!

IMAGE CREDITS: Secondome