The Home Interiors Partner

4 the love of wood

Do you remember me posting about this lovely little chair I had as a child that needed upholstering?

Well the lovely Kristy from over on 4theloveofwood has kindly been putting some ideas together for me. This is a big challenge for me as I have never done any upholstering before & I want to get it right as this cute little chair has been in my family for a very long time.
One suggestion she had for me was to go for an organic large bold coloured print to jazz up the simple lines. I love the look of these chairs & kirsty was right in saying she had a feeling I would love the yellow! (Oh Kirsty you have me worked out), although I do LOVE it in the red as well. These printed fabrics on a white painted base would be gorgeous although now I am slightly torn since she threw another idea at me that really caught my eye....

....... I also LOVE the idea of the black painted wood with the black & white printed fabric. Oh no..HELP ME people what do you think?

Kirsty also suggested to fill in and upholster the side panels of the chair to give it a whole new look completely. Im toying with this idea if I go with the bold coloured fabrics. hmmmm whats a girl to do? What do you all think I would love your feed back on this.

Well Kirsty had lots of ideas for me & if you want to see the full post or you would like some advice on some furniture makeovers you want to try out yourself blog hop over now to http://4theloveofwood.blogspot.com/ where you will find helpful tips & ideas on furniture revival. There are some amazing makeovers that kirsty has done herself for you to see
4 the love of wood

Take a peek at this parlour chair Kirsty upholstered (clever girl isnt she!)... theres much much more to see over on her blog. Thanks Kirsty for all your help xx

Theres something timeless & classic about black & white decor. Crisp white walls are everywhere right now, they are vintage classic or ultra modern. I was asked recently for some ideas for a black & white bedroom & I took my inspirations for my moodboard from Hollywood glamour for a chic, classic style. The bed I found at Layla Grayce as are the mirrored furniture. I chose a glass chandellier to compliment the furniture. Dont be afraid to mix patterns with floral with this colour pallette it adds to the drama, animal prints are another hot favourite right now. Black & white photos of loved ones or pictures of hollywood sirens are a must in creating this look. The great thing about a black & white theme is the ability to add in colour at a later date if you want to change the vibe of the room & you are not restricted to what colour you choose.
.

What do you think of these monochrome bedrooms or do you prefer pops of bold colour?

Photo Source - Homes & Gardens

True Romance

How beautiful is this shabby chic room I found in Country Living, it has such a romantic feeling. Its like something from a film set. I love the luxurious silk & lace bedlinen its so beautiful. There is so much fine detail in this room from the wooden paneled walls & ceilings to the greek like posts & the natural element of countless flowers.

Talking of romance look at these little lovelies from over at Ada & Darcy (yes I am a huge fan of Ada & Darcy as you may have guessed by some of my previous posts, I just cant get enough of the amazing store...oh the shopping I am going to do there when I finally move...).

http://adaanddarcy.blogspot.com/

Well its getting late & theres school clothes to iron & pack lunches to make so its short & sweet tonight I am afraid & quite honestly I am ready for my bed. Night all or good morning to those of you down under whos monday morning has already begun xx

Somewhere to chill for the boys!

Weekends here time to let down your hair! Im off out to dinner & a few drinks tomorrow night with Neil. We are child free for the evening so are planning on making the most of it, especially since Neils been away alot the past couple of weeks. It also makes up for missing out on strawberry martinis with the girls last weekend. Wouldnt it be lovely though if you could bring the bar, the cinema & entertainment home like the rich & famous do, ah we can all dream cant we of that home spa & gym or a large games room......

What about a billards room like this one? Neil would love this room somewhere to chill with the boys, game of pool & a few beers followed by a game of cards around this funky glass table. All thats missing is a big plasma TV tuned into the sports channel

.....me I just dream of a walk in wardrobe & the clothes to fill it. Well Happy friday all, hope you all have a great weekend xxxx

Home Styling for Sale

Having recently sold my own home I can totally sympathize with anyone trying to sell in this economic climate. But proving that homestyling really does work is in the fact that my own house sold in less than 2 weeks of being on the market.(which is thankfull since going on the market was delayed some what due to one thing & another- anyway forgetting all that stress), It all basically comes down to presentation. I know Ive said it before but a lick of paint really is the most cost effective way of giving your house a lift, making it feel fresh clean & generally more appealing.

Its very hard when you have a bold personality when it comes to home decor but just for a moment you have to switch off & forget your own personal taste. Its a fact that properties for sale generally sell faster when they are decorated in neutral tones as they are easy colours to live with and a perfect blank canvas. This makes it easier for any potential buyer to visualise themselves within the space. I know that I have harped on about all this before but light, neutral tones create a calm, relaxed atmosphere. They are also ageless so no matter what a potential buyers taste whether contemporary or classic, neutrals will always compliment. At the end of the day you can jazz up the personality of a room with accessories as long as the basis of the room like walls, floors, ceilings ect are kept neutral. Focus on a quality base & have fun with pops of bold colour in pillows or wall art & accesories.

Light neutral colours also give the illusion of a room being more spacious. An important key to selling a house is the illusion of space. Good lighting is very important in a small space especially if your house is being viewed in the evening. Large mirrors are a good way of reflecting natural light back into a room giving it the illusion of being spacious; they also bounce around any artificial light, so the bigger the mirror the better. Clean the windows, sparkling clean glass will also reflect the light. A floor standing lamp shines into dark spaces and gives a cosy and homely feeling to a room. Scented candles are a great idea, not only do they give the room a cosy glow but make your house smell fresh too.

Picture source- Living Etc

Before putting my house on the market I gave everywhere a fresh lick of paint & a big de-clutter blitz .Trying to make your house appealing to buyers is all about making your space light and clutter free so create simple and clear surfaces to help them visualise the space as their own. Some personal items on show are great just don’t over do it, so often people can be put off by what seems like lack of space. Floral arrangements on end tables and dining tables are a homely touch but keep things minimal. Put belongings away as viewers don’t want to be stepping over things. This will give them a sense that there is little storage space. Nothing makes a room feel smaller than filling it with clutter so make sure your storage works well for you. Clutter is just that, clutter.The space under beds can hide a multitude of sins like extra shoes and clothes, the same principal goes for cupboards under the stairs. If there is a space, utilize it & box things away.

Country bedrooms | Country-style bedrooms | Country decorating ideas | PHOTO GALLERY | Housetohome.co.uk

picture sourced - house to home

Most importantly know the function of a room and make sure spaces visually flow together. You may use a room yourself for several different things, but for sale purposes a dining room for instance needs to be presented as a dining room. The spare bedroom needs to be presented as a bedroom and not a storage room and so on. Again this will make viewers feel there is a lack of space.

Picture source- living Etc

................ Just remember the basic rules keep things clean, fresh & tidy & most importantly clutter free, good luck x

Im stuck at home poorly today, not exactly resting I have my books to get straight for the accountant but they have to be done & Im not very good at sitting & doing nothing at all but quite frankly Im so washed out & exhausted Im just grateful to be home in my pjs even if the laptop is fired up :( I have managed to get a Drs appointment for tomorrow thankfully after being told I would have to wait a month to see my own doctor (yes seriously a whole months wait!!)! Its not like I have the sniffles or a sore throat I am in genuine pain for goodness sake, but I wont get on my soap box about it all........
Anyway after a weekend teasing us with some sunshine & reminding us that spring is in the air I thought I would share these pictures from our friends over in Australia who presently have our share of the sunshine.
When I saw this gorgeous table setting over on Beach Vinatge I got quite excited about the thought of garden parties & BBQ's. I love the mix of pastles & bold pops of colour & different patterns.

http://beachvintage.blogspot.com/

But how about starting to bring the sunshine inside & brighten up the home with some pops of spring colour. I love these beautiful vases now in store at AdaandDarcy, they look so beautiful with the roses Kellie has styled them with. I planted roses in my garden last year but since I am moving in May I am not sure if I will get to see them bloom this year. Lets hope the sun comes out soon & I get to see them.

http://adaanddarcy.blogspot.com/

But lets remember as things warm up here in blighty, those down under are preparing for colder weather. Sorry guys xxxx

Drinks by the pool

Well the weekends arrived at last & I have a sneaky saturday out of the office today to spend with my gorgeous boys, Joseph & Neil. We have Neils cute little munchkins Isabelle & James as well this weekend & the sun is shining so I think a walk to the park with Crazy Daisy our dog is on the cards.

I was meant to be out painting the town red tonight with the girls but Ive not been feeling to well the past few days so I think a night on the sofa with a cup of tea, a hot water bottle & a cuddle from Neil is more likely :( oh well I havnt seen him all week so its hardly a hardship as he has been away at the police rehabilitation centre with a knee injury. Hes feeling a little sorry for himself as another operation is on the cards (hes already had several on his other knee) & the physio says he should give football up. The thing is its his passion so this is devastating news for him. I say your only young once enjoy it why you can.

Well enough about us thought Id leave you with this stunning poolside bar, well Im all optimistic with the sunshining & since Im meant to be out sipping strawberry martinis........ a poolside bar a girl can dream cant she especially after so many cold misereable months. Have a great weekend all xxx

A Punch of Pink Inspiration

This pretty little girls room works well with a mix of bold stripes & soft florals. I love the fabric & the way they have the matching pattern framed. Im obssessed with floral fabric right now especially delicate patterned roses. I love the fabric headboard.

Photo Sourced - Country Living

Another beautiful combination of floral & stripes with the squared cushions (those squares make me feel slightly dizzy) but I love the over all effect. The chair covers are my favourite part of this room. Its maybe a bit OTT with the pink but I still love it, although I think I would ditch the pillows for something a little more subtle.

Photo sourced- Home & Gardens

I just had to add this stunning settee in as I absolutely adore it. It looks so luxurious. Im rather liking the contarst of the animal print rug.

Photo Sourced - Room of Inspiration

This bold pink bath is a fun pop of colour against the plain white walls. It would be great in an unsuite to a teenage girls bedroom. Although I think id quite like this myself especially set against a white bedroom its a fun statement, especially with rose petals floating in the bath...ok Im getting carried away arent I? The hearts on the wall are a cute touch.

Photo Source - Lining Etc

I love this Laura Ashley fabric so thought I would throw it in for good measure :)

Fabric from Laura Ashley

Ok so theres a slightly alteria motive on chosing the pink theme again today since pink is the colour for Breast Cancer. As I have previously posted I am doing Race For Life in June. Its a 5K ladies only race for Cancer Research. Having seen friends battle & lost family due to breast cancer this particular charity is close to my heart. I have set up an online sponser page where you can pay sponsership directly to the charity itself. Please take the time to pop over to my sponsership page just click the link below even if just to leave a message.
Thank you kindly
Sarah Louise Gibbs xxxxxxx

http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/sarahgibbs0811

I found this picture recently over on blogpage bijou & boheme & just completely adored it. Check out the clever lighting it reminds me of lots of bubbles, like the ones you blow through a small hoop on a stick as a child. The soft pinks, peaches, creams & gold tones to this room are gorgeous especially complimeted against the crisp white, its such a pretty space. I would love to know more about this room & where it is.

The peach & caramel colour pallette on this bedroom I found on Elle Decor is again complimented by the crisp white walls & pillows. Its such a soft & dreamy combination, totally perfect for a bedroom. I love the tripod floor lamp.

The neutral brown & beige tones in this bedroom look so inviting with the pops of orange & the warm oak furniture. Its a very cosy looking room. The chairs look a great place to relax & unwind with a book. All thats needed in this picture is a roaring open fire.

CONGRATULATIONS to Lazy Daisy Glass who announced on Twitter this week that she had won Young Business of the Year at the Highland Business Women's Club Awards Ceremony...

	Lazy Daisy Glass produces a range of fused glass homewares (clocks, coasters, wall art, sculptures) and jewellery. Bright and retro designs - blending functionality and art. Run by a work at home mother who says her passion is for all things glass, especially fused glass. Take a look at her beautiful pieces, I just love them & with my mothering sunday just around the corner theres a great selection of potential presents to purchase. http://lazydaisyglass.blogspot.com/

Lazy Daisy Glass produces a range of fused glass homewares (clocks, coasters, wall art, sculptures) and jewellery. Bright and retro designs - blending functionality and art. Run by a work at home mother who says her passion is for all things glass, especially fused glass. Take a look at her beautiful pieces, I just love them & with my mothering sunday just around the corner theres a great selection of potential presents to purchase. http://lazydaisyglass.blogspot.com/

http://lazydaisyglass.blogspot.com/

I am going slightly off track today & instead of chatting about my favourite subject of interiors I'm sharing instead some lovely bags & accesorries from Baghappy. I had a baghappy party last night hosted by the very lovely Tracy Connely. A very good excuse for the girly's to get together over a few glasses of wine & the chance to purchase some of Tracy's gorgeous items from the Baghappy range (sounds like heaven doesnt it, shopping & wine). I had a fabulous time chatting with my girlies although I am suffering quite a bit this morning. To say my head hurts would be an understatement!!

But it is worth it I really enjoyed the evening & I earned lots of commision for having the party & came away with 2 very gorgeous bags, a bag charm & a very beautiful turquoise scarf...not bad going hey. The Baghappy range includes jewellery, scarfs & bag charms as well as the huge selection of to die for bags. For a full range of baghappy products & updates on special offers find Tracy on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/Tracy.Baghappy or alternatively Email her for a party booking at tracy.baghappy@gmail.com

So cheers to a fabulous night in with the girls, thank you all for coming. Thank you so much for hosting the party Tracy.....and thanks to Katie for the very scrumcious brownies you brought along xxx

Dear Lillie xx

I stumbled across the most wonderful blog the other day, dear lillie & my heart almost came out of my throat when I saw these pictures I am now sharing with you. I was totally blown away by how beautiful this nursery is, its simply breath taking. It really is the most beautiful nursery I think Ive ever seen. I love the colour pallette to this room its so soft & dreamy. Every little finishing touch really has made this room what it is from the cute framed baby clothes & booties to the pretty frilly lamp shade & the gorgeous linen & pillows. The touches of gold in the mirror, the lamp & the picture frames are a luxurious finish for any little princess.

http://dearlillieblog.blogspot.com/

Why not blog hop over now to see more gorgeous photos of this nursery & other wonderful make overs & while you are there take some time to check out the dear lillie etsy shop for these gorgeous childrens clothes. I mean seriously how cute are these tutu's?