January Blues

 
Ill be honest I'm not a fan of January along with many people. I guess its hugely due to all the build up & excited of Christmas one of my favourite times of the year then followed by a lull of things to look forward to. Its just so dreary due to the cold weather, an empty purse & what is always a quiet period at work. If I could I would hibenate for the whole month under a big fluffy blanket, dreaming of that open fireplace & avoiding venturing out into the cold. Unfortunatley life doesnt permit me the chance to do this. Although quite frankly its nice to have a slightly slower pace at work to give me time to reflect on new ideas & forcast my plans for the year ahead both workwise & personally. Im not really one to make new years resolutions as such but I like to set myself new goals. This year I am doing a triathalon so a new training regime has begun. I already run a lot & have started spinning classes so now its time to build up the anti with swimming & boxing. I am looking forward to some variety in my training & pushing myself harder.
 Workwise I have a lot of ideas in the pipeline & I am excited to see how things will pan out, I am enjoying having the time to plan new things (so watch this space).
 I have to say though, January this year for me isnt quite as dreary as normal as I have a holiday to The Dominican to look forward to. We didnt go away last year so its long over due & its great to have something to look forward to that can blast away the January blues. Its certainly a great insentive to kickstart the training too, knowing im going to be wearing a bikini just 5 weeks from now. Its certainly got me off that sofa & straight into things.
To be honest for the next few weeks I am looking forward to spending the time reading some of the new books I got for christmas & watching some DVD box sets. Its nice to get some chillax time. Sometimes I find it hard to have time to read & it takes me a while to get through a book. One book I cant wait to get into is not some romantic noval but a craft book by Channel Fours Kirstie Allsopp.
I already have her book 'Kirsties Homemade Home' which is packed full of great ideas & tutorials, so I cant wait to get started on some craft projects from her newest book 'Kirstie Allsopp Craft'. So the next few quieter weeks of January will be devoted to some crafting time. I love to make things so I am going to have a bit of me time making & sewing.
I also got the new Holly Becker book 'Decorate Workshop' book to get my teeth into. So time to get stuck in & ill be getting back to you with some book reviews & tutorials shortly. I also have some great interviews coming up with some fabulous bathroom & kitchen designers who will be popping in to share thier wisdom with you. I also have some great work projects to share with you too. So until next time xxxxx 

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four poster beds

There is something very romantic feeling about a four poster bed, I have always wanted one & in the right house & space I certainly intend too. It really is a classic bed & although nowhere near as popular as it used to be it still graces bedrooms & certainly hotel rooms today. It first became popular in England back in the 15th century. The four poster has certainly evolved a long way since then, from the very heavy oak beds covered with drapes that they once were to a much more understated version. Now a far more elegant design feature.

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Dream Dressing Rooms

I was swooning over dressing tables the other day, but lets face it if money was no object then every women would be putting a dressing area or walk-in wardrobe (or both) in her dream home. This huge walk in wardrobe/dressing space is to die for, a beautiful dressing table & racks of clothes, shoes & bags like the rich & famous have.

Check out Paris Hiltons huge walk in closet complete with a beautiful chandelier....




or Mariah Careys boutique feeling closet, now this is a lush space she even has a comfy couch so she can sit & ponder what to wear & to try on a pair of shoes (heavy sigh)....



But who could forget the icconic walk in closet belonging to Carrie Bradshaw in 'Sex & the City' which was always brimming with gorgoues outfits. It may not be quite as extravegant as Paris or Mariahs  but it would certainly suit me down to the ground I can tell you



So reality check now for most of us this dream space to this extent wont be happening but thats not to say we cant create our own (slightly smaller) version of the walk in wardrobe. If you have a space to build something in then great, take over a section of your bedroom. Or how about a tiny box room that is altogether a little too small to be a bedroom, well then claim that space girlfriend.




Ok so taking over space for a walk-in wardrobe isnt always possible so you just have to use your space well. Fitted furniture is a great option, a good designer will design the space well to get the most out of the space you have taking into consideration awkward angles, alcoves & lowered ceiling space's to help provide you with the perfect hanging space. A well designed wardrobe space can make a huge difference to your storage needs & present a sleek finish. Not quite Mariah Careys space but a perfect space non the less.

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Pretty Dressing Tables

I spied this beautiful dressing table over on my friend Jessie's blog 'mix and chic', & it really got my heart a racing. This is truely gorgeous. I worbled on about dressing tables sometime ago, a pretty little space I feel that every girl should have in her bedroom. Somewhere to sit & do your hair & makeup with lots of pretty things surrounding you. Some years ago every girl had a dressing table in her bedroom & they are certainly making a come back now. I certainly couldnt live without my lovely little dressing table. 

This gorgeous dressing table however belongs to Australian designer Lucy Fenton,

To take a tour of her house pop on over to mix and chic.





Here's some of my favourite dressing table images to get you inspired........










                                 These pretty images thanks to 'House to Home'

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kitchen inspiration

It's all about the sexy curves in this gorgeous walnut kitchen. I don't think there will ever be a time in my life when I don't get excited about a beautifully designed space like this. The gorgeous warm tones of the walnut wood look stunning against the creamy white walls & flooring. I never tire to see this combination of cool, crisp white against the dark, warm tones of natural wood.

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living space with art

The crisp white walls are a perfect setting for the vibrant pieces of art work & fun pops of coloured accessories. I do love to see spaces with white walls teamed with the beautiful warm tones of wood like in the flooring here or in bold furniture pieces, the contrast has a wonderful feel. Splashes of colour work wonderfully when contrasting against this cool/warm palette with its fresh clean lines. I love to see beautiful & bold colour schemes like this one the room has a lot of positive energy. This is the perfect way to get brave with colour by using a neutral base & filling it with bright & colourful accessories.

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living spaces

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Getting it right with vintage style, this space is simple yet very appealing. Pops of colour here & there in  accessories cheer up the otherwise very neutral base.

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