Now that Carlos and I are settled in and the flat is now more like home, and we finally have broadband set up, I thought I'd share some of my favourite parts of it with you. Apart from a minor ladybird incident in the kitchen, all has gone smoothly thank goodness.
The Porch
1. My front door. Old fashioned brass knockers look much more stylish than doorbells.
2. His and hers wellington's in select colours make like an accessory.
3. This unit was only £20 from ikea. Rest a cheap mirror on top and hide shoes away in cardboard boxes and you have a sleek shoe rack. I have a scented candle and a faux flower in a cider bottle for personality.
4. Meet Benjamin. He is a French Bulldog money box from Ben De Lisi for Debenhams. The whole range is amazing, go and look at it.
The hallway/study
1. These 1950's cats are one of my favourite finds. I got them for £4 each at Shoreditch antiques market, and look lovely on the white desk. The faux flowers and vase are from Wilkinsons for really cheap and the Prestat chocolate box is handy to keep memory sticks and cables in.
2. Little details like the clothes tag hanging from a shelf (this one is FiFi Factory, a brand Topshop stock) add bits of interest and personality- and much needed colour.
3. I have fully utilised the long and spacious hallway by turning it into a study.The desk is from Ikea, and is a whopping 2m long, so that both Carlos and I have our own space. I think the large clock gives the room a more industrial feel, along with the charcoal grey chairs. Keeping things monotone makes the room feel airy and organised.
The Living Room
1. Doing your own painting makes it much more personal, and you get exactly the kind of thing you want! I get my paints and canvas' from The Works- so much cheaper than anywhere else. I did this freehand, but you can easily trace images of your choice. It's also a great way of tying in your colour scheme.
2. My favourite piece of furniture is the massive coffee table which was only £23 from Ikea. I have loaded it up with magazines and books, a Molton Brown candle in 'pink peppercorn' and a vase of sunflowers. The cushions are from TK Maxx, and the lamp is Wilkinsons. You can just about make out some of the coasters- these are from Shoreditch market, and were mix and match from hundreds of designs for £3 each.
3. I tend to buy faux flowers as they are cheaper because they, obviously, last a lifetime. However, as a treat, real flowers really are nicer. Sunflowers add some colour without looking tacky or out of place.
The Bedroom
1. My new, highly organised wardrobe. Maximising the storage options means that you need fewer wardrobes, so I got plenty of shelves and drawers in there as well as a rail.
2. Another one of my favourite pieces, a vintage Anglepoise lamp. Well worth the investment, and in my favourite colour too! Great for reading in bed.
3. This mirror is from Newgate (most famous for clocks). It was a present years ago from my sister, and I just love it. It's big enough to use for doing hair and make up at, and has beautiful foil images as a border, of vintage perfume bottles and pearls etc... Just fabulous.
4. Instead of splashing out on an expensive throw or blanket, I just got this scarf from Shoreditch market to have at the foot of the bed.
The Kitchen
1. On my kitchen worktop I have my radio, which is really retro looking, but is actually digital and has an ipod dock. It was £70 from Asda, a lot cheaper than a Robert's one.
The knife block and scales are from TK Maxx and I use a Panettone tin as a bread bin.
Every kitchen should have a cactus, they're near impossible to neglect to death, and a wooden board. It will last a lifetime and looks great on the counter.
2. My stag head was bought on Amazon for £40, and was totally worth it. The detail on it is amazing and it's just the right size.
3. I make my own garlic oil by adding 2 bulbs of roughly chopped garlic to mild olive oil and letting it infuse for a month or so before using it. It will last for about 6 months and saves having to use fresh garlic when cooking.
4. My espresso cup was a present from my sister, I leave it out on the counter next to the Nespresso machine as it is too pretty to hide!
Fabienne x
