How are we all doing?
We're living in strange days. I hope all my friends and fabulous design, gardening and diy gurus are safe and well. We're far flung but we can support one another here.
Here's a pic of my grand niece Maryam, born today. Why not post a pic of something that uplifts you? Anything from a cushion to a paint swatch, to the view from your garden :-)
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How do you all do it?
Comments (11)Houzz is fantastic for ideas. I must confess I also subscribe to 25 beautiful homes which is a great source of inspiration. Having bought all of the interior magazines for a few years I personally find this the best. More often than not, a design is inspired by one piece of furniture or art that you love. Most of my house was inspired by a single image long before we were even thinking about buying a new house .Scale tends to be my issue. I would therefore recommend looking at layouts of furniture to see what comfortably fits before buying anything (cuttings out templates helps). I like symmetry and my house is georgian so it's key but I got so excited about my new large lounge that I bought 2 different sized v large sofas (went in to buy 2 identical) and I am now stuck with the layout. Also, if you are on a strict budget or you are unlikely to redo within a few years, maybe go for a classic style that can be updated with a couple of cheap contemporary items. Paint is also cheap to update but wallpaper not, unless you can do it yourself. New cushions can also update a look cheaply. Don't forget lighting either, it can make a room. Layering different textures and mixing old and new makes a room look more expensive and more as if the room has evolved....See MoreHow do we maximise our light and space?
Comments (4)Will the cloakroom fit next to the front door? Could you put the utility in the cloak room And then knock the kitchen/ utility/ playroom space together to make a kitchen diner and then use the dining room as a playroom....See Morehow do we make 1920s house warmer?
Comments (7)We moved from a 2000 new build to a 1906 build. It is a very different way of living in a house. Before you call/hire anyone, do your own research. Find out how your house was constructed. Is it solid or cavity wall (more likely to be solid, ours is). You have double glazing but how many chimneys are in the house and how draughty is it? These houses are not meant to be hermetically sealed, they can suffer dreadfully with condensation and damp if they are insulated incorrectly. We don't use the chimneys so have invested in a chimney sheep to block the draughts but still keep the breathable aspect. https://www.chimneysheep.co.uk/ Really thick curtains on the windows help enormously as does keeping the internal doors closed over most of the time. If you can't afford blanket lined curtains, an easy trick is to get cheap fleece blankets from somewhere like The Range and sew/velcro them into your existing curtains. Careful of fire regs though, we don't do candles as we have cats and they are wonderful yet stupid, so no open flames for us! Roof space insulation is a good start, again, research breathable insulation. Lining your walls with 10cm of internal insulation is a terrible idea if you want to keep the original features in a house. However if you are gutting it because there are no features left, get someone in who has a proven track record of old house renovations. Ask to see their portfolio and you also shouldn't be able to book them for at least 6 months if they are good! There is a Haynes manual for Victorian to Edwardian construction in which you may find some info on the construction of you house, though yours is more interwar period. It's a good read nonetheless. There are loads of sites on the internet which give info on house building, This one describes the various periods with how to recognise them. We often go for a walk around our area and try to guess the house age (and this was before lock down!) https://fet.uwe.ac.uk/conweb/house_ages/flypast/print.htm These are just my thoughts from having experienced the joy (and pain) of owning an older house. Get used to having to fix stuff, don't worry unduly if hairline cracks are appearing as the house naturally shifts (cos they do and it is usually ok!) Get a structural survey done on the house. Also get used to a much higher fuel bill, plus investigate HEPA fans that can help reduce particles (we got one for our bedroom and it has worked well). Keep asking on here for help and advice because the community is super and helpful and has helped me transform my tired old house into a home that I love. Oh and live in it for at least 6 months before deciding to do any decoration. The house will tell you what it wants. :-) I wish you all the best in your new home....See Morehow do I furnish the snug we’ve just created?
Comments (17)Sorry late to answer, must have missed this in my houzz break since Christmas Your new snug sounds like a fantastic space, and it’s great to hear that you love your wallpaper and colour scheme! When it comes to furnishing and styling, it’s all about balancing coziness with practicality, and we can certainly help with the curtains and window treatments. Bay Window Curtain Tracks & Curtains – A Key Design Element If your snug has a bay window, a well-fitted bay window curtain track is essential for a seamless, functional look. Using a robust metal track ensures smooth operation, while maximizing the space by following the natural curve of the window. You can explore our made-to-measure bay window curtain tracks here: 👉 www.direct-fabrics.co.uk/curtain-tracks/metal/bay-window-curtain-tracks For curtains, we recommend plain or subtly textured fabrics, as they are timeless and won’t date as quickly as bold prints. If your wallpaper is already a statement, neutral or complementary solid-colour curtains will balance the look beautifully. Our made-to-measure curtains ensure a perfect fit and can be tailored with thermal or blackout linings for added warmth and comfort in your snug. Browse options here: 👉 www.direct-fabrics.co.uk/curtains/made-to-measure Snug Styling Tips Fireplace Feature – Filling a non-working fireplace with stacked logs, twinkling lights, or large candles creates a cozy focal point. You might also consider a lantern arrangement for added charm. Mirror Above the Fireplace? – A round mirror is a great idea, but if you love your wallpaper, you could opt for a frameless or antique-style mirror to reflect light without overshadowing the design. Soft Furnishings – Layering throws, cushions, and a plush rug will enhance the warmth and comfort of the space. We’d be happy to help with fabric samples or track recommendations to ensure your curtains perfectly complement your snug. Let us know if you need any assistance! 📌 Explore our full range here: https://www.direct-fabrics.co.uk/ Hope this helps—your snug sounds like it’s going to be a beautiful, relaxing retreat! 😊...See More
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6 years agoI’m working from home as much as I can, and also home schooling.
When I’m able to forget what is going on and reason why I’m home, I’m really enjoying having to opportunity to spend more time with my daughters, very grateful for living in an area with beautiful countryside, and the sunshine.
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6 years agolast modified: 6 years agoWalking back from an essential bit of shopping I just had to quickly take a pic of this lovely pink blossoming tree.
The photo doesn’t actually do it justice but I still wanted to share it.
With apologies for the subtle Covid-19 reminder in the left bottom corner...
😊
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Hi Sam, a great post requesting uplifting photos! The colourful fence below always makes me smile. Joy
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Considering many people do not have any outside space, we’re really feeling privileged and appreciative having a garden in these bizarre times.
Here is some of our clematis/Jasmin(?) in today’s spring sunshine.
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Beautiful ED! I bought goldfish the day before lockdown. Which one is Jonathan?
And I supported an artist by buying this mosaic artwork for my hallway. It won't be delivered til after the lockdown, but I'm very excited :-)
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This is our little ray of sunshine. Haven’t had a pet for years and we decided to get a kitty cat after my husband tripped and fell and sustained a head injury. Life is very different now, but our little Nigel has brought a bit of joy into a difficult year. He’s a complete nutter (unless he’s sleepy) and makes us laugh every day.
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Sonia, @Rinked, Jonathan, Victoria et al, how nice to get a notification from Houzz after all this time age read your posts. I’m so sorry that you’re facing tough times @Rinked. Sonia how lovely that your pet cat is getting you through what must be challenging times. My house is ‘finished’ in the sense that I got to 85% done and though ‘this’ll do’ . Before and after pics of the latest project below. But the new dream is to build our own house in a couple of years, so I can see myself back on here full time soon!
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Juliet Docherty