Flowers

Ahh flowers. I don't think there's anything that makes me happier than having fresh flowers in my house. I wish I could have a new bunch (or two) every single week. Note to future potential boyfriends - flowers are always a good idea.

But alas, it's not something I can quite fit into my budget, so I tend to rely on what I can manage to steal from my Mum's garden.



Gorgeous roses.

More roses in my bathroom.

Lovely lilies (I think) - housewarming present from a wonderful friend.



More roses from Mum's garden.

Looking at all these flowers really makes me think I should do something about my garden!

Welcome and not so welcome

I just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who commented on my last post. It's so lovely to have such a warm welcome back to the world of blogging.

On not so welcome news, I just received the first unpleasant comment on my blog to date. I chose to reject the comment, as I was taken aback at first, but decided to bring the issue to the forefront. It was posted by an anonymous poster (no surprises there) in relation to my cow hide rug and stated:

"Next time I need to induce vomiting, I will look at this page."

Charming, right?

Now I don't expect that every single person in the world is going to love cow hide rugs or want one in their home. But honestly, what kind of a troll goes through blogs to post comments like that?

It's a plain and simple fact that cow hide rugs are a natural by-product of the meat industry. Now I'm not sure what issue the person takes with the rug because their comment wasn't particularly expansive. At the end of the day - the cows are not killed for their skin, a cow hide rug is not a fur coat.

Now I'm not here to enter into a big ethical debate, but I think ultimately there are far bigger issues in the world to deal with than the beef industry.

Before and Afters - Living room

I'm not sure if I have any readers left, after being on a blog hiatus for so long! If anyone is left out there - hello and please accept my apologies.

Before I entered into my hiatus, I know I promised that I would post some official before and after shots. I'm not one to re neg on my promises, so here is a little taste to wet your appetite... my living room, then and now!

Before:

Here is a photo looking from my kitchen to my dining and living rooms.

You can see at the end of the picture, there is an area separated from the living area by a half-height wall. I'm not sure what the intended purpose of this space was, but the half-wall rendered it pretty useless. I had considered opening it up into the living room, but this would have made for an unusual space. Instead, I converted the space into a third bedroom.

Here is another picture of the living room, with a view of what is now the third bedroom and into my hallway.

You can see in the third bedroom, there was once a large space with a desk (far left of the photo). This ended up being the perfect size to install a built in wardrobe.


During:

Here is a picture from a similar position as the first image. As you can see, at this point in time the area has been separated off to create the third bedroom and the flooring has been laid.


Here is a picture of the wardrobe in the third bedroom.

And just another shot of the newly created room. I don't have any "official" afters as the room is now occupied by by housemate. (I can only guess that it's probably messy!)

Afters:

Ta-da - the finished room!


The Barcelona chairs are a new addition to my home, as of this weekend! I manged to pick the pair up for a bargain price.

PS - do you spy my target mirror in the back? I only just got around to hanging it.


My vintage sideboard and collection of amber glassware.


Here's a close up of my display. Don't you just love the ram's head? We won't talk about the issues I went through in hanging that baby!


I hope you guys enjoy the photos. I'll be sure to include some pics of my kitchen soon (it needs a bit of a clean!)

Objects of desire

Well I have to admit I'm a bit disappointed with my new ISP that my internet still isn't connected (it's been 4 weeks now!). If there's anyone else out there considering a certain brand that advertising using an Irish dude, be prepared to be in it for the long haul!

In any event, I just had to make a post about this divine bedspread from UrbanOutfitters!

Doesn't it give you the biggest urge to just jump in there? I don't think it's outrageously priced ($148USD plus $40 shipping) and it would look so pretty in my house! I think I might have to save up and do a bulk order to justify the shipping costs.

Otherwise, if anyone out there is feeling overly generous - feel free to buy it for my Birthday (which just happens to be tomorrow).

It's going to be my first Birthday living alone, which seems pretty weird but hopfeully I won't feel lonely. I have everything planned out - sleep in, wear a pretty dress to work, eat cake for morning tea, head into the city for a yummy lunch, drink bubbles at work (approx 4pm - but I'll see if I can make it 3pm), head home, put on another pretty dress and head out for dinner with my family, drink some lovely wine and eat some more yummy food.

On Saturday I'm having a dozen or so friends to my place for drinks and nibbles. It's the first time a lot of them are seeing my house (or seeing it finished), so I think Saturday will be a busy one! I've got lots of cooking and cleaning to do before then.

Temporary hiatus

Just thought I'd drop a quick line to say I might not be able to post for a little while. But don't stress, I'll be back shortly. I've finally move into my house and am (impatiently) waiting for my internet to be connected!

They are yet to give me a set-up date, so for the time being I'm limited to net use at work (shh don't tell anyone). On the bright side, once I'm up and running at home I can post lots of pictures. I might even do some official "before and after" reno shots.

Stay tuned!

Chesterfields

I have to admit I love a chesterfield lounge. I know that they may look a little granny, if they aren't used well. But I personally think they are a classic item which can be reinvented along with changing trends.

Image from snappy chappy.

While browsing the Anthropologie website, I stumbled across this amazing yellow chesterfield sofa. What a fantastic modern twist on a classic item - it was love at first sight for me.

Unfortunately, at over $6,000 I think this one is destined to be a dream.


Image from the Anthropoligie website.

This next image just makes me happy, I really want to be in that couple when I grow up!

Image from my favourite and best.

Isn't this room gorgeous? The grand scale with the collection of posters, the white chesterfield, the floor lamp. Love it.

Image from Apartment Therapy.

I think this next image really illustrates the this classic item is the perfect classic setting. It's just timeless.

Image from Apartment Therapy.

I'm not sure whether a chesterfield is technically defined by it's shape or the distinctive button feature. In any case, I love this next sofa from Urban Outfitters. Isn't the colour just divine?

Urban Outfitters -Antoinette Fainting Sofa.

Magazine Inspiration - Part 4

I thought it was time I posted some more pretty pictures I've had stashed away and used as inspiration for my house. Here is a lovely house that was featured in RealLiving magazine:

Where do I start? Well firstly I am jealous by the collection of sideboards that the owner of this place has. Secondly - the framed posters and artwork. I love how they have a vintage feel and still work so well mixed in with modern pieces.

I think the collection of yellow glass is possibly my favourite feature of this house.

As a final note, there are no words to express how in love I am with that yellow cow hide rug. If anyone has one they want to give to me, I'll happily take it off your hands.

It's a running joke among my friends about how much I love anything and everything that is mustard yellow in colour... apparently it's a "weird shade".