Of course, one of my biggest fantasties so far as what to have in my home is a wall (or walls) of superb built-in bookshelves. I'd particularly like some of the ones that go around and over doorways or windows.
The ultimate fantasy would be like the 'secret door' shelves below. How cool would that be!
I've collected a few lovely library pics over on my Pinterest boards, and thought I'd share some with you!
Beautiful turquoise shelves, books under the stairs, soaring bookshelves for gorgeous collections, secret shelving, and books all around a little day bed to cocoon yourself in. Divine!
Happy Friday everyone - hope you have a weekend bursting with fun and great things to do!
I have 3 days of my 5 week holiday break left... time enough to finish off another great book perhaps! I've read quite a few over my break. A Thousand Splendid Suns was a really moving book and something I'd recommend to anyone... I had a good cry in quite a few places. It's amazing what people can cope with in their lives and still manage to exist somehow. It reminded be again how lucky and blessed I truly am to live where I do, when I do, and how I do.
Since this blog began (quite a few years ago now), there's been one song.... one single song, that I've always wanted to share with you.
For a great long while however, naughty You Tube wouldn't let me embed the clip here... it said the embedding feature was disabled 'at the artist's request'. Gotta respect that.
Every now and again I'd go back and listen to this song, drink in the words, look at all the little 'secret signs' the video seems to have just for me.... and sigh (and sometimes have a sniffle as well).
Today I went for my semi-regular listen, thinking that I was going to bloody well write this post anyway because the song is so freaking important to me, and I'd just post a text link to the actual video. I was going to do my first ever picture-less post.... just words and a link. Whilst I was there, just for the heck of it (I'd given up doing this a while back), I clicked on the 'embed' button.
Oh. My. Goodness..... up popped an embed code.
Eeeeeeeeeek! Are you kidding! I can now embed the original of my favourite Pete Murray song (thanks VEVO and of course Pete), with all its truly significant words (to me), and the pictorial symbolism that triggers so much for me.
If you know me well you know that trees are a very meaningful part of my life. See the tree in the video? I almost lived in a tree much like that for a long time. So many cherished memories. That is my perfect tree.
And the butterfly on the lamp and on his wrist (not only is it a butterfly on his wrist... it's the 'right' butterfly), well, you know what I think about them. Their significance is VERY close to my heart.
And, the scene when he pulls down the wall and you can see that tree, across a golden field, in the sunset... well.... this post is connected very closely to the feel that scene gives me. I'm sure that memory is one of the main reasons I decorate using the colours I do in my own home.
Plus he writes on his walls and has quotes around the place (know anyone who does that?). And, he sticks his photos higgledy piggledy around the place (blu-tac is my favourite decorating secret weapon!).
At 2.35 mins you get a good look at the flocked wallpaper.... nice and rich and baroque looking. I've got a bit of a thing for that sort of wallpaper..... notice a 'shout out' to it anywhere around here???
All in all, this song, this video, these words, those images......... they turn me inside out just a little bit.
To most people it's probably just a laid back, pretty simple type of song.
To me... it's a revelation.
Hope you like it.
And so it goes another lonely day
Your savin' time but your miles away
Your fly was drownin' in some bitter tea
For seeing lost opportunity
Find your mirror go and look inside
And see the talent you always hide
Don't go kidd yourself well not today
Satisfaction's not too far away
Hold on now your exit's here
It's waiting just for you
Don't pause too long
It's fading now
It's ending all too soon.... you'll see
Soon, you'll see...
Your coffee's warm but your milk is sour
Life is short but you're here to flower
Dream yourself along another day
Never miss opportunity
Don't be scared of what you cannot see
Your only fear is possibility
Never wonder what the hell went wrong
Your second chance may never come along
Hold on now your exit's here
It's waiting just for you
Don't pause too long
It's fading now
It's ending all too soon.... you'll see
Soon, you'll see
Hold on now your exit's here
It's waiting just for you
Don't pause too long
It's fading now
It's ending all too soon... you'll see
I haven't seen the movie We Want A Zoo, but a few weeks ago I saw the trailer whilst I was at the pictures, and the quote below struck me like a bolt of lightning.
What marvellous and magical things we could achieve if we just sometimes gave ourselves the chance and followed our heart (and our gut).
There's so many things I'd like to try if only I had the courage...... so many things that could change my life if only I took a chance.
What might your 20 seconds result in, I wonder?
Have a terrific week everyone. May you find the courage to do the things you feel you want to do deep down inside you, and as always on a Monday.... 'may your mojo be with you!'
This is what I've been listening to lately at home, whilst jumping around like a bit of a ninny.
This song always makes me feel about 20 years younger and leaves an absolute electric feel in the air in the vacuum it leaves behind when it's finished.
The other day I was absolutely drooling over a couple of cushions on the ByNord website. I must have deliberated for around half an hour before deciding to not buy them at the moment. I already have stacks upon stacks of cushions (need to clear some out), and I have other priorities at the moment so far as things for my home go.
But, boy oh boy, did those cushions look good! They have two of my favourite animals on them, and the photography is breath-taking.
Then, today, I skipped over to my friend Sacha's glorious blog and to my surprise (huge intake of breath when I saw them).... she has the EXACT cushions I was not so eloquently drooling over earlier.
WOW - love them!
Not to mention the rest of Sacha's beautiful and serene home. Her rooms are full of the most wonderful light and you can feel the calmness and serenity flowing from the images. A beautiful home to cocoon yourself in.... to sit by the fireside and read a good book.
--> Don't forget to read the comments... this is where some of the most interesting discussions and fab information is to be found!! The ones for this post have some great 'bookish' moments and some good talk about colour therapy!
Oh yes... in my fantasy world I have a beautiful home with a garden that includes a few oak trees, (maybe some willows down by a pond), and there are also pine trees around too. None of these are too close to the house, but close enough to feel their majestic and stable presence.
And, when you get down the paved driveway (made using old recycled bricks perhaps), you're faced with a front door something like this one.
I'm still on holidays at the moment, and will be for another few weeks yet. Woohoo!
The weather's been lovely, and I've found quite a few bargains at the after Christmas sales - life is good!
Whilst delving back into the depths of my previous posts recently, I found this little treasure! I've always loved this post, so decided to bring it back to the present for a new viewing. (And, it saves me time while I'm in holiday mode).
Hope you enjoy it!
How NOT To Decorate A Beautiful Room...
This is not an example of 'how not to decorate', this is to soothe you
before we get to the headache inducing pics below!!
My design philosophy is all about following your heart and going with the colours, patterns, objects, textures, scents, materials, art, furniture, and pieces that mean the most to you.
However, and this is a really BIG HOWEVER, that doesn't mean going absolutely beserk in ways with no organisation, logical reasoning, or rational thought behind them.
Nor does it mean squashing as many of the things you love as possible into one space, or making sure everywhere you turn there's an oversized representation of whatever it is you love that would be better suited as a prop in some weird movie.
Proportion, symmetry, colour theory, editing (decluttering) and the appropriate use of space are guidelines to follow in any room, all of the time.
Be warned.... if you don't allow for some modicum of sense, if you let your head go whilst following your heart.... things that aren't nice ARE going to happen......
I understand bears are cute.... I really do... but...
cool collection of owls (displayed facing out from an
apartment window), I think it'd be too much for an interior.
I have quite a few owls at my place, but no more than 3 in any one spot. That way they each retain their individuality and can be seen and appreciated. I find grouping them in one large collection may look great from a colour perspective, but detracts from their individual attributes (just my thoughts!).
Ask yourself: 'Am I letting my head go too much? Have I lost sight of common sense where my decorating is concerned? Am I paying attention to not only what I love, but also the principles of design that stand true no matter what?'
Which leads to: 'Is there some re-arranging, decluttering, eye-sore removing, colour harmonizing, balance restoring action I need to take anywhere?'
Because: Whilst our homes should be full of things we love and decorated in a way that means something to us personally, common sense should still prevail lest we devalue and disrespect the things we love by turning their display into a headache inducing mess.
And now, to re-adjust and harmonise everything once more....... here's another beautiful, serene, gorgeous bedroom from The House of Turquoise via House to Home.
Today I welcome a guest post from Patricia Hall, a florist and lover of flowers! Thanks for your terrific post Patty.
Flowers As The Perfect Piece Of Decoration...
Giving fresh flowers has long been associated with special occasions. A bride carries a floral bouquet, men give their wives and girlfriends roses on Valentine's Day, and flowers are placed on the graves of the departed. And, of course, using fresh flowers to decorate your home is a wonderful way to bring life to any room.
The History of Floral Display
Thousands of years ago, the ancient Egyptians would display vases of fresh flowers in their homes. The tradition of placing flowers in the tombs of dead loved ones started with them. The Greeks and Romans continued the trend, favoring floral wreaths instead of vases of flowers. All around the world, and throughout time, the hobby of arranging and displaying flowers continued, mostly with the use of locally grown flowers. This was to change with the age of exploration.
When European explorers set out to explore the lands beyond the ocean, they brought back some of the native plants founds in the New World. Tropical fruits and flowers brought back to Europe made their way into floral arrangements, adding more color and texture.
Today, people do not have to commission an exploratory voyage to overseas to get unique and colorful flower bouquets. With the advent of the Internet it has become even easier to order flowers and receive those flowers by post in just a few days, as fresh as the day they were picked.
What to Do with Fresh Flowers
Flowers bring a splash of color and texture into the home. No matter the decorating theme of the home, a bouquet of flowers can be custom-designed to match. Old-fashioned arrangements with heirloom flowers in subtle shades is at home in a Victorian-styled home. Bold, simple arrangements add an eye-catching visual spot in a home with a modern design.
When the flowers arrive, getting them into water immediately will lengthen their life. Cut the stems at an angle and submerge them in water with the plant food packet from the florist added. The vase of fresh flowers is then ready for display.
Instead of candles, place a vase of fresh flowers on the dining room table. For this option, it is best to use flower arrangements that do not have a strong scent. Low displays are best on the table so the view of other diners is not blocked.
Fill a bedroom with the scent of fresh roses to create a romantic atmosphere. A bouquet of fresh flowers on the dressing table or chest of drawers will enhance the room's appearance and smell. Choose flowers to match the color theme of the bedroom for a subtle effect, or opt for a contrasting color so the floral bouquet stands out.
Greet guests in the front hallway with the sight and smell of fresh flowers. A bouquet of deeply scented flowers in the entryway adds an air of hospitality and a fresh look that can be changed weekly just by ordering more flowers by post.
Flowers displayed in the living room can soften the sharp lines of modern furnishings or blend easily in with classic decor. Placing the flower arrangement in front of a window will keep the flowers fresher longer. A mirror placed under or behind the flowers doubles the visual effect.
For homes with pets or children, it is best to keep a floral display out of their reach. The beautiful, eye-catching colors will entice pets or children to sample the flowers, which can result in the ruining of the floral display and sickness in the child or pet.
Indulging in an age-old tradition of floral display in the home is easier now than ever. Exotic flowers or local varieties are easily procured with a simple procedure to order flowers and have those flowers by post sent home for display in any room of the house.
About the Author
Patricia Hall works part-time for a florist and flower delivery but loves to surround herself with flowers at any given point of time. Even in her free time she loves to involve herself with everything flora and fauna.
'To me there is nothing more beautiful and global as the language of flowers - it is the easiest to understand all around the world in the same way. That is one reason why I truly admire flowers for what they represent in some ways - unity of all mankind!'
Here's an idea book of bedrooms found on Houzz. It's the 20 most popular bedrooms of last year as voted by their readers. I'm not sure any of them actually 'sings' to me, but there's a few bits and pieces I really love.
And, the view from one of them is absolutely to die for.
.... that big sliding barn door! Now that would really add some atmosphere to a modern/rustic place. Having come 'from the country' as a girl, but also loving parts of the mod look, that would be a door I'd love to have in my perfect house someday. Just got to get one big enough to take it!!
