My Reading Wish List 2014

As well as my magazine addiction, I also buy way too many Home Interior books! I love them! I love ones that I can pick up and admire time and time again (when I get ten minutes peace that is).

I like to treat myself to new books but occasionally I come across good ones in the charity shops, car boot sales or the used section on amazon and then I can buy a few without feeling guilty!

On my wish list for 2014 are:

Design Bloggers at Home - Ellie Tennant (release date 10 April 2014)

So excited about this book! I love reading blogs and having a nosey around other peoples homes so will be great to see it in print!

 

Christina Strutt - Living Life Beautifully (release date 13 March 2014)

I really enjoyed reading Cath Kidstons book 'Coming up Roses' so am sure I will equally enjoy reading about the company 'Cabbages & Roses'.  I love reading about peoples influences and inspirations and getting a 'behind the scene' look.

Selina Lake - Outdoor living (release date 27 March 2014)

I have Selina Lake's other books and love them all so am sure this one won't disappoint.

 

 



The Great Interior Design Challenge - Decorate your home with style

 

I am really enjoying this series and love seeing the faces behind the very talented Sarah Moore Vintage and Kindred Rose. I've enjoyed following #GIDC on twitter too and seeing everybody else's response to the show. I also now have a few new blogs to read: Kimberly Plested, Lynne Lambourne and Emma McDonald. Can't wait to read the accompanying book and try out some of the tips from the show.

 

 

 

Creative Family Home - Ashlyn Gibson

 

Seen lots of good reviews to this in magazines so really want to have a look for some inspiration.

 

 

So, think I am going to have to be a very good girl this year to get my hands on all these haha! Which books are on your wish list this year?

 

Thank you for reading xx

 

 

 

Before and After ~ Small set of Drawers

These drawers came from  our old house and they were invaluable there for extra storage in our small kitchen. In our house now they were still in the kitchen but ended up all becoming 'Man' drawers, other words full of junk!

So, last week I decided to empty them and give them a new lease of life.


I gave them two coats of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint 'Old White', sanded them to give them a distressed look and then rubbed down with Annie Sloan clear soft wax. This was my first ever attempt at 'distressing' so was a little nervous, but soon got into it and maybe even over sanded? What do you think?

 

Hello again Ikea

A while back I wrote a post entitled goodbye Ikea, all about wanting to remove the mass produced flat pack furniture from our home and fill it with one off pieces. However, I find myself going back on my word and back to Ikea, there is no getting away from its practical affordable solutions which are perfect for a family home. I'm particularly drawn to the Ikea hacks I keep seeing on Pinterest, the idea of making it my own is very appealing so this could be the way to go!

A few brilliant examples of Ikea hacking:

Book shelves made from painted spice racks (here) £3 each.

Dotty about Doilies



I have a small collection of vintage doilies which I love! I have a few dotted around the house so thought I would share them with you.

 

In my bedroom to protect my drawers from my hair straighteners:

 

Before and After ~ Bookcase

We bought this bookcase from a charity shop a while back for just £10.

Before and After ~ Kitchen Cupboard Doors

We are updating our kitchen with a seriously small budget! We started by painting the kitchen tiles which was a success! Up to now I have painted the cupboard doors, fitted new handles and made a sink curtain to cover the washing machine but there is still a lot to do.

Here is a reminder of the before with the black tiles: