Saturday 17 March 2012

Arne Jacobsen

Am feeling truly inspired by this amazing floor and staircase by Arne Jacobsen which is in Aarhus Town Hall. The floor is made of oak, set within white concrete, and accented with brass fittings.

Arne Jacobsen, Aarhus Town Hall, image by Seier+Seier

Thursday 15 March 2012

Kitchen Confidential

More updates on the Dixies conversion ... drum roll... I am very excited to finally be able to share some pics of our new kitchen.

The actual kitchen was relatively easy to choose, but we got held up by the decision on the floor (it was more expensive than we'd budgeted for, but we found the money in the end!); we were delayed by a missed sink order; and we found ourselves in a spot of bother (about 10cms worth) when we discovered that the larder unit had been built too tall for the new kitchen ceiling - oops.

Things ironed themselves out in the end with an equal mix of panicking, rushed orders, and some very clever carpentry, and we are left with a gorgeous new kitchen.

The units are from Neptune, and are hand-made in solid Oak, with Ash-lined interiors. We went for a simple Shaker style that Neptune calls Suffolk, to match the pared-down style of the cottage.




The colour scheme includes muted, classic colours that are calming and easy to live with. The main units are painted in Neptune's Honed Slate, with accent cupboards such as the larder in a contrasting yellow called Clotted Cream. We also ordered some extra paint to transform a dresser bought on eBay: after much searching and many missed bids I managed to pick up a generous, Ducal dresser for a bargainous £170, which fits in perfectly with the country-kitchen feel.

The units are complemented by Farrow & Ball's Elephant's Breath on the actual walls of the kitchen.



To compensate for the low ceiling and to give the room a light, modern feel we chose a white and grey quartz for the surfaces. This works particularly well, bouncing light around the room, and making the kitchen area feel as spacious as possible.

Saturday 10 March 2012

New Year Newness...

I'm feeling super-inspired by the new trends coming through this season - is it too soon to re-decorate when we've only just finished the extension?

Loving all the muted tones and accents of bright colour 'pops' - everything feels effortless,light and bright. There seems to be a move away from shabby chic, and sickly-sweet nostalgia, towards pared-back styles - I can't wait to pick out some new accessories for Dixies...


Mixed brights and neutrals

Trigo Coffee Table, in smoked grey and vibrant yellow, £69, made.com 



Cwtchy greys for cosy winter days
KVADRAT Hild grey stripe throw, £79, Selfridges 



Mixing matt and gloss, and dark muted tones with bright splashes of colour

Jars Orange range, from £18, Selfridges 



Soft shades and textures

Outdoor wall light, Bell, Moose Grey, from Eleanor Home