Showing posts with label grey. Show all posts

Garden Makeover - Part One



A glimpse of the work so far - A lot of grey 

The Summer has been busy with school holidays and our wonderful once in a lifetime visit to Florida, so the garden makeover has not moved along as quickly as I might like.

Autumn Blues


Summer is on it's way out, so time to cosy up my home for Autumn.  I do this by changing the accessories around.  Cushions and throws are the easiest way to bring a whole new look to a room..

Garden Makeover Plans

Photo : ATGStores.com

After twelve years of living in our home we can finally turn our attention to the garden renovation.  The winter is a perfect time to sit and plan how we would like to makeover the garden.

Thrifty bedroom makeover


My bedroom has always been a bit of a dumping ground for laundry, stock and generally stuff that I just didn't want to look at.  I have tried over recent years to regain some order, especially as I am often sent bedroom related items to review.  

The Rochelle French Armchair from WITHIN


I've always loved French Style furniture, particularly carved chairs with over stuffed seat cushions.  We have a few in our home and they are as comfortable as they are beautiful to look at. 

February Style Wise



I've always loved clothes but more so when I find a real bargain.  For this months #stylewise  I have some great buys from this

Back to Grey (or thanks for the free paint Helen)

One of the perks of people knowing I upcycle and paint furniture is I am often offered items they are throwing out and on one occasion two massive pots of virtually unused paint !  The paint in question is not your ordinary everyday kind of paint.  Oh no!  Its the top of the range Dulux Trade Diamond Matt in the colour of the moment Dove Grey.  This paint has superior durability, covers like a dream, as hard wearing as they come, can be wiped clean and most  importantly has a matt finish. (so works well if you like a chalk paint kind of finish).

Normally out of my price range I was thrilled to receive the paint from the very lovely School mum friend and set to work immediately on dark wood items that needed a solid undercoat.  Just about to start a commission for a customer, it was also a perfect colour for the job!

Once I completed the commission and still only halfway down the pot of paint ! (goes a long way does quality paint) I looked around for more items in my own home requiring a lick of paint.  With the twins away at Grandma's and No 1 son away on his holiday in Turkey, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to do some decorating in the house.  Time to change the staircase (AGAIN).

AFTER




Newly painted staircase.  Intend to put the stencil back on them again and still toying with the idea of putting a white stripe up the centre but I'll wait until hubby finishes the new wallpaper before I decide.  Also think I might fill the very tall wall with bits and bobs I have collected on my thrifty travels.

Next I headed to the bedroom to start on the cupboard which houses my linens and has stared accusingly at me for the last few years.  A lovely piece of stag furniture in its day it just had to have a paint job I'm afraid.

                                                                               BEFORE



 AFTER




 Sorry about the dress dummy, I use her to display clothes I sell online and she wears this beautiful silk nightie and dressing gown to remind me to try and stick to a diet for my holidays !


 I even found these gorgeous grey candles on a recent (rare) trip to Ikea.




I am really pleased with the result.  It still needs a bit more wax and a buff, but thanks to Helen's paint it transformed this piece of furniture and really brings the rest of the bedroom furniture together.

 I picked this rocking chair up at a bootsale last year for £10.  I nearly passed out when I saw it and virtually ran over to the stall holder.  I have done nothing to it except clean it and absolutely LOVE it in all its chippy grey painted glory.



Found the grey slip ons in the Next sale for £14.  Not normally a shop I go into these days, but was pleased I did on this occasion.




Mirror found on Ebay about 6 years ago.  Paid very little for it.  Grey and white designer throw on the bed purchased for £30 from TKMaxx.  Silk (look) curtains purchased for a song in the sale at Dunelm mill.  Bedside cabinets found in the recycling centre, pair for £10 and painted in Helen's perfect Dulux paint.

There you go, amazing what one tin of paint can do.  Thank you again Helen ! 


Christmas at the white approach shop

I always think you have to get Bonfire night out of the way before you can really start thinking about Christmas, but, well, I couldn't wait and have spent since Saturday night trying to transform my shop into the Scandinavian image of Christmas I have in my head.  I haven't quiet succeeded in the perfect all white with accents of red and grey but I am pleased with what I have acheived .


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I pride myself on selling unique and affordable items from local independent crafters and artists.  Its important to me to have ideas and products not supplied by other retailers.  I have a wonderful selection of those, including the wooden advent calender made for me by my husband.  It stands approx 4 ft high and is hand painted.  I commissoned a talented local lady to make the numbered bags for me and think the end result it stunning.  A favourite Christmas family piece for years to come.  For Sale in the shop or online for £65.



I really love everything about Scandanaivian style, the fresh, clean look of red and white is particularly  apealing.




Pretty, framed hand crafted picture decoration available at the white approach £27.50




Affordable, handmade table runners, placemats, bread holders, bottle bags and more. 

The front window.  I love these large candy canes.  Please ignore the reflection of the old woman in the window !  If you are in the area would love to see you, pop in for a browse and a chat.