Still Life

 There are some things in life that make your soul do a little leap for joy. Still Life paintings and Dutch Interior paintings do that to me. I love the way everyday life and things are somehow magnified to be noticed and seen for the first time, with new eyes. I love the design element to the still life paintings  how a group of related or sometimes unrelated items are grouped and arranged. The different textures of the linen, the fruit, the lead crystal and the pewter vying for attention, it really does please my eye.

The above images are from www.tate.org.uk and www.essentialvermeer.com.

What also pleases my eye are the many wonderful still life style photographs taken by clever bloggers and photographers. They may not be able to paint like Jan Vermeer but with digital technology and a bit of creative flair, they can certainly make my heart sing! I have put together some wonderful examples that I found on tumblr. See if you agree with me.

 Just stunning aren't they! There are some very talented people in this blogland of ours. I am so grateful for the constant inspiration and joy that I find. I have been like a little squirrel hoarding and collecting and gathering my 'nuts' my nuggets of inspiration and beauty and ideas, and now is the time to start putting some of these ideas, projects and schemes into action. I plan to be busy over the coming months, decorating, cooking, crafting, making plans to move my business on. I will keep you posted. I know you are all busy with plans of your own. Have a great week, and a warm welcome to my new followers and my old ones too! Love Linda x

A Blank Canvas

Wouldn't it be a bit of fun to imagine you had a room like this to decorate.....a blank canvas. Although it is obviously a Period room, with the wooden floor, neutral paint colour, you could go really modern, or fill it with Geogian antiques, or have a mix of old and new. How would you decorate it? (Oh by the way, money is no object!) Picture from here.

I think if it were mine, the first thing I would do is find a lovely antique dog grate to bring the fireplace to life. Next would be to install a pair of bookcases either side of the fireplace to make it cosy.

Perhaps a pair of reproduction Regency style bookcases. (I would have to paint them of course!) source

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Perhaps some built-in bookcases would be better? Photo from here.

Photos from here and here.

I would need a lovely piece of art for above the fireplace and rather like this painting by Jane Swanston called Still Spaces 13, and to be found here.

An antique rug for the centre of the room, or perhaps a new one ?

Rugs are from here and here. Of course I will need something lovely to sit on. I am leaning towards a relaxed French style, so I think this gorgeous sofa from Restoration Hardware,will do the trick.

The coffee table is also from Restoration Hardware. I couldn't resist this wonderful painted plinth to use as side tables from here or perhaps the lovely garden stools and graceful chairs from www.guinevere.co.uk.

I absolutely love these light fittings I found here and the fabulous modern chandelier from Pottery Barn, which when viewed close-up looks like a branch with water or ice droplets hanging from it.

In front of the window I would love a large french style table to be used as a desk, rather like this one..... from here.And I thought these wire urns I found at a place new to me called Layla Grace, it has some fab stuff for the home, although some things are a little pricey.

These large en grisaille panels from the same store, would just add the finishing touch. Oh and I almost forgot, mirrors for a bit of light reflecting loveliness, and flowers to add colour and life!

 
This pair of gilt Pier glasses are from here I know they are quite formal but I love the little squirrels on them!

Gorgeous full-blown roses from here.I love the bit of gilt decoration on the table also.

 And just because I can, I am going to add a painted Armoire as a drinks cabinet, after all, I will need something when I am entertaining! Photo from Pinterest.

Soft muted fabrics from here.

 I am hoping for an elegant yet cosy and friendly room like the ones above and below.

 A touch of colour, grey/blue or duckegg in the painted furniture, to add a little warmth and some heavenly scented candles for a touch of luxury. Above photo from here and below picture from here.

It is fun to dream! I have had a ball putting this together. I hope you have enjoyed it too? Let me know what you would do differently. Enjoy the rest of your week, love Linda x. (above photo from here.)

















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New Year, New Beginnings!

 A very happy and healthy and productive New Year to all my lovely blogging friends. We have had a really lovely Christmas and New Year. I have missed blogging though, and I am keen to get started! The Christmas decorations will be coming down tomorrow and that always makes me feel a little glum. The sparkle has gone! So I reckon I need to find some new ways to add a little winter sparkle to my home.

 Don't these glamorous lights look wonderful, especially when grouped? Or what about a beautiful French painted mirror, for a little sparkle?

Then of course there is the chandelier in the reflection, two for the price of one!

 A floral headboard could add a touch of glamour and a fresh look to an otherwise neutral scheme.

 Fresh flowers always do it for me! I love the jars with the vintage labels added.

 Polished silver for that light reflecting lustre. I love the garland of seashells on the fireplace and the charming lamp.

I made one of these seashell mirrors once. (I am not quite sure what happened to it!). I think they look lovely in the right place.

I haven't made a resolution this year. I always make them and never stick to them, so this year I am abstaining! I have been blogging for just over a year now, and apart from the beginning when I was trying to learn everything ,(very stressful), it has been an absolute joy. I have met so many wonderful, kind, talented people. It is definitely an atmoshpere in which to thrive! Most of all I have learned so much about myself, who I am and what I want from life. I intended to simplify my home, pare it down, even go a little bit modern.

I have discovered though that pared down a little is fine, but really pared down and industrial is not me. I like 'pretty', I like old and new mixed together and a certain amount of clutter makes me happy. I am pleased with the progress that I have made this year and if I can keep learning and growing in the year to come, I will be more than happy. I hope too that I can pass on a little of what I am learning to anyone who is interested, and that way, everyone wins!

Thankyou to all who follow my blog, call in and visit, and very sweetly leave comments. I hope that I will continue to keep it interesting and fresh, so that you want to return. With much love, Linda x

All images from http://www.pinterest.com/.