Lease of life

Both my Mum and I like farmhouse style interiors and at home we've been giving items of furniture a new lease of life with the help of some Farrow & Ball paint. They have a fantastic range of colours and it is by far our favourite paint company! 

We simply painted certain parts of our wooden furniture to give them a complete new look and we are very happy with the results.

This is our merchants chest, we left the top in its original state and painted the bottom surrounds and draws. It sits very well in our passageway.

This is our farmhouse dining table with a gorgeous reclaimed wooden top. We painted the legs and base to give it more definition. It also breaks up this particular space which is quite narrow.

Next to this table is a narrow shelving unit which we also painted in the same colour. I think this colour compliments the shade of wood and by leaving parts in their original wood state gives a fantastic rustic effect. It can be scary to paint something thinking you're going to get it wrong, so make sure you're confident with your colour choice before arming yourself with a paint brush! :)

The rise of Rise Hall

I don't know whether anyone recently watched 'Sarah Beeny's Restoration Nightmare' on Channel 4. It was fantastic as it focused on the restoration of Rise Hall in Yorkshire and how Sarah transformed it not just into her home but into her fabulous wedding venue.

Built somewhere between 1815 and 1820, Rise Hall is a beautiful example of a British stately home surrounded by scenic views and well kept grounds. The house has fallen into disrepair and Sarah made sure that quality, time and love was put into every piece to ensure that the house would be brought back to its former glory.

She did a fantastic job and so did all the builders, decorators and craftsmen involved who worked very hard around the clock to meet their fast approaching deadline of the first wedding. After the Second World War Rise Hall was leased and became a convent/school, hence the 70's gymnasium extension that was made up of red brick and look at the beautiful transformation, you wouldn't expect to dine in a gymnasium on your wedding day would you?

The layout of the old windows has been retained but the frames have been replaced and french doors added that open up onto the grounds. It's just stunning!

This is the entrance hall as well as where the ceremonies are held.

I couldn't believe it when it was revealed that the columns are in fact hand painted in a marble effect! It was amazing to see it being done by a single person and how realistic is looks! It is truly a wonderful craft.

In the rooms you are completely spoilt. Fabulous colour palettes compliment upholstery and fabrics that create a sense of rich luxury. Just look at the copper bath!

All images: Source: Rise Hall

Overall, the house is fantastic and all that hard work has paid off. This restoration respects English heritage and has allowed Rise Hall to rise again to what it deserves.

Click to visit the Rise Hall website

I'm back finally!

I'm so sorry to have left, uni work overload.

Finally, back with an upcoming new post.

Bear with me!

Hello all.

Please bear with me at the moment, can't wait to get back posting but I am currently up to my neck in university work, deadline in a week! Be back soon :)

Chrome & Antlers

I went for a little retail therapy just yesterday and came across some chrome pieces.

I have never been a huge fan of chrome as I tend to turn to the more rustic metals like brass or wrought iron. I love interiors that have a touch of cabin fever, like thick knitted quilts, beautifully upholstered armchairs, open fire places, wood and stone and when I came across these I loved the idea even more. 

The antlers selection that they had was amazing and at great value. These three sets of antlers were mounted onto a wooden slat. The chrome, like you tend to find in cheaper stores is often very heavily polished and looks a bit tacky, but these had texture and the creases and indentation details held a slight darker shade of chrome giving them an older vintage look. These were priced at just £24.99 at Tk maxx.

Here is another antler piece also tk maxx. I can imagine two of these owning a wooden dining table as statement pieces or placed on a side board, however it is small another to be placed on a coffee/small table, this was priced at £14.99.

Now I really did like this. It is not quite as detailed as I would like it to be but I think along with the antlers in a room it would give a sense of the outdoors and adventure. This was an absolute bargain reduced to just £12 tk maxx! I could see this on a wooden side table next to a comfy, brown leather sofa and a toasty open fire, aah :)

I really love grey or green at the moment for a wall colour, especially the range that they have on offer from Farrow & Ball, my favourite paint company. Farrow & Ball's French Grey and Green Blue are gorgeous.

French Grey & Green Blue

by Farrow & Ball.

I had a little browse online for an interior that I think would perfectly accommodate my little finds and I think this French interior justifies. 

Source: My French Country Home

Going Green!

I was looking at Architecture Daily via Facebook and they have just published the following image...

Source: Architecture Daily

This image is designed to show how London's famous Gherkin could look. 'Going green' is very important in regards to the future of our planet. More and more buildings, especially in the cities are popping up to provide accommodation, offices and businesses. Not only is going green important to the welfare of the environment, with regards to pollution and recycling, appearance is also important. What is described as the 'green panel' (Core Hydraulic Integrated Arboury Pane) allows vegetation to grow on the surface of the building. I think it looks amazing, and if more green roofing and panels like this can be achieved more often then great, because not only is it encouraging more vegetation growth within these big cities it also looks better than the standard concrete jungle that we are so used to! 

This is the School of Art, Design and Media at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, yet another example of green roofing. The way it blends in with the surroundings is just incredible considering the size of the building. The architectural forms mimic rolling hills perfectly. Very impressive!

Doesn't a little bit more green make life look a little brighter :)

Eco Build 2013

I forgot to mention much earlier on here that on March 5th 2013 I attended EcoBuild at the Excel in London. Yes I got there, considering the awful bus driver that we had.

I would recommend going as there is plenty to see!

There are many things on show including, building materials and home/building products that represent the future of construction and lifestyle. There are also many talks on different topics where you can take a seat and listen. It was a very interesting day with plenty of exhibitions to see.

Click on the image below to visit ecobuilds webpage for information about them and registering for 2014.

Happy Easter

I hope everyone had a great Easter weekend :)

I've been getting a little crafty again.

I would just like to share with you these beautiful books that I make.

These are memory books, perfect for a newborn or christening occasion.

They're self-adhesive which allows you to create a little book of special memories, not just photographs but the first hair cut and other little bits and bobs.

I bought the book from Paperchase (£8.00) and just added the ribbon that ties the book shut, the letters and the other decorative pieces.

I found that pastel colours work best, for a boy I would probably use a baby blue and white would also be lovely for a wedding!

Make it your way... Buttons & Wire

This is just a quick post regarding what I like doing in my spare time. I have a somewhat creative flare and really enjoy making crafts for my home. They give me a little sense of achievement. Hand making crafts is a little expression of yourself within your home and I encourage anyone to give it ago whether you're artistic or not, because each one is special and unique. Despite having a little fear of lots of buttons (i know, weird right?) I love getting hold of some craft wire and spare buttons to create a little something like this...

This literally look about 15 minutes to make as it is quite a large heart made with large buttons. The larger the buttons the thicker the wire you need to hold their weight. My mum asked me to make his for her for her kitchen. The more random the better, to give it that shabby chic look. It doesn't just have to be a heart. Just weave your wire in and out of both holes in each button to make one large strand, then bend into your desired shape. Where the two end meet, just twine the wires tightly around each other and create a hanging loop.

You don't even have to use buttons, I just got some thick wire, bent it into a heart shape and then got some thinner wire to create a looped effect all the way around and then continued it into the word 'love'.

Why not give it a go? :)

Attic Retreat

This is absolutely gorgeous. It's great how this space works. How can lots of light in such an open space painted in white and pale shades look so cosy? I think the addition of simple shelves home to many books with candles and some plant life creates a space that feels used and tendered to. This room has opportunity to be a place of relaxation and peace as well as a great social space. The rug, cushions and knitted throws add a warm, winter snug touch. The flashes of black here and there give a little depth to the room and draw your attention to various parts of the space, just right and not too over powering. This would make my perfect study retreat space. 

Apartment, Vasastan, Stockholm, Sweden.

Source: Freshome

Dissertation

Dissertation Hand In!

Would just like to express how much more relaxed I feel now that my dissertation has been handed in. My dissertation topic was on the contradictions of the leader of the Arts and Crafts, William Morris. Despite finding the dissertation very draining and intimidating...I enjoyed researching Morris and finding out things that I never knew. My one key interest was his involvement with Devon Great Consols who provided the arsenic in green pigment, supposedly used in his wallpaper designs. 

Interior News Annual Awards 2013

Thomas Gouws Architects + Interiors

Thomas Gouws Architects + Interiors Webpage

After looking through the www.worldarchitecturenews.com I came across this fabulous project by Thomas Gouws Architects + Interiors in Residential Interiors. When can I move in?

When it comes to designing I have an open mind to design in any style or fashion, but when it comes to my own taste I am fussy, and struggle to find something rather modern that I could see myself living in, but this I am in love with.

Source: World Architect News

I just love that raw, unfinished look that just wants you to make it your own. The open spaces just give you freedom to work with the space as you wish. I appreciate a lot of light and these slim sleek floor to ceiling windows allow plenty of it in! The balustrade design is amazing on the staircase, using steel wires that runs through the flights of stairs.

If I move in is the piano included? please.

Chosen Building Material March 2013

Random Block Masonry & Timber Combination

I am currently working on my third year final project which involves the old slaughter house buildings in Abergavenny, South Wales, UK (pictured below) Now that I am working up close and personal with these buildings, I am trying to create a design that will appreciate the original features of the building including it's random block masonry walls.

I have always loved old stone buildings and hope that one day my own home will be an old building full of vintage and reclaimed goodies. I have created a basic mood board to demonstrate my combinations that I have recently seen against these building materials. I also have a bit of a love for battleship grey at the moment!

1. Chrome Overhanging Floor Lamp Absolutely love these lamps, so slender and sleek that gives a room that quirky statement piece it needs. 

(MyDeco Marketplace www.mydecomarketplace.com £121.00)

2. Worn Vintage Leather Sofa I can only dream of owning one of these sofas. The worn style has to be the best, it just begs you to sit on it! The hand studding makes it all the better. 

(The Leather Sofa Shop theleathersofashop.co.uk £1,180.00 - £1,330) 

3. Metropolitan Clock This clock is fab. It has the vintage but modern look with a black frame against a beige face and those hands in red really make it stand out.

(Amara Living www.amara.co.uk £199.00)

4. Mirror This mirror mimics those typical warehouse windows which I think would really compliment an interior that has an antique/reclamation scheme. WANT!

(Home of Elegance www.homesofelegance.co.uk £395.00)

5. Timothy Oulton Chest WOW. I love this item! The brushed steel is what makes this chest so special. A great twist on an antique. 

(Home of Elegance www.homesofelegance.co.uk £2,050.00)

6. Home Cushion I really like these cushions that seem to have a 'home' everywhere in your house. I also like their handmade elements, such as the buttons.

(John Lewis www.johnlewis.com £35.00)

PICK OF THE MONTH!

BARGAIN ALERT!

❤  Pick of the Month ❤

This is an amazing bargain that I need to promote!

This shabby chic candle holder with glass inner is just simply gorgeous!

It has rough edges and you can see where all the tacs are which I think makes it look rough and ready which I LOVE even more!

If you're feeling crafty, you can buy a basic square glass candle holder and build a wooden case to fit around it using small tacs that you hammer into place. You can create shapes and cut outs by using a mini jigsaw tool. Paint and decorate as your desire.

If you are not so crafty get yourself to Store Twenty One for the mere price of £2.99!

BARGAIN if ever I saw one, as little beauties like this can go for around £8+ in more upmarket and vintage stores.

WHAT'S HOT! March 2013

WHAT'S HOT THIS MONTH?

March 2013

PALE WOODS

I am absolutely loving the pale woods this month, used for furniture and other household items such as lighting and accessories. I think it gives a fabulous fresh look to your home and has that slight Scandinavian design twist.

The great thing with pale woods is that they provide a neutral canvas, either for a toned down palette or a splash of vivid colour!

I LOVE this Valder oak dining table from Made featured in this months issue of House Beautiful. It's sleek and delicate and ready to be dressed to your own taste.

I would probably give this table some modern company with some white chairs

I really like the pale wood and white combination with a splash of colour here and there, so I would probably use something like the Hall Wood chair from Pink Apple.

I would either dress the table in colour with a funky fruit bowl, flowers or runner or I would place a variety of cushions on the seats.

Chairs available in a range of colours by Jasper Morrison at pinkappledesigns.co.uk for £287.00

I love this shabby chic table runner, the colours are there but they are soft, subtle and pastel. This runner is available on ebay by pipdesigns for just £18.99. Absolutely gorgeous.

(There are also a range of other designs including polka dots in pink and green)

Click on the image to go to pipdesigns on ebay!

New to Blogging

Hello.

This is my new blog, Fine Spaces.

As an Interior Design student, due to graduate in July 2013 I will use this blog to give my views on interior spaces, from reviews to what's hot and on trend.

I have always been creative, therefore not only do I love Interior Design but handmade arts and crafts.

I hope you enjoy :)