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 :)