{Decor Inspiration; The Cabin}

After watching Free People's latest short film, inspired by their December catalog, I started to remember how much I've always wanted a cosy woodland cabin like in some old American movie. Failing that, a regular Irish house with cabin-inspired décor. It's pretty much the ultimate in homely, welcoming design and has a unique year-round feel. In fact, this look is actually pretty practical as it's inspired by nature, souvenirs and heavy-duty, good old-fashioned comfort. It would be perfect for a living room, or any room you're lucky enough to have a fireplace or stove. And it's also testament to the wonder that is natural material; hardwood flooring, stone, natural-coloured leather and basketry. I've put together a mood-board- shop the look on my Polyvore profile. Now, I'm off to watch On Golden Pond!

 

 

 

{Round Foyer Tables}

The word 'foyer' is a bit fancy alright, but no matter how fancy, big or small your entryway is, you really shouldn't underestimate its impact. It's the first and last part of your home you will see as you go about your day, the first impression guests get of your home and the one room you must constantly pass through several times a day. I recently took a class in feng shui and learnt how it's considered unhealthy for the last step of your staircase to face right onto the front door as the outdoor energy will zoom on up the stairs and bypass the downstairs. Scepticism is okay, but when it comes to your home, family and health isn't is better to, where possible, be on the safe side? For most people, the idea of repositioning your staircase just because you read it on some chick's blog is a bit excessive, so lucky for you I have an alternative idea! Creating a block between your front door and your staircase in the form of a table is a practical, aesthetically pleasing and feng shui approved solution. It's also a perfect place to house some welcoming object like a vase of flowers, coffee table books and a catch-all for your keys and loose change. Check out some examples below.

{The Big Upcycle}

Belated happy Thanksgiving to all of my American readers! And to the non-American, I hope you, too, give thanks where ever you are.

I've always been into upcycling. Ever since I used to watch Linda Barker and her 90's gang used to repaint, resurface and re-imagine people's old furniture within a budget on Changing Rooms, I've been all about breathing new life into old pieces. Why the big obsession, you ask? Why not just buy new stuff? All kinds of reasons; wanting to hold onto a piece for sentimental value but make it work for you, cost, and that's it's usually a lot easier to give an old unit a lick of paint and new hardware  than get your head around flat-pack instruction booklets.  I think the two biggest factors contributing to the new upcycling craze; a) it's fun! It's getting creative and getting use out of the end result. And you know that getting to show off your new-found creative genius in all its uniqueness and splendour  to admiring guests is a major feel-good factor. And b) "They don't make it like they used to". More often than not, your granny's old coffee table is going to be of a much higher quality than your modern alternative- though it might be more attractive. Sooooo... That's where upcylicing to your tastes comes in!

I love going online to check out upcycing inspiration. A quick Image search of your keywords (your item, desired style, colour etc.) is a great place to start. Then, keep an eye out for door knobs (Anthropologie is a real treasure trove for cute door knobs and seem to constantly have a few designs on sale), haberdashery, fabric  and wallpaper remnants (which are perfect, because you'll usually only need a small quantity of materials) and different odds and ends such as broken costume jewellery, found natural objects and unused trinkets. Once you have an idea, and some goodies, choosing a piece of furniture will be a lot less daunting. You or your family will probably have a contender- and some people will be glad to offload an unwanted piece. If not, flea-markets, charity shops and auctions are amazing, though being discerning about the quality and condition is important to remember. Of course you're going to give your chosen piece a fabulous makeover, but the last thing you want is to discover your finished project is riddled with woodworm.

Last week, during the European Week for Waste Reduction, I went to "The Big Upcycle" in The Stillorgan Park Hotel here in south Dublin. It was organised by The Upcycle Movement and Stitches Be Crazy (which wins my imaginary award for the best name of a small company) and played host to craftspeople and upcyclers from all around Ireland, as well as staging demonstrations on furoshiki, decoupage and using the decor cult product Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. It was so amazing to see both the talent and the possibilities out there. Like who would've thought that vintage cigar boxes could make quirky radios? Or gun bullets (those words right there is the most hardcore this blog will ever be) could make dainty earrings? Check out The Upcycle Movement for more inspiration, and to find out about upcoming events. A quick Google search will also direct overseas readers to their local movement. Below are some quick snaps I got of a few of the stalls. Be sure to share any upcycling gems you may have! 

The aforementioned radios made from vintage cigar tins and make-up cases. By Bosca Bosca.

A lamp made from old cassette tapes. By Notebooks by Mary.

Festive button decorations.

"Stitches Be Crazy".

Futuristic-style stuffed toys made from old fabrics. By Roundy Squares.

These hand-painted coasters are created from eggshells. By Hatala Mosaics.

All sorts of lovely things by MisMatched Design.

Well that took a whole lot of newspaper! By Hatala Mosaics.

Notebooks made with vintage book covers. By Notebooks by Mary.

After being very good and exercising some uncharacteristic self-control, I rewarded myself with this! I mean, it was only 5 euro and I love it, and you can never have too many weird hangy things, so y'know.  By Slaty Craft.

Fränze Straessle Mobiles

You know, it's times when I came across adorable nursery décor that I -very,very momentarily- rethink how soon I want to have babies. NOT because I think babies are toys you get to dress up and look at, but because when you really think of how you can choose to influence a brand new person through visual art is kind of fascinating. I studied Sociology at university, and one of my favourite parts of our course was evaluating the impact gender-specific toys have on children. I loved my dolls as much as the next guy (unintentional play-on-words right there?) as a kid, but looking at it now, what kind of crazy message are these toys sending to children? I can't help but feel that there's a reason why young girls hold themselves to ridiculous 'Barbie doll standards' or why the male Grand Theft generation bring such danger to the roads?
This post wasn't meant as an attack on popular childrens' toys. I get that children need to be stimulated and enjoy things that are bright and shiny, so why not let them get as shiny as they want with an arts and crafts set, or some books, or something to encourage them to go outdoors and learn about the world we live in. Tools, not toys. Inexpensive, gender-neutral and timeless. Most importantly, they will help the children grow and learn and appreciate. And not to get to Coat-of-Many-Colours on your asses, but rooting an uncompetitive, un-materialistic attitude in kids at an early age with serve them dearly through life.

With all this in mind, I was so excited to come across these hand-made mobiles by German artist Franze Straessle. Made from vintage, odd and utterly random objects- some everyday, some of a more ambiguous character, each mobile is unique. When placing an order, you are asked to fill in a questionnaire in order for each piece to personal to each customer. Oooh, I love a bit of personalisation! So this is like the whimsical/baby version of a monogrammed towel bale?
These pieces are absolutely not just for the nursery. Like a lantern or ornamental birdcage, these would look beautiful hanging in a window or in groups of three varying sizes above a bed. Each mobile comes autographed by the artist, which is such a lovely touch. Other things you will find dangling in the sky from these pieces include pocket watches, skeleton keys, bobbles of colourful thread, cookie-cutters, tambourine chimes and, as you do, a mini monkey sock. Why? "Simply to be there- like us all."

(All images via Fränze Straessle's website)

Friday Favourites 22/11/2013

Favourite scent;

Happ & Stahns Perfumers Eau De Parfum

 At first I just wanted this perfume for the adorably charming bottle that would look so cute on my dressing table but then I smelt it in real life and, oh! Such a lovely, rosey scent! It's very lady-like and floral and not unlike the ever popular 'Stella' by Stella McCartney. But to be honest, between the bottle and Anthropologie's description of it, even if it smelt like crap I'd probably still want it (yes, I'm THAT girl).

 "Inspired by The Grand Tour - a trip across Europe enjoyed by young ladies in the 19th century as a finishing course to their educations - this ethereal floral scent evokes rose gardens, high teas and happy accidents. Housed in an inkwell-inspired bottle and topped with a pincushion to enhance the air of Victorian-era romance." -Anthropologie's Editor's Notes

 

Favourite Adventure;

Spending my Monday walking around Chelsea, with a little money and a little agenda. I had never been to Chelsea, and had never spent a day in London on my own before, but I've always been the kind of person who craves a little solitary wander and a new discovery.. and Chelsea was just that for my this week. Lots of blogging, photos and lovey memories from my trip to come. Stay tuned!

 

Favourite quote;

-Dalai Lama

 

Favourite album;

Kacey Musgraves 'Same Trailer Different Park'

I've been obsessed with Kacey Musgraves' sassy take on small-town America since seeing her last year in the Olympia Theatre Dublin opening for Lady Antebellum. And her first major-release album released earlier this year did not disappoint. The album title 'Same Trailer Different Park' (lyrics taken from her hit single, and lyrically genius- dare I say it- 'Merry Go Round') say it all, I think; Same country sound, different take on country life.

 

Favourite photograph;

This photo is one of very many I must have come across and saved to my laptop without searching for the artist's name. Please know that I mean no disrespect for anything I post without full credit to the artist on this blog. I just really love some stuff, and really want to share it.

 

Hope you have a lovely weekend, Louise... x

 

{"The Flowering of Love is Meditation"}

(All images via Amateur Couture)