Sunday 29 March 2015

Scenes of Cambridge...


As my current projects around my home remain only part completed, I did have a lovely afternoon a few weeks ago wandering around the college quarter of Cambridge. As Cambridge is only an hour from London, I'm quite embarrassed to admit that it has been at least 8 years since I was last here. Like Oxford, it such a lovely place to wander.

Although it is technically spring here, it was still a cold and gloomy afternoon...but touches of spring were apparent in some of the window boxes, if not yet in the actual temperature...










So much history, so much beautiful architecture, and a great number of lovely tea shops in which to warm up with a cup of tea and a scone with jam and cream - a pretty perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon...

Monday 2 March 2015

Customising bathroom storage...


One of the rooms I plan to redecorate/lightly renovate this year is the bright blue bathroom. I've been gradually collecting bits and pieces as I've seen them that will be added to the room. The new vanity mirror, wall sconces and ceiling light are ready and waiting.

I spent months stalking ebay for a glass-fronted cupboard to add much needed storage to the room. The bathroom has an Edwardian style pedestal sink, so there are no other places to store/hide the clutter of bathroom essentials. While I was in Australia I finally found a cupboard that was the perfect dimensions to fit the space, and at an equally perfect price (only £20!). I collected it once I returned and it is now in place ready for the other elements of the room to change around it.

One of the problems with the use of a glass fronted cabinet, is finding pretty storage options for what will go inside it - those that should and shouldn't be seen. When I was in Home Sense last week I found this nice metal storage crate. It had the perfect dimensions and I thought it would be just right to store spare hand towels and loo roll. However, I was less than impressed with the rough canvas insert.

So, using fabric I had left over from when I made the kitchen blind, it now looks like this...



Much better - and with some pretty cotton lace detail as well. Now I just need to get on with making plans for the rest of the room...