{quotable thursdays}

{decorating}

I had a fantastic time in Paris, and will post pics soon. But today's quote is about the thrill of decorating & starting with a completely clean slate--an empty room! Anything is possible...how thrilling is that?

{colour scheme}

{room components}

Of course, this goes beyond just interior decorating--it can be a metaphor for life and the constant ability to start fresh, or go on a new adventure!
xo
L

{quotable thursdays}

{home & comfort}

What better person to give us a quote on home & comfort, than Jane Austen? Her books, wherever I'm reading them, bring me comfort and conjure memories of tucking into one of her great reads, cozy & curled up on a comfortable sofa or chair.

but 'home' has been on the forefront of my mind because (drum roll)...I've started looking at buying a house! It will be my first owned property, and it's all very exciting. I'm just starting the process, so it'll likely be a while until I move. But as an art historian, it's *pretty* amazing to think that I could buy a lovely historic property--Victorian terrace, or *even* even a 17th-century cottage! Now my budget is pretty low, so London is out of the question for the kind of property I'd like, but even still, it's wonderful to think of me & Simla the Siamese cat settled into a lovely property filled with character charm!

Some places I've been looking at are all renovated already, others would need some work, or as my parents say, they need to be 'clarkified'... But as a daughter of 2 renovators extraordinaire, I can see the potential through 80s wallpaper, bad carpet & hideous decor.
here are some images that are inspiring me at the moment:

{gorgeous inglenook & exposed beams--replace dog & shag rug with Siamese cat & Persian rug!}

{old rustic world charm}

{Victorian charm!}

{very rustic!}

can't wait to blog about the final purchase (when it comes) and the renos/decorating that will ensue!
This weekend I'm going to the Savoy for a black tie charity event--will try to take pics if I can!
I still have some catch up blogging to do, including my cousin's wedding in Germany. so more soon, I hope!
xo
L

{flat-before & afters}

{home!}

I'm finally getting around to before & afters of my flat!
As you know, I had to wait a few months for all my stuff to arrive, and finally I've got everything under one roof...and with a little cat, I finally feel 'home'!

{before}

{before}

{mid move-in}

{after}

{mid move-in!}

{moving in...}

{after}

{after}

{bar cart}

{the bar!}

{my Dad made this armoire when I was a little girl}

{black & whites of my ancestors & family}

{the hall with carpets & pictures up}

{before}

{after}

{before}

{after}

{bedroom before}

{after}

xo, 

L

{une petite pause}

{vanishing for a bit}

Hello readers,
I'm taking a little break from blogland...I'm headed back 'home' to ship my stuff (finally!) and will take une petite pause from blogging. Looking forward to seeing  family & relaxing a little before the crazy onslaught of a new academic year...what better way than to spend some time with a niece & two nephews (one of which is my godson) to remind me what really matters in life?

{going to spend time with this lovely family--my eldest sis & her fam (my niece's teeth will probably have grown in!)}

{us, NYE 2012/13}

{boating, 2008}

But great things await. I've decided to try start a new series on the blog, called 'tasty morsels' which will be all about sampling the best & most tasty restaurants in London... What could be better than eating my way across London with friends & blogging about it? The idea is to follow the 35 recommended restos by Easy Living (although I think the top places for a drink by Red will also make an appearance). I'm particularly keen on trying the apothecary bar (as you know I'm fond of apothecaries, see blog):

{house of wolf apothecary bar, photo from Red}

I'm so looking forward to going home, but I love the fact that after sad goodbyes to family, I'll be returning to a place that I really love. I came across this little bit of advice on life in London from apartment therapy....if you're thinking of moving to this fantastic city, or you're visiting for a bit, then there's some solid advice here. For those of my friends & family who are coming to visit me, you might find the pointers about the tube essential.

{the tube}

{ready to head off}

{off I go...}

so, aurevoir for just a teeny weeny tiny tiddley bit, and see you again soon,
L

{what a fantastic suitcase!}

{Vermont Living-before&afters}

As many of you know, I've recently moved to Vermont. As part of my contract I get a three-bedroom house, fully furnished. The great thing is, I arrived with my small suitcase directly from London and was able to sleep in a bed with sheets, watch telly from a couch, and use the kitchen without having to unpack or purchase anything. The negative side of things is that the place isn't really my style, & I haven't been able to pick & choose furniture, decor etc... Since I'm only here for 2 years and since I know I'll be moving most likely to a new city at the end, I don't want to accumulate too much. At the same time, I want a place I can call 'home' & that I feel comfy entertaining in. So compromises & creativity are the order of the day. Plus, on a budget. My parents always taught us to be resourceful, and here's an attempt at resourcefulness...
BEFORE: The living room was un-interesting and the brown wood & brown 70s fireplace dominated the space. If I was living here permanently, I'd probably paint the wood out white, but for now, I've put my bunting obsession to good use:

I bought a few little antiques from the local antique store: some cute little tea-cups, a plate etc... I put up some photos of my newest nephew, old books, and vintage postcards. In addition, I asked for profile pictures of my four sisters, and I made silhouettes of the 5 Clark sisters, set them on pretty patterned backgrounds, and put them in pink frames to play with contrasts against the dark wood: 

{the 5 girls in chronological order}

{1}

{2}

{3}

{4}

{5}

{I bought some pretty fabric, cut out triangles, sewed them to some ribbon & made pretty bunting}

{tea cups}

{before: rather dull & office-furniture looking}

On this side of the living room, I switched the two chairs for the couch & added some fun lanterns & home-made pompoms (& oh took out the fake tree).

I've also become slightly obsessed with antlers/deer. More on that later, but I had bought this gorgeous toile paper at the V&A while I was in London, so I just cut out the elegant silhouettes of deer & put two up above the fireplace and one above the telly:

I'd like to get some accented throw pillows & put up new curtains to make the place complete, but all in time....more to come for sure!
xo
L