{picture rails}

One of the big improvements to the house that my parents did while they were here was put in picture rails. Most people wouldn't notice they hadn't been there originally...and most people who come to the house now probably won't really notice them. But a picture rail is  like wearing clear nail varnish for a house-they're subtle, but add that little bit of 'polish' that makes a space seem finished.

I have lots more to blog on regarding renovations-the lovely built-in wardrobes in my room and other things, but thought I'd quickly put a post together on the picture rails.

I haven't got all my pictures up, and in the end, I'll probably change some around, but it's nice to be greeted by some old familiar friends on the walls...

{black & whites of my ancestors, from my great grandparents in India with my granny as a baby, to my Canadian grandparents in Toronto to pictures of my parents as kids}

{I love how the mirror reflects the pictures on the opposite wall}

And then in the dining room, the before:

{BEFORE}

...& now I've got a piano there and a mirror hanging from the picture rail:

{after!!}

On the other side of the dining room the space was crammed with furniture and a desk. Now I have a simple print of the Bodleian library and my dresser my Dad built me, filled with all my favourite crockery and china: 

& in the hallway upstairs...still needs some more pics hung and some more touches, but it's much better  (especially since I got rid of the lime green!):

stay tuned for more!
xo
L

{piano!}

This week my piano arrived!!
You'll have recalled that I went piano shopping a few weeks ago, but it had to get tuned and delivered and on Tuesday it arrived.
It feels right at home here in Chota House and I can't stop playing it!
Pure Love!

{getting delivered!!}

{playing away!}

{Simla approves!}

xo,
L

{2016 beginnings}

Happy weekend!
Hope you're having a fab fab Sunday!
I've been enjoying 2016 so far--last weekend we rented a car and went to a fab old piano shop (a converted old school house) and also went antiquing:

{my dad testing the pianos}

I found some great mirrors and an old dressing table, which had in one of the drawers all this lace and newspapers dated back to the 1947!

Yesterday I wasn't feeling so well so I stayed close to the fire most of the day (& you can see the bookshelves are almost done!):

Then today, it snowed! so we went for a lovely walk in the snow along the canal:

Must put the roast in the oven.

xo

L

{quotable thursdays}

In honour of National Cat Day:

{cats & music}

{how cute!}

Friends who know me well know I always have music playing in my home (usually classical, but sometimes jazz) and my cat is my best companion. After a very long day the very best thing is to come home to classical music playing and a sweet purring Simla. The best way for me to unwind is to play the piano... unfortunately I don't yet have one in this house but I'm hoping I can get one soon! Just need to save up as these house renovations & the move has been rather costly!

Because I can't resist, some pictures of my sweet Simla:

xo 

L

{quotable thursdays}

L'histoire enfermé

Dans le vieux piano mort

Et c'est l'aventure

Qui bat la mesure

De plus en plus fort.

Au clair de la vie,

Les mains des amis,

Les yeux des lendemains,

La vie devant nous,

L'amour, et puis tout…

-le vieux piano, Edith Piaf {click on link to listen}

{Piaf at the piano, via amy's blog}

I absolutely love pianos. I grew up playing one. Every night before dinner my Dad would sit down to the piano for an hour or so, and I would accompany him on the treble clef or by singing. 

Here are some scrumptious piano shots: 

{absolute elegance = audrey + piano via forget me not}

{turquoise paint & a grand. from little green notebook}

{via online piano guide}

{pianos always feature prominently in Austen novels. via human science}

{the fantastic Piano via le western culturel}

{around the piano Christmas 2005}

I LOVE this picture of my grandparents at their wedding in Simla, India. Here they are cutting the cake with a piano close by: 

{My grandparents, Dennis & Gladys Clark, "Brancepeth" Simla, India 11 October 1941}

In my basement there is an old piano, that unfortunately is so neglected, broken & old that it isn't worth playing--un vrai vieux piano je suppose. One day I will own my own. For all of you out there who own pianos, let this encourage you to sit down & play...even if it's been years!
xo,
L