Decoupage With A Modern Twist

 

The last time I decoupaged anything, I think I was about 12-years-old and it involved using photos of my friends and I. I loved it back then and though I haven't done it very often since, I did return back to my roots more recently when considering how to restyle the chair above. 


Another classic English wooden kitchen chair (about £10 from a charity shop), it had a dark stain on it and apart from having some cool detailing in its shape, it was really quite simple.I decided decoupage was the way forward to really show off the shape and give it a unique modern twist. 

 I pulled out my stash of fashion mags, cut a load of squares out and started pasting in a line using PVA glue (under and over the top, using a paintbrush). To be honest, it took me a good week to finish (who knows if I would have been so brave knowing the amount of time it would take?!) but it was well worth the end result. Hope you like it! Happy decoupaging. 

The Perfect Partner For Afternoon Tea?

I stumbled upon Sabre cutlery once on a trip to France and fell in love. They do all sorts of cutlery, in all sorts of colours and pretty designs. On a more recent visit to Amsterdam I also discovered Eme do a similar style, but in block colours. 

They make the perfect addition to my mismatched vintage tea set and never fail to get comments from friends when we're tucking into cake! They also live on my kitchen shelves where I can appreciate them every day. I want to build my collection to eventually include dinner cutlery too -  they'll work well mixed in with other cutlery here and there and bring a burst of colour to the table. 

Ikat - Never A Dull Moment

Photos above shot by Simon Upton & William Abranowicz via Elle Decor

 All cushions via Madeline Wienrib Atelier

It's probably quite clear by now, but I have a real thing for colour and pattern. When I first discovered Ikat fabric I couldn't believe how beautiful it was. 


I love the photos above - the use of clashing Ikat pattern and bright colour really appeals to me. I used to think using such colourful design was only possible in sunny countries, (like Oz for instance), but it didn't take me long to forgo that idea - who could resist furnishings like that!?


P.S. Madeline Weinrib Atelier in ABC Carpet & Home is well worth a visit next time you're in NY.

Cute Owl Trinket Box

I went hunting this weekend and found this trinket box in Hungerford, a small country village here in the UK, known for its antique stores and arcades. 

I love it!! I love the pattern, colours used and the fact there's an owl sitting atop - how random. It will bring a nice shot of colour to my dressing table - and make me smile each morning!

DIY Designer - Restyle A Vintage Kitchen Chair

I love hunting down cheap furniture, especially chairs. This one was about £10 from a second-hand store, and was in dire need of some emergency re-styling. Originally, it was dark brown and had an awful dark brown vinyl covered cushion. (I'm all for the 70s but this was pushing it)!


I sanded it down by hand, repainted with an oil-based gloss white and added a fresh new foam piece to the cushion. I sourced some beautiful hand-printed Swedish fabric to reupholster it with, and after enlisting the help of my boyfriend, we used a simple staple gun to secure it to the base. 


Result - a beautiful, inexpensive, original piece - made right at home!

Knitted Furnishings With A Cheeky Twist

UK artist Donna Wilson makes beautiful knitted home furnishings, in the softest lambswool - cushions, blankets, pouffes, etc. - even weird little creatures (!) I love her use of pattern and colour - every piece makes me smile. The two below add a bit of fun in my home. 

Pattern Fanatic - Vintage Kilim Rugs

My latest love is Kilim rugs. I'm deliberating buying the Moroccan one above (via Hay pop-up store in Selfridges). Though it is well worn (all the more character I say!) the colours are amazing and it would make a nice addition to any dull floor.

Loom (Melbourne) have some amazing ones...