My last post bemoaned the lack of Georgian splendour in Kensal Rise/Queens Park but what I did not mention is that whilst the red-brick houses look pretty unassuming on the outside, the interiors are a real feast.  So, in celebration of my hood, I shall be showing you around local spaces from time to time, starting here with our friends spacious and super-welcoming home on Kingswood Avenue. A true party house, as I can testify having watched Kate and Williams’s nuptials here with family by day and partied here with husband and locals by night.

Now on the market with Domus Nova.

My dream home was and always will be Georgian. Not many of those to the pound in Kensal Rise sadly!  Perhaps it has something to do with the perfect symmetry and proportions, the rows of tall windows and Alice in Wonderland style over-sized door or perhaps Georgian houses remind me of the way I drew castles as a child. My daughter still draws castles in the same way except hers are pink and why not?

Now my Georgian dream just got more desirable in the form of Dinder House in Somerset.  Sat in 23 acres of landscaped and walled gardens, the interiors have recently been thoughtfully designed for family living by Ilse Crawford. Each of the 39 rooms have retained their magnificent features but been re-configured for modern family living.   We can’t all live in such a grand home but what fun to dream and to relish these photographs taken by Magnus Marding.

We have just moved a large glass fronted cabinet from bedroom to living room.  I have so enjoyed filling the cabinet with books that were previously hidden away but now give the living room a soul and my heart such joy.  Whilst it would be lovely to have large wall to wall bookshelves, even smaller creative solutions look equally appealing.

my idea of bliss; endless books, a quiet, empty day and a cup of tea. as seen in elledeco

this came from a great blog called DIY craftiness by danielle Baker. It just shows that what we needed was there all along; we just have to look.

not much reading going on here but my, what a striking display as seen in an anthropologie window

if you are short of space but like the idea of book displays, this white wallpaper would look lovely in an unexpected space such as a kitchen. available from OnYourDoorStep.com

We celebrated Diwali yesterday, which many of you will know is the festival of lights.  The house was decorated with t-lights placed in colourful candleholders made by the children.  Our families came over to take part in the evening pooja (prayers) before tucking into a feast and watching firework displays put on by my husband, as that amongst other things is a family tradition.  This was the first time we celebrated without our parents, (who for various reasons could not be there) and it made us more aware of the value of preserving and passing on traditions to the ten little cousins present. When thinking of beauty and heritage, the magnificent Rohit Bhal store in Dehli comes to mind.  

Who can help but fall for The Rug Company’s fabulous creations; well it seems Sam Cam are as crazy for them as the rest of us.  So much so that they recently commissioned The Rug Company to create their official gift to President and Mrs Obama, in celebration of their state visit to the UK.  Designed by The Rug Company with much input from Samantha herself, this wall-hanging will soon grace The White House.

Oh, taking of Sam Cam, being that I volunteer at The Special Yoga Centre, I was there to help out at their Annual Art Fund Raiser last week and being a Patron, Samantha Cameron was guest of honor.  I have never seen her in person before and I have to say, she is rather striking, just like this wall-hanging.

Anyone looking for fifties furniture should visit my local on the Chamberlyne Road – Niche Antiques (nicheantiques.co.uk).  The look is ever-so elegant and ideal for as occasional seating. For everyday lounging I would opt for something super-comfy and for that it’s worth a visit to Sofa.com,(who also sell beds as shown) which is where I recently purchased a sofa, leaving me confident enough to kit out a whole house simply by shopping on-line.

fifties chairs from Niche Antiques.

bed from Sofa.com

I don’t have an official blog-roll on my site as I find it hard enough getting around to these random thoughts, let alone keeping up with what’s worth sharing.  Instead, I just mention blogs as I come across any that I think you will appreciate. Whilst many bloggers feature interiors and images to inspire, very few take the time and trouble to group them as beautifully and thoughtfully as thepapermulberryblogspot.com.  For anyone who enjoys rich, romantic, feminine interiors you will absolutely love this blog . x

I wanted to post this the moment I received the release last week, but simply did not have a moment, so here it is.   Anthropologie are to open a concept store on London’s King’s Road.  As well as curtains, furniture, lighting, rugs, wallpapers, design books and magazines, the store will host regular classes with experts with the aim of inspiring designers and individuals alike.   Now there’s another reason to head down to the Kings Road and if you can make it the first masterclass is to be held on Sunday March 27th. x

Today I want to introduce you to Holly Becker of Decor8.  Holly has been blogging daily for years and that level of commitment can only come from a place of passion.  Opportunities then flow and it’s a good thing for all of us because out of her passion has come this beautiful book – Decorate.  The book is full of Holly’s favorite homes/styles and I know these will resonate with you.  Even my home is in there and I look forward to sharing these and other images with you once the book is out on 24th March, but for now pre-order and log onto Decor8.

It is around this time of year that the light starts changing and we consider little home updates. Some updates are investment buys that transcend time and others are simply cheap and cheerful enough to be on-trend without taking over.  H&M Home has a great selection that much like their clothing takes it cue from the catwalk.  My personal recommendation is the frilly Shabby Chic style throw below.  It dresses any bed or dining table in Rachel Ashwell’s signature style but for a fraction of the price – just £19.99.