My Lavender

Still alive after 10 days!

I'm hopeful they will live long enough to be transported to the new house.

I'm watering nightly - using a 500ml dipper, half for each, is this enough? I planted them in ludicrously expensive potting mix from the Chelsea farmer's market - does this include some kind of fertiliser or do I need to buy them a supplement? Gosh, anyone would think I'd never had a garden (or pots) before...

 

Lift your game Starbucks...

Although I dearly love Starbucks coffee their food is a disgrace and there's really no excuse in this day and age... a quick comparison of Starbucks slightly hard (refrigerated?) cinnamon rolls compared to Gail's freshly baked across the road. No contest!

Starbucks

 

Gail's

 

But I do love the sugar free vanilla syrup and the free wifi!

 

 

Chelsea Dog of the day!

There is simply no such thing as too fluffy... Spotted this little beauty outside Starbucks this morning.

 

 

Dogs of Chelsea - the Royal Borough's most Beautiful Residents

Here in Chelsea the cars are flash, the women are thin, the gardens are orange and begonia free... and the dogs are gorgeous!

By far the most popular breed for South Kensington & Chelsea is the King Charles Cavalier Spaniel; they're everywhere. As prevalent as a French bulldog in the Marais. Renowned for their affectionate, almost clingy, nature they are just the right dog for a K&C woman as they fret if left alone for long periods (that rules out working then!). The most popular colouring is the tan and white but all shades abound.

 

Here's a photo of the lovely Scarlet: a King Charles Cavalier so sensitive of spirit that she becomes upset when guests leave.

Of course, the original Chelsea princess is LouLou the black Labrador, spoilt and pampered she can be found being given treats for paw shakes at the Phoenix just off Kings Road, although she weekends in the New Forest.

This adorable and super friendly Pekinese is an early riser and can be seen promenading pre-breakfast. Such beauty.

This little stunner was spotted on the Fulham rd earlier this morning and I surreptitiously took a few shots whilst Mummy had popped into the store. Maybe it would enjoy an afternoon of cuddling chez moi?

 

 

Now, although clearly not dogs, I have to give a special mention to Pushkin and Tolstoy who are, without a doubt, the best looking and sweetest animals in the neighbourhood. They know I love them. They probably wish I loved them less...

 

White Rooms...

While perusing the brilliant Houzz website for sofa ideas I came across a picture that reminded me how much I've always liked an all white room. Not a stark, modernist, clinical all-white but a fresh room that incorporates different textures and, as usual, architectural elements really make a room, here are some of my favourites:

 

I think the modern fireplace looks amazing incorporated into the mouldings, the cream gustavian-style chair adds interest - I have issues with the fussy starfish and two candlestick grouping and I would put a larger painting over the fireplace. But the hydrangeas are just gorgeous.

 

 

A white and cream bedroom always looks hotel-chic to me. The valance is fussy, I'd go for a box pleat. Love the touch of beige. I'm seriously considering getting our bed head in white.

 

Lakeside heaven. I even like the (Meissen?) china poodle... never thought I'd say that. Those loose chair covers look cheap and need to go - replace chairs entirely. Lovely spot though.

Ideal kitchen-wise I am torn between a marble old-patisserie-style countertop or the black granite which I've always thought was the best:

 

 

Really like the brick-style marble tiles that keep this modern, the studded chairs and even the lighting.

 

The rattan looks fresh - and what an amazing set-up!

 

But I think my heart is still with a black granite, what great contrast.

And I do love a chequered tile

Lastly, here's a beautiful little white and marble powder room

 

 

Girl Crush - Tory Burch's decorating

What amazing style, what bold colours... and the flowers! Love almost all of it...

 

 

 

 

 

Hidden tv - fliparound mount

Ever since seeing a genius way of hiding the tv in a lounge by sliding a painting down over it, while the tv sits in a recessed part of the wall, I've been pondering how best to 'hide' the much-loved tv.

In London it's incredibly rare to have the luxury of more than one lounge or sitting room so the one room has to serve every purpose - even dining in my case, although I have high hopes of entertaining in the garden which is amazingly optimistic given our summer so far. So, having the one living room/dining room as a TV room is a depressing prospect, even though truth be told we watch it almost every evening and eat in front of it! But I find it quite sad and a bit bachelorish to walk into someone's house and thir lounge comprises solely of an enormous couch with a massive tv directly opposite. Let's at least give the illusion that we do other, more interesting things.

I've flirted with the idea of the televisions that convert to mirrors, in frames, but they're ludicrously expensive and I've yet to see a convincing one in peron. Today I came across the fliparound mount from hidden tv. I love the concept and the price is a lot more interesting. Here are some pictures:

 

There is even an option for one in the bedroom that extends over he bed - like a mini private cinema! S is quite taken with the idea...

 

For the love of Moulding & Panelling

I just love moulding. I could very easily go over the top with it... even though I've never done it myself (and have some memories best left suppressed of my poor father's frustration at doing corners). Here are some pictures firing my enthusiasm

I think the all-white moulding looks very fresh and clean. A great way to keep the look modern and not over the top.

But, while we're on the subject of over the top let's look at some other (ok, mainly pink) options

And from the high priestess of the Home Martha Stewart. Her pink guesthouse (at Skylands?) is an absolute joy and I would move in tomorrow. I'd walk the chows and make myself useful...

 

 

Here is a before and after taken from Domino magazine, the moulding makes such a difference, adding depth to the room