Birds of paradise - Homemade wall decals and bedroom update

I've had my eye on some flying bird wall decals from the fabulous Supernice for a while. I've been umm-ing and ah-ing for ages mostly because, as ever, I have more pressing things I should be spending my cash on. So I decided to make some temporary versions for my bedroom, which I would stick to the wall while I decided.

The Boy suggested that rather than plain white birds, I should use (yet more of) my leftover Orla Kiely wallpaper, et voila.

I have to admit I'd neglected my bedroom for quite a while, but with help from The Boy, its now looking a bit more finished. I finally framed and hung my pictures....

....and have now added my lovely bird decals.

I'm quite happy with my my wall now - I really should have taken some 'before' pictures, but I'm sure it won't stretch your mind too much to imagine a plain beige-y (or Caramel Blush 4, according to Dulux) wall. Much nicer. Fly birds, fly!

(You can see the originals at Supernice)

The Old Suitcase - updated

Here's my lovely old suitcase again - this time, i updated it with a (much needed) re-lining of the bottom section.

I know, I know, it's the Orla Kiely wallpaper again! But i have loads left and i'm detirmined to make good use of it.

Good no?

Inside: Mara and Justin's quirky character flat

Friends of mine recently invited me around to their new flat for brunch - Mara and Justin had moved in just before Christmas, and were just settling in. Mara had let me know that it was a little 'quirky' and full of character. I knew it was a good idea to take my camera...!

Located in Belsize Park (gorgeous area - gave me serious house envy), they live in an upstairs flat in a converted house. And what a house! Every nook and cranny was filled with visual delights - Mara and Justin have impeccable tatse that blends perfectly with the amazing original details of the property.

Lovely church pews make for a more interesting way to sit at the dining table.

Justin's record player.

Great light from the original leaded windows.

Justin's lithographs and some art owned by their landlady.

The kitchen might just have been my favourite area. I love old kitchens from the 50's and 60's. Not always the most practical, but they make me want to put on a pinny and bake a cake. This oven is to die for - and i've been told it works really well too.

Original William Morris wallpaper - sigh.

And to top it off, they live opposite the iconic Modernist Isokon building, home at one time to Agatha Christie and Marcel Breuer among others. What a view!

Oh - and the brunch was lovely too.

The Joy of Charity Shops: Ornate table mirror

I spotted this little beauty - shown here reflecting my beloved wallpaper - in a charity shop in Croydon. I've wanted a table mirror for ages, and was about to get a new, souless (and knowing me, cheap) one, when this one caught my eye. £5.99? Yes please...

I made this! Cupboard lining

More 'waste not want not'. I vowed to use all the remaining wallpaper i had left over from the lounge. I'm really happy with it - i love the idea of a little surprise when i reach for something from the cupboards. Though i am slightly worried about sufferering from EUOOKS (Excessive Use of Orla Kiely Syndrome).

Before:

After:

                                                                                

Nice, no?

All hail...the wall

Ta da! All hail the Orla wall. I'd love to say that i put the paper up myself, but that would be a blatant lie. I have my plumber/all round lovely labourer man to thank. And at the price per roll that I shelled out, there was no way in hell I was risking doing it myself.

There was a bit of an internal debate i had with myself about this paper - I've seen it on lots of style blogs and Orla Kiely prints are pretty ubiquitous....but i still loved it, and am very happy to have it up in my lounge. Who cares if it's not 'unique' or 'cool' as long as it makes you happy - a statement for life.

(The wallpaper is Flower Blossom in Teal by Orla Kiely. And it's lovely. See it here: http://www.orlakiely.com/uk.cfm/house/living/WFBP6H-500/4168/_/)