And I'd just cleared up!...

This is what happens when three guys are let loose in a roof space!

When I said it had been dusty a few weeks back, I didn't know the meaning of the word! This time every little surface is covered in a layer of soot! The final task this week, and the last in terms of the 'dirty' work in the house was to open up part of the ceiling on the top floor. 

Beforehand, the ceiling height was pretty low and despite the mess, it really has made such a difference to the feel of the space already.

Seeing as it's Friday evening I've downed tools (wallpaper steamer!) and I'm now cosied up in our soot-free flat with a glass of wine, devouring the January issue of Living etc which arrived this morning. Apologies for the dodgy phone pictures but had to post these images of the two stunning homes I'm drooling over. 

The unique and creative home on the left is owned by Nikki Tibbles of Wild At Heart fame, which has previously appeared in Abigail Ahern's 'A Girl's Guide to Decorating'. If you haven't already opened your copy....do it now!  

Have a great weekend. xx

Olivier Gagnère

This stunning image of designer, Olivier Gagnère's Parisian apartment graces the cover of the April 2010 issue of Elle Decor and sits permanently on my desk in the office. It was also this image which encouraged me to start experimenting with colours I would not necessarily use in my own home. 

Red was one of these colours, and lilac the other. Both of which I was never very fond of with regards to decor. However, I think they both work fantastically well here alongside the orange, a really unique colour combination.

I do believe the secret to making rooms like these work, is choosing the correct shade for the walls...a solid base from which these individual colours can come into their own.

Farrow & Ball's Elephant's Breath is one of these colours in my opinion and hugely versatile.  It seems to work with a wide variety of colours and is the shade I've managed to combine with red accents in our current hallway without cringing!

It's currently at the top of the list to paint our living room in the new place as I love it that much, so all that's left is the exciting task of choosing what to pair it with. I'll keep you posted. x

All images via: Elle Decor

Why I love Living etc (so damn much)

You turn the page and this stares right at ya!

Think I need to find somewhere for this one!!

Here and available here.

Images: Jim Thompson