Lettres a picots

We’ve been in Norfolk for a few days and have spent some time exploring some of North Norfolk’s villages, trying to get a feel for them in the name of research. We spent some time in Wells, and visited their new arts centre, looking at a painting exhibition and voting for our favourites which of course, couldn’t have been more different. I didn’t like the one MOH chose at all, and I’m sure he wasn’t that taken with the one I chose either, so that was quite a reminder of how difficult we find to agree on artwork, which is why it took us so long to decide on one for our living room.

Thankfully though, this was just for a competition so agreement wasn’t necessary, which is good because I don’t think we’d have agreed on either. But it was thirsty - or rather hungry work - so our next stop was the shops at Creake Abbey, a long time favourite. Coffee and walnut cake for him and chocolate cake with peanut butter for me, it was better than it sounds and more adventurous than a Victoria Sponge.

Coffeed and caked, next up was a stroll around the shops. Home by Annie Lambert has the best selection of tin pots, tubs, receptacles I know of - and I’ve photos to share, but not today.

Today it’s all about the box.

It wasn’t what caught my magpie eye either, that was the shells and coral next to it. But as I looked my eyes wandered right.

Lettres Kis-Pic A Picots?

Huh?

Well of course I opened the box. Look what was inside:

These vintage letters for a noticeboard along with a black velvet board. I was quite tempted, but there was still so much else to see in the shop. And there does seem to be an extraordinary amount of Es!

Now I wish I’d bought them. I have no use for them, but aren’t they lovely?

…Maybe a trip back there is needed…

Lavatory Project: Spots and stripes

This one isn’t for the faint hearted. It is rather bold, and if you’re of a delicate nature then I advise sunglasses. Just like my dad when he took me to Abba: The Movie, which I’ve just had to google the year for. It was 19 cough cough 78 cough. I was very young. And he didn’t wear the sunglasses, and not just because he wasn’t allowed.

That said, I quite like this one.

I think it’s ok in a small space, in a larger room I think my eyes might go a bit, well a bit everything. Or maybe the extra space would make it slightly calmer, who knows. This size space is all we have though, and while we often think bold dark patterns don’t work in small spaces, we’ve been proven wrong.

You’re probably wondering if those mirrors were the spots, aren’t you? Well they could be, but it’s the floor that’s really spotty, and it’s not a shrinking violet either.

Actually the floor has just jogged memories of a wall in my bedroom growing up. I insisted that I wanted pink spots on the wall, and my poor long suffering parents agreed, but I had to do it myself, which must have been torture for them. I was quite pleased with the result, although looking back it shouts Mr Blobby to me. I’m sure they were relieved when the next colourway came along, I can’t remember what that was, so it was nowhere near as memorable.

I think they’d have drawn the line at such a bold colour scheme though. I think, actually I hope!

This next shot is my favourite, it’s got a bit of the whole room in it, and I wasn’t surprised to see a record on the wall - it fits well with the theme.

And did you notice the tap? Isn’t it stunning - and the tiles, I think they’re the only thing in the space that’s not black, white or chrome.

I told you it was bold, didn’t I?

Love This #83: Keeping warm and looking good

This month’s Love This post is completely different to the last one, and while I loved the froggy birdbath for the way it made me smile, these radiators take my breath away. They always have, and I suspect they always will. For something that is designed simply to give out heat, they are utter beauties.

I’ve not yet bought a house yet though that suits them. Yet. Although if I was to buy a house with everything I’d like in mind, I’d be like Phil and Kirstie’s worst nightmare, with a wishlist longer than my arms, and theirs too I’m sure.

At Grand Designs last year I spent a fair time just sighing and stroking these on display from The Old Radiator Company, and since have spent more time than I should on their site too, plotting and planning. I know it’s to no avail, we have new radiators in our house and don’t have the space to incorporate any of these style, or believe me I would have.

I did moot the idea when we changed the radiator in our main living space for a six foot vertical one, but again space was limited and we needed something that would heat a relatively large space in the most efficient way, so I was overruled.

But I’ve not totally given up on owning at least one of these at some point. But equally it’d have to be the right one in the right space, and for me, the more ornate the better. But as I wandered around the display something new, well not new exactly, new-to-me caught my eye - these slimmer, but equally loveable designs.

Since then, a new plan has been forming. Sadly still not for this house, but these look eminently more fit-in-able to a modern day house, and would make a stunning addition to an entrance hall.

One day, maybe. Sigh.