A Quick Tidy Up

My house has a little nook under the stairs which is one of those little nooks that often ends up in the too hard category when deciding how to fill in a space. After much debate and consultation with our cabinet maker (the banister and stairs have a slight curve making it problematic to fill in) we decided to, for the time being at least, erect some Ikea tables with several cane baskets which hold odds and bods like my sewing, the dog's stuff and sun hats. Instinctively I knew if this space was left without a semblance of order it would become a dumping ground for everyone's junk.
Yesterday I had a little tidy up and declutter. After one year in the house I couldn't believe how crammed the baskets were becoming.




While sorting through my vast collection of cottons from the sewing pile I rediscovered many which were passed to me from my mother who was a beautiful sewer. I have about eight containers of different colours.




Some of the reels are decades old. I'm not a hoarder and I declutter regularly but when it comes to cotton reels and buttons I find it difficult to let go. One never knows when one will need bright red thread or an odd shaped button.




During the tidy up I was reminded of an intricate cross stitch I started twenty five years ago. What are the chances of me ever completing it?
A new pair of eyes would help!

Annie xx

Staircase facelift part 1

The highlight of my Friday night! 

To my Australian friends this photo is a complete no-brainer. That's right girls...the mega hardware barn commonly referred to as Bunnings. More black spray paint was sought to complete a project that is underway at the house. If staircases and railings excite you then this may be of interest, if not, then probably not...sorry no thrilling post today as pottering around trying to complete stuff here is the story of our lives at present.

Here are before photos of the stairs leading to our bedroom and study. I had hoped to show the after pics too but alas the job is not finished. Soon...Mr redroses is working flat out

 This was the sight upon taking possession and renovating commenced. Revolting carpet and various shades of 90's blue.

The front entry is undergoing a mini tuck and face lift involving black paint. I did load a photo but the computer's eaten it, how annoying :(    

Looking closely will reveal a subtle curve in the railing and stairs. This detail is rather cute but became problematic for closing in under the stairs which was the intention. In a nutshell we abandoned this idea and invented another solution which works brilliantly and gives an easy access storage nook.
Now the teaser...yes sirree of course it involves black paint and silver! I do hope I never tire of these colours because I'll be in trouble.

We have attempted to describe the style this house is heading in and to be honest it's shaping up to have a personality all her own. Instinctively I felt the design would offer up all manner of pleasant surprises during the reno and we've not been disappointed.
It's got a groove going on which includes, Beachy, Hampton's, Nautical, Asian and French influences, soft industrial, Scandinavian and maybe several more. Our philosophy is to go with the flow and let the existing architecture be the guide.

Beautiful weather here today....ideal for spray painting!
Enjoy the weekend everyone and thanks for reading to the end of my stair story.
xx