Tuesday 19 June 2012

How to make a rolled-up blind

For this post we thought we would share how to make a Rolled-up blind. We love this simple window treatment as it enables you to incorporate two co-ordinating or contrasting fabrics - so if you can't decide between two fabrics, you can use them both. 

See the comprehensive PDF tutorial below. Or click here to be taken to the PDF Tutorial on a new screen. You can copy, download and share with our compliments!

Sometimes a Rolled-up bind is left fixed in place - this type of blind is also know as a Stagecoach Valance.



Rolled-up blinds are a simpler version of a Swedish blind. Both are rolled-up but the Swedish blind has cords and a mechanism that allows the blind to be pulled up and down. 



In the picture below, Swedish blinds are shown in two Vanessa Arbuthnot fabrics.

You can clearly see the cords, threaded through traditional glass rings, that are used to raise and lower the blind. 

Below, is our Rolled-up bind Tutorial which includes:
- step-by-step instructions
-detailed photographs 
- useful tips   



Rolled-Up Blind Tutorial

Thursday 7 June 2012

Celebrating - Red, White and Blue

This week we have got 'Jubilee Fever' as we celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee year - her 60th year as one of the UK's  longest reigning monarchs. As well as major events such as the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant, the Buckingham Palace Diamond Jubilee Concert and the Royal Carriage Procession there were street parties and celebration lunches across the country.
A traditional Royal Carriage Procession

Most of these events have been dominated by the patriotic use of our Union Jack flag.

So we felt inspired and thought we would find a few images of interiors (and exteriors) sporting a little RED, WHITE and BLUE decoration ....

In the living room...
Country Cottage     Courtesy - Better Homes and Gardens
In the dining room...
Eclectic         Courtesy - House to Home
In the bedroom..

And, in the garden..


Happy Jubilee!

Post by: Sharon

Friday 1 June 2012

Need a stunning focal point? Try a Sunburst Mirror!

I am on the look out for a sunburst mirror for my bedroom - my next project. So I have been trawling images to try and decide what type to get. These two are my favourites  so far...


Courtesy : K&Co
Although sunburst mirrors are all the same basic 'sun' shape with a central mirror - there is quite a variation in the design, size and material used. Some sunburst mirrors have a vintage appeal, while others have a more contemporary vibe.  Either way, they add an elegant and unexpected touch to a space. 

The best thing about sunburst mirrors is they can look great in just about every room! 

Let me show you ..

In the living room ... above a sofa

In the dining room ... above a sideboard/buffet
Courtesy - Decor Pad
In the kitchen ... above a sink
Courtesy - Atlanta Homes mag
In the bedroom ...above a headboard
Courtesy - Caldwell Flake Interiors
In the bedroom ... between twin beds
Courtesy - Cococozy
In the conservatory ... mirror on mirror
Courtesy - Southern Accents 
Even outside on the patio ...
Courtesy - Architectural Digest
Wherever they go sunburst mirrors make an eye-catching focal point!

For lots more inspirational images of sunburst mirrors in stunning rooms click through here to our ideas gallery on Pinterest.

Post by: Sharon