I won’t lie to you – I have been so excited about this book. The little sneaky snippets I have glimpsed in magazines, on websites and Sarah’s own blog ensured that I had an inkling that I would really enjoy it.
I really enjoyed Sarah’s first book and it proved to be an inspiration throughout the year.
When looking through interiors magazines I find my own taste caught somewhere between styles, a pinch of white Scandi, but with a heavy dose of English whimsy, a little bit chintzy, with a splash of velvet, and quite frankly full of tat and clutter. The style captured in this book is what I really feel like on the inside – my interior happy place.
Her ideas of full of humour and love – I think if I had a little girl I would probably immediately make this dolls house. It melts my heart.
I also really like her practical ideas – how about this teapot bookend? Genius.
The wall paper staircase is so pretty, I would never have thought of it – but it really works.
Last Christmas, the interiors magazines were all over this lampshade Christmas tree idea. I think we might see it revisited in December 2013 by many stylists, (I just hope Sarah gets the credit).
My most favourite books are not just about the ideas, for an author to really hit the spot then it has to be about the complete aesthetic experience. Well here goes. I love the textured cover, the dusty pink bookmark, the background story, the use of the script headings. I love the inclusion of table settings and thrifty tips, the ideas of loving something chipped and not perfect and finally the little details of wallpaper at the top of the pages.
The images are beautiful and taken by the iconic Debi Treloar, the projects are fun and inspiring and whilst much of the book exhorts you to recycle the pre-loved and make something new and delightful from the old – I will not be recycling this book, but it will have pride of place in my living room.