I think ages ago when talking about doing up your place, you mentioned the windows being on the ‘to list’ when funds were available & I thought yes, I hate those twee windows, eek! But, god damn it, you are ‘influencing’ me into liking them, surrounding them as you must, with your style & stuff. Are they growing on you yet? Is exposure to something once scorned, in a new light all it takes for to me totally cave on my personal tastes? Please don’t show me an old plastic front door you’ve magically made acceptable. Lines in the sand etc. 😁
Fantastic post re the clutter versus calm conundrum, loved it. Thank you.
I do actually really like the style of the windows - it plays into this whole fairytale cottage idea I love. But sadly they are all in such bad shape that one day they will still have to be replaced. I’m not sure I’d like new lead crossed ones either. They look a bit fake and don’t have the same charm as old drafty rotten ones 😂
Gosh! Real old ones, that’s a completely different ball game. I just assumed they were plastic fakes. Maybe you could just patch ‘em up, on repeat. I had a listed cottage once & because of the no straight lines or modern sensibilities, it was a lot more forgiving when fixing bits. Plastering bits for instance, absolutely required a non professional finish. As you say, that’s the charm of an older place.
Btw, I absolutely love your vaulted ceiling & raw plaster look, totally more important than silly old storage space. 😆
Yes that’s what I did! A year ago I did a full exterior makeover including the windows. It took a month but it made a huge difference. Somewhere in my instagram there’s a process video. You’re right about old places. The wonky bits add charm.
Wow, sounds and looks like such a magical place! Added to my list of new places to visit. And the stars really did align for your trip (albeit with lots of hard preparation work too!). Hope your daughter is starting to recover.
I can relate! My youngest left for college overseas recently so I downsized to a one-bedroom apartment in between two international trips, followed by an out of town family wedding. I had to quickly set up my new apartment because I wasn’t able to take my chihuahua with me on the trips. While having in-home pet sitters I wasn’t already friends with come stay isn’t quite like Airbnb hosting, I had to be careful of leaving sensitive documents and that sort of thing out while I was gone. I also found myself setting up the new apartment with guests in mind - displays of small board games and novels styled on my shelves, dog towels and clean up products very visibly displayed instead behind a cleaning closet door, decanted food staples labeled even though I know exactly what they are, etc. I also found myself thinking about bookshelves and closets as design content as I’m a newer full-time home organizer, stylist and stager. At least with this home, I set up things I love looking at, if not always using, and don’t need to worry about things my now adult children need daily access too! So this home edit round has been more liberating and fun.
Thanks for taking us on another journey with you 🙂.
Thank you so much for sharing Brooke. I know exactly what you mean about changing what you display and keep out and how you arrange things for different types of guests. It's actually quite fun isn't it, seeing things from a guest's point of view, be they pet sitters or holiday rentals?
I think ages ago when talking about doing up your place, you mentioned the windows being on the ‘to list’ when funds were available & I thought yes, I hate those twee windows, eek! But, god damn it, you are ‘influencing’ me into liking them, surrounding them as you must, with your style & stuff. Are they growing on you yet? Is exposure to something once scorned, in a new light all it takes for to me totally cave on my personal tastes? Please don’t show me an old plastic front door you’ve magically made acceptable. Lines in the sand etc. 😁
Fantastic post re the clutter versus calm conundrum, loved it. Thank you.
I do actually really like the style of the windows - it plays into this whole fairytale cottage idea I love. But sadly they are all in such bad shape that one day they will still have to be replaced. I’m not sure I’d like new lead crossed ones either. They look a bit fake and don’t have the same charm as old drafty rotten ones 😂
Gosh! Real old ones, that’s a completely different ball game. I just assumed they were plastic fakes. Maybe you could just patch ‘em up, on repeat. I had a listed cottage once & because of the no straight lines or modern sensibilities, it was a lot more forgiving when fixing bits. Plastering bits for instance, absolutely required a non professional finish. As you say, that’s the charm of an older place.
Btw, I absolutely love your vaulted ceiling & raw plaster look, totally more important than silly old storage space. 😆
Yes that’s what I did! A year ago I did a full exterior makeover including the windows. It took a month but it made a huge difference. Somewhere in my instagram there’s a process video. You’re right about old places. The wonky bits add charm.
That drive into inky unknown land! Seems like a ritual portal…
I knowwww!
Great writing x
Thank you! I’m never quite sure if it is, but I put it out there anyway!
You write like we’re having coffee together but you’re way interesting ❤️
That’s so sweet! And I guess it’s what I’m going for, subconsciously perhaps x
I read in the news today that Osea Island is up For Sale
Yes that’s true! Lucky buyer. I think it’s a bargain
Thank you. An interesting and real life read!! More please.
Thanks! So pleased you enjoyed it. Have a dive back into the archives for more real life reads :)
Yes I’ve never heard of it (nothing unusual there!). Sounds a good place to set a murder - didn’t do any harm to Burgh Island
There have been quite a few horror-ish films set there. It has that vibe I guess 😂
Yes please. Would love to see more of the uncles island.
I really enjoyed reading you!
Thanks Adri!
Your guardian angel was looking after you …she knew you needed a weekend away and Ella needed to recuperate with her mom ♥️
Please share more of your uncle’s fabulous styling!
Thank you! It's so good when things fall into place, although I'm sure Ella would prefer not to have been injured!
Wow, sounds and looks like such a magical place! Added to my list of new places to visit. And the stars really did align for your trip (albeit with lots of hard preparation work too!). Hope your daughter is starting to recover.
It is one of those places that has a special feeling when you're there, it's hard to describe. Very unusual and peaceful.
Thank you for sharing as always Emily. Full of inspiration and so relatable. Your Uncle's styling looks fab - please share more! ❤️
Thank you! I'll try to put a post together soon
Yes please, would love to see more of Osea
Ok will do
I can relate! My youngest left for college overseas recently so I downsized to a one-bedroom apartment in between two international trips, followed by an out of town family wedding. I had to quickly set up my new apartment because I wasn’t able to take my chihuahua with me on the trips. While having in-home pet sitters I wasn’t already friends with come stay isn’t quite like Airbnb hosting, I had to be careful of leaving sensitive documents and that sort of thing out while I was gone. I also found myself setting up the new apartment with guests in mind - displays of small board games and novels styled on my shelves, dog towels and clean up products very visibly displayed instead behind a cleaning closet door, decanted food staples labeled even though I know exactly what they are, etc. I also found myself thinking about bookshelves and closets as design content as I’m a newer full-time home organizer, stylist and stager. At least with this home, I set up things I love looking at, if not always using, and don’t need to worry about things my now adult children need daily access too! So this home edit round has been more liberating and fun.
Thanks for taking us on another journey with you 🙂.
Thank you so much for sharing Brooke. I know exactly what you mean about changing what you display and keep out and how you arrange things for different types of guests. It's actually quite fun isn't it, seeing things from a guest's point of view, be they pet sitters or holiday rentals?