Friday Fun: Simply Too Cute…

Today I offer you a hodge-podge of cute decorating ideas, which make me dream and wish myself somewhere far, far away…

Adorable conservatory ideas, from Pinterest.

The perfect little patio, from joliplace.fr

Cosy bedroom and reading nook, from itsallaboutlappy.com

Apparently, you can build one of these swings yourself, from diyartsandcrafts.com

I have to admit I rather like the safari style, even though it harks back to colonialism. Luxury safari lodge from travelandtradesouthafrica.com

Friday Fun: Bringing the Outdoors Inside

It’s not really possible with the English weather, but I do have friends in South Africa, France and Portugal who practically live outdoors in the summer months. Here are some houses to inspire you to bring the outdoors inside – at least in your dreams.

You can always start small, with a greenhouse or conservatory. From Instagram.

For braver souls, an almost outdoor shower. From ApartmentTherapy.

Making the most of narrow strip of land to build on, this house in Sao Paolo. From archdaily.com

The anything but minimalist outdoor porch of North America. From Decoist.

The open all windows method of ELM & Willow house, from freshome.com

Last but not least, Cate Blanchett’s covetable abode in Sydney, from Pinterest.

Friday Fun: Out on the Patio

Who wants to spend time inside, when there are such pools, patios and views beckoning? In this hot weather, however, don’t forget your sunscreen, floppy hats and books to cover your faces (tablets are just not the same thing…).

Zinc House, from Decoist.com

Spanish villa, from Architectural Digest.

Greek villa, photographer credit Prue Roscoe.

Oriental theme, from jetsetter.com

Roof garden, from Domaine Home.

Armani’s house, Architectural Digest.

Bring the Outside Inside Houses

Another mainly visual post for the weekend. Now that Spring has sprung (or is doing its best to spring here in the Northern hemisphere), we are eager to bring the beautiful outside indoors. Or I would be, if we didn’t have a building site just opposite our garden. So instead, I dream about places such as these…

Domaine de la Dombes, Ain, France

Simple, escapist…

From the Ask Kissy website.

Over the top…

Mountain cabin, Decoist.

Inspiring…

http://www.jetsetter.com

Dreamy…

http://www.boutique-homes.com

Deceptively simple…

I think a trip to the garden centre might be in order.

Caged Beauty

Soft pad-pad of measured pace,

she saunters up the plank – three, four –

meanders down the slope – five, six –

a pause, a whiff of one’s Siberian neighbour through the fence,

then around the corner on shaggy feet

her relentless pursuit of majesty recommences.

 

He rests on the hilltop, meanwhile,

so quiet, so strong,

his gaze languorous mid-distance,

surveying his shrunken kingdom.

 

 

 

 

At 3 precisely the doors lift.

Each enters their separate tomb,

devoid of life or decoration,

where an unhunted, unchosen lump of dead meat awaits.

No need to pounce or devour,

They nuzzle delicately with perfect table manners,

yet denied the pleasure of companionship,

except for the dozens of pairs of eyes

and flashbulb concert outside.

 

Pictures courtesy of my son.