So, I’ve been a little M.I.A. around here lately.
Sorry about that. Life kind of got in the way and this little blog has had to take a backseat for a few weeks while I focused attentions on my clients, exciting sideline projects, climbing a mountain (Snowdon) and the occasional moment of self-care.
But.. I’m back, and just in time to celebrate the ninth anniversary of this little corner of cyberspace; the place I call home ♥
When I first sat down in my bedroom in my parent’s house and penned my first ever post I couldn’t have imagined where this blog would take me and how life would change over the years. and boy, oh boy, has it changed! I may be a million miles away from where I first started (ok, so I googled and it’s only 237 miles), but this online space is still my own; a place for me to share my musings, inspirations and everything in between and hope that some of it might be of interest to, or resonate with, you guys.
Over the years I’ve constantly been amazed that people are reading, and while it was daunting at first, it has been such a privilege to get to know you all and meet many of you IRL. Seriously, the friendships I’ve made through blogging will always be the most cherished part of this crazy experience for me.
Ok, putting the sap aside for now, I thought I’d share a little peek into the fab flat again, because things have changed a little round here since I first invited you guys in almost a year ago, as part of the #ukhomebloghop. Looking back on those photos now, everything feels a little ‘unfinished,’ whereas the space now feels lived-in and, well, mine. And of course, there’s been a few style updates along the way, because who doesn’t get the itch to shake things up every once in a while week.. ;)
The biggest ‘addition’ to the living space is my new IKEA BILLY OXBERG bookcase, which I built by myself over the Easter weekend because I was far too impatient to wait for help. There’s something so satisfying about persevering over a task that you know has the potential to end in disaster (hello cracked glass!) and have it turn out a-ok. Every time I look over at this corner of my flat I feel such a sense of accomplishment!
Another space to get a bit of a makeover is the ‘dining area’ which, let’s face it, doesn’t get a huge amount of use because I rarely entertain at home (Manchester has so many incredible eateries), and eat my own dinner either at my desk whilst typing away, or on the sofa watching telly (naughty naughty!).
So i’ve repurposed my Suki folding dining table* as a coffee station – a far more practical use for it since I consume at least 3 coffees pre-9am (not kidding) and have so many coffee cups and paraphernalia that demanded a good home.
I’ve also had a good refresh of the pieces of artwork in my living room. My favourite addition has to be the gorgeous She’s hearing voices canvas* which now hangs above my coffee station. The piece is by Peg Essert from Posterlounge, and immediately called to me as I browsed the site, captivating me with it’s surrealist nature and graphic retro feel.
I was hesitant at first to order a canvas piece because my natural inclination is always toward prints in frames, but I’m so happy with how it’s turned out; such great quality and not clunky as I had feared, but instead slimline and almost flush to the wall. I think it works wonderfully in the space, and was an absolute doddle to hang using a canvas picture hanger from Command™ – an important consideration as I’m loathe to leave any permanent markings on the walls of my rental. In fact, I like the quality of this canvas so much I also ordered a couple of other prints from Posterlounge; one for my hallway and another for my bedroom, which I’ll share on here with you soon..
I’ve also repurposed the rustic bench* from my bedroom as a TV stand, helping to create a much more slimline silhouette and call far less attention to the big black telly as a design statement in the space – if money were no object I’d definitely be investing in Bouroullec Brother’s Serif television for the space though!
There seem to be a lot of tactile embellishment around for SS18, from macrame and fringing to tassels and feathers, as well as a colour palette that moves away from the soft, light and nude into more earthy rustic tones, all the while keeping the overall scheme feeling clam and connected.
I’ve been dipping my toe in these new trends with a woven printed heritage rug from French Connection – whose new season collection is oh so covetable! – along with a beautiful hammered mango tray for my coffee table, to help keep the small trinkets that adorn its surface in order.
Shop my living room refresh!
(Click images below to shop)
So my friends, what updates have you made to your living space for SS18?
Some items in this post have been gifted to me by the respective brands and denoted with an asterisk. This post features affiliate links.
All photography © Kate Baxter.
4 Responses
Happy blog birthday Kate! As a longtime reader it’s been wonderful to see your blog change over the years as well as getting to look instead your home.. I love the new canvas print too, such a cool design!
Wow sounds like you’ve been a very busy bee!! And congratulations on nine years, what a brilliant milestone! Love getting a peek inside your home, it looks so wonderfully inviting with so many lovely details and objects. The images make me want to pop in and have a chat over a cup of coffee :)
I love the ‘she’s hearing the voices’ canvas! I love how neutral and calming your home is!
Well done on climbing Snowdon!
Debs @ https://tiger-mint.com
The apartement is looking very elegant and so homely at the same time, so many nice objects, really artfully arranged,
and the coffee table is really inviting with the white table and the nice mango tree tablet!
Kind regards, Gerda