This weekend was spent in Bournemouth and on my return, looking through my pictures, there were few clues that I had actually been on a hen do! I am not very good at sitting still and, having not consumed much alcohol the night before, was up early and went off on my own exploring. Whilst the rest of the hens were having a relaxing morning back at the hotel I walked up to Boscombe and found a fab cafe that did the most amazing veggie breakfast and lovely coffee. After a good feed and read of the papers I went off exploring and rummaged through various antique, vintage clothing and mid century furniture shops. Walking back to the hotel I noticed a Victorian shopping arcade and went in to have a look around. Sadly, as is usually the case, most of the units were empty although pleasantly not at all run down so hopefully they will get filled up with more fab shops like 'Claire's Collectables' – an amazing shop just full to the brim with old crockery. I was tempted in by boxes of old tea saucers and plates outside all for 50p or a £1. I emerged some time later with a load of vintage plates and having had my photo taken by the lovely shop owner amongst the vast array of plates! I can highly recommend seeking her out if you love vintage plates and bargains.

I like this book shelf by The Swedes, a collaboration of 3 designers based in Stockholm. The painted MDF structure gives the illusion that it is leaning against the wall. In a lovely green that would look fab in an all white minimal interior, adding a dash of vibrancy.

Living in a one bedroom flat doesn't make it easy or comfortable for guests to stay over. A sofa bed would be ideal but there are not many around that would be allowed in our flat. We have a lovely Florence Knoll sofa at the moment which I can't imagine getting rid off but perhaps for this gorgeous Robin Day Sofa bed for Hille from Mark Parrish I could be persuaded. Unfortunately sold so for now our guests will just have to make do with a blow up mattress! Have a look at www.markparrish.co.uk for more lovely pieces.

Competition Entry

Visuals for a recently entered competition. Full details will be added to my website soon.

Just a few more finishing touches to the bathroom/hall project. We are very glad to be at this stage after almost three months of building work and DIY. It is a shame it took up so much of our summer but so pleased the last of the lower ceilings in the flat have been ripped down and full height restored throughout. The husband's lovely (i am cheapskate) print is now in our bathroom above the ledge shelf from Domesticity after previously living in the hall.

On our week off we went to the V and A to see the 1:1 Architects build small spaces. The second picture was taken from within the Beetle's House. There were seven 'buildings' spread across the museum but we only saw half. After 4 we were not excited enough to seek out the remainder. The ark by Rintala Eggertsson Architects, a wooden tower housing thousands of books was very nice and if you lived in a space with warehouse proportions would be a fab stand alone library but architecture?

Final touches to our bathroom project have been taking place. We bought this lovely 'Ledge' shelf from Domesticity to house products deemed well designed enough to be on display! A very simple, minimal design that gives us a bit more storage space without detracting form the white, clean lines we have achieved by taking down a false ceiling and restoring the 13 feet ceiling height to all its glory. We also added a huge pane of glass in one wall to borrow some much needed light from the hall into the windowless space. It has also created the illusion of a much bigger hall as you enter the flat as your eye travels beyond the four walls.

After blogging about wanting the Glorie Fairground from Bobbin Bicyles I couldn't believe it when the husband surpised me with one for my birthday! She is beautiful. She was taken out for a 25 mile ride through the Surrey countryside via Shere for a very lovely lunch.

Whilst putting off doing some actual work earlier and browsing through my favourite sites I came across this fab bird box (pictured below) on Snowhome. Then birdboxes were all I seemed to come across so here is a selection of my favourites.

I would very much like this bike. It is so jolly and pretty. Although I think I would have to treat it to a new saddle. Available at Bobbins Bicycles a most splendid Bicycle shop in Islington.
http://www.bobbinbicycles.co.uk

Litter trays don't equal style. Living in a flat we are limited with places for the tray so disguising it has always been top priority. So here it is; Mabel's bespoke 'powder room'. Wood frame with plywood. Yellow felt attached to make it look pretty and comfy for Mabel who likes to lay on top of it despite it being her loo! Plywood interior for scratching and discreet circular entrance that her bottom just fits through. What a lucky girl!