11_Sunday musings
How do you know when they're the one?
Starting to house hunt is gruelling, and with so many interior accounts and endless inspiration from Pinterest (sharing some of my favourites below), it’s almost impossible to walk into a house that isn’t in your style at all and go - yes, this is for us.
We viewed a property for around 15 minutes last weekend, came out jumping around because we both felt something and then spent the rest of the day debating the offer. We’d had a similar feeling a few weeks ago, and spent the following week being dragged through the process only to fall at the last hurdle. So this time, we were absolutely not expecting to hear - “your offer has been accepted”. As my boyfriend said when I called him - oh shit.
It’s a beauty, and it’s totally liveable - structurally great (until surveyors say otherwise) and we can expand in there for years to come. However, there are some extremely questionable interiors choices that I’ll be hoping to fix - budget seriously permitting - as soon as we can.
It’s a tricky business to agree on taste, compromises and vetos with someone else whilst committing to putting down your entire life savings on essentially a feeling. So back to the Pinterest board it is, showing each other what we like and (hopefully) coming to an agreement on where to start. Let’s just hope it all goes through!
I am no minimalist; I don’t like unnecessary clutter but I do like organised chaos - a house that looks lived in. The ceramics, trinkets or otherwise are placed mindfully, but the book shelves aren’t ordered and encourage people to randomly grab an interesting book - I guess it’s my difference between styling and wearing, in interiors talk.
I’ve spent my adult life so far renting, and I’ve become pretty good (if I do say so myself) at making spaces look mine within the confines of rental agreements - being able to change some things, but knowing you can’t rip out others. That definitely comes down to the small purchases to make the house feel yours, so I’m sharing some specific interior items that I’ve found recently that don’t just apply to owning a house, but I fully accept not everyone gets to. And on this, I know just how lucky I am that we have been able to do this… if it goes through!
Labour and Wait is a great homeware shop, stocking everyday but design-led classics that stand the test of time, and are often still made by traditional methods. This enamel bread bin is exactly that.
Lucy Laucht, is an incredible photographer. I’ve followed her on Instagram for years, the shots of her trips India are one of the reasons it’s at no.1 on my must-visit list. She’s currently working on a new book, but this one captures the Italian summer, and a perfect coffee table book for guests (or you) to flick through on a slow day.
A definite upgrade from the Tesco salt and pepper grinders, this Addison Ross bobbin salt and pepper grinders look so nice on the side and on the table. Get different colours for your salt and pepper!
Another L&W favourite, but I’ve always wanted to have one of these drilled into my kitchen wall!
I really like the shape of this lamp shade (from good old John Lewis) base, like it’s been cut off! It feels modern and a point of difference from more traditional shapes.
As the French cafes do, I too like to drink wine from Duralex Picardie tumblers rather than traditional wine glasses - which only get brought out when a wine connoisseur visits (and that’s not often). It feels more low-key at dinner, more casual and more homely. I use them for water on the table too!
Maybe more practical that no-one else will see, but these wardrobe cedar blocks from Zara Home keep moisture out and clothes smelling fresh - helpful when you share a wardrobe!
Paint - the easiest way (if allowed) to make a room feel more like you. I like the colours that Lick sells, and will be buying samples!
With my family being Welsh and from Pembrokeshire, a Melin Tregwynt blanket is an essential household item. My grandmother bought me and my sister both one each as a first-house present and it will continue to keep me warm in winter for the rest of my life. If you aren’t lucky enough to visit their Mill (you should), Toast actually stock a couple of styles.
Meaningful art/posters. Art is tough and I do not have the funds for one-off pieces (nor do I know enough). Instead I frame things from when I have traveled whether that’s menus or postcards, or when I’ve found a poster shop. On a holiday to Sri Lanka a few years ago, we found Stick No Bills in Galle Fort. I have the framed map in my living room and it still brings me happy memories of one my favourite ever holidays - three best friends just surfing and exploring!
Allday Goods knives - created by a chef, these are high quality but more accessible than professional knives and have personality. But, the handle is from plastic waste, the first being from old milk bottle lids! The founder worked with a Japanese blacksmith for the blade, and the rest is history.
Have a great week!
—Rhi