DOING-IT-MYSELF (Part 1)

Last weekend, with the help of my friend Paul,  I spent two days outside in the glorious sunshine painting the exterior of my flat.  It is a job that I have been meaning to do for several years - the window frames were in serious need of some TLC - but it is only now that I'm getting it ready to put on the market that I have found time to do it.

Unlike most lower ground floor flats in London mine has a rather large south-facing patio area to the front.  This is because, as an end of terrace, the 'front' entrance is actually on the side of the building. 

Fill, sand, paint, repeat!

This is one of the aspects that persuaded Mr VKH and I to buy the flat in the first place (along with the potential for modernising the interior), but I never quite got round to maximising the utility of the space.

It is ideal for a bike shed but, after mine got stolen a few years ago, I moved Mr's inside and it has remained there, unused, ever since.  

I love a bit of upcycling so when Paul produced an old tin of Hammerite that he'd found at home, I was determined to find a use for it.  We inherited a couple of plant racks when we moved in and although I have attempted to make use of them every summer they could look better.

It was a fiddly job but now instead of a rusty green/blue they are a lovely hammered grey.  Très urban chic!  All I have to do is dress them with some colourful flowers, cue a Sunday morning trip to Columbia Road flower market.

Nice shiny railings!

This week, weather permitting, I shall paint the masonry and finish dressing the space with a few plants and accessories - watch this space for the 'after' pics.

Now that I'm faced with the prospect of leaving this place, I've suddenly become quite fond of it.  I'm doing all the little niggly jobs that I've just never gotten round to, like changing the light switches and fixing the gate.  

I want prospective buyers to see that although it wasn't right for me it could be right for them.  

Or maybe I'll just get a lodger and stay ;-)

LINEN LOVIN'

Image via Pinterest

So, in keeping with my new design philosophy (see All Change Please! ) I seem to have developed a rather unhealthy obsession with natural linen bedding.

Previously, I was a stickler for crisp white egyptian cotton and would insist on steam-ironing my sheets and duvet covers before allowing them anywhere near the bed.  Then, a couple of years ago, I purchased a linen bedding set in The White Company sale and the iron has remained in the cupboard ever since!

My favourite thing about pure linen bedding (apart from being able to pretend I'm sleeping in a French farmhouse!) is that it's the complete antithesis of the 'show home' look that I strived to achieve for so long.  It's supposed to look a bit crumpled and casual - and I love it!  It's the interior equivalent of 'bed-head' hair.

The arduous manufacturing process goes some way to explain why pure linen textiles can be so expensive (The Linen Works prices start at around £95 for a single flat sheet) but it is durable and strong yet lightweight, cool and fresh for summer yet warming in the winter.  It is also relatively easy to care for and gets smoother the more it is washed.  

Image via Pinterest

If you can afford good quality linen it will be a worthy investment.  But if you're after the cosy feel without the hefty price tag there are options to suit every budget.  Check out my three of the best, below:

BUDGET:  H&M Home 

Linen duvet set (double) - £59.99

Premium quality duvet and two pillowcases, available in white, light grey, light beige, dark grey and dark blue.

MID-RANGE: Loaf

'Lazy Linen' duvet cover (double) - £140

Crushed Belgian linen, available in white, dusty pink, light grey and natural.

HIGH-END: The Linen Works

Duvet cover (double) - £170

100% washed linen, available in Classic White, Cassis Rose, Toulon Grey, Parisian Blue and Lens Charcoal