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 ;-)

Summer Livin'

I know I have a specific 'Lust Have' section but this one is so big it deserves a post all of its own. (Cue Mr VKH breaking in to a nervous sweat...)

While on location for the Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms magazine summer shopping shoot recently I had a bad case of studio envy.  In garden in South London, stands an impressive [what estate agents love to call] live/work space, fully equipped with kitchenette, WC and projector screen perfect for summer evening film viewings

Oh, to have such a room!  I'd paint it floor to ceiling in Little Greene's 'Clockface', a vintage plans chest standing in one corner and my 15 year-old drawing board would take pride of place in front of the window. The first step would be to have a garden big enough to build it in, but hey-ho.

In the meantime, I thought I'd indulge in some images of different garden rooms with various uses. Which is your favourite?

Shabby Chic Summer House:

Image from House to Home

Eco Studio:

Image from Ecospace Studios

Futuristic 'Shoffice':

Image from Platform 5 Architects

Woodland Hideaway:

Image from Achica Living