Changing beds....

I bought this king size, ex Barker and Stonehouse, mahogany bed frame from a local secondhand warehouse the other day.

It has had a bit of a hard life I think, judging by the scratches and broken bed stretchers.

( Just don't think about it's previous "occupants"  Julie....best not go there.)

Thoroughly cleaned with a toothbrush and de-greaser...Then on with the Annie Sloan Old White Chalk paint to lighten the heavy, masculine look.

Two coats on the headboard...the broken stretchers glued, clamped and screwed for stability.

Clear wax polish and a fine sand for a distressed finish, then into the bedroom for its final position.

The Victorian, Scotch pine chest of drawers with a secret drawer at the top has been painted in Farrow and Ball Blue Gray, as has the Hungarian "knockdown " wardrobe. 

"Knockdown" because the top, bottom, sides, back and doors all come to pieces... Perfect for getting up narrow cottage staircases! So clever....

Just awaiting a nice, comfy mattress now...then on with the French linen sheets, snuggly feather and down duvet and the bargain goose down pillows from TK Maxx...bliss....

Julie x

A Grand Day Out...

A trip to God's own County... Yorkshire.

Ripley near Harrogate to be precise, which yielded a little bit of France for me at the weekend.

Stall after stall of salvaged and decorative pieces.

The weather was beautiful, and perfect for sitting with coffee and cake at the trendy coffee van...people watching. 

Somethings people pick up you think ...why? 

Others, you think... Ooh I would have had that...put it down and walk away please!

Tents full of nicely painted old furniture... Armoires, tables, chairs, beds etc

Autentico paint seemed to be the flavour of the month in the chalk paint department.

French linen sheets, cushions, nightshirts, curtains ... Cloth Shed heaven!

Naturally, I had to make several purchases along the French line,

A large, heavy weight sheet with initials....and a finer linen sheet made into a cushion. 

A lovely toile de jouy cushion... The old panel of toile depicting "The cut finger" 

Nicely backed with rough, French linen....another for my ever growing cushion collection.

Not to be outdone, Mr CS spotted two huge ex factory light fittings which, when re wired are to go up in the kitchen.

Industrial salvage at its best... Useful and different...real statement pieces!

Even Miss Ottie had a great day...she met so many dogs and people she was totally shattered. 

Even her favourite chicken dinner had to wait till she got her breath back!

Love that dog....xxx

Julie x