Furniture for Life

Do you buy ikea furniture only for it to last a few years? Do you change the whole living room furniture every 5 years or less?

Whilst furniture can be affected by fashion, I don't believe in spending money only to be discarded later on. I have my share of flat-packed furniture from ikea and argos. We took care of them and they did last 5 years and we made some money back when we sold them. I still love ikea for accessories and argos for the bits and pieces around the home.

But slowly, I will be buying furniture for life. Choose designs that are classic. Buy vintage or antiques tha have stood the test of time. Solid wood. Steel. Leather. Materials that gets better with age.

Have a read at I Want Vintage's January Newsletter (I know it's already April, but their logic is never out of date).

step back in time

Image from Country French Antiques

It made me think of a Harry Potter scene. But at the same time it's one of those places where there seems to be a treasure in every corner.

I think it's surreal and romantic at the same time. Like stepping back in time. More antique finds over there at Country French Antiques.

Of old letters and religion

It was only recently that I've known of the story of behind this religious statuette of Jesus. It has always sat in the mantel at my grandmother's home, right next to my grandfather's photo.

My grandfather's letter tells a story. He found a religious scapular  by the road and this has been with him for years. It has made him well, quite miraculously, after a nervous breakdown. Saved his life, whilst people around him died (I have assumed this was during the second world war). He has looked all over the country for a scapular just like it so he can give away to friends and family and found none. He made a promise, to have a statue made in its honour if he can manage to raise all his children and give them a good life in the midst of all the hardships during the war. The statue was hand-carved, based from the image in the scapular. My grandfather had it made after a few years living with my uncle and his family in the US.

I love stories. I love family stories. I wished it was one of those my grandmother told me whilst she was still alive.

Large coffee tables

Now, if I had the space, I think there's nothing more luxurious than a large coffee table in the middle of the living area. And I prefer an old and beaten look so I can put down anything on it.

Image from Desire to Inspire 

Image from 24-7pressrelease 

Image from Retro Office 

Image from Dorset Custom Furniture

Another reason to head off to the charity shops...

In the news - Elton John donates clothes to help charity shop opening.