Perfectly peeling paint

Some of my friends think I am a bit strange in this way, but I know I can count on you to understand. I don't like interiors that are perfect, that is, perfect in the conventional sense of the word. To me, perfect means bland and boring. For me some imperfection is what makes an interior....well....perfect!

One of the ways to get that perfectly imperfect look is with peeling paintwork. However, it is all about the combination .... combined with a beautiful antique table, a gorgeous chandelier, a sumptuous fabric, a pretty flower arrangement, a lovely piece of art ....it looks beautiful... take away those elements and it looks just plain shabby!

Take a look....

 So... don't rush to fix your peeling paintwork ... it might look better left as it is.

Till next time

Sharon x

Image source: 1. Whimsical Homes, 2. Zsa Zsa Bellagio, 3. Unknown, 4. Tumblr, 5. Zsa Zsa Bellagio 6. Casa Decorada 7. Tumblr, 8. Dreamy Whites, 9. Tumblr, 10. Tumblr, 11. Casa Decorada 12. Casa Decorada, 13. Atlanta Homes 14. MMMarly, 15. Particular Poetry, 16. Gypsy Purple Home 17. Simple everyday Glamour

You Light up My Life

Yes, you do, you light up my life! Being a mom of 4 and having a part-time job, means quite a lot of my time is spent on what could be called drudgery! School lifts, homework, grocery shopping, laundry, school lunches etc, etc. Day in and day out, it can take it's toll. That is where you come in. In the midst of a big, grocery shop, trolley piled high, battling the crowds and feeling somewhat disgruntled with life, my cellphone beeps and there I see an email from a reader commenting on a recent post, how they found looking at the beautiful pictures uplifting, food for the soul, or something along those lines....and suddenly the world is a brighter place. So for my readers and  fellow bloggers.... an illuminating post... especially for you.

There are so many beautiful chandeliers, light fittings and lanterns available, it was hard to limit this post to just a few. Here are some of my favourites.

I love delicate, feminine crystal chandeliers, but not too ostentatious or blingy, if you know what I mean.

I really lust after one of these French antique or reproduction wooden chandeliers.

I really wanted to include these South African made chandeliers (above and below).  From aaart (Abundant African Art),  these striking chandeliers are finely crafted by traditional wire and bead artists using the distinctive infibinga seeds with their creamy/grey colours which add an earthy tone when mixed with cut glass crystals. At the same time, opportunities are provided for talented African artists and crafters to earn livings by making practical and unique homeware. You can visit their website to see other examples of their work.

I am also a big fan of lanterns in their various guises - simple, or more decorative - and great for indoors and out.

Bell jar lanterns are another favourite.

I think I will have to stop there else this post will be far too long and I have probably bored you already. I will save pendants, sconces and other favourites for another time.

Till next time

Sharon x

Image source: 1,2, Tumblr, 3 Inspired Design, 4,5, Tumblr, 6 Dying of Cute, 7 Chandelabra.com,               8 Squidoo, 9 Pinterest, 10 JJ Locations, 11 In the Gray House Blog, 12, 13 Cote de Texas 14, 15 AAART, 16, 17 Tumblr,       18 Dying of Cute, 19 Unknown, 20 Simply Pix, 21 Providence Design, 22 Pam Pierece, 23 Christopher Knight via ELLE Decor, 24 This Ivy House, 25 Georgiana Design, 26 Houzz, 27 Pinterest, 28 Elements of Style 

Being a Mom is Blooming Marvelous!

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful mom's out there. I have had a lovely Mother's Day so far. Cute boys bearing special gifts... red Lindt balls, roses, scented candles and indulgent Clarins hand creme... followed by breakfast in bed and an instruction to stay in bed till it's time to get showered and dressed for lunch at a surprise destination. A glorious, uninterrupted morning in bed, I do what any self-respecting mom should do .... light a scented candle, pop a Lindt ball into my mouth and settle into some blogging....bliss! 

My Mother's day gift to you is a collection of pretty floral pictures to ensure that you all have a "Blooming Marvelous" day!

Till next time

Sharon x

Image source: 1. Zsa Zsa Bellagio, 2. Unknown, 3. Tumblr, 4. Unknown, 5. SimplyPix, 6. Hannah and Bryan Blog, 7. Tumblr, 8. Eglington House 9. Unknown, 10. Dying of Cute, 11. Tumblr, 12. Country Decorating Ideas, 13. Particular Poetry, 14. Living Etc, 15 Unknown, 16. Tumblr, 17. Unknown, 18. Casa Decorada, 19. Tumblr, 20, Unknown, 21. Unknown, 22, Country Living, 23. Tumblr, 24. Gap Interiors, 25. Unknown, 26. House to Home UK, 27. Unknown, 28. House to Home UK, 29. Eclectic Revisited