Bargains at the Bargain Shop

Innocently strolling over to the cinema on Parnell Street over the weekend I passed the Bargain Shop @ Arnotts on Middle Abbey Street. Its been a long time between visits so I thought why not pop in.

Now Christmas decorations are piled high in the first half of the shop but if you push on through to the back you might find one or two unchristmasy items. Like the two lamps below -

There was no price on the lamps so I asked the shop assistant who was unable to locate a price either. He said I could have them for 15 euro each which I responded by thanking him followed by a quick exit before I had the chance to say I’ll take em’! I need another set of lamps like I need my car to fail its NCT tomorrow. So rather than let this bargain go unrewarded I thought I would share. I know – I am pretty nice like that. Believe me if I thought I would get away with sneaking in another two lamps these babies would be living with me right now. (And they don’t even go with any of my current decor.)

For the love of light

Wow – Does anyone know where I can buy a ceiling light similar to the one pictured below? I love it so much I have almost convinced myself I could try my hand at making one. Hmmm – not a good idea since I have no experience with electrics.

But it is lovely.

Pic from AT House Tour

Shopping – Zara Home

Here are some items from Zara Home to cosy up your home – the equilavent of buying your home a big woolly cardi.

Harry Lamp – 59.95 euro

Woolly Hot Water Bottle – 19.95 euro

Tartan cushion – 29.95 euro

Mohair throw – 99 euro

A New Blog and Fabric love

Today I have fallen in love with Schumacher Fabrics all over again and found a new blog. Whilst innocently browsing the web I came across this most wonderful blog, Little Green Notebook run by the very talented interior designer Jenny Komenda.  You have to check out her daugther’s bedroom makeover. She recovered the headboards in super cool Schumacher’s Chiang Mai Dragon, painted the side table, turned an old mirror into a funky hot pink framed chalkboard, created art for the walls, repainted an old lamp, revamped white bed linen, revamped a mirror, constructed pelmet boxes for the three windows and the list goes on …… Amazing and all doable!!!

and if that ain’t enough Jenny has just completed her office makeover.

After I stopped drooling over all the colours I searched the web for some Schumacher fabric and just purchased a metre and half of Hot House Flowers! Yippee.

Designer: Yar Rassadin Design

I am totally loving Yar’s light bulb in reverse. The Tin Lamp was presented at the Saloni Milano earlier this year and is available through Triode Design.

Get Voting

And I am not talking about the Lisbon Treaty – don’t get me started on that one.

No I am talking about voting for The Best British Designs launched in 2009, brought to you by Elle Decoration. Check out the shortlist and place your vote here. The winners will be announced in the December issue of Elle Decoration.

There are two categories – Best Design and Best Surface Design launched in 2009 -

You can only pick one but here are my three for the Best Design from Elle Decoration’s shortlist -

1st pic – Steve Watson – Prop Lamp 2nd pic – Chauhan Studio – Lula Kitchen Accessories for Habitat 3rd pic – Tom Dixon (just because I love everything he does) – Pressed Glass Lights

and for the surface design – here are my top three from the list -

1st pic – Abigail Borg – Polka Polka wallpaper (I have a real thing for florals with dark backgrounds) 2nd pic – Harlequin – Illuminate wallpaper 3rd pic – Sanderson – Dandelion Clocks wallpaper

Tips from Better Homes and Gardens

While cruising the web I stumbled across this article from Better Homes and Gardens on how to maximise space in a small bedroom. Now I strongly disagree this is a small bedroom but I do agree with the tips to maximise space. So I thought I would share their wisdom with you.

First tip – choose furniture that allows you to see through to the floor. This gives the impression of more space.

Second Tip – Frosted glass on internal doors lets more light into the room and also lets you look beyond the room giving the impression of more depth. I am not a door closer but I like this idea. We would definitely benefit from this tip for the door that leads from our bright living room into the dark and scary hallway.

Third tip – Hanging fabric panels, or curtains to you and me, on the front of your wardrobe instead of doors to save on space. I like this one because I have a curtain over a storage closet in the space bedroom / office as there was no room for a door to open and close.

Dublin Flea Market on this Sunday

After a break last month Dublin Flea is back with a new selection of vintage & retro pieces including furniture, lights, ceramics, glass, clocks, mirrors,  magazine racks, prints, radios, coasters, cakestands, record players, coffee sets…………………. The list goes on.

See you all there!

I cracked and went to Ikea

Well I kind of knew I would. We did a quick dash yesterday lunchtime. Only spent half an hour in the marketplace. It was busy with loads of people pushing full trolleys. I just picked up some knives, a glass bottle and a plant pot. But now I have had a little fix I want more! And I received a gift voucher yesterday for my birthday so here is my latest wish list.

I love the knappa -

Stunning vases!! I want all three!

And its very important to have good task lighting.

Oh I wish the Ikea website had a webcam so you could see how busy it is.

Inreda Summer sale

Inreda are having a summer sale with 30 – 50% off floor stock.