Design Dilemmas
Episode 62: This week we are discussing benefits of curtains, shutters and blinds plus grouting quandaries. Plus what to buy before you move, my favourite lamp sources and buying great faux plants.
[Cover photo via Abigail Ahern].
Rain has stopped play in York today so we have booked to see Mission Impossible, The Final Reckoning Part 8 at the Everyman. Allegedly this is the last, last, LAST one, but I’m sure they’ve said that before. I bloody love the Everyman. Not only do you get to sit on a sofa but they serve Whispering Angel to your seat AND a bowl of mini chorizo. I took my Mum to our local one to see Military Wives the day before the UK went into lockdown and we were the only people in there, the entire cinema to ourselves. There was one person in the foyer serving drinks and we felt that at any moment, Boris would be making an announcement that meant that we’d miss the end and never find out whether or not they got to sing at the Albert Hall. Anyway, I’ll report back about Toms last hurrah, although it is apparently almost three hours long so let’s pray I can stay awake.
The distraction will be good though as Max, my 21 year old, is off to Thailand for three weeks on Sunday and I am feeling vaguely apprehensive about it. Yes, I know it’s only a holiday and he’s basically a fully grown adult and has been living at University alone for three years and is generally vaguely responsible. What could go wrong? I told my Mum and she immediately launched into a tale of of two British girls currently in a Thai prison for stuffing a billion pounds worth of drugs into their rucksack (this was my Mums actual words and figures - I feel like a billion might be slightly excessive and maybe not fit into a rucksack). Anyway, it’ll be FINE. I have made him turn on Life360, just because. I don’t care less what he’ll be doing and he doesn’t need to keep in touch, even; all I care about is that the little circle is still moving around.
Okay back to business and this week we are discussing kitchen tiles and how easy it is to regrout (have investigated to provide some top tips for this subject). Curtains, blinds or shutters - which to go for when planning out your home? We’re talking about good faux plants and blooms and where to get them, plus what to buy in advance when you’re moving home (spoiler: zilch, pretty much). And finally, bringing in a question from my lighting chat with Kate Watson-Smyth last week and listing my go to shops for table lamps (plus an update on an amazing discount from my favourite shop and HK Living stockist, North Home, which is ONLY available to my paid subscribers).
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