Design Dilemmas
Episode 64: This week we’re talking curved ceilings, what to do with radiator strewn walls and mantel styling. Plus where to find sectional sofas (spoiler: with difficulty) and staining floorboards.
As you read this, I will very likely be clearing up after a celebratory/summer mini party with our friends last night. I had invited them all ages ago for dinner (you have to invite them WELL in advance or you have no chance of full attendance) not knowing that we would be toasting our new home so it all worked rather brilliantly. There’s a few of us, so I decided on a bring a dish schedule and themed it Food Of The Mediterranean which, in planning, seemed to work quite well but I’ll report back on the reality next week. Basically, everyone got a different country each and they need to bring a board or a bowl of something that is popular in that country. Or not popular, whatever, as long as it’s authentic. I got Italy, so I’m intending to make a couple of stromboli, one meaty and one vegan which I haven’t tackled before but which look pretty simple, particularly when you decide you’re going to buy ready made dough from Waitrose, ha. I’m also planning an Italian sharing board so prepare yourself for some spam. For dessert, I am entirely cheating and heading for Little Italy which is a three minute walk from my house and who do the BEST cannoli and sfogliatella which I will be popping straight into my basket. There’s no point in being the host if you can’t cheat a bit.
Okay now back to business and this week, we are talking about styling a mantelpiece - how much is too much, when should you stop? Super easy answer to this one which you’ll see below. We’re looking at options if you have walls filled with radiators yet you also want to add furniture and bookshelves without blocking off the heat. How to stain floorboards without them looking orange (unless you specifically want orange in which case, that’s fine) and where to find a really good sectional sofa without taking out a second mortgage. And finally, what to do in a room with a curved ceiling? I’ve got some options here that will do the job.
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