24 Mar 2013

Valance, Magnolia, it is called valance!

Different cultures, different languages, sometimes it is such a confusion in my mind. I had to find a solution to cover the footboard of a bed. I didn't know the name of this sort of bed linen and after some unsuccessful internet research, I  decided to go to some shops to see what I could find. 



I tried to explain to different salespeople what I wanted: A slipcover to hide the footboard. Four people couldn't understand what I was looking for and stared at me like as if I was an alien. Then I went to Laura Ashley and explained again what I wanted and a smart lady told me that what I needed was a valance. 




Ahhhh, valance, Magnolia, what you need is a valance, an ornamental drapery hung across a top edge, as of a bed, table, or canopy. Laura Ashley doesn't sell valances anymore but now that I knew the name, life was much easier. I googled again and discovered that Marks & Spencer and even John Lewis (one of the shops I went to) have it! 




According to Wikipedia, a valance or bed skirt is a piece of decorative fabric that is placed between the mattress and the box spring of a bed. The purpose of a bed skirt is to give a stylish appearance to a bed without exposing the sides of the box spring or any space under the bed that may be used for storage. Historically, bed skirts were used to block draughts, which could chill the undersides of beds.





Valances are useful if you want to add some romantic style to your bedroom. It is like icing on a cake, not necessary but gives a final touch to it. It hides feet board and storage under your bed - and reduces the amount of dust that can accumulate under it. If you want to make a valance yourself, I have found a very simple design which provides a clean and modern look.

Image sources via my Pinterest board: Bed skirts or valances 

20 Mar 2013

Going back to Switzerland


When people ask me if I am looking forward to going back to Switzerland I always answer with a half-hearted smile. Not that I am unhappy about it.




The problem is that I am looking for a home in the Swiss Confederation and it has been hard to find it. First of all, properties had their prices doubled in the last few years. 




Secondly, I don't like the new buildings in Switzerland. In my opinion, they look like boxes and have no character. 




Don't get me wrong, I also like modern projects but it has to have a touch of elegance that not all architects can reach: they are more concerned with getting enough room in a such small country and then forget about the welcoming feeling a home should provide.




I might be a naive romantic but I still prefer houses with personality. 

Image sources via my Pinterest board: Dream home

15 Mar 2013

Leaving England

It is now official: we are leaving England soon. I would like to thank to all the friends I've made in this country for opening their hearts. 


Magnolia Brussi

I had a great time here and was delighted to live in such a beautiful and charming place. It has been a great inspiration that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.  

4 Mar 2013

A little bit of São Paulo

I met Karina in the 90’s when we both used to live in London. In those days interior design was not yet popular in Brazil but she had already worked as an interior designer in São Paulo.  


Looking at her work, you can feel São Paulo’s pulse - a city  which never stops, and the worldwide influences that the cosmopolitan centre receives. 


Karina loves using Italian nero stone, red bricks and beautiful wood flooring. A well planned lighting is also very important for her. She combines practicality and elegance.


I love the huge fridge. It reminds me of the times when I used to live in this amazing city. In such hot summers there is a need to keep a bottle of water in the refrigerator. Something that I rarely do in Europe.


There is a lot of romanticism in her bedroom creations: flowers, stylish french furniture, cute mirrors and frames.


The Buda figure appears in many of her works, bringing harmony to the ambience.


 Would you like to know more about Karina? Click here.