Image from www.ghoofie.com
Formal dining rooms are a thing of the past…but we still need some designated area for eating. The problem is, now that dining areas are integrated into the kitchen/living areas, often not quite enough space is allocated. If, like half Australia’s population, you’ve got a small dining area, hopefully this post will give you some good ideas to turn that pokey space into a great space to eat and entertain.
Image from www.housetohome.co.uk
Built-in bench seats like this are very effective for maximising floor space. Fantastic solution in a galley style kitchen .
Image from www.buckboardhill.typepad.com
A built in bench seat doesn’t have to stay in the kitchen…they work brilliantly in lounge/dining areas too. I love the mix of bench and chairs…so cool and informal.
Image from www.desiretoinspire.net
And nor do they actually have to be benches… Loving these old diner booths and table.
Image from www.homesandgardens.com
And while we’re exploring alternative seating options… This is clever. Two x two seater couches…now that’s a grown up dinner party. Or a comfy one at least.
Image from www.geheause.com
Of course, bench seats that aren’t built in are also excellent for small spaces. Not only have you lessened the number of chair legs (my pet hate), you can still have them hard up against the wall, and they can slide underneath your table and be entirely out of the way when not needed.
Image from www.geheause.com
Combos of seating can look fab, just don’t have too much action going on with them at eye height.
Image from www.floatproject.com
Stools and benches add loads of interest, but take no space at eye level.
Image from www.littlebitsoflovely.blogspot.ca
Rugs play an important role in small areas. They help delineate the area, and unify the pieces within it. Particularly fond of a hide under a dining table…
Image from www.paloma.blogspot.com
This may look great, but take my word for it … shag should be nowhere near your dining room. That rug is on its way to becoming a petrie dish.
Image from www.homeresult.com
And finally, colour – when used well – does amazing things for small spaces.
Hope you got some inspiration!
Visit our online shop http://www.iwanthomewares.com.au/
For an at home or online consultation email me at mailto:ria@iwantiwantiwant.com.au
Anyone else watching The Block? I haven’t loved any of the rooms at all…but I have always loved an inside swing…and the couple who did the boys room put in a lot of fun kid’s stuff including a swing. The key to this working is, of course, space. You want to make sure you have a clear trajectory. Because if you give a child a swing…you can be sure they’ll use it to the fullest!
An indoor swing is about the most effective “informaliser” you can get. It adds a sense of relaxed fun to any space, particularly an indoor one where its presence is unexpected.
How gorgeous is this all white room? So pretty with the addition of the swing, and then we have the room below…
Where the swing and the space are just plain cool.
Here, the swing really complements the space by drawing more attention to the fab ceiling height. Clever and cool.
A few more images to inspire…
And I know it’s a little cheesy, and borderline Anne Geddes, but I love love love trailing vine up a swing…
Visit our online shop http://www.iwanthomewares.com.au/
For an at home or online consultation email me at mailto:ria@iwantiwantiwant.com.au
Images from :
www.ilparaitque.com
www.anna-landebyanna.blogspot.com
www.lushlee.com
www.wetbehindtheears.com
www.peachy-kean.tumblr.com
www.beautifuldecay.tumblr.com
www.apartmenttherapy.com
With the exception of yesterday we have had so many lovely days in a row that it’s been wonderful spending time outdoors. Creating your own outdoor room is a fantastic thing to do to make the most of our beautiful weather.
The key elements to an outdoor room are comfy chairs, a sheltered space, and pretty accessories. If the outdoor chairs you have are uncomfortable…then get rid of them! If you have something in an area that does’t work…then the area won’t work, and uncomfortable chairs are just stupid. (The same rule applies to all the insanely uncomfortable sofas out there in holiday homes. I have no idea why everyone puts their most uncomfortable furniture in the place they most want to relax…) Also…there’s loads of waterproof options out there nowadays. So mattresses, cushions, even rugs can be left out if there’s some degree of shelter.
Seating that has storage in it is a terrific option for an outdoor area…then the cushions etc can be stowed away during the wet months. It doesn’t have to be huge…but an outdoor room is a crucial part of the house. We only have about 3-4 months of the year where it’s comfortable to be outside…so we need to make the most of it with really appealing areas that we can’t wait to chill out in. Some images from the sweet to the sublime to inspire…
I would like to see some great Moroccan painted tiles here…
Good lighting can make all the difference to you using your area after sundown. If you have one harsh spotlight….turn it off or direct its focus up the nearest tree! For romance think fairy lights and lanterns…for fun check out multicoloured string lights like these..
What a beautiful bench…
I’m not entirely sure this is even an outside room…but it’s fun
Now that looks comfy…
And that…
I would love to have an outdoor fireplace and mantle!!!
Again…not sure if this is an outdoor rug….but man it’s gorgeous!!! I am on the hunt for it or similar…will keep you posted.
To book an on-line consultation email me at ria@iwantiwantiwant.com.au
Images from ….
I want I want I want! on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/iwantiwantiwant
Image from www.thirddrawerdown.com
Yippee!!! I’ve finally got my facebook page properly up and running!
Image from www.tomkelleystudio.com
Which means you can access all the videos I’ve been making ( …yes, the making of them look just like this ) that I can’t upload on the blog. Finally! The videos are a fun mix of gorgeous images and tips…and so far we have…
Chalkboard walls
Multiple mirrors in bathrooms
Trunks and old suitcases
Stencilled floorboards
Decorative ladders
Quirky bedside tables
Pendants in bedrooms
Organised hallways
Hanging a wall gallery (very handy tips!!!)
Not hanging prints
White painted floorboards
Image from www.google.com
So… to follow me on facebook all you need to do is click on this link
http://www.facebook.com/iwantiwantiwant
Click on the “Like” tab underneath the main photo. Then click on the “Mailing List Sign-up” and enter your details.
Easy peasy!
Don’t forget to click on the “like” tab!
Image from www.google.com
This means not only can you see all existing videos, but I can also let you know when there are new ones to see, and even when I’ve posted a blog and what it’s about (to save you from going to the blog when I’ve been lazy and not posted!).
I’ve also been able to load up on Facebook lots of photo albums I’ve compiled…
21 so far and counting! …including room makeovers.
So yay! I’m looking forward to having you all join me on FB x
Image from www.google.com
That link once more….!!!
http://www.facebook.com/iwantiwantiwant
Image from www.missdaisybuchanan.tumblr.com
I’m so over the set of plain white table ware on everyone’s table! It’s time to bring some character and flair back to your dining experience. So… as the old Maxwell and William’s chip and go to plate and bowl heaven I’m replacing them one by one with sweet finds from op shops, garage sales and second hand stores.
Image from www.homelife.com.au
A good mix of table ware not only makes a dinner party a whole lot cooler…it makes small events nicer. A la Nigella…if I’m making myself the perfect snack…then I want it on the perfect dish.
Image from www.madamebonbon.com.au
It’s like finally ditching the safe black handbag from your wardrobe….once you’ve brought in some beautiful plates and bowls, you can go from strength to strength with a cool mix of table cloths, place mats, vases…etc etc.
Image from www.pinterest.com
And afternoon teas will have a graciousness that’s long been missing…
image from www.vintagetableware.co.uk
Vintage tableware is so in right now that top end wedding planners are making it a big feature of their packages… and rightly so…how great does the grooms setting look?
Image from www.weheartit.com
And this Mad Hatters Tea Party is fantastic! I’m so doing this!
Image from www.madeliefje-madelief.blogspot.com
Some great images of beautiful, beautiful vintage crockery to get you on the hunt this weekend…
Image from www.vintagetouch.co.uk
Image from www.homelife.com.au
Image from www.pinterest.com
Image from www.kitchencritic.co.uk
Image from www.goldsnowdrops.blogspot.com
Image from www.homelife.com.au
Image from www.citified.blogspot.com
Visit our online shop http://www.iwanthomewares.com.au/
For an at home or online consultation email me at mailto:ria@iwantiwantiwant.com.au
Are you being served?
#1
Image from www.provincialhomeliving.com.au
Whilst useful all year round, trays really come into their own in summer. There is so much outdoor entertaining in Australia that trays are a basic kitchen tool. I use them for lazy dinners in front of the TV, outdoor dining, breakfasts in bed and they’re fab as fruit holders during summer. Using trays, as opposed to bowls, means that the fruit (especially the stone fruit) are not stacked on top of each other.
This oval metal tray (Jardin Bris) from Provincial Home Living is ace and only $69.95. At 70 cm x 44 cm it’s a really useful size too.
#2
Image from www.safariliving.com.au
This bamboo tray from Safari Living is made from 100% organically grown bamboo and hand finished with natural oil. Dimensions are: 51 x 30.5 x 3.5 cm and RRP is $ 69.00
#3
Image from www.freedom.com.au
Trays with legs are great for breakky in bed. Freedom’s Bambus breakfast tray RRP’s at $39.95. Dimensions: 59 x 32 x 25 cm
#4
Image from www.frenchhomewares.com.au
Not as easy to keep clean… but woven trays are gorgeous. This white wash finish tray is $54.95 from www.frenchhomewares.com.au Dimensions : 55 cm x 35 cm.
#5
Image from www.thirddrawerdown.com.au
And finally…love this round tray from Third Drawer Down. 22.5 cm d $90
Visit our online shop http://www.iwanthomewares.com.au/
For an at home or online consultation email me at mailto:ria@iwantiwantiwant.com.au
Image from www.heatherbullard.typepad.com
With weather like this it’s crazy not to have your next dinner party in the back yard.
Image from www.google.com
Not a problem if you don’t have an outdoor table…just re-locate your dining table and chairs to the nicest (and flat-est) park of your front or back yard for the evening.
Image from www.arielyve.blogspot.com
With ipod docks,lanterns and a couple of oversized ice buckets your garden can be transformed.
Image from www.prettystuff.tumblr.com
And it’s just as gorgeous, if not more so, to do it for a lunch (or brunch, or afternoon tea…).
If you can’t entertain in the back yard because the weeds are overgrown, or you haven’t cleared that pile of old rubbish in the corner…then weed it or clear it. It’s summertime, there’s a long weekend coming…get on it. Here are some great images to motivate you…
Image from www.housetohome.co.uk
Image from www.housebeautifiul.com
Image from www.brookegiannetti.typepad.com
Image from www.gardeinginheels.tumblr.com
Image from www.google.com
Image from www.homesandgardens.com.
And if you don’t have a dining table…use cushions, rugs and a coffee table. But whatever you use…spend a minute…style it up. You’ll love it and so will your guests.
Visit our online shop http://www.iwanthomewares.com.au/
For an at home or online consultation email me at mailto:ria@iwantiwantiwant.com.au
Image from www.bustleevents.bogspot.com
It’s the season for entertaining, so it’s time to get your tabletop in order.
There’s a reason tablecloths are back in style…they’re fab! They make a set table an event, rather than just another meal. Put some colour and personality into your setting and both the evening and your guests will feel special.
Image from www.annesage.com
There are a number of cool online stores for contemporary tablecloths. Anthropologie, Pure Linen, Pom Pom Designs, I Want Homewares and Sally Campbell all have some great designs,
Image from www.anthropologie.com
Image from www.purelinen.com.au
Image from www.pompomdesigns.com.au
Image from www.iwanthomewares.com.au
Or you can go hunting for that perfect vintage piece.
Image from www.google.co.za
Image from www.livingtheswelllife.tumblr.com
Image from www.etsy.com
Etsy is a great site for vintage tablecloths…well vintage anything really. Worth keeping an eye on.
If you can’t find anything ready made that takes your fancy, a tablecloth has four straight sides…even if you can’t do that, a seamstress is not going to charge you much to do it for you.
Here are some great designs to get you inspired.
Image from www.feistydesign.tumblr.com
Image from www.tinywhitedaisies.com
Image from www.dearinspirationblog.blogspot.com
Image from www.tumblr.com
And if you want to look christmassy, there are some great red cloths around that will look amazing and not like a National Lampoon Dining room.
Image from www.pompomdesigns.com.au
Love this paisley one from Pom Pom Designs.
Image from www.pompomdesigns.com
And love love love this! Pom Pom is worth checking out. Even if you’re not into too much of a pattern and want your decorations to do the talking they have this gorgeously elegant and simple option.
Image from www.pompomdesigns.com
Pure Linen have a red version of their signature table linen that is lovely…
Image from www.purelinen.com.au
And these two from anthropologie are fab for a christmas meal and won’t need to be hidden away for the rest of the year.
Image from www.anthropologie.com
Image from www.antrhopologie.com
Sally Campbell has gorgeous handmade Indian textiles and the design below would be stunning for Christmas.
Image from www.sallycampbell.com.au
Check your calendar, then your cupboards. If you don’t have table linen but you’re hosting Christmas for the fam, then you may need to add that to your shopping list before the day.
Ria FitzGerald has worked as an interior stylist in Melbournes inner east for the past twelve years.
Now based on the Bellarine Peninsula, Ria continues to offer in-home styling consultations for both the visual and the practical elements of your home, renovation and colour consulting and event styling.
Rias work can be seen featured regularly in Home Beautiful Magazine.
\"The I want I want I want! blog is a weekday (ish!) update with reviews of the best online homewares shopping, styling tips, peeks into my favorite homes and commentary on design, interiors and art.
Hopefully you will find new products, designs and ideas to inspire you to make your home the most fabulous place it can be!\" Ria x
