Lovely Things: Book Storage

As impressed as I am by the technology of the Kindle, you can't beat a hard copy of a good book. And good books deserve great storage, am I right?

This symmetrical structure is so simple but has such a high impact! Not to mention a lot of room for a many-a-book.

The piano is my favourite instrument and I'm big on recycling, so as you can probably imagine this idea caught my eye immediately! Very clever.

As a rule books are displayed vertically, so this horizontal display is a really interesting alternative. The colour of the shelves are gorgeous too, reminds me of Farrow and Ball's 'Arsenic'.

This one kind of makes me feel dizzy when I look at it, but I appreciate the original design.

Upcycling a wooden reel ike this is genius!

One of those grand designs you know you'll never have but you gawp at anyway.

I love love love built in storage in alcoves - it looks so tidy and provides extra space without essentially using up any room.

You know that book storage is quality when there's a sliding ladder involved.

Colour coding never gets old!

Invisible shelving is definitely aesthetically appealing with books.

Arches are so lovely! Just makes me think of how many different things I could have made my DIY fireplace surround wardrobe into.

Repurposing objects always makes me smile. Can I call a clamp cute? Because I think it's cute.

Another bright horizontal book display.

Book storage in a staircase? That's too cool.

A straighforward design, but love the rustic feel.

Some crazy repurposing to conclude this entry. 10/10!

Lovely Things: Luscious Lampshades

Do you have a lampshade casting a shadow (quite literally) over an otherwise pleasant space?

We have several in my home which are dated and have seen better days. The great news is that there are many easy, creative ways to spruce up your current shade or start from stratch. Here are some pinteresting DIY solutions:

This innovative crochet shade is easier to makes than it looks! Check out the how to.

Apparently this colourful shade is from by Urban Outfitters, but it'd be pretty simple to create one with a similar impact from scrap wood.

I love how personal this design is - turn on the light and relive happy memories!

Using an old wire basket to create a unique shade. I like that you can see the bulb through it - the effect is very industrial.

I seriously never imagined that veneer could look so attractive. I have been proven wrong! You could achieve this look with just about anything in strips.

Fabric strips tied to an old metal frame - simple to make, big impact.

Have some mixing bowls to spare? Get on it!

This idea made me chuckle. The things people come up with!

It's amazing what a bit of twine can do to a plain old shade.

A hilarious solution to round this up. Just don't use them at the same time, okay?

Lovely Things: Noticeboards

I find it's good to start every Monday with a spark of inspiration! Today I've been looking at noticeboards/pinboards, as the one in our kitchen is too small and not very practical in design. I'm hoping to make us a new one this summer! Here are some of my faves from Pinterest:

A simple yet pretty solution using fabric, string and a frame. I adore the chevron patterned fabric (maybe you can tell from my blog background?)

I'm all for recycling, so love the idea of using a window shutter. It's very statement in that bold green.

This particularly appeals to me as we have an old washboard like this in the shed. Very original idea!

I'm quite a fan of traditional old cork really. I especially love the storage at the bottom of this one!

Blackboards are also a nice element for a memo board. Loving the natural wood look and the cute hardware.

Put it on a cupboard and you get a two-in-one! Genius.

A simple board combined with an elaborate frame makes for a perfect pairing.

A clever use of chicken wire and pegs as an alternative board.

I get the sense that this design is very personal to its creator. Extra-organised too!

Simple but so practical, plus I love the rustic look.

Simple cork in a funky shape. Makes all the difference!

Once again an opportunity to recycle, and so simple to do as well.

Cute cute cute!

It's amazing what geometrics and a lick of paint can achieve!

Another recycling opportunity using an old window frame. I love the patchwork effect this has.

Another basic frame and cork combo, but the room is so gorgeous I felt compelled to share it!

This minimalistic design only uses string, how clever!

Another pretty recycled shutter. It seems that green is a good colour for them!

A final fave is this coat rack and pinboard all-in-one. Definitely a good option if you have a big open hall space. 

So how do you keep your notes and memos in check? I'd love to hear, hit me up in the comments box!