My Dream House

As I have mentioned on this blog before, I am currently saving to buy my own house (slightly curtailed by the fact that I am going on two holidays this year!  Allowing myself however as I haven't had a holiday abroad in 8 years).

Although my saving had been slightly derailed, I have my plans in place including a lifetime savings ISA where the government gives you an additional 25% to whatever you have saved.  That's how you turn an £8000 deposit into £10000!

I want to make sure that I have enough money to do everything I want in the house.  I don't want to buy a house and then not do it up the way that I want.  While I am in a position to save and I am more than happy living with my mum (who is amazing!), it makes sense to save long enough to get everything I want.  

Ok, maybe not, but a girl can dream, right?

So what do I want in my new house?  Hardwood flooring is a must for me.  Easy to clean, classic looking.  I like clean lines, statement pieces and clever ideas to transport you to somewhere else.

I like white walls.  I am not afraid to admit it!  White is the perfect backdrop to create any look that you want.  A perfect look for the lounge which should be comfortable, uncluttered and not fussy with a statement piece such as a huge print on the wall rather than having a feature wall.  A comfortable settee and a large TV for watching all of those box sets is also a must.

I love something like this, although in my mind you need to have a bright colour in there somewhere.  Perhaps some colourful cushions on the settee to go with the modern style furnishings.

I love the idea of using wall murals such as I featured in my link to completely change a space.  Have a room with no window?  No problem.  Turn it into an office, paint the walls white and use a full wall mural to create a view of Paris.

The one place that I do want a sense of opulence and utra comfort and style is my bedroom.  I dream of a thick carpet, a big bed, furnishings with a nod to French boudoir style.  A dressing table (something I have never had!).  

Your bedroom should be calming, comfortable, an escape and more than anything, a place of retreat and escape.  My dream, although I will never get that with my first, or maybe even my second house, would be to have a little balcony leading off the bedroom where I could sit and have a coffee and look at the world.

So what do you think of my dream house?

All images from Pixabay with exception of mural photograph which is obtained from a previous blog post.

Mixing Style And Security In Your Home: The Basics

What came first, style or substance?

Creating a balance between beauty and practicality is never easy. In many ways, the two are complete opposites and don’t mix. Of course, to have one without the other is foolish and boring. Safety is essential in the home, as is living in a comfy, cosy interior space. Thankfully, there is a variety of tips and tricks you can use to mix style and security without compromising either. From window designs to lighting, you shouldn’t be disappointed with the range. So, if you are looking for inspiration, you have come to the right place.

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Trendy Barriers

Burglars are great at seeing an opportunity and grabbing it with both hands. Anything they can spot through the window is a potential gift for thieves. Simply moving it out of sight is a simple solution, yet it might not be on the table for lots of homeowners. If you are one of them, use accessories to create a barrier and prevent crooks from window shopping. Swapping blinds for ready made eyelet curtains is one helpful hint, as is hanging art and decorating with plants. All of these allow you to fill space while mixing colours and textures.

Lighting

Everyone knows about the impact of lighting from a security standpoint. All you have to do is illuminate the exterior and the interior and it forces thieves to take risks. And, they hate gambling because they can end up on the wrong side of a pair of handcuffs. But, lighting can be stylish and chic as well as bright and bold. On the outside, use lanterns or lamps to create a warm, deep glow that goes from the front door to the end of the drive. Inside, opt for automated spotlights. That way, you can control the lighting from anywhere in the world to throw burglars off the scent.

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Entry Points

Hopefully, you by now that doors and windows are the property’s weak spots. If you don’t, keep up! Entry points give access to anyone who tries their luck, which is a scary thought. The good news is that you can strengthen the doors and windows by replacing them. How does this add to the style? In the process, you can opt for a new colour or style. Some people, for example, prefer hardwood over uPVC as it’s rigid and inflexible but dominating. Modern double glazing is also pretty and durable at the same time.

Wiring

Properties have alarm systems to stop unwanted criminals breaking and entering. The problem with an alarm is the loose wiring. Burglars are professionals and understand how to dismantle a security system in minutes. To prevent this from happening, the wires need hiding or boxing off. From a style point of view, this is an added bonus because the lack of clutter adds to the elegance of your home. People that box off wires can also mix textures to great effect.

Is your home stylish and secure? With these tips, there are no excuses to answer no.

*Collaborative post

Love is in the Air

Considering that January seemed to take the age of man to get through, it comes as a surprise to me that suddenly we are approaching Valentine's Day.

Whilst Cupid has not struck his arrow for me, I confess that I do love to see happy couples on Valentines Day.  Love is everything and is best when you have a special someone to share it with.

What are your plans for Valentines with your partner?  For me, large costly gestures have never been required.  Buying flowers for example seems to quadruple in price which I think is insane.  

Love is shown in actions and the way that you feel.  I would prefer a lovely, thought about card than a throwaway (although expensive!) bunch of red roses.

Today +Simply Be are allowing me to host a competition to win this gorgeous lingerie set in time for Valentines Day.

SimplyBe Lingerie

The bra is available from a 36C through to a 48DD.  The midi briefs run from a 12 to a 26.

This competition opens at 12.00 tonight and will close at 12.01am on Monday 12th February 2018 so the winning entrant can receive their prize prior to Valentines Day.  UK only

a Rafflecopter giveaway