beautiful home

I've been working on little areas around my home. Beautifying it as such. We are squeezed into a small three bedroom home. That's me (artist and collector), our three sons (2, 8 and 14), and an incredibly talented musical, technical husband. Which means a lot of stuff belonging to a diverse group of people with different needs in a tiny space. We also have one income so upsizing remains a dream for now, much to my dismay some days.

However I am a solution-focused woman. So in the spirit of 'make something from nothing' I've set about making this a home we love to be in, especially me, because as a full time parent, I spend a lot of time in our house.

I purchased these kale for $2 each. Decorative cabbages with beautiful heads that rival (in my humble opinion) any rose (in appearance at least). I dislike cut flowers which seem an expensive waste. These have lasted several weeks already and for the small price I paid, they were well worth the joy they've brought as I've stood at the sink washing the dishes. Seen here alongside an old bottle and a Japanese pottery vase on my kitchen windowsill. The biggest threat has been my husband enquiring from time to time if they are cabbages and if so, are they edible. Ha!

If your going to spend time doing chores, create a space you can enjoy while working.

I purchased three little cacti to go along the main windowsill in what is now the second living room. I brought out of storage some of my painted and crocheted stones, found some small Agee preserving jars (yes, I have a stash of them, all sizes and eras) and placed tea lights there as well.

I've made quite a few little changes, editing and adding as I go.

I love cacti for their sculptural value. I needed plants that would survive my sons and these provide the 'dare' and challenge that my boys enjoy. We all get to enjoy them. And they add a splash of life and colour which interestingly, is making a strong appearance after my home has been predominantly black and earthy colours.

I've replaced the dining table with a couch which now always has someone sitting on it playing guitar, knitting (yes, that would be me), playing tea parties (myself again and my youngest boy) or reading.

This retro lounge suite (seen here through the window of the op shop) comprises a 4 seater couch and 2 armchairs with wooden legs and was only $140 dollars at the Salvation Army shop. I am so in love and have hankered after a yellow couch for the longest time. That its worn makes me love it more and also makes it incredibly family friendly.

Knuckles and I working hard. He's watching video's on his little dvd player and I'm doing research via Pinterest and Trade Me. You can follow me on Pinterest too now if you like. Simply click the link here Ahipara Girl Pinterest and then click 'follow'. That simple.

I find my cushions in op shops as well and made the red one sewing a vintage doiley to a red repurposed cushion. Note our coats, scarves, hats and his gumboots. There was snow on the hills the day we made a second lounge. You had to dress warm to be INSIDE. Crazy.
This is me feeling rather pleased with our efforts. I've banned tv from this room and finally have a space to listen to my radio (National Radio NZ). This little space achieves its purpose. I provides me with a peaceful place for me to sit in this testosterone loaded home and potter with my crafts, or talk with members of my family. My eldest son and my husband will sit here in the evenings too playing guitar and singing.

I will post more at a later date about my creative and beautiful spaces adventures in other areas of my home. I'm so glad I found a way through my dilemna and at very little cost to myself. I've made enough money lately from recent sales of other second hand goods to do this out of the funds I'm creating. Its exciting that I'm literally shopping for nothing and that we're not out of pocket as a result.

I hope you feel inspired too, especially if like me, you're feeling stuck about some areas in your home. Leave me a comment and a link back to your website, if you have done something similar. I love solutions and ideas.