Although we weren’t first time buyers, we still managed to end up moving into our new home with very little in the way of furniture. The house in Exeter had incredible built-in storage which, for obvious reasons, we were forced to leave behind. This means we arrived in Bristol without a single wardrobe, shelving unit or cupboard to our name. We knew the bulky items we did have weren’t going to be a good fit for the new space, so we offloaded what we could before moving day.
Since September we’ve been gradually investing in the essential ‘big ticket items’ needed to furnish our new home. Here’s what we’ve procured so far…
Perhaps not wildly inspiring in isolation, but I think the decorating process is about slowly building up layers to create a finished room. These pieces will provide the perfect backdrop for the smaller, more unique finds I hope to accumulate over time. Indeed, the table is already surrounded by a troupe of mid-century dining chairs and the sofa adorned with colourful Scandi cushions. The ultimate goal is to achieve an ecclectic mix of furniture and accessories that give the place plenty of charm and character.
Clockwise from top left:-
House by John Lewis Stride 6-8 Seater Extending Dining Table ~ I have long dreamed of dinging at a large solid table, but finding one that we liked within budget was challenging. House by John Lewis came up trumps and we couldn’t be happier now that it’s installed in our dining room. We tend to keep it fully extended at all times, but I’m glad we have the option to make it smaller should we wish. I’m still a little over-protective of its pristine finish and have been known to shout at the children should they get too near, but this will pass. It always does.
Karlstad Armchair ~ It sits perfectly in the bay window, it’s comfortable and just right the size for curling up in with a good book. As the first piece of flat pack furniture single-handedly assembled by myself, I also feel a deep sense of achievemenet every time I sink into its satisfyingly plump cushions.
Stockholm Glass Door Cabinet ~ It’s hard to put into words just how much I love this piece of furniture. It makes me smile every time I wander into the dining room. It’s just so… yellow. The colour looks fabulous against the freshly painted grey walls and unpacking my collection of vintage glassware and china on to its shelves was a joyous occasion.
Karlstad Three-Seat Sofa Bed in Sivik Dark Grey ~ Our last sofa was bespoke and cost thousands. This one wasn’t, and you know what? I think I like it more. It’s comfy and it looks pretty sleek, especially since we swapped the chunky wooden legs for aluminium. The washable covers offer peace of mind and I’ve already caught myself daydreaming about its reinvention via Bemz a few years down the line. Furniture that allows me to embrace my fickleness can only be a good thing.
We’ve still got a lengthy shopping list to work through, but it feels good to have a few of these big purchases under our belt. February will see our alcove shelving installed in the living room which means we’ll finally be able to unpack some books. Exciting times!
Love Audrey xxx
