Live Breathe Decor

If you’re a regular reader of my little blog then you’ll be getting sick of the topic of my hunt for a country house, but I’m still obsessed with the idea. And my obsession is growing as we approach the Christmas season; for me the fantasy of an English-style house and garden surrounded by big trees is very tied up my love of richly decorated rooms, trees (must be real) laden with ornaments and lights, staircases decks with greenery, cosy rooms lit by firelight, wreaths of flowers on the doors and lots of candles. I really can be embarrassingly romantic when it comes to these things! And I know a lot of this doesn’t really fit with a hot Australian Christmas, but it’s just the sort of style I gravitate towards at this time of year. In fact, I’m going to start posting about Christmas decorating next week, because it’s something that I love thinking about, and houses decorated for the season really make me happy!

On that topic, and in an effort to practice time thriftiness, I headed to the new and long overdue Provincial Home Living website, which includes an online store. I had seen in their catalog some cute Christmas stockings, and some stocking hooks, which used to be everywhere but which I’ve struggled to find over the past couple of years.

Only, when I got there the stockings were not in stock. It always surprises me at Christmas time how many awful stockings are around but how few places I see tasteful and attractive stockings for sale. There seem to be an endless array on American websites. So I was happy to see these ones, and I’ll have to check in store to see if I can get my hands on some for this year. As a sidenote, for some reason this year I am feeling traditional and loving red in decoration again. I’ve even ordered some new red cushions and am using red ribbons and paper, which I haven’t liked in years!

Anyway, in my continuing pursuit of a Christmas/ country ideal a girlfriend and I are indulging tomorrow in a little exploration of some country gardens and houses just outside of Melbourne. Here are some of the rooms I’ve been inspired by as I continue dreaming! The first pic is too grand for my country house, but love the architecture and the neutral decor..

Have a great weekend!