My Secret Garden by Alan Titchmarsh: Book Review

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Welcome, all Modern Country gardeners.</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Warning: Your book collection is about to feel <i>very </i>incomplete.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh51_jJY6olZ8-rhGgdEjyNvHJn1WDhitLY22JosWFUzq_m-SjPVrWweqFeruMhxiQZzpW4N4Tzrrm5sTcl-I2SkfnG-eXN_sORqd7afrexN_f8vRqcb1iMkrjZ0RNRmP6PfHv3eM6cgigj/s1600/alan+book+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh51_jJY6olZ8-rhGgdEjyNvHJn1WDhitLY22JosWFUzq_m-SjPVrWweqFeruMhxiQZzpW4N4Tzrrm5sTcl-I2SkfnG-eXN_sORqd7afrexN_f8vRqcb1iMkrjZ0RNRmP6PfHv3eM6cgigj/s1600/alan+book+025.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Alan Titchmarsh's <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1849900582/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1849900582&linkCode=as2&tag=modecounstyl-21">My Secret Garden</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=modecounstyl-21&l=as2&o=2&a=1849900582" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />(by Ebury Publishing) is quite simply the most inspiring gardening book I've ever read. Hold onto to your boots, you're in for a ride!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTe-dDrH4OiAkrQMmQyaAZNd7vqrr5qatM1rBnlKYNzdy-f8fLhH8aAQO4pFLbIv7xOFCdb0jcu0UB1SkhIpPc2-eILnuEDfI68kjNYMmDVVNPnEP42-xJxTsGTMDaWOBfR9grjvnEFZri/s1600/alan+book+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTe-dDrH4OiAkrQMmQyaAZNd7vqrr5qatM1rBnlKYNzdy-f8fLhH8aAQO4pFLbIv7xOFCdb0jcu0UB1SkhIpPc2-eILnuEDfI68kjNYMmDVVNPnEP42-xJxTsGTMDaWOBfR9grjvnEFZri/s1600/alan+book+028.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Alan Titchmarsh's garden is Modern Country Garden perfection, by which I mean a blend of soft planting and topiary. This combination makes a garden design appear timeless, elegant and classic. </span><span style="font-size: large;">It has the formal structure with more than a nod to the current <b>Modern </b>trend of formal design </span><span style="font-size: large;">to carry it through these dull winter </span>months <span style="font-size: large;">but is juxtaposed by gentle <b>Country </b></span><span style="font-size: large;">pleasures of Cottage Garden delights.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKp_xKBBKh9a3FGFcw3DeGktQspSKb6AFIgdFJIB-BgmkR9goF58k0HplK8CoqapZj64RKi9k6pgKda4xdFW3plubN8sja7wKfrmo04MgEq9zHq5e2WYdYoadsVwovD9sG1Dv6SlxMcbbV/s1600/alan+book+039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKp_xKBBKh9a3FGFcw3DeGktQspSKb6AFIgdFJIB-BgmkR9goF58k0HplK8CoqapZj64RKi9k6pgKda4xdFW3plubN8sja7wKfrmo04MgEq9zHq5e2WYdYoadsVwovD9sG1Dv6SlxMcbbV/s1600/alan+book+039.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here's an excerpt from the wonderfully personal introduction...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;">To be honest, mine is not so much a secret garden as a private one, and that’s a bit of a novelty really. Having used our last garden at Barleywood for filming and photography for 20-odd years, I promised my wife and family when we moved, back in 2002, that the next garden would be just for us.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 20px;">I struck a deal with Mrs T. The deal was that Jonathan Buckley – a brilliant photographer who has, over the years, become a good friend – would record our progress and I would share my garden in the form of a book. That way the garden would still be private and I would have the pleasure of progressing at my own pace, rather than fitting in with the hectic schedule of filming.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 20px;">This book is the result. It encapsulates my own passion for gardening and my love of line, form, scale, perspective and colour. It will give you an idea of my tastes and predilections, my whims and fancies, as well as being a soapbox for me to expound a modest amount of my personal garden philosophy.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2w_fNI3JnL0Kdymbs3lqb-BOpVSCQBfYtsxPFpHjjaUxjGKdfzAtdD9LLy_OAjwdOonRDbxYvzTFXUotuHuXz2Mpw_1ihVfjG_k_WATi4YEGHjE_luggK5Zy57-IsDK7nCuP0ZxgyYnDb/s1600/alan+book+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2w_fNI3JnL0Kdymbs3lqb-BOpVSCQBfYtsxPFpHjjaUxjGKdfzAtdD9LLy_OAjwdOonRDbxYvzTFXUotuHuXz2Mpw_1ihVfjG_k_WATi4YEGHjE_luggK5Zy57-IsDK7nCuP0ZxgyYnDb/s1600/alan+book+020.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1849900582/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1849900582&linkCode=as2&tag=modecounstyl-21">My Secret Garden</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=modecounstyl-21&l=as2&o=2&a=1849900582" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />is divided, by season, into four delicious sections.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">We get to look around, at lazy length, Alan Titchmarsh's spectacularly beautiful four acre garden. This is clearly not a garden built for television but an intimate, private joy. It's impeccably designed, yes, but for Alan's own particular pleasures, rather than to placate a nation of avid Gardeners' World viewers.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOEemmNoHDypwLhtFq7f7bQ5cRdF2fFldDRXgK7Yydq1k07fiP5k50y38cq_DG0usX1XPmqAa9q80zSlVjaOYp-EfJhYzwjIt4KnCcSB2Hm6JG4aj5evtfrObP0Ayyiq7OSXg2SoV_nuJ/s1600/alan+book+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOEemmNoHDypwLhtFq7f7bQ5cRdF2fFldDRXgK7Yydq1k07fiP5k50y38cq_DG0usX1XPmqAa9q80zSlVjaOYp-EfJhYzwjIt4KnCcSB2Hm6JG4aj5evtfrObP0Ayyiq7OSXg2SoV_nuJ/s1600/alan+book+017.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">My Secret Garden gives us plenty of personal information about the design, inspiration and building of the garden, as well as faascinating glimpse into his mind by his sharing the frustrations and ongoing transformations behind the scenes, plus it </span><span style="font-size: large;">features details on Alan Titchmarsh's favourite flower choices...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTyzvEfR70inKeG_BDEnEPyF6GVs49Nkh4GpwnrKnSIKGSTMSvySfk53sobC33ZKENdExUTRV5njXQOvpOD4Bcf0kkL3U3FsYhJKjHTiPtSg0p9TB5qfDqhmkHDgsjSb_oLgXOlErVS1dt/s1600/alan+book+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTyzvEfR70inKeG_BDEnEPyF6GVs49Nkh4GpwnrKnSIKGSTMSvySfk53sobC33ZKENdExUTRV5njXQOvpOD4Bcf0kkL3U3FsYhJKjHTiPtSg0p9TB5qfDqhmkHDgsjSb_oLgXOlErVS1dt/s1600/alan+book+036.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">It shows progression; trial and error on the way, revealing his attitude on the making of a garden as a journey, an exploration, rather than one final static product.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_p0boL9zWaceb8NhGEcaKMG7Q4REtv7FdGNU8FgNxLEg5mnrkd2Vi8g3__RVy9_xN_ra2GrLOvREsK8CSvsvvmq76WEJjRVQIl0HUiJSspPfRNLHlj8JoxKuDL_PXA8I6DPeAAioQQAl/s1600/alan+book+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_p0boL9zWaceb8NhGEcaKMG7Q4REtv7FdGNU8FgNxLEg5mnrkd2Vi8g3__RVy9_xN_ra2GrLOvREsK8CSvsvvmq76WEJjRVQIl0HUiJSspPfRNLHlj8JoxKuDL_PXA8I6DPeAAioQQAl/s1600/alan+book+005.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">From early spring...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VxwpPtqLdyAhOBuc_L3Ncgy-1fXH9QeMZERMIFwA_tRgDGANK-Su0nzVOUxnQCH2p-tE8BSPxuAI5Xs4Il0m1jipnFQLxIveOXY0G6hW1UEvWuos3BpbxNuEHxEF6__CQRgEgDuphTZn/s1600/alan+book+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VxwpPtqLdyAhOBuc_L3Ncgy-1fXH9QeMZERMIFwA_tRgDGANK-Su0nzVOUxnQCH2p-tE8BSPxuAI5Xs4Il0m1jipnFQLxIveOXY0G6hW1UEvWuos3BpbxNuEHxEF6__CQRgEgDuphTZn/s1600/alan+book+001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">through to summer...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ukOv-5uOuFqRkE8z0fTp8LCeAUWPaQDKAXyl4imv433YQIDtQtXE5JV5YQ0H3ZN2TPCOm6fKK89uOvakPqcNrUBobwXmchaF7DdAWzMn_wxzSCm7JttRy5_3ScheaeqvpS6RufzsbJB7/s1600/alan+book+030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ukOv-5uOuFqRkE8z0fTp8LCeAUWPaQDKAXyl4imv433YQIDtQtXE5JV5YQ0H3ZN2TPCOm6fKK89uOvakPqcNrUBobwXmchaF7DdAWzMn_wxzSCm7JttRy5_3ScheaeqvpS6RufzsbJB7/s1600/alan+book+030.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">autumn...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprXzHrXalaYxIdJHSOufGMzy5xu1XGz0tnobWRsoPB4FEQUQ1Eptys_NhZcgFG0mYvPuWACrohXM3OIuBNNr4WCSHdVq0CqpN2iNpvjZ67UChpyNykRCtxMCAuTAN_6ECN6E5dMq2bw7m/s1600/alan+book+041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprXzHrXalaYxIdJHSOufGMzy5xu1XGz0tnobWRsoPB4FEQUQ1Eptys_NhZcgFG0mYvPuWACrohXM3OIuBNNr4WCSHdVq0CqpN2iNpvjZ67UChpyNykRCtxMCAuTAN_6ECN6E5dMq2bw7m/s1600/alan+book+041.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">and then deepest winter...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUGZZPba6c3hB4ArdkiYEmqugug8zZEYNU0tOTWciEUe_rcNMu7zNQJsgvBONaT4FoM9EByK8sX9S9o3Uz_4T1rf1lEtGVFLF_DhwIv2WzViirj8R1CVMnEiC3TZGIEzj_2Tt3PUsTW1Z2/s1600/alan+book+045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUGZZPba6c3hB4ArdkiYEmqugug8zZEYNU0tOTWciEUe_rcNMu7zNQJsgvBONaT4FoM9EByK8sX9S9o3Uz_4T1rf1lEtGVFLF_DhwIv2WzViirj8R1CVMnEiC3TZGIEzj_2Tt3PUsTW1Z2/s1600/alan+book+045.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">...along with collections of images comparing shots of the same part of the garden at different times of year...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-c5l6381g1MH6EROpBMA95PbRzIRzVl70tIcwM3FynkPMV0pJlKQgj9SlNEs5x7jqiiKmu9GgspDAtVAZMqUq8_bEBonUYVb3H3ARmGFdrpfP7VWkFnE6rddoF_u2_O05D0yd1ao0Ron/s1600/alan+book+031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-c5l6381g1MH6EROpBMA95PbRzIRzVl70tIcwM3FynkPMV0pJlKQgj9SlNEs5x7jqiiKmu9GgspDAtVAZMqUq8_bEBonUYVb3H3ARmGFdrpfP7VWkFnE6rddoF_u2_O05D0yd1ao0Ron/s1600/alan+book+031.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1849900582/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1849900582&linkCode=as2&tag=modecounstyl-21">My Secret Garden</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=modecounstyl-21&l=as2&o=2&a=1849900582" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />by Alan Titchmarsh is a Modern Country Garden must-have. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4JFrX3krRbi6guh2rlxEzQMAVqwURmP_QsTjEaHLhJCkup8I7zlujJ7eAkJUBxW821rGoYYoe3o4H1ksGNxTQdsjbCWTDtgZtAKk1zrV1VK_TBmNVAVMEbkD-Hhf7lDiq5CT-pPrhBk/s1600/911BDF1E66C2C8003D62774447FCC1C0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xfi351MsyndAYUmxHRkGj61sLDTTHthxjmqP_EqC0iadkaUpjrQDkUditdqsJUO44UYzJMr2L30-6QhSw3rOMyvnZOXIIuWdzCpbKvYZuRqn1fyarc_9lLE6E5bIUsmzFpoY5i9Ie40/s1600/2052BBEDE343AF4A73F6A61C3820B007.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>

My Secret Garden by Alan Titchmarsh: Book Review

Welcome, all Modern Country gardeners. Warning: Your book collection is about to feel very incomplete. Alan Titchmarsh's My Secret Garde...

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Make your own deliciously bespoke pen pot!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">On these bleak January days, it's lovely to have a plethora of crafty ideas to while away long afternoons indoors with or without children. Here's my idea for one such project - your very own gorgeously bespoke pen pot- that is quick, easy and adorably effective. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhefqqtXLI9lJvGGHYZB8qX4f8wQMl5qkS-26999g4FZoBAz36PVeHxipWDBQ2fQ_cxTr1_8xNL5gDYYdGivRw3dBZvYFDGE3PsREk3yYFQZyKtI0x8iyOl3HASpg0euu3VZ2QW4bMcDJc0/s1600/la+pot+065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhefqqtXLI9lJvGGHYZB8qX4f8wQMl5qkS-26999g4FZoBAz36PVeHxipWDBQ2fQ_cxTr1_8xNL5gDYYdGivRw3dBZvYFDGE3PsREk3yYFQZyKtI0x8iyOl3HASpg0euu3VZ2QW4bMcDJc0/s1600/la+pot+065.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">All you need is:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_HjoaKop7asW5CtJwHjgr67SBRq130Od8jLwhRQZuXJ55d7LP8dy_PjaXxW4Wap-DCahMc_1XspDcZ5X0FKg6wqL3pdczHfhesRQQv54gcLiwU6EL9G1-9r4M6p8oH1l0JuPNyGh3tf-d/s1600/la+pot+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_HjoaKop7asW5CtJwHjgr67SBRq130Od8jLwhRQZuXJ55d7LP8dy_PjaXxW4Wap-DCahMc_1XspDcZ5X0FKg6wqL3pdczHfhesRQQv54gcLiwU6EL9G1-9r4M6p8oH1l0JuPNyGh3tf-d/s1600/la+pot+018.JPG" width="426" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A sturdy cardboard pot (step in Whittards Hot Chocolate!)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A strip of delicious wallpaper of your choosing</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Spray adhesive</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Scissors</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEmAn6Iqp2BHw0DQmGmYmljkvjM9vtE86xlHYtD3jRTAQSXZy1lLrsRPjKytHxfMPhEu0BHK7uQvX4REnOtuCvblBczcVzupRY6w8tPxaCd4uq-CJ6uGIpTIzDvVEqqgB4uqVPMXsRS7k/s1600/la+pot+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEmAn6Iqp2BHw0DQmGmYmljkvjM9vtE86xlHYtD3jRTAQSXZy1lLrsRPjKytHxfMPhEu0BHK7uQvX4REnOtuCvblBczcVzupRY6w8tPxaCd4uq-CJ6uGIpTIzDvVEqqgB4uqVPMXsRS7k/s1600/la+pot+021.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">For the wallpaper, I've used <a href="http://www.lauraashley.com/roses-cassis-floral-wallpaper/invt/3534840" target="_blank">Laura Ashley Roses in Cassis</a>. It's a lovely Modern Country update on one of my favourite Laura Ashley patterns. Soft, country roses have been given a fantastic modern twist with the introduction of grey. Yum!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>{and, shhh!, it's now half-price in the sale!}</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here what you need to do...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cut a strip of paper about half an inch taller than your pot....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWGEEsjsyswxZ5j9-VHAEY9PNBboQlpVGm0lzAbyUXrRl8Vpe85GC2pUeDF8hKwJwISktNtQqqo-hEkwU7Nl9oBd5jQVTn5KpCjFvZ88EFaYxMkS2YmEuS0Az8WI9jJD-YTy1DxTt008Zu/s1600/la+pot+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWGEEsjsyswxZ5j9-VHAEY9PNBboQlpVGm0lzAbyUXrRl8Vpe85GC2pUeDF8hKwJwISktNtQqqo-hEkwU7Nl9oBd5jQVTn5KpCjFvZ88EFaYxMkS2YmEuS0Az8WI9jJD-YTy1DxTt008Zu/s1600/la+pot+023.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">...and with enough length for about an inch overlap, folding over the top edge by half an inch. This isn't strictly necessary but gives a lovely finish. .</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMRtdORtz5E8IyLylqbkcYIMzs_YfCL9Cs7Xec9aqmWk5CprjqYqU0Bhe9cFsxzzJps6Mv-5EsTPZBXtQrERfQ1xq1Bm860wPxVW_U93qOmxZgeaLYIcoES01W7U6flxF34FhbxaCfbdX/s1600/la+pot+048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMRtdORtz5E8IyLylqbkcYIMzs_YfCL9Cs7Xec9aqmWk5CprjqYqU0Bhe9cFsxzzJps6Mv-5EsTPZBXtQrERfQ1xq1Bm860wPxVW_U93qOmxZgeaLYIcoES01W7U6flxF34FhbxaCfbdX/s1600/la+pot+048.JPG" width="426" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Following instruction on the can, spray on your adhesive (leaving the top half-inch untouched, if possible) and carefully apply the paper to your pot, with the excess above the rim. Snip down into the paper to a smidgen above the rim of the pot..... </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0VKNDp9jiEefeCrr1K5e1DTfV0D59wGrLKL7w0dJTQsBiGDTnRQIE7EthWN57-tE02EF9uP9zDR2Yj-Ufbp0DjNhyM_Q4y9C2gu6iOq0OZrbmJ5oEec3TjOrr79_W7ajVLweCm_Fw2jSM/s1600/la+pot+053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0VKNDp9jiEefeCrr1K5e1DTfV0D59wGrLKL7w0dJTQsBiGDTnRQIE7EthWN57-tE02EF9uP9zDR2Yj-Ufbp0DjNhyM_Q4y9C2gu6iOq0OZrbmJ5oEec3TjOrr79_W7ajVLweCm_Fw2jSM/s1600/la+pot+053.JPG" width="426" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">...this allows you to neatly tuck down the paper without any ugly creases. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Give it a quick spray of adhesive and press each tab inside your pot.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95nANnWefvN4FWWDyQlPqxRQ1zEW4jKHs0K5BIsA9sRJ6NZak2l7tW6s7pn8zyqopAY_nCj619KefUD3heXwUZz4Cu1ZEOjOh6RBGoHRK7oIRjGRYJ3XErtg_dAlTMf8caz8QH8MoJfJm/s1600/la+pot+057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95nANnWefvN4FWWDyQlPqxRQ1zEW4jKHs0K5BIsA9sRJ6NZak2l7tW6s7pn8zyqopAY_nCj619KefUD3heXwUZz4Cu1ZEOjOh6RBGoHRK7oIRjGRYJ3XErtg_dAlTMf8caz8QH8MoJfJm/s1600/la+pot+057.JPG" width="426" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cut another strip just shorter than the height of the inside of your pot, with enough room for a little overlap, remembering to fold over the top edge.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVoPe-RtLikBYZbZvnfJMdu5Xd6v-h8pWTydBWxb8hRRkQkc5ArrkHa8JfYSJtkWSLkWSk1A0KYiZETp2EkTo1JsIerr06WHnqSZXHaugTUsdje_-pFcxkaHuAwyo8SU7LInzue4T7wfT/s1600/la+pot+050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVoPe-RtLikBYZbZvnfJMdu5Xd6v-h8pWTydBWxb8hRRkQkc5ArrkHa8JfYSJtkWSLkWSk1A0KYiZETp2EkTo1JsIerr06WHnqSZXHaugTUsdje_-pFcxkaHuAwyo8SU7LInzue4T7wfT/s1600/la+pot+050.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Spray it with glue and place on the inside of the pot.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGKVcoCR28bQn5-5pAPHT3vZtyTOfyfr-PiylOL39euk-rAkAx6CUtFavUDKkvTc3qdrlzzj-LKjd0w1kO_AlO4-me6Wqnh57s1dNfCIG5bn2y98PrfvZOxb_L5qO-Fiwz8vmilUEdBM9/s1600/la+pot+058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGKVcoCR28bQn5-5pAPHT3vZtyTOfyfr-PiylOL39euk-rAkAx6CUtFavUDKkvTc3qdrlzzj-LKjd0w1kO_AlO4-me6Wqnh57s1dNfCIG5bn2y98PrfvZOxb_L5qO-Fiwz8vmilUEdBM9/s1600/la+pot+058.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pat yourself on the back! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHV-EGu5kVlq7s-V4U5B_hpYdeitZ7DqBs8xszYZY4R81N8O7n9WU9HwvzYJ_Z3qaTdL5oc6pa4Kx2hzEaBFxiIojDC19SXmFIYQ7Z1C7nnUOMG69qpzc5aBX9tIG3DqArkin9RRQSFui/s1600/la+pot+063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHV-EGu5kVlq7s-V4U5B_hpYdeitZ7DqBs8xszYZY4R81N8O7n9WU9HwvzYJ_Z3qaTdL5oc6pa4Kx2hzEaBFxiIojDC19SXmFIYQ7Z1C7nnUOMG69qpzc5aBX9tIG3DqArkin9RRQSFui/s1600/la+pot+063.JPG" width="426" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">You've created a completely unique Modern Country pen pot!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHUmdBxhcnnyb0ZSTP1GhHG_th3mcrzbSRwJ_lOFcsmof_K8pQHOijBdcGVudfHp-AOlAPsOb4QE9alsuKPNMjwXFAwXlY_fKNLkjm21FS3WzHXANlLNw2JehyxNGyFwf4y9EYPG60s3J/s1600/la+pot+064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHUmdBxhcnnyb0ZSTP1GhHG_th3mcrzbSRwJ_lOFcsmof_K8pQHOijBdcGVudfHp-AOlAPsOb4QE9alsuKPNMjwXFAwXlY_fKNLkjm21FS3WzHXANlLNw2JehyxNGyFwf4y9EYPG60s3J/s1600/la+pot+064.JPG" width="426" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Doesn't this <a href="http://www.lauraashley.com/roses-cassis-floral-wallpaper/invt/3534840" target="_blank">Laura Ashley Roses wallpaper</a> make you hungry for a review of the best garden book in the world <i>EVER</i>? </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Coming right up!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4JFrX3krRbi6guh2rlxEzQMAVqwURmP_QsTjEaHLhJCkup8I7zlujJ7eAkJUBxW821rGoYYoe3o4H1ksGNxTQdsjbCWTDtgZtAKk1zrV1VK_TBmNVAVMEbkD-Hhf7lDiq5CT-pPrhBk/s1600/911BDF1E66C2C8003D62774447FCC1C0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xfi351MsyndAYUmxHRkGj61sLDTTHthxjmqP_EqC0iadkaUpjrQDkUditdqsJUO44UYzJMr2L30-6QhSw3rOMyvnZOXIIuWdzCpbKvYZuRqn1fyarc_9lLE6E5bIUsmzFpoY5i9Ie40/s1600/2052BBEDE343AF4A73F6A61C3820B007.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>

Make your own deliciously bespoke pen pot!

On these bleak January days, it's lovely to have a plethora of crafty ideas to while away long afternoons indoors with or without childr...

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Shaker-Style Home Tour

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">In the dark depth's of January, something deep inside me wants to reflect the grey skies, and ragged views, by paring right back, returning to nature, and enjoying, even revelling, in starker interiors, which are all the more beautiful for their bare-boned simplicity.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hence today's Shaker-style home tour....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="painted country kitchen" src="http://decoratorsnotebook.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/223983781437443657_jncmhl8h_c.jpg?w=490&h=735" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="simple rustic living room" src="http://decoratorsnotebook.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/223983781437388793_zhqbypzw_c.jpg?w=490&h=735" /><img alt="ironstone crockery display" src="http://decoratorsnotebook.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/223983781437394739_ysk9agte_c.jpg?w=490&h=735" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="vintage kitchen linen" src="http://decoratorsnotebook.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/223983781437486832_sjrbrj7d_c.jpg?w=490&h=735" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="country style home" src="http://decoratorsnotebook.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/223983781437444535_9m3uavbm_c.jpg?w=490&h=735" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="shelf storage with baskets" src="http://decoratorsnotebook.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/223983781437456416_jhiuip46_c.jpg?w=490&h=735" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="simple hallway natural colours" src="http://decoratorsnotebook.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/223983781437425275_qti98s9i_c.jpg?w=490&h=735" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="simple country bedroom" src="http://decoratorsnotebook.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/223983781437399222_g3vwdhib_c.jpg?w=490&h=735" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="painted wardrobe country style bedroom" src="http://decoratorsnotebook.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/223983781438114919_vbewxmvj_c.jpg?w=490" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="puritan style country bedroom" src="http://decoratorsnotebook.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/223983781438605893_y0cor9c5_c.jpg?w=490" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="bedroom with American quilt" src="http://decoratorsnotebook.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/223983781437448489_vci2yazh_c.jpg?w=490&h=735" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="asters in september" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ae/89/04/ae89047fd27b2415c35d9db132770789.jpg" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="wooden farmhouse Ohio" src="http://decoratorsnotebook.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/223983781437583782_nmbddkvl_c.jpg?w=490&h=326" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The owner, Phoebe Troyer, says, her home</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"<span style="color: #6c6c6c; line-height: 26px;">was designed and built by my wonderful husband and decorated by me. I love it. But mostly I love my home because of the people I share it with and because Jesus Christ is, and always will be, the center."</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I love that.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4JFrX3krRbi6guh2rlxEzQMAVqwURmP_QsTjEaHLhJCkup8I7zlujJ7eAkJUBxW821rGoYYoe3o4H1ksGNxTQdsjbCWTDtgZtAKk1zrV1VK_TBmNVAVMEbkD-Hhf7lDiq5CT-pPrhBk/s1600/911BDF1E66C2C8003D62774447FCC1C0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xfi351MsyndAYUmxHRkGj61sLDTTHthxjmqP_EqC0iadkaUpjrQDkUditdqsJUO44UYzJMr2L30-6QhSw3rOMyvnZOXIIuWdzCpbKvYZuRqn1fyarc_9lLE6E5bIUsmzFpoY5i9Ie40/s1600/2052BBEDE343AF4A73F6A61C3820B007.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>

Shaker-Style Home Tour

In the dark depth's of January, something deep inside me wants to reflect the grey skies, and ragged views, by paring right back, return...

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The Howard Sofa: A Modern Country Classic

<div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I recently received this request for help...</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div><h5 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15.555556297302246px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}" style="line-height: 1.38;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Dear Sarah,</span></span></h5><h5 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15.555556297302246px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="line-height: 1.38;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">We are at last contemplating buying 2 new sofas and ditching our 19 and 25 year olds! Oh the joy! But what style to go for? Not leather, classic to last another 20 years, but modern to fit in with my dream house, that hopefully we will find in 2014. As yet I haven't found one that features some gorgeous, comfy, but modern country styles! Please help!! Cindyx</span></span></h5></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 1.38;"><span style="font-size: large;">You're in luck! I know just the ticket....</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.38;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjglS2dLGR8UkGOEfm_06wn1FhhDN-M65M_pcDazCD4jPAyywpfkrmVzh15ExH_ujOvkc07ibmJ6dmoUGH2vYQIRehgRjaMIubkG64uQ7BvknH_FP4He9QWN_hDOfH7OiDk0HgCCP19aIjT/s1600/South+Shore+Decorating+Blog.jpg1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjglS2dLGR8UkGOEfm_06wn1FhhDN-M65M_pcDazCD4jPAyywpfkrmVzh15ExH_ujOvkc07ibmJ6dmoUGH2vYQIRehgRjaMIubkG64uQ7BvknH_FP4He9QWN_hDOfH7OiDk0HgCCP19aIjT/s640/South+Shore+Decorating+Blog.jpg1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 1.38;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have three words for you, Cindy: The Howard Sofa....</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="The Howard Sofa from The Sofa and Chair Company" height="450" src="http://www.theartofbespoke.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/SofaChair_09.jpg" style="font-size: x-large;" width="640" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 1.38;"><span style="font-size: large;">...uber-stylish but completely timeless; </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Symons Sofa | The White Company" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/8a/b0/a1/8ab0a11a5102882700a1b5a80755e4e3.jpg" style="font-size: x-large;" width="640" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 1.38;"><span style="font-size: large;">I will never, in a gazillion years, get bored with this look. Mainly because with the Howard sofa, there isn't really one look. By picking carefully with your upholstery fabric, you can go be a thoroughly Modern Miss....</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.38;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnMzXY0QpD41mChPUkZ-U5xu-K1FKV3T2hnPr2p5kTBIOwOu9ySx4asZ3UR3wDjU7vmHTasRp3-TCMo72cboovHXYDtAJ31sg95513n4F16ldVbQFr7NUAbOwjrvlgAdqredWPTu4w1xR/s1600/00162976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnMzXY0QpD41mChPUkZ-U5xu-K1FKV3T2hnPr2p5kTBIOwOu9ySx4asZ3UR3wDjU7vmHTasRp3-TCMo72cboovHXYDtAJ31sg95513n4F16ldVbQFr7NUAbOwjrvlgAdqredWPTu4w1xR/s640/00162976.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">or a cosy comfy Country chick...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8WxgEX2pzvkySVllwOmm42yNLsxhQN6Eo5QQRFN5uW6tOBlnsdZCvm34ucrt8tabHKVk1Y8dxcIE0gNzBqU9v967dhlWlhVXqYreug_JoI5JCba8oP51_N5LPCT07T1SPY5CBwajBZDFw/s1600/1001600_72dpi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8WxgEX2pzvkySVllwOmm42yNLsxhQN6Eo5QQRFN5uW6tOBlnsdZCvm34ucrt8tabHKVk1Y8dxcIE0gNzBqU9v967dhlWlhVXqYreug_JoI5JCba8oP51_N5LPCT07T1SPY5CBwajBZDFw/s640/1001600_72dpi.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 26.399999618530273px;">Howard sofas strike the perfect balance between gorgeous looks and utter practicality. They are large. They are inviting. And they are super-squishy. Perfect for snuggling up on these cold January days, with a blanket, a favourite magazine and a big mug of something delcious.</span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOI2AWMNAOQNinUMZA_lK8mm_Y9uemesOktblnbmN_k73n2bOkKgiIbhxeJ-nx_1N91Tr9WQfzZJ3zExHb_HQs6nNtsb2KU4B2yiweXimaPetDVtABdtYQYeYqfB63ayjMF25gvl-4tgzO/s1600/beachcomber26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOI2AWMNAOQNinUMZA_lK8mm_Y9uemesOktblnbmN_k73n2bOkKgiIbhxeJ-nx_1N91Tr9WQfzZJ3zExHb_HQs6nNtsb2KU4B2yiweXimaPetDVtABdtYQYeYqfB63ayjMF25gvl-4tgzO/s640/beachcomber26.jpg" width="456" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Howard sofa manages to embody reassuring chunkiness with curvaceous elegance, making it a Modern Country design classic.</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="640" src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ldqovyKFwr1qepyoc.png" style="font-size: x-large;" width="526" /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">However, do be reassured that it is A. Good. Thing. to be cautious about buying big items. These are pieces that will need to last you for years and years and years. Take the time to get it right and you will be smiling contentedly every time you kick back and flop into the soft, welcoming embrace of your chosen sofa. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Good luck!</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4JFrX3krRbi6guh2rlxEzQMAVqwURmP_QsTjEaHLhJCkup8I7zlujJ7eAkJUBxW821rGoYYoe3o4H1ksGNxTQdsjbCWTDtgZtAKk1zrV1VK_TBmNVAVMEbkD-Hhf7lDiq5CT-pPrhBk/s1600/911BDF1E66C2C8003D62774447FCC1C0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xfi351MsyndAYUmxHRkGj61sLDTTHthxjmqP_EqC0iadkaUpjrQDkUditdqsJUO44UYzJMr2L30-6QhSw3rOMyvnZOXIIuWdzCpbKvYZuRqn1fyarc_9lLE6E5bIUsmzFpoY5i9Ie40/s1600/2052BBEDE343AF4A73F6A61C3820B007.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Images via: South Shore Decorating, The Sofa and Chair Company, The White Company, unkown, unknown, Beach Comber, Abigail Ahern</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>

The Howard Sofa: A Modern Country Classic

I recently received this request for help... Dear Sarah, We are at last contemplating buying 2 new sofas and ditching our 19 and 25 year old...

Read more »