Changing my mentality about rentals...

Image via

Over the past few weeks, I've been trying to change my mentality about renting my flat. For a long time I've thought of it as a temporary situation - something to do the job of keeping a roof over my head until I was in a position to purchase my own property. That approach however always left me feeling vaguely dissatisfied with my little flat - I was overly conscious of the magnolia wall colour, the limitations on storage, the inability to change anything of a permanent nature...And when one spends a 'reasonable' amount of time reading decorating/design blogs, well it all adds up to a little dissatisfaction with one's home surroundings...


But, over the past few weeks I've come to the realisation that with the financial climate in the UK, and the increasingly uncertain nature of the banking/finance sector, is likely to mean that I am staying put in my little flat for a little longer than I had originally anticipated. So, rather than focusing on all of its negative attributes, I'm choosing instead to focus on what small changes I can make that demonstrates that I value this little corner of my world. After all, I am fortunate enough in the current financial situation to have a secure job, one that affords me the opportunity to rent a little space for myself in a very pretty corner of London...there are many others who are not nearly in as fortunate a position.


So, this weekend, I finally made it to my local DIY store to stock up on some supplies to tackle a few little projects that had been sitting on my 'to-do' list, but which I had been lacking inspiration to start.


So here is my list of tasks to tick off over the coming weeks/months...

Image via The Painted Hive

I've been planning an attempt on this ikea hack ever since Kristine first shared her fabulous makeover on The Painted Hive. It took such a long time for my local Ikea to have these little drawers back in stock (perhaps everyone had the same idea??), but I've now acquired a set for myself and am all set to start my own little transformation. I'm thinking they will be a perfect solution for storage of all of my electronic cables (phone, camera etc)...

Image via Everyday Occasions

I've recently discovered this beautiful food, entertaining and lifestyle blog by Jenny Steffens Hobick....and was so very taken by her baking cabinet...all of that order and symmetry is so appealing to me. So, I think a little pantry reorganisation may be in order...

Image via Emily Clark

And probably the biggest job on my list is to paint a set of bookshelves (isn't this picture of Emily Clark's home office beautiful?). I was forced to retire two tall Ikea Billy bookshelves a few months ago, as by placing 6 years worth of research articles and textbooks on to them finally proved too much and they were collapsing under the strain. I managed to find a lovely wide pine bookcase on preloved, which is actually a much better size for my flat, but have yet to paint it. I'm planning white shelves with a pale grey back to make the books and objects stand out a little better. I'm having to psych myself up a little for this task, as painting furniture inside one's home (I have no outside space), is an exercise in anxiety for me as I am always terrified that I am going to knock over the paint tin on the carpet...

So, I'd best make a start...

PS. Julie - many thanks for the tip with regards to Sibella Court's book - it is already sitting in my shopping basket on amazon!