Explore Polyvore

Polyvore is one of those great websites you can get lost on for hours, creating virtual mood boards for interiors or fashion. Here is one of mine. Explore at www.polyvore.com

Cape Town; The Old Biscuit Mill, Woodstock

On saturday I was lucky enough to visit The Old Biscuit Mill in the Woodstock area of Cape Town. This local market was set up in, literally, an old biscuit mill on the outskirts of the city, and has become a hub for creatives from all over South Africa. 

There are design shops selling local art, crafts and design, art and printing workshops, bars, cafe's and restaurants (including the lovely 'Burrata', and world renowned 'Test Kitchen' and 'Pot Luck Club').

The market on a saturday, Neighbourhood Goods Market, is a lively and bustling market selling amazingly hand crafted food and drinks. From home-grown honey comb to wood fired pizza's, there is a plethora of produce available to try. The only problem may be how much you can manage!

Design Detail; Cafe Lighting

I'm in sunny Cape Town at the moment, where cafe culture is a huge part of the city, with beautiful interiors and design details everywhere. This cafe had some 60's flower power style lights, which added a design detail worth noting. This look could be used on an old lampshade you may have in your house for an instant update and an injection of fun into a space.

Inspiring Interiors: Calming Monochrome

Don't get me wrong, I don't dislike colour, but I find quite a lot that monochrome schemes always appeal to me, as they always look refreshing, calm and above all, stylish. Texture is an easy way of adding interest into a room when there is little colour. A white background means the space is light and bright, and the layers of sleek black lines draw the eye to the details here. Sheepskin rugs, patterned cushions, metal accents, graphic grey scale prints and plants add to the overall beautiful Scandinavian style of this room.

The living room of  Nina Holst of Stylizimo as featured in My Scandinavian Home

The Great Interior Design Challenge

I love this programme, it reminds me so much of that old gem 'Changing Rooms'! Lots of brilliant upcycling ideas and some amazing spaces created. Catch up on the series at www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer

Brightening a room with flowers

Some of the best things in life are simple, and one thing for any space that I think works is displaying cut flowers or foliage. Whether you live in a tiny flat or a mansion, they will brighten up any sized room and bring the outside in (especially good for city dwellers). I found these lovely hydrangea's (a miniature variety) at a market.

Lighting Upcycle

These living room lights and wallpaper were looking quite dated, and after I painted the walls a pale grey colour, I decided to paint the metal lights a similar grey to complement the wall. I also bought new lampshades to match, used a metal paint from Wilko's (they have better colour selection in metal and wood paints than even Homebase!), and lampshades from Ikea to give a warm light and also keep costs down. The metal needed two coats but went on well without a primer. All in all a great upcycle, which saved a fair bit of money!

Before (left) // After (right)

Welcome!

Hello and welcome to Upcycling Interiors! I aim to bring together interiors that I am working on, my inspirations, DIY projects and most of all, upcycling of everything and anything! I hope you enjoy!