Taking inspiration from Hollywood's finest who turn to method acting in order to secure an amazing performance, last weekend, Paul and I turned to method drinking in order to get in to character and secure an amazing home bar. Yes, gin and tonic in hand, we went online shopping for the latest addition to our new abode. And, it was a huge success ... very similar to prosecco purchase roulette but with clearer goals. I can definitely recommend it.
Some might say that with so much to do in the house, a bar should be lower down on our list of priorities.
Actually, no.
No one I know would say that.
Anyway, let me introduce you to the bar of dreams ... the KRAFT metal bar from Maisons du Monde. It's £216.50's worth of urban, industrial styling. Perhaps not the the expected choice for a countryside home in North Wales but I couldn't resist it. I mean, look at it. It's almost as if it were made for the little nook in our living room.
I really did think about going a little more country and a touch more beige in this house, but once again, my true character won out. I like a bit of a mis-match and a whole lot of colour. And a nod to the traditional, but in an eclectic way. Does that even make sense? Basically, I like what I like and I don't mind all that much if what I like doesn't really match.
How much of a joy is the print on the wall? It's called The Warriors and is by Joe Vass. The colours couldn't be more amazing. I bought it after spotting it several times on Emma Jane Palin's mantlepiece. I've been waiting months for a reason and a place to buy it for. Finally! In case you're wondering, I took the glass out of the frame because the reflection was diluting the colours (and not because glass is awkward to photograph well, ahem).
Spot the cute little succulent? It was a Mother's Day gift from The Little Botanical. It arrived just a couple of days after we moved house and was a joy to receive after giving away all of the 'good luck in your new home' flowers family and friends had called round with but that I couldn't find vases for (they were in the last box I unpacked, wouldn't you just know it).
Also taking pride of place is the Monty digital radio from VQ. I took over their InstaStories last weekend and they kindly sent it to me to feature. All gin bars need good music, right? I'd like to tell you that we've been listening to something really cool but I've mainly been using the Bluetooth option to stream The Greatest Showman soundtrack from iTunes. Please don't judge me. Occasionally I play London Grammar, too. VQ have given me a 10 percent discount code (LOVELY10) so if you fancy a new radio, why not take advantage?
I've had a few emails and comments recently asking if I can take a step back and share wider room photos. Apparently, I take too many close ups (I'm really open to feedback like this - always feel free to email or ask if you want to know or see something). I hope the picture above gives you a better feel for the space. It's sometimes tricky to take full room shots. I might need a new camera lens to get everything in.
So, the bar lives in the corner of our 'grown up' living room behind the sitting area where the TV and fireplace are. My current plan is to paint the walls white but I really don't know what to do about curtain (or blind) colours. It's a decision for a couple of months times unless any of you have any thoughts? I also need a super large rug and lights.
But really, they can wait, too.
After all, when you have a bar as cool as this, very little else matters, right?
Cheers!
