Pottery

If I were to boil everything down to my number one passion it would be interior design. I always find myself sitting and mentally redecorating rooms. It doesn't matter where I am: other people's houses (sorry! But if you want to enlist my services, I'm available), the doctor's surgery, cafes, anywhere.

I've mentioned before that I did a diploma in interior design. I enjoyed most of it (although scale drawing was a bit of a challenge) and I follow interiors blogs and occasionally treat myself to a magazine or two.

I also keep a folder of images torn out from said magazines, and back when Joe's room was an office there was a big inspiration board with all kinds of lovely scraps pinned to it. Now I have that in virtual form thanks to Pinterest, but I do miss having the other one up on the wall to gaze at.

We're going here next weekend. I'm really looking forward to it (and will no doubt be writing a post with plenty of photos). Over the years I've changed my decorating style as we all do. I've been into the whole 'shabby chic' look, the faded French country look, the Carrie-from-Sex-and-the-City's-apartment look. More recently I like mid-century and Scandinavian design. I've found a mixture of styles punctuated with things you love is the best way to go.

Of course, with the house being on the market, we've gone for mainly white but that's no bad thing as we can quickly change things around with ornaments and soft furnishings. 

One thing I have a Thing for is pottery. I just gravitate towards it, and there are some great finds to be had in charity shops and at car boot sales. It's often the one item I bring back from holiday, like this big mug from the Greek island of Kassiopi. It's perfect for hot chocolate or an extra-large cup of builder's tea.

This vase is from the gallery in Ramsbottom (now sadly closed - the man who ran it reminded me of my old art teacher and I hope he's moved somewhere nice and arty like St Ives). BTW - I photographed it in the same spot as the mug as this weekend is so dark and gloomy, and the kitchen's the brightest room.

I was given this vase by Jay's mum for Christmas. I love the design and colours - and the fact that it compliments our rescued '60s sideboard and G Plan units.

Although I'm not really a 'knick knack' person, I suspect there will be plenty of temptation next weekend at the Home Show. Must remember, 'vintage' means 'at a premium'... best sticking to the charity shops methinks.