D'Office in its current state

Anyway, enough moaning about positive problems, the real issue is that I’m having a major indecisive moment and I could really use some help. We have painted my office white (what other colour is there really?) but there is a small wall at the back of the room (see above) that I would like to wallpaper. The trouble is that I am torn between two wallpapers. I know, as problems go it’s a pretty pathetic one but I need to make a decision quicksmart so that I can move into my office and clean up the mess because while my home and office are in complete disarray so too is my mind.

Ferm Living Feather Wallpaper

I just love the Feather wallpaper by Ferm Living (above), which is a deep dark petrol blue colour with a large white feather print. But I also love their Black Fir Tree wallpaper (below), and I think that the monochrome look would also really suit the room. My desk is light grey and used to have black legs but in a fit of over-excitement I sprayed the legs white! Basically, the desk is irrelevant because it can be changed/replaced/upgraded/chucked in a skip, whatever!

Ferm Living Black Fir Tree Wallpaper

I also bought a fabulous vintage black anglepoise lamp (below) and until I can afford a lovely big Mac (eh, that’d be of the Apple variety not the McDonalds variety), my monitor for now is big and black. The accessories are making me lean towards the Black Fir Tree paper, however, the accessories are easy to change, the wallpaper not so.

If I had been in any way organised I would have created a mood board but I’m not so I haven’t. Did I mention the chaos? Please help! I need a decision ASAP before I go DEMENTED.

Birdie Wallsticker - Violet €34.50

It gives me great joy to announce our precious new arrival to the world – our Kids & Babies section! It’s been a while in the offing but Mabel & Violet are very proud aunts indeed and can be found busily fussing over the little mite, oohing and aahing at every turn.

Animal Farm Wallpaper €67.00 per roll

We currently have colourful wall stickers and wallpaper from the ever cool danish ferm LIVING KIDS range , moveable wall stickers from Australian brand Little Chipipi and the gorgeous A to Z Print from the wonderful Dublin design studio of Paper Bird.

Animal Alphabet Wall Sticker €59.00

This is just the beginning though, there are plenty more lovely products for little ones on the way so watch this space!

Paper Bird A to Z Print €25.00

]]> http://www.mabelandviolet.com/blog/new-kids-section-in-the-shop/feed/ 1 http://www.mabelandviolet.com/blog/delightful-bunting-surprise/ http://www.mabelandviolet.com/blog/delightful-bunting-surprise/#comments Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:16:54 +0000 Paula @ Mabel & Violet http://www.mabelandviolet.com/blog/?p=1031

What’s in a name? That which we call a rose… this beautiful bunting that’s what Bill! While going through the new arrivals of bespoke bunting for some customers the other day, I stumbled across this pretty piece with my name on it, both figuratively and literally! And there was a note from my lovely friend Aoife who creates this bunting by hand, wishing me a belated happy birthday. She is so sweet and so is my new bunting, which is taking pride of place above my office desk and it gives me a little lift every time I look up. It also reminds me that spring is just around the corner, yippee!

So anyway, in the immortal words of the lovely Mary Fitzgerald…here’s one I made earlier (I’ll bet Mary didn’t actually make hers either)! I bought this one in my local florist at the Dublin 4 price of €12.00. Then all you need are:

2 large oranges

6 cinnamon sticks

6 small baubles

1 large bauble

Needle & thread

Twine & scissors

To decorate it I sliced up some large oranges and baked the slices in the oven at 180 degrees C for approx. 30 – 40 minutes turning them over halfway through. When the oranges were cool I added a whole clove to every second segment. Then I attached/sewed them to the wreath using a needle and thread. Using twine, I then attached the cinnamon sticks to the wreath and wrapped small Christmas baubles around them. I used these Silvered Glass Baubles. Lastly, I added the co-ordinating large bauble to the bottom of the wreath…at voila!

These wreaths are also a great way to add a festive touch to an autumn/winter wedding, perfect for hanging around the reception venue, decorating the church windows or even used as table centrepieces. Just pop a large pillar candle in the centre and hey presto!

Handmade Christmas Bunting - HoHoHo €24.00

We have the most fabulous range of Christmas bunting that has been handmade with love by Nola Gifts especially for Mabel & Violet. There are four different styles and not only will it jazz up your own home this Christmas but it would make the most adorable gift. In fact it would make the most thoughtful and perfect gift for the person who is playing host to you for Christmas this year….much better than another ponsietta anyway!

Handmade Christmas Bunting - Santa Baby €28.00

Hurry though, last orders in time for Christmas are looming….

Dublin: 22nd December 2009

Rest of Ireland & Northern Ireland: 20th December 2009

Great Britain: 17th December 2009

Handmade Christmas Bunting - Happy Christmas €36.00

Handmade Christmas Bunting - Rudolph €24.00

I received a lovely email from another satisfied customer yesterday and to my delight she had even attached a couple of photos of her purchase in action! Thanks Jeni and thanks also for letting me share these images here. Jeni bought one of the World Map Wall Stickers €77.95 by Ferm LIVING and I think it looks great in her hallway. She says that this part of her home is still under construction but I think it looks great already.

I find that hallways are always difficult to decorate because, let’s face it, we don’t spend too much time hanging out in the hall do we? But on the other hand, the hallway sets the tone for the rest of the house and should create some sort of an impact for guests. That’s why I think Jeni has really hit a right note with this wall sticker because it adds drama to the relatively small hallway without being overpowering. She also says that it’s a real talking point for guests so tick and tick!

Wallpaper can add texture, depth and warmth to a space but you needn’t limit it to walls. Wallpaper can also make a great addition to the surface of a coffee table, the front of a chest of drawers or even on a set of stairs, thanks to Shawna from Design in Dublin

Wallstickers and wall decals are also a really inexpensive, super quick and easy way to change the feel of a room and they can usually be removed in case you change your mind or want to take them with you when you move.

Kitchen cupboards can be updated with a lick of paint and some new doorknobs. In fact, adding new doorknobs to any piece of furniture will instantly and inexpensively update it.