Amazing Design Idea

Brittany Groundhouse

This design was featured on Grand Designs UK years ago and I haven't been able to get it out of my head..I found it amazing then and still think it's amazing now.  The Brittany Groundhouse is just outside Balleroy, France.

http://www.greengite.com/to-rent/brittany-groundhouse/

There are so many aspects to this house that draw me to it, particularly the fact that it is a one of a kind, solar eco house that is set in organic gardens (DREAM HOUSE!!)

What you see above is a recycled glass wall which separates the lounge and bathroom.  When they were constructing this Kris and I were thinking 'what the hell??'  It looked so messy and rough, what were they thinking??  But then as the episode continued and the final result came out we were absolutely amazed.  The reason for the wall is to let in natural light and apparently it provides a stunning light towards evening.  They have a few bottles scattered above doorways through the house itself which I think is a little overkill.  I would love to emulate something like this in my own house, maybe even in an outdoor area..



Seaside

The idea of having a 'beach theme' to anything gives me shivers.  Think pelican statues, blue and white stripes, giant anchors, shells, starfish and sand.  It's too much and it's unnecessary!! 

Because we live near the beach and it plays such a big part of our lives, especially weekends with our dog.  I would like to share a few ways that we bring a little bit of the beach into our house without it being OTT..

Shells - Over the years we have collected so many shells that we have a couple of jars that we keep around the house that I always empty Kris' pockets into after a beach trip.  Typically I'll go for the pretty ones and Kris searches for 'rare' shells.  I am always looking for white shells, you can have them in jars and it looks quite nice.

Candles - This is a candle combination that we have 2 of on our coffee table.. I specifically have shells that are only black and white in the bottom.  I think this look can be way overdone so I've kept it as simple as I can, and the candles smell divine.










This is another little candle and shell combo, this one is on our dining table.  We have a really small table so I needed something really small to put on it.  The ceramic tray was from a winery in the Hunter Valley, a gift from my mother in law.  There are so many beautiful shells in this little collection.  I put the prettiest ones I have found in this and my Nieces and Nephews are always going through it picking out their 'favourite'.








Navy - The colour navy is a good alternative to doing the nautical looking stripes.  My idea is to incorporate navy into the bathroom, its fitting and easy to find accesories that match. 

I am bursting with ideas for this blog, I hope those reading are finding it interesting.. Em