Tuesday, August 30, 2011

All Things Homespun...the faux mink throw...more bohemian bedroom thoughts...

On my Tray of Bliss today is the next step in the Divas Bohemian Bedroom.

The Faux Mink Throw.

Luxurious fabrics, even in smallish amounts give the whole Gypsy/Bohemian look a new spin.

 I'm chanelling the new Red Riding Hood movie, Vikings, the Clan of the Cave Bear, luxury cave stuff.

What could be more luxurious than a 'genuine' fur throw. The one above is extraordinarily expensive, but look at the one I whipped up for just $60 from a few well chosen remnants....


The greatest expense was the faux blonde mink...the pretty jacquard satin lining was next to nix. The velvety plush fur is a joy to snuggle beneath on a chilly night too.

Faux fur cushions, chenille throws, feather boas all add a sensual touch that is irresistible. Go on, add a touch of Bohemian lush to your bedroom.

What's on your Tray of Bliss today?

Monday, August 29, 2011

All Things Homespun...the crochet rug...more on the Boho Bedroom..





On my Tray of Bliss today is a new take on the crochet Afghan rug, another element in the Divas Bohemian Bedroom.

These were all the rage back in the 70's and groups of teens could be found everywhere, madly crocheting enough little squares to make a bedspread.

Oddly, most of us only ever accumulated enough squares for a cushion, but the intent was there.

Of course, we used recycled wool, unravelled from old jumpers, and the colour choices were limited according to what your little brother had grown out of that year. So needless to say, some of the finished products were eye popping...and not in a good way!

This one is pretty though isn't it, and just the thing to add to the Divas growing collection of Bohemian treasures. We get to use this vintage one, crocheted by Great Grandma. It's more in the form of the aforementioned eye-popping colour range, but I think that might just be okay.

What do you think?

...Mimi...



Friday, August 26, 2011

All Things Homespun...more Gypsy Bohemian Bedroom Inspiration...inspiring elements


On my Tray of Bliss today, more Bohemian Bedroom ideas.

I'm trying to define the elements of this look so that Mademoiselle can replicate this look faithfully for her room.

Rich colours and textures are the focus in this first one, seen above. Not for the faint hearted, I'm thinking. But okay, so rich textures and colours added to the list...check.


A whimsical round bed (how does one not fall off at night I wonder?), with an equally whimsical canopy tied into rosebuds to keep it aloft during the day. The round bed I cannot do, but a dreamy canopy with whimsical touches I can...check.



Clearly, this is an anything goes style. The one pictured here is actually the interior of a Gypsy caravan, I think. Rococco, Baroque, Victoriana touches all noted....check.

This style is really a bit busy for todays minimalist decor, but maybe that's why my daughter and I love it. It's a happy jumble of well worn and cozy.

Lots of luxe fabric, cosy throws, worn surfaces and cuddly cushions are the order of the day.

Just the antidote for a frantic world. This is not a style for someone who worries about cleaning. Clearly the dusting and airing alone will give someone (me) a days work a month at least.

But it's worth it for the sake of a haven to come home to for a young daughter.

What's on your Tray of Bliss today?


Thursday, August 25, 2011

All Things Homespum...Bohemian Chic Style...


On my Tray of Bliss today is a plan to renovate my daughters bedroom.

Well, truthfully, it's her brothers' old room, and she's about to inherit it.

We've talked a lot about the style she'd like, and we've tossed around Shabby Chic, American Country, and French Provincial. None of them were 'quite' what she was after.

Then we accidentally stumbled upon Bohemian Chic.

Ahhhh...yesss.

More colourful than Shabby Chic, more relaxed than any of the other styles. Formerly called Eclectic or Gypsy, this style allows a freedom of colour and the choice to combine old and new pieces into a pretty, fantasy design.

Now, her room will not be wallpapered like the one heading this post...husband dear would have a coronary!



Possibly more like this pretty one.

We already have much of the furniture and accessories for just this very look....all scooped up at the thrift shop or on eBay.

Wrought iron bedhead   $20

Patchwork quilts x 4 purchased as vintage quilts on eBay...$50  Note: These are listed as 'topper' or 'cutter' quilts, and are wonderfully worn and soft and have a true vintage bohemian feel. They are also a glorious bargain and a secret that should be shared!

Chandelier wall lights   $10

Hoop and net for over the bed $25

Glass and brass gooseneck lamp with beaded fringe forming black and pink roses  $35

Faded Vintage Ballet Print..large  $20

Vintage satin peach coloured quilted bed jacket to hang on the wall  $15

Lots of other knick knacks that she has collected from travelling and thrift shopping will be on display and we'll add to the theme as we go along.

Now that we've clarified our thinking, I see that this was 'her' all along. And the fabulous thing is that this is a wonderfully frugal style to emulate. No big budget required!

A very special girly room for my theatrical, funny, earthy, loving little Diva.

Can't wait to get started. Stay tuned. Photos to follow in the next few weeks!

We're both soooo excited!

What's on your Tray of Bliss today?