At this time of year, when we all tend to over-indulge and often become a little emotional, finding a quiet corner away from the hubbub of family and friends, is a perfect way to escape. Perhaps to read, think, look out of the window or, if it’s your thing, browse the internet. I, for example, have been watching many of the DVD screeners sent to me by BAFTA (of which I am a member) ready to vote on the film category. With my well documented passion for cinema on this blog I am, as you can imagine, in seventh heaven. But one of my other interests is interiors. I have always been very affected by the spaces I inhabit, be they my own living or work spaces, in fact anything I set foot in really. I have never understood how some people just don’t seem to be at all interested by the rooms they occupy. There is a novel by the author Anthony Powell entitled ‘Books Do Furnish a Room’...
That title has always been a mantra
for me when it comes to making a room. I spent ten years of my professional
life in the enjoyable world of publishing, consequently I have always had books
surrounding me. I think my love was heightened because, as a child, there were
no books in our house. To counter this I would spend hours in the local library
just to be with them. There is a certain atmosphere and smell about books –
like a favourite weathered jumper. I feel the same about any bookshop new or
second hand. But in this age of the mighty Amazon the bookshop is an endangered
species. My books have travelled with me through eight houses and two
divorces. They have been the constant in my life. Even when I pledge to stop
buying them I find myself arriving home with yet more.
In my view an empty room should always start with a book shelf, followed
quickly by low-level lighting, a rug or two, a good radio and a comfortable
chair - the basics to create an atmosphere of tranquillity and the beginnings
of a home.
There is no need to spend a fortune either. A little imagination and
a keen eye at local junk shops can unearth many possibilities, and is a thrifty
and environmentally friendly way of solving the problem of decoration. This is
the kind of thing I mean…
The above images and many more can be found on a wonderful blog of Emma Fexues a
woman who seems to live and breath imaginative interiors and is one of my
favourite sites. Have a look for yourself here So if you do nothing else over
this coming year take a look at the spaces you inhabit. Remember you spend good
part of your days and nights there. So why not use them effectively and with
more emotion? When you return from a trip and you open your door do you feel that
it’s you special home? Or just a place where you hang your hat?