INTERIORS – Page 2 – Home at Rose Cottage – Northern Irish Lifestyle Blog

Hello there!

Anyone who loves a good transformation…you are in for such a treat with this blog post! I have been bursting with excitement to share this with you all as I know you will love it as much as I do….

First I want to introduce you to the 2 amazing local, family run businesses who brought the magic to life!

Quarry Store

With over 50 years in business, excellent customer service and high quality products, the Quarrystore is hard to beat! They are based just outside Ballymena, but deliver all over Northern Ireland and the UK. Their amazing online store is so easy to navigate and purchase from, and they have recently opened a picture perfect display area, where you can view all of the products available. This area is great for giving you ideas and to see what is possible in your own home! It really is a ‘one stop shop’ for all home improvements, DIY, landscaping and gardening projects.

Stephen Gibson Paving

Covering a 40 mile radius of Ballymena, Stephen Gibson Paving has over 30 years experience. They provide free quotes and are porcelain and granite specialists. They have a display area which can be visited via appointment, where their work can be viewed.

For anyone who has been following our Rose Cottage renovation journey, you will know transforming outside has been on the agenda for this year. Feeling totally overwhelmed by the size of the area and the job in hand, Luke from Quarrystore was able to give me clarity and a vision for the space. He chatted through the options available and showed me various samples of the materials which would suit Rose Cottage. The display area at Quarrystore was a fab way to see all the different styles and helped both Ash and I to really visualise what it would look like outside our own home.

Before:

After a lengthy chat with Luke, we decided to go for the Walnut Porcelain tile for the top of the step. (Available here) This is a really hard wearing, durable and non-slip surface; perfect for a step, especially if you have little ones. We framed the tile with a granite kerb. (Available here) This is a sleek, beautifully coloured kerb which compliments the porcelain tile just perfectly.

The beauty of shopping with Quarrystore is that you don’t even need to leave the comfort of your home if you don’t want to. You can create a step just like this while sitting on your sofa watching The Bake Off! Visit the website here where you can see all the materials available, pop in your measurements and get it delivered right to your own doorstep!!

Luke recommended Richard from Stephen Gibson Paving to complete the work. Richard was a total joy to have at Rose Cottage. He was so friendly, listened to my requests, and was such a clean and tidy worker; I could not speak highly enough of his work!

I hope you agree that even this small change to the exterior of Rose Cottage really has made such a difference! I’ve been opening and closing the back door non stop since it was done, just for another nosy…And I can’t quite believe its my step!

Here is the Contact details for both of the businesses involved in created the most perfect step for Rose Cottage:

Quarrystore

Website https://www.quarrystore.co.uk/

Phone 028 2589 2488

Mobile 07866692071

Email luke@quarrystore.com

Email info@quarrystore.com

Stephen Gibson Paving

Website https://stephengibsonpaving.com/

Phone 028 2588 0140

Mobile 077 1123 1541

Email info@stephengibsonpaving.com

As always if you have any questions, please get in touch!

Hope you enjoyed reading, as much as I enjoyed writing!

INTERIORS

Style it New – Guest Post

September 1, 2019 Home at Rose Cottage

Style It New – Shop your Home to Entertain your Guests

I recently wrote a Guest Post and thought I would share it over here too –

I couldn’t have been more excited when I heard the gorgeous Helen was starting this fab series and then to be asked to guest blog for it was the absolute cherry on top! My name is Jill and you will find me hanging out over on @homeatrosecottage. I am forever faffing about my home, moving furniture and swopping accessories around – My Hubby never knows what he’s coming home to!!

A couple of weeks ago we were hosing a bbq for some of our closest friends. I decided to look around Rose Cottage for items I could repurpose, rather than going to buy more things for entertaining which would sit in the back of a cupboard until next year! With the help of Pinterest I pulled together a few ideas…

Garden tray to Drinks Table

(I also use this tray throughout the year, sitting on a footstool. Cheap alternative to a side table!)

Laundry basket to ice bucket

I mean, I don’t think i’ve seen any better sight in my Laundry basket!!

Floor tiles to grazing platter

I had these floor tiles left over from trying to pick the flooring in Rose Cottage, but you can pick tile samples up in B&Q for around £3 each.

I then added a faux eucalyptus garland along the back and a few candles.

And then loaded them with yummy goodies!

We had such a lovely evening and already looking for another excuse to get the drinks and nibbles out again! Remember when entertaining, before buying anything new, have a little nosy around your home and see if there’s anything you could repurpose – and don’t forget to tag us so we can share your ideas too!!

Hope you enjoyed reading, as much as I enjoyed writing!

INTERIORS

Garden Transformation

July 2, 2019 Home at Rose Cottage

Hello there!

Well…..hasn’t this post has been a loooooong time coming?! We have been in Rose Cottage over 3 years now and the outside has been left completely untouched. (Apart from my Dad taking the head staggers with the weed killer when they outgrow him!!!) We have quite a lot of outdoor space and it has been overwhelming for us to know where to start. A few weeks ago I decided I needed to start somewhere; I didn’t want to let another year go by without doing anything. Neither the Hubby or I have any skills in the gardening department, but with some guidance from my Dad I got to work!

When my Grandparents lived in Rose Cottage, my Granda would be out pottering about outside everyday rain or shine. For his 70th Birthday my parents bought him a greenhouse, which Dad constructed outside the backdoor on top of some old reclaimed brick. This greenhouse stood proudly there until around 2 years ago, when we sent it off to another home to be loved. From then, like the rest of the outdoors, it was let go wild!

Before:

I started by weeding and clearing the whole area. This was a hard graft both physically and emotionally; I was finding little pots and gardening tools I remembered my Granda having in the greenhouse, so it was bringing lots of memories back. This made me annoyed at myself for letting it get so out of hand, but it also made me more determined to make it a space which he would be proud of.

After it was cleared, I put down some heavy plastic both inside and outside the bricked area to keep the weeds at bay; then white stones inside and large bark on the outside. I added some slim wooden posts to the fencing and attached solar powered festoon lights on top from B&M.

I wanted to put all the plants in pots as my track record at keeping them alive is not good! (Means I can replace them when needed!) I am also a massive fan of faffing, so can easily move them about as often as I like!!

All the pots and plants were picked up from Home Bargains, B&M, TKMaxx and B&Q.

The table and chairs are from Argos and linked here (its currently on offer too!)

Solar powered lanterns are from B&M.

I cannot believe I have such a nice outdoor space now to enjoy! It was such hard work, but boy was it worth it! Now to sort out the rest!!!

If you have any questions as always please get in touch.

Hope you enjoyed reading, as much as I enjoyed writing!

INTERIORS

Harry’s Bedroom Makeover

June 17, 2019 Home at Rose Cottage

Hi there!

I can hardly believe we are at this stage with Harry….moving him into a big boy bed! I knew time would fly when we had him (because everyone and their Granny warns you!!) but I really cannot take it in!

For any one who missed out on what his wee room was like before, I’ve linked 2 blog posts below…who doesn’t love a good before and after eh?!

Harry’s Little Room

Harry’s Room gets a little make over in Collaboration with Søstrene Grene

In preparation for the change, I did hours of scrolling on Instagram and Pinterest for inspiration. I kept saving and pinning images all with a similar bed frame, so knew this was the one! I built the jungle theme around the bed and after numerous Ikea visits and online basket checkouts his room was finished!

Bed Frame (We added the storage drawer, side rail and matress) – Buy here

Tiger Mat – Local Selling Site

Trunk – Bedeck (Was black leather which I white washed with Annie Sloan paint)

Plant – Ikea

Basket – Primark

Building Blocks – The Works

Animal Heads – https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/home/shop-by-room/kids-room.html

Cushions – https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/home/shop-by-room/kids-room.html and Sostrene Grene

Bedding – Scion from Bedeck

Plush toys – Ikea

Prints – https://desenio.co.uk/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzbLF38iO4AIVBrDtCh010QV0EAAYASAAEgIkgvD_BwE

Frames and snake – Ikea

Green Leaves – Ikea, attached to the bed frame with cable ties

Born to be Wild Print from Desenio – Link above

Giraffe print, frames, zebra vase – Poundland

Plush toys – Ikea

Wooden Crate – Sostrene Grene and I added hanging luggage tag from Next

Curtains – Ikea

Bags – H&M Home (Linked above) and Sostrene Grene (Gifted from previous collaboration)

Prints – Desenio and Poundland

Wire basket, giraffe and frames – Poundland

Mice and plant- Ikea

As you can see this little lion is loving his new room and bed! Lets hope that means lots and lots of sleep in it!!!!

I’d really love to hear your thoughts on the makeover! I’ve tried my best to tell you where everything is from and given links where I can; but as always, if you have any questions please get in touch!

Hope you enjoyed reading, as much as I enjoyed writing!

INTERIORS

Bathroom Update

May 19, 2019 Home at Rose Cottage

Hi there!

I have been a bit of a rubbish blogger recently, I’ve even been too busy to do much on Instagram as the makeover of the bathroom and spare room has completely taken over my life and the house!!! I don’t know about you, but when I attempt to re-decorate anything the whole house ends up a total tip!

If you’ve been following me over on Instagram for a while you will remember I re-decorated this bathroom around a year ago. Although I felt it was an improvement from what it had been before, I still didn’t love it. It just seemed too plain and lacking the ‘wow’ factor. At this point you can feel very sorry for Ash (my Hubby), as he had to listen to my moaning. (Which he felt was ridiculous as I had chosen everything in the room – so why wouldn’t I like it?!!)

Ignoring Ash (!!!) I ploughed on scrolling through Instagram and Pinterest to get some new ideas, determined to fall in love with this room. When I seen the gorgeous Sam from Dove Cottage (Find her bathroom update blog here ) I seen stars and knew panelling was the way to go…

I was determined to keep my costs down and do as much of the makeover myself as possible, so bought the pieces of wood cut to size from here – I chose Standard MDF, 3mm thickness. The total cost of the wood was under £30. I stuck the pieces of wood to the walls with ‘no more nails’ which was so easy for me to do myself! (Even my Dad the DIY king of Rose Cottage was impressed!!)

The paint used was Dulux – Polished Pebble on top (which was the colour already on the walls); and Crown – City Break on Panelling.

I added some lighting to the wall, but didn’t want the hassle or cost of bothering with electrician, wires, cutting into walls etc. I bought these lights here, which are meant to be electric but stuck a battery push button light into them instead!

The mirror is from Dunelm, you can find it here.

I picked up the frames and prints from Ikea.

This is one of the Ikea Shoe Cabinets which I have popped into our bathroom, as the storage in it is amazing and I love that everything is hidden and stored in one place. I’ve dressed with with a few accessories on top.

The flooring is vinyl and was bought and fitted by Stephen Moore Carpets in Lisburn.

So this was a long time coming, but I can confirm it is now my absolute favourite room in Rose Cottage and I cannot stop popping into it for a stare! I am so looking forward to lots of hot, bubbly baths in it!

Hope you enjoyed reading, as much as I enjoyed writing!

INTERIORS

Collecting Emma Bridgewater on a Budget

May 5, 2019 Home at Rose Cottage

Hello there!

When we starting planning our move into Rose Cottage, my mind immediately went into overdrive picking things to furnish it. When I thought about pottery, I knew I wanted to collect Emma Bridgewater. I admired the unique and colourful patterns, and appreciated the time and patience which went into each piece.

Having built up quite a collection, I thought I would share with you some tips on how I buy Emma Bridgewater without it ending in divorce or featuring on the next series of ‘Cant pay, we’ll take it away’!

So here goes:

Look out for Emma Bridgewater items popping up on local selling sites. You can be lucky with websites such as Gumtree, Buy and Sell pages, Shpock and EBay. If the seller has little/no knowledge of the true value, you can pick up a real bargain.

2. Watch out for Sale time on the Emma Bridgewater website. Sales happen on the website a few times throughout the year and further reductions follow the main sale. You can pick up mugs from as little as £4.99 at the sales final reductions!

3. Reduction codes – There are always codes floating about which can entitle you to things like free personalisation, free postage and packaging, 15% off, 10% off etc. These are discount codes which you can enter on the Emma Bridgewater website at checking out. Before completing a transaction, please get in touch with me if you’d like a code (best to get me over on Instagram @homeatrosecottage).

4. Buy from the seconds and discontinued section on the Emma Bridgewater website. This is where I normally pick up my dinner plates and mugs as I don’t worry about using them daily and throwing them in and out of the dishwasher. If something gets broken or chipped I won’t worry as much as I haven’t spent too much money on it.

5. Buy from small businesses selling decoupaged items/ items using Emma Bridgewater fabric/ items inspired by Emma Bridgewater to compliment your collection. A few of my favourite pages to buy from are @thekookyfox @natyshasvintagehome @bettys_shabby_chic_boutique @loveheartlane @katrina.lyall_dippyduck. You will find them over on Instagram.

6. Buy from the melamine range. This is more like picnic wear in the same pattern as the pottery but at a fraction of the price. These pieces are also great to use when children are about – they can use what they think is the same crockery as the adults without the worry!

7. Don’t keep any item you don’t love – sell it to buy something which you do! If you keep looking at a piece of Emma Bridgewater which you have bought and just can’t fall in love with it, don’t hold onto it. Sell it on to someone who will love it and treat yourself to something on your wish list!

Let me know if you have any other tips and happy shopping!

Hope you enjoy reading, as much as I enjoy writing!

Jill

Collaborations, INTERIORS

Spring update (In collaboration with Sainsbury’s Home)

March 28, 2019 Home at Rose Cottage

Hello there!

With Spring officially just around the corner, our living area in Rose Cottage was in much need of a refresh! As we spend the majority of our time in this room, I like to change it up every season. We try to keep it cosy and inviting, with everything having a country cottage theme as far as possible. When I first saw the press release for the new Sainsbury’s Home Spring/Summer 2019 range- I knew it would fit Rose Cottage perfectly! The products pay homage to Springtime with their delicate, hand-painted floral designs and pretty pastel colours.

This is my favourite corner of the living area and is the perfect spot to get comfy on to read a magazine or catch up on some TV. I picked up 2 throws from the new Sainsbury’s Home range. Firstly, I added some warmth to our otherwise neutral decor, with a blush pink throw hanging it over the arm of the chair. The other grey pom pom throw was draped down the middle of the chair – this one is super cosy and is perfect to wrap up in for the cooler Spring evenings. I also added a neutral cushion which is really versatile and could be used throughout any season.

This little tray would be perfect to serve treats on to your Spring guests or else to serve breakfast in bed (cough, cough Hubby). Also how pretty is this little cup and saucer with matching plate? They have a full range of this crockery which comes in white, pale grey and dark grey. I think they would be lovely as a set with a mixture of each colour.

Faux flowers are the perfect Spring addition to your home to bring the outdoors in. Sainsbury’s new range have a large selection of really life like flowers in cute little jugs and jars for any price point.

For me, accessories are the key items for really making a house a home. They are also the cheapest option for changing up a room. Frames, candles, peg boards, reed diffusers and potpourri are only a few of the items available in the range.

Your local Sainsbury’s would love a visit! Head there now to check out this stunning range and let me know how you’ve updated your home for Spring!

Hope you enjoyed reading, as much as I enjoyed writing!

Jill

INTERIORS

Creating a Tranquil Bedroom

March 14, 2019 Home at Rose Cottage

Hello there!

If you’ve been reading my newsletter you’ll know that since the start of the year I have been attempting to do a wardrobe challenge. This involved me filling a rail with clothing so that I could see what I had worn; as great as this has been for encouraging me to do a massive clear out, it resulted in our bedroom being full of clutter and was stressing me out!! With life throwing a few curve balls lately, more than ever at Rose Cottage we’ve needed a calm and relaxing place for us to soak up some much needed ‘me’ time. For most people this room would be the bedroom – somewhere to completely unwind after a stressful day. Over the past few weeks I have came to realise the importance of this room and put some love into it in the hope it will love me right back!!

So, here’s what i’ve been up to –

Making my bed every morning.

There is nothing makes me feel more put together than when i’ve made the bed (and added the extra 20 ‘just for show’ cushions!!!). I fling open the window, leave the covers back for a little while to air the bed, then put all the covers and cushions into place. I think this little simple task can really set the tone for your day and help encourage you to plough through all the other jobs you need to do. I also give the bed a good spray with softner mix (a Mrs Hinch tip) to freshen it up and give it that just washed feel. Plus at the end of the day when your crawling back in how much better does it feel to get into a bed that has been made?!

Keeping it tidy.

‘A tidy room equals a tidy mind’ – isn’t that the popular saying?! I have been really trying to put everything back where it belongs after I use it, and every couple of days running the hoover and duster around. To my complete shock even the hubby has commented on how good the room has been looking (I checked his pulse don’t worry!) – now just to do the same in the rest of Rose Cottage!

Adding scent.

So as well as spraying the softner mix, as mentioned above, I like to spray my pillows and the top of the duvet with Pillow spray. I’ve found this has really helped relax me, especially when I’m struggling to get over to sleep. I have also added a candle and some fresh flowers to my bedside table – my new moto is ‘life’s too short not to burn your expensive candles!’

Invest in good quality bedding.

Thankfully my hubby works in this industry so we have been sleeping like royalty for a while now (!!!); but honestly if you haven’t bought good pillows and a duvet, put it top of your shopping list and thank me later! It is life changing, will save you money in the long run as they will last you so much longer and you will sleep like a champion!

And lastly, something I haven’t done (yet!!!) – Redecorate.

Get yourself lost on Pinterest for a few hours and create a board of bedroom inspo. Look for rooms which are calm and muted rather than loud and in your face. What you find relaxing will be totally different to me, but thats the beauty of Pinterest – there’s something on there for everyone’s taste.

If you have any more tips I’d really love to hear them. I’m hoping to sleep from now until I write another blog post so see you then!!

Hope you enjoyed reading, as much as I enjoyed writing!

Collaborations, INTERIORS

Spring Front Door Update (In collaboration with Village Green Signs)

February 25, 2019 Home at Rose Cottage

Hi there!

How lovely has the weather been? We are loving that Spring is well and truly on route which has given us a little push to update the outside of Rose Cottage. We decided to start with the front door…This is the first thing visitors see when they come to our home so its important to us that it makes people feel welcome and want to venture inside!

I’ve put some photos of the update below and listed where everything is from, but as always if you have any questions please get in touch!

Personalised Rose Cottage Sign (AD – Gifted) – https://www.villagegreensigns.co.uk/

Bee Knocker (I went for polished brass finish) – https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BUMBLE-BEE-DOOR-KNOCKER-SOLID-BRASS-MATERIAL-VARIOUS-FINISHES/263929178901?hash=item3d7367ab15:g:pQMAAOSwqsxblsSp:rk:1:pf:0

Door Wreath – https://www.fernandfoxglove.co.uk/product/large-eucalyptus-wreath

Branch Heart – Dobbies

Wicker Basket – https://www.fernandfoxglove.co.uk/product/hanging-basket-bouquet

Door Mat – Bought in store from Matalan, sorry cant find online!

Harry’s Boots – https://www.hunterboots.com/gb/en_gb/sale-kids-sale-footwear

Let me know if you’ll be updating your front door for Spring!

Hope you enjoyed reading, as much as I enjoyed writing!

Collaborations, INTERIORS

Little Baby Room Make Over (In Collaboration with Søstrene Grene)

January 3, 2019 Home at Rose Cottage

Hello there!

Søstrene Grene have just released a brand new children’s interior collection which is absolutely stunning! I had the opportunity to visit the Belfast branch last week to view the new collection and pick a few pieces for little Harry’s room. This collection has made a big impression so far in store and I can understand why; The items are so different from your usual nursery decor and at such reasonable price points who could resist! The neutral tones and animal graphics make it perfect for both boys and girls of any age. I really struggled not to bring one of everything home with me and would encourage you all to get in store quick before it all flies off the shelves!

Tepee £41.28, Play Blanket £15.54, Toy Storage Bag £8.66, Zebra Cushion £4.76.

Plate £3.28, Bowl £2.59, Cup £1.98, Cushion £4.76, Wooden Toys from £1.99.

Frame £5.90, Wooden Toys from £1.99

Milestone Cards £3.94.

Its safe to say little Harry loves the new additions to his room! All of the items shown above come in various patterns and colours. This is only a small selection of the items available in the new collection – head to your local Søstrene Grene store to see the rest! In Northern Ireland we have stores in The Quays shopping centre Newry and Ann Street Belfast; Alternatively you could check out their website www.sostrenegrene.com to view the full range. Let me know what you pick up, I’d love to see how you style it too!

Hope you enjoy reading, as much as I enjoy writing!

Category: INTERIORS

Back Door Transformation (In Collaboration with Quarry Store and Stephen Gibson Paving)

Style it New – Guest Post

Garden Transformation

Harry’s Bedroom Makeover

Bathroom Update

Collecting Emma Bridgewater on a Budget

Spring update (In collaboration with Sainsbury’s Home)

Creating a Tranquil Bedroom

Spring Front Door Update (In collaboration with Village Green Signs)

Little Baby Room Make Over (In Collaboration with Søstrene Grene)