Dream Home Decorating Blog

The Dream Home Decorating Blog is my mini-journal about home decorating.



It...

• lets you know whenever any new Web pages are added to this site


• keeps you up-to-date with special announcements, news and updates, and


• points out useful or interesting bits from this website that you might otherwise miss.

Craft Fair Extraordinaire – Inspiration and Unique Christmas Presents

ORIGIN (it used to be the Chelsea Crafts Fair until two years ago) is the one contemporary craft event in London that I never, ever miss. And just in case you happen to be in or near London between October 7 and 19, I very much recommend you go, too.

The 300 designer craftspeople who exhibit their most recent work here have been handpicked from among many hundreds of applicants. Without exception, the work shown is of extremely high quality – fresh, original, sometimes quirky, and always beautifully executed. Prices are moderate, considering that you can get original, one-of-a-kind pieces that will never see the inside of a high street shop unless you take them in there.

You can find ceramics, jewelry, fashion/textiles and knitwear, silver and fine metals, glass, paper and books, interior accessories and textiles, wood, furniture, and toys. I remember overhearing a visitor from the USA last year, carrying several bags and telling someone on her cellphone that she'd just done all her Christmas shopping in one go … "and I didn't even know this show existed – I just stumbled into it between museum visits!"

Well, now you know about it, too. Who knows, maybe we'll meet there!

ORIGIN, Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA.

Week 1: 7-12 October 2008.
Week 2: 14-19 October 2008
Closed Monday, 13 October for exhibition changeover.

Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Friday 11am-7pm
Saturday and Sunday 10am-6pm

Ticket prices:
Single ticket £8 (£6 concessions); One visit each week £12 (£10 concessions); Unlimited entry £15. Illustrated catalog included in the price of admission.
(Some makers are unable to take credit card payments, so do remember to bring your checkbook)

For more information, go to www.craftscouncil.org.uk.

Oh, and my friend Sonia Guzzo, who provided the checklist for Italian Country Decorating, is exhibiting at ORIGIN, too. Week One. Stand M8. Just thought I'd let you know!

If you like 20th century and contemporary interiors, check this out!

TENT London, Sept 18-21, might be an interesting event for you even if you're not going to be anywhere near London on these dates. For example, if you're looking for information on what's available in modernist and contemporary interiors, who's in the market selling it, and where to contact these people, check the show's online directory for dealer information.

TENT is composed of several shows under one roof:

CIRCA has antique and specialist dealers (mainly from the UK, a few from mainland Europe) selling all manner of furniture, lighting, wall art, textiles, and interior objects from the following periods:

• arts & crafts
• art deco
• modernist
• post-war
• mid-century
• 1960s/70s, retro and vintage

Dream Home News in Your Inbox

The September edition of Dream Home News (the Summer Holidays Hangover Issue) will arrive in your inbox tomorrow, 1st September 2008. Enjoy!

July Newsletter Backissue Now Available!

The July edition of Dream Home Decorating News - The Trend Issue - is now available on the site for you. Click the link to read up on interior decorating trends from London!

Top 10 Interior Decorating Tips

Each one of these interior decorating tips will make a tangible difference to your space. Use them all and your home may well change your life!

Tuscan Style Decorating for Bedrooms (Part II: Create the Look)

Tuscan style decorating made easy: photos of bedrooms in original Tuscan interiors, ideas and accessories that will help you create a Tuscan look for your home.

Tuscan Decorating Style for Bedrooms (Part I: Traditional/Rustic)

Pictures of authentic Italian farmhouse bedrooms in traditional Tuscan decorating style, to inspire you with ideas for creating your own version of Tuscan interiors.

Tuscan Decorating Style Secrets

Get inspired by these authentic Tuscan interiors, and learn how to create your own Tuscan decorating style.

Tuscan Colors, Inside & Out

Authentic examples of Tuscan colors: Use them to create a color scheme that reflects the sense of warmth, ease and welcome you can find in Tuscan interiors.

Window Treatment Ideas

Browse through these window treatment ideas and find plenty of inspiration for your own home.

French Country Curtains

French country curtains are pieces of fabric with attitude ... learn how to create windows with a French accent!

French Country Decor on a Shoestring

9 ways to create a home with a French accent, on a budget: French country decor that won’t break the bank.

French Country Decorating in Color

Here is a selection of color scheme ideas for French Country Decorating. Full-on or subtle, you choose!

French Country Kitchen Design

Here are a few things you'll want to know before you decide on a French country kitchen design for your home.

French Country Kitchens

French country kitchens are more about the cook than about the look. But you can have it all: here are a few simple tricks to get the look right, too.

Swiss Country Decorating

Swiss country decorating is understated and quietly beautiful. Here's an original Swiss checklist for country interiors.

European-Style Country Window Treatments

A treasure trove of pictures and ideas to help you choose the right country window treatments for your home.

Provence Interiors

Provence interiors are the darling of French country interior design: relaxed, warm, and subtly elegant.

French Country Interior Design

French country interior design is a unique, extremely addictive form of rustic chic. Here's how to get the look.

French Interior Design and Decorating

French interior design and decorating is bold, sophisticated, and very chic. Here's how to create the look!

Bedroom Decorating Colors

Bedroom decorating colors to get you in the mood: Create your dream bedroom with the help of these interior decorating pictures and bedroom color schemes.

Decorating Color Schemes Made Easy

10 Things You Need to Know About Creating Great Decorating Color Schemes.

Interior Decorating Color Scheme Ideas

Interior decorating color scheme ideas are all around you. Here's how to find the good ones quickly.

Country Style Decorating - Get the Look!

Country style decorating is a field of endless possibilities, and you don't even need to live anywhere near the country to use these tips, ideas and bits of inspiration.

Country Style Home Decor on a Shoestring

Not quite all of this is entirely free country style home decor, but you are very unlikely to spend your entire pocket money on any of the following tips, ideas or items!