Tuesday, 27 March 2012

The one about Ikea Family Live Magazine....


It was really, really nice to get some kind comments about this room yesterday- thank you all very much. And they have prompted me to post these pics again which I put on here at the very start of my blogging journey. We did this extension a few years ago and I can't tell you how much it has changed our lives for the better. It replaced a small projection on the back of the house which would have been the original wash house. It had a solid floor, no insulation and was running with damp. We now have a big, open space where the kids can scooter about- straight outside if they want (West coast weather permitting!).

We were really chuffed with how this family room, cum kitchen/dining room (you can't see the dining room here) turned out. So much so that it a fit of excitement I sent these pics to Ikea Family Live magazine. Then I totally forgot about it until a few months later I got an email saying they were considering my house for a feature. Well I was excited but my heart dropped a bit when they asked for pictures of the rest of the house. Firstly the rest of the house is a turn of the century semi, quite different from this modern room, although my usual mixy- matchy decor, and well secondly I was putting myself and my home out there to be judged. I guess a bit foolishly I sent off more pics and never heard anything until eventually I got a rather sheepish email telling me that my home wasn't 'strong' enough to be featured after all.

I was quite upset about this and felt really stupid to have been so arrogant as to send the pics off in the first place! I suppose I felt like I had forgotten what my home is, its a repository of the things we have pulled together from our separate lives and then what David and I have created together- a happy home for our family. So a lesson learned- I won't be sending off any pics to magazines again. And I am showing it here on my terms because I am proud of what it is. Sometimes you live and learn. We love it and its a happy, bright, muddled, creative space. We think its a 'strong' family home and that's what matters isn't it?

Jo xx
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19 comments:

  1. jen27 March 2012 at 05:19

    I for one think your house is lovely. And a house should always be a home - how your family live and grow in it. I would love to see more of your home Jo. Bo***cks to Ikea Live! x

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    1. Unknown27 March 2012 at 12:24

      Thanks Jen- I still like the magazine but certainly will think twice about putting myself out there again. I appreciate your sentiments! Jx

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  2. Littletree Designs // Rebecca27 March 2012 at 06:46

    Well this space is certainly stunning so I'm sure the rest of your house is too. A house should indeed be a home and not a show piece and all of those things collected over the years represent you and your family and thats what matters x
    ps thanks for your lovely comment yesterday x

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    1. Unknown27 March 2012 at 12:25

      Hi- honestly it has been a great space for the kids- and we love it too when they are off to bed and we sit with a glass of wine at the breakfast bar! Thanks for your comment Rebecca, Jx

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  3. Col | Hello Olive Designs27 March 2012 at 06:52

    Your home is absolutely gorgeous! I would LOVE for my son to be able to scoot straight from the living room to outside. We can't all live in museums (which is what I find alot of those homes featured in interiors magazines look like.)

    x

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    1. Unknown27 March 2012 at 12:27

      Thanks Col- its certainly looking messy whilst I procrastinate the final tidy up and the ironing that is waiting for me! Thanks for commenting- you know I appreciate it a lot, Jo x

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  4. marci27 March 2012 at 08:02

    it is lovely. and so what if it doesn't match the rest of your home. it's how you like it, right? i love the openness! xo

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    1. Unknown27 March 2012 at 12:28

      Thanks Marci- Its lovely and open, my father in law used to say it was like a 'ranch'- and I think not in a good way! Thanks for commenting Jo x

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  5. Rainbow Vintage Home27 March 2012 at 10:09

    Oh Jo it's such a beautiful space! And I'm sure the rest of your house is lovely because it's your home and it reflects who you are and how your family live. My house is tiny and messy and so crammed with stuff, I would love to have even one room as gorgeous as the one you've created. I agree with Col, so many interiors that we are supposed to 'aspire' to (bleaurgh) look cold, sterile and overstyled. Your kids will remember being allowed to scoot indoors, not how stylish the room was - and that will make for happy childhood memories. xx

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    1. Unknown27 March 2012 at 12:40

      Thanks for your kind words- I bet your house is lovely. You have so many lovely things and great taste! We have industrial vinyl flooring which can withstand the worst of child and dog so wheeled vehicles inside are no problem! Thanks again for commenting, Jo x

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  6. Unknown27 March 2012 at 12:07

    Just here to say I agree. A home isn't about the things but the people in it. I am not saying it isn't nice to live in a stylish well designed space but with no love a house is just that - a house.
    Have a lovely week x

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    1. Unknown27 March 2012 at 12:41

      Thanks Karen- great to hear from you. I know I look at some houses in interiors mags and there is nothing in them. Its a happy home here if messy most of the time!! Jo x

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  7. akenney28 March 2012 at 10:21

    That is lovely! Don't be discouraged! You didn't know they would want photos of the whole house. To have them even return your inquiry is awesome! It just gives you something to work towards. I think everyone has bits and pieces of their home that is just not photo-worthy yet (for instance, I have two bathrooms left that are wall-papered and ugly-shmugly-one being works on presently). Despite, that it gorgeous and I like the green splashes!

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    1. Unknown28 March 2012 at 13:47

      Thank you loads- I am a bit of a fan of green! Your home always looks lovely, Jxx

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  8. Andrea @ little buckles31 March 2012 at 15:22

    Oh wow! LOVE your space. You have great taste :) swoon, those lights.....

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  9. Unknown1 April 2012 at 03:03

    Thank Andrea- The lights were BQ believe it or not! Jx

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  10. Unknown1 April 2012 at 03:04

    Thanks Andrea- those lights were BQ believe it or not! Jx

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  11. Notes from Holly St.2 April 2012 at 10:44

    It doesn't matter what others think! You have a beautiful home and as long as it's a happy one, that's all that matters :)

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It is always amazing to know you read and comment - so thank you very much.

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