Rustic charm, first impressions

Rustic charm, entrances and hallways that inspire. 

It is so important to get the look and feel right as this is where one is introduced to your home, it says a lot about who you are, about your style and how you live, first impressions, make sure it’s the right one, and it is of course where you and your family come into the home, you want it to feel welcoming for yourselves. You do not need a large budget or space to do this, just imagination, and some creativity. 

Today I have chosen some rustic style entrances that are so welcoming and full of character and charm.

Love everything about this entrance, the bench, rug, just gorgeous

You can never have enough baskets I can always find something to go in them

Via Kathleen Vizard on Pinterest

This is a great use for an old door as a table, if you have things you collect like suitcases, sea shells, what ever you like display them.  

A console table is a must, be creative of what you put on it

Wow, what a fabulous pop of colour

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Well designed

Casa Fontclara

A well designed Spanish house, located in the village of Fontclara. 

The original building was probably a Romanesque building, maybe a monastery and although this building has been renovated and expanded over the centuries, its unique architectural elements such as the inner arc have been preserved and the architects have respected the facades which are overlooking the streets of the town. 

The Architects http://www.auquerprats.com/

Rainy days

Rainy days, ah, rainy days, putting on the wellies, rain coat, hat, dog in toe, she doesn't care about getting wet and muddy! I on the other hand would rather stay indoors and stay dry. But those big beautiful brown eyes look up to me and say ' but it is only raining a little bit, please!'. So off we go...

©lulu klein

                   Walking the dog the wellies are essential

Not sure who the artist is the source: cornwall-online.co.uk

Artist: Igor mudrovart

Source:lookinfresh.tumblr

Fabulous house in Portugal

Such a fabulous house in Portugal so colourful and eclectic, great mixture of painted furniture with dark wood, old and new, love the display of hats and baskets, rugs and stone floors, great use of textures, this house has loads of rustic charm and character, love the original stone walls I am ready to move in!

Decorated by Martha genial Espregueira Mendes Via casatreschic

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More places to visit - The Dorodgne

More Places to Visit -The Dordogne

If you ever get a chance you should make an effort to come to this area of France, I am lucky enough to live here. The summers are amazing although very busy in July and August. Best time to come would be May and September not so manic with tourists, but still lovely weather.

The Dordogne is split into four parts we are in the Noir Perigord which centres round the mediaeval town of Sarlat.  Sarlat is a most beautiful town with the amazing architecture; do not forget your camera. Saturday is the best day as it is market day, selling everything from the regions wines, cheeses, truffles, local sausages, fruit and veg etc., hand crafted gifts, in fact anything.  Have coffee or a glass of local wine and indulge in a pastry sit back in the sun and people watch, during the summer months you can spot the Parisians who come to holiday here in their second homes, dressed so chic! 

This area is quite popular with the French from the cities.  Full of culture, and quite unique as it is a place which has been unspoilt by too much commercialism, a slow pace of life here, do not forget to visit the caves, this area is where prehistoric man began, full of history and beautiful countryside.

Winter is dead, most places including restaurants and all tourist attractions are closed during the winter months, and unfortunately it’s the time of year for the hunters so be careful walking in the woods, they are out with the shotguns mostly at the weekends but any day really, the summer they are not allowed to hunt, thankfully! 

The list is endless of places to visit, but I would suggest:  St. Genies night market in July & August only on Wednesday evenings, Saint Amand de Coly night markets on Tuesday evenings and there is a Romanesque abbey dating around 1048. La Roque-Gageac which was awarded the most beautiful village in France and a must see.

©lulu klein Sarlat

©lulu klein Sarlat

©lulu klein The night market St Genies

©lulu klein  Sarlat

©lulu klein

©lulu klein - La Roque-Gagaec

©lulu klein La Roque-Gageac

Maison-Laffitte

Maison-Laffitte, love everything about this house the white washed beams and walls,the timber and stone floors, painted furniture very natural and welcoming.

 Photography by: Menossi Fotografo

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 Photography by Menossi