Tuesday 12 November 2013

If it's Broke, Fix it...

We've been a little quiet here of late, but rest assured, B&B have been busy! We've been working on some lovely things for you to get your hands on, more on that coming soon...

In the meantime, we wanted to share something with you. The photo above shows an armchair that's been in a family for 3 generations, and it's fair to say it's been loved; by brother, sisters, grandparents, grandchildren, friends, and of course, the dog. Now this kind of love takes it's toll, and just a few weeks ago the chair looked, and smelled, a little tired. 

Let's be honest, no-one wants to return home from work to be greeted by a tired, smelly chair, and it would have been easy to simply get rid and head down to the nearest department store for a replacement. Luckily, it's owner recognised the history and the stories, and chose instead to give it a new lease of life...

Far from being a trained reupholsterer, they had never covered a cushion before. However, unpreturbed, they set about removing the fabric in stages, keeping the sections as templates and headed out to pick a replacement fabric. A sewing machine and a bit of hard work later and the chair has a new lease of life (and it didnt cost hundred's of pounds!)

The choice of colour is great. The rich orange is a playful companion to the '60's inspired coffee table and rug, whilst the deep gray walls and wooden floorboards provide a grown up grounding. 

The moral is simple, if it's broke...

Monday 7 October 2013

Victorian Sitting Room - Before and After

So here's where B&B began with a recent project in Hastings. The Victorian sitting room was a little negleted and certainly in need of some TLC. 

The woodwork and fireplace were a faded, peachy-cream colour and the walls a mixture of off-whites and creams. The floor was carpeted, which was unfortunately very worn and rotten in some places. 

There was plenty to get excited about however. The fireplace was an original, cast iron surround and pulling up the faux-brass hearth revealed the beautiful victorian blue tiles beneath.

Although the project is not quite complete, we wanted to share our progress with you...


The carpets were removed and the pine floorboards were beautifully sanded and sealed by Academy Wood Flooring The huge 4ft x 5ft overmantle mirror was provided by Downton-Interiors and brings a sense of Victorian granduer to the room.

Farrow and Ball's colour 'Charleston Gray' was chosen for the walls and is off-set by the skirting boards and doors in 'Pointing'.The vintage cabinet provides a home for Poole Pottery, orginal Penguin Paperbacks, dried rose petals, and is living proof that television stands don't have to be ugly. There's a sneak peak too of a print by the super-talented Jo Stafford. Head over to her website to see more of her fabulous prints.

We'll be sharing more images once the finishing touches are complete.

Sunday 29 September 2013

B&B Recommends - Winter Warmer

What better way to banish the end-of-summer blues than by treating yourself to something cosy this autumn? B&B popped down to Dyke and Dean in Claremont this week and fell in love with their range of Tweedmill, 100% lambswool blankets. From traditional tartans to design inspired charcoal stripes, the subtleties of colour and pattern are spot-on. The 100% lambswool material carries a weight and honesty that is both comforting and hard wearing and you imagine returning to year after year. The back of the car, the bottom of the bed, or warming in front of the fire - they are the perfect way to add an affordable sense of luxury this autumn/winter.

Tweedmill blanket, 100% lambwool, made in Wales.

Dyke and Dean is a homewares, interior and design shop with an eye for great aesthetic and a firm foundation in supporting quality British goods. Head down to the Printworks, Claremont, or click here to find out more.

Tuesday 24 September 2013

Work in Progress

A sneak peak of our current project - full blog post to follow...

Victorian sitting room - work in progress



Getting to Know B&B 5 - Find What You Love...

...And tell as many people as possible. It's that simple. Be the person who drives people mad by going on and on about your new favourite thing. There's plenty of people out there who can't wait to have a moan, so don't miss an opportunity to share something amazing.

Image courtesy of Alice Oakley, photographer,baker and Beatie and Bjorn co-founder.

Monday 23 September 2013

Getting to Know B&B 4 - Pack Light

You'll never make it far if you need an army of helpers to carry your bags. It'll cost you a fortune in train tickets too. At B&B we pride ourselves on making the best of what we've got. It's often easier to be creative when you don't have everything you (think) you need. Ideas are free, just make sure you've left enough room for them amongst all that expensive kit...


Image courtesy of Paul James Dunmall, artist and illustrator.


Thursday 19 September 2013

Getting to Know B&B 3 - Time Travel

The past is there for the taking. Rummage through the decades and discover what you can steal and borrow. Don't be scared to mix it up- 70s wallpaper and 1930s Art Deco furniture? Why not, it's your journey.

Image courtesy of Phoebe Mooncie, photographer and stylist.