What a difference a week makes

I've been meaning to visit the shop, the Society Inc, belonging to esteemed stylist and author, Sibella Court for a while now. Its everything I had hoped for, delicious things crammed into a tiny space filled with light and I came out smelling of gardenias and full of inspiration. For some reason, perhaps because its housed in a corner shop, I thought of the Cross in Holland Park but more in terms of vibe than contents. Its located in a residential street in Paddington, and I parked my car under a gorgeous tree, stuffed with pink flowers, which I think is a magnolia.

I've spent the week devouring Sibella Court's book, Etc which has opened my eyes to clutter in the nicest possible sense.

Community Bookcase

I picked up this idea from the lovely blog, decor8. I think its such a great idea and I wanted to share it. I love books and I believe that if you have enjoyed reading something, you shouldn't hoard it but pass it on - if you are meant to read something again you will get it back. When I left London, I turned up at my local library with a big box of brilliant, but well loved books. The library was only interested if they were in perfect condition so I ended up giving them away elsewhere.

I wish I had been able to put them to better use in something like this in Hannover - a community bookcase, where people can freely borrow the books, on the understanding that they return them, or supplement with books of their own.

I'm going to try to do something like this next time I find a home

image borrowed from: thorsten becker for decor8