When Bianca Fincham and her family moved to Cornwall, they spent three years renovating a beautiful Georgian house by the sea, and then moved back to London, leaving a heavenly holiday rental behind them.

Life is now more centered around the city and not around rural areas, which means that we have forgotten how beautiful villages can be. Only when you look at

Asking questions to get to know someone deeply can create healthier relationship with the people around you. Here are 25 questions to get you started.

Source Sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eye. ~H. Jackson Brown Jr.

I adore potted citrus trees. If you are interested in bringing the elegance of a European garden to your home, there is nothing more lovely than a French Anduze pot complete with citrus tree. This blog post will give you some history on the European citrus trend in the 17th and 18th centuries and hopefully entice you to plant your own citrus tree. I know I intend to. The countries that started the citrus trend were France, Germany, and the Netherlands, these countries being the ones that saw merchants importing large numbers of orange trees, banana plants, and pomegranates to cultivate for their beauty and scent. It was very fashionable in the summer to have potted citrus trees as part of the landscape where they were used to ornament the formal gardens of the time. Structures similar to a greenhouse or conservatory called orangeries were also built on the grounds of fashionable residences where orange and other fruit trees could be protected during the winter. Orangeries were given a classical architectural form and owners would conduct their guests there on tours of the garden to admire not only the trees but also the architecture. Often the orangery would contain fountains, grottos, and an entertainment area for inclimate weather.The great period of the orangery, when few great gardens were without one, extended from the latter half of the 17th century into the early 18th century. With the current love of all things French, many are choosing to incorporate citrus trees in their container gardens and then move them into their interiors to weather the cold. So if space is limited or climate isn't suitable, it's still possible to enjoy these trees and their bounty year-round. The experts say it's really not that hard to grow citrus indoors. I hope this blog helps if you are considering growing some for yourself. chateauversailles.fr Between the 17th-19th century, if you were wealthy and part of the “fashionable” elite, the chances are you would have a display of a great number of orange trees in your garden as well as an elaborate structure called an orangery or orangerie to winter them in within the grounds of your home. Many famous orangeries survive, however those at the gardens of Versailles in France are the most recognized. maitrepo.com The Versailles planter in that fabulous duck egg blue color was designed by Andre Le Nortre, the original designer of the Versailles gardens, in the 1600's and were made entirely out of timber, but in the 1800’s were redesigned to feature the cast-iron frame.You can purchase similar containers today but if they are wood it is a good idea to slow the decay process caused by watering by coating the interior with asphalt roof patch. chateauversailles.fr the Orangerie at Versailles was designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart for Louis XIV's 3,000 orange trees. The Orangerie at Versailles in Spring As a building the Orangerie is superbly functional; long and narrow with a series of 27 tall windows to admit the winter light. The plain back wall contained fireplaces, from which hot air passed through flues. In its center, the high door through which fully-grown trees could be wheeled into the garden. The baroque orangery, located next to Kensington Palace in Kensington Gardens, was built in 1704-05. The orangerie, however, was not just a greenhouse but a symbol of prestige and wealth and a feature of gardens, in the same way as a summerhouse, folly or "Grecian temple". The main difference with a conservatory is in the construction of its roof - a conservatory will have more than 75 per cent of its roof glazed, while an orangerie will have less than 75 per cent glazed. Domestic orangeries also typically feature a roof lantern. google.co.za Chatsworth House Orangery icotswolds.com Sezincote House Orangery in Gloucestershire rheologic.net Potted citrus in the Medici Palace garden. tekimport.fr When planting citrus trees choose a pot about the size of a 15-gallon nursery container. In traditional European orangeries, the classic container is 24 inches square and deep. Make plastic your last choice as it will transmit the sun's heat more readily than wood or clay, perhaps enough to damage roots. Fill with premixed sterile potting soil designed for container plants. flowerarrangementideasjace.blogspot.com The quintessential container for potted citrus trees, the traditional French Anduze pot with it's handcrafted garlands and medallions. petershamnurseries.com Potted citrus trees ripe with Old World elegance and charm! vignettedesign.com Plants in containers generally require more frequent watering than the same plants in open soil, and citrus are no exception. Especially during hot, dry, or windy weather, daily watering may be necessary. The basic rule is to soak the rootball thoroughly until water drains out the bottom once the top 2 to 3 inches of soil are dry. Rewet dry citrus rootballs by placing a few drops of mild dishwashing soap directly onto the soil, then water with slightly warm water. houzz.com This kumquat tree with it's small fruit can be accented with flowers to provide visual interest. Citrus trees with larger fruit would probably pull out all the nutrients for themselves so flowers wouldn't thrive as well. poteriedanduze.com Other citrus will grow and flower but are less likely to produce fruit. However they will still provide lovely accents to your gardens. via Pinterest If you hope to harvest fruit, choose a naturally acidic citrus not a sweet orange or grapefruit. Examples of acidic varieties include 'Improved Meyer' and 'Ponderosa' lemons, calamondins, and kumquats. These are most likely to produce fruit indoors in winter. habituallychic.blogspot.com Any type of citrus tree can grow in a container, at least for a while. However, kinds such as lemon and grapefruit, which naturally grow into larger plants, will quickly outgrow their containers. There are dwarf varieties that will last longer in pots. danielcuevasdesigner.com Potted citrus trees are perfect for flanking the entrance of this Mediterranean style home. Potted orange trees at the Musée Matisse in Nice.(photo by Sylvaine Poitau) homecitrusgrowers.co.uk If you live in the mild-winter West, Southwest, or Southeast, you can grow most kinds of citrus in container outdoors year-round. Where winter minimum temperatures regularly dip below 25oF, you can still grow citrus trees if you have a bright spot indoors or out protected from frost. housebeautiful.com Who wouldn't enjoy dining in this lovely spot? The potted orange trees, rustic farm table and industrial style seating, not to mention the pea gravel........so French!! An enchanting garden in the South of France designed by Jean-Loup Dirand. via Pinterest gardeningwithtrees.info I will take potted citrus trees any way, shape, or size, however, I think they are especially pretty all in a row. Nothing says French like a potted citrus tree . . . or three. via Pinterest If you prefer smaller scale fruit for your potted citrus, kumquat, mandarin, and yuzu are good choices. These varieties are more likely to remain both healthy and productive in containers for several years. admagazine.ru What terrace wouldn't benefit from lining it's edge with potted citrus trees? Stone lions also hold court in this outdoor entertainment area. vignettedesign.net Supply nutrients to your potted citrus trees with controlled-release fertilizers that are less apt to immediately wash through soil, making a single applications useful for a longer time. More than most plants, citrus are prone to deficiencies of the micronutrients iron, manganese, and zinc so apply these to citrus in containers at least once a year. Michel Semini Designs with Versailles orangerie planter boxes in green. linenandlavender.blogspot.com When moving your potted citrus trees outdoors in spring or back indoors in fall, make the transition gradual, in at night and out during daylight hours. Do this for approximately a month. Also wash your tree thoroughly with warm, slightly soapy water to wash off bugs before bringing in for the winter. southernaccents.com Many homeowners that love an old world interior are drawn to using potted citrus in their interior landscaping. via Pinterest Don't forget potted lime trees!! This one is lovely in a French Biot jar. hadleycourt.com Potted citrus and blue and white Chinese export team up well together for great visual impact. bettesblues.blogspot.fi Charm aside, citrus trees as houseplants offer other fabulous rewards........ glossy foliage, scent, and mouthwatering produce. thefrenchtangerine.com These might be artificial because they are almost too perfect. Even so, for those of you not blessed with a green thumb this might be the best alternative. Cathy Kincaid Whether citrus trees are producing fruit or not, their shiny green leaves are a pretty addition to your interiors. Dwarf citrus trees generally reach a maximum height of eight feet so not much space is needed for creating a small orchard. design-crisis.com The look of potted citrus is so refreshing when brought indoors. When looking for citrus to pot, any that is grafted to Flying Dragon (Hiryu) rootstock will be significantly dwarfed, thereby extending its useful life in a container. via Pinterest Citrus trees add a particularly lovely old world component and will provide you with fresh lemons, limes and oranges. What more could you ask for???? Citrus growing tips via the National Gardening Association. Click here to see the previous post http://eyefordesignlfd.blogspot.com/2017/07/decorating-with-wall-sconce-shelves.htm This blog post was published by Lisa Farmer

English style decor is collected over time and can feel casual or formal. The decision to bring English cottage or manor house charm to your home will result in it's always feeling warm and inviting. If you love floral chintz fabrics, patterned wallpapers, colorful rugs, and traditional furniture and window treatments, then this post will be a a feast for your eyes! English style decor is the mixture of old, worn, highly valuable, or not valuable but highly functional. It is a mixture that always looks as though it was put together over generations. Maybe one of the greatest influences on English country style has been the weather in Britain. To counter the chill, the interior must be warm, snug and informal. It's no surprise, consequently, that in the English country style, the emphasis is on comfort. Combining the classic elements of English country decor are part of the beautiful tradition that creates a timeless, warm interior that you will enjoy for years to come. Please listen to the music of English composer Edward Elgar. It will enhance your tour. encoreuneminute.tumblr.com Large or small, English homes always have a certain charm about them. encoreuneminute.tumblr.com The abundance of roses and other flowers in a typical English garden accounts for the use of floral chintz fabrics inside an English home. Mark Hampton Use drapes for the windows, not blinds. Curtains are employed, normally corresponding to the wall paper. Just as you will not see empty walls in an English country home, you will not find blinds either. If privacy is a problem use shades, not blinds. Howard Castle in Yorkshire. English bedrooms many times use the same pattern throughout the entire room. lady-gray-dreams.tumblr.com There are usually books in English homes. Notice them as you look at the images. I wasn't aware of it myself until I previewed the post. google.com Needlepoint spaniel pillow and Staffordshire figurines like the one made into a lamp, are perennials favorites of English rooms. seersuckerandmagnolias.tumblr.com foxglovesfabricandfolly.blogspot.com wisemanandgale.com Of course the Queen Anne chair is an English staple. www.lisafarmerdesigns.com Ralph Lauren's English Country Dressmakers details like the fringe on these chairs are a big part of English style. For a quick face life use fabric adhesive and attach some to your chairs. Nancy Lancaster's bedroom at Mayfair. Denning & Fourcade Many times English art is displayed in stacked order. seabois.tumblr.com lady-gray-dreams.tumblr.com Equine art is a big part of the style. decorartsnow.com English interiors are seldom without chintz. Mark D. Sikes Designs google.ca Paneled wall are also a big design element in the English home. blueroomlady.tumblr.com google.com The style encompasses a stately manor home look and casual cottage atmosphere. www.lisafarmerdesigns.com Needlepoint items such as pillows, bell pulls, chair seats, footstools are a must for English decorating. imgfave.com queenbee1924.tumblr... Very pattern layered room. If done right all these patterns work to form a cohesive look. blog.londonconnection.com From Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill’s new book “The Life of the House: How Rooms Evolve” google.comenglish Needlepoint chairs, leaded glass windows, and High Tea. What could be more English? Beautiful English manor southernchateau.blo... hydrangeahillcottage.blogspot.com The English Country House look is best achieved by layers of textures and furniture from different periods. nh-design.co.uk You have probably noticed that almost all the rooms in this post have oriental or other patterned rugs on the floors. Most English floors will be treated in the manner. google.com 2.bp.blogspot.com English country style is all about the eclectic mix of traditional pieces, fabrics, colors, and accessories. google.com vintagehome.tumblr.com While it is not bound by a particular period of furniture or set of colors, English country style takes a bit of finesse to avoid looking haphazard. This is a closer view of part of the room below which is Nancy Lancaster's famous yellow room in Mayfair. If every piece is perfect the room becomes a museum and lifeless," Nancy Lancaster once explained when asked her secret to melding fine gilt and humble country . This cozy style is tidy, but can easily become cluttered. Grouping like items can prevent this. quintessenceblog.com Susan Gutfreund thebrimstonebutterf... google.com Charming!! walkersimmons.com English country style suggests a sense of timelessness. johnstefanidis.blogspot.co.uk Hall at Wightwick Stained and leaded glass are popular window treatments in English manor houses. lusterinteriors.blogspot.com Because of the collectibles, English rooms are always entertaining. google.com sherimartininteriors.wordpress.com You will usually see fresh flowers and pretty porcelain in English style interiors. spencerofalthorp.com Artwork is always displayed in the English home. wealdentimes.co.uk Items that look to have been passed down from one generation to the next are ideal. English country homes always exude this "cluttered" feel. Collectibles, antiques, needlepoint, brass, antiques, art, and leaded glass are common. Now set back and enjoy a tour of Highclere, the set of Downton Abby. Tally Ho old bean. Hope you enjoyed the post. Have fun bringing a touch of England to your interiors.

My philosophy: I fully believe in having art in every room in your home. Therefore art belongs in kitchens just as much as it does in living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms especially if your kitchen is old world in style. At present it is trendy to decorate with art in the kitchen....but that is not why I am doing this blog post. It is a classic look that never really goes out of style, depending on your art of course. Remember trendy art will eventually look outdated where classic art will not. It’s said that the kitchen is the heart of a home where people tend to gather to cook, to eat, even to play games so having a comfortable, neat, and cozy kitchen is essential. Since it is a place where a good amount of family time is spent, it is the perfect place to hang some great artwork. Art in the kitchen can transform this room from purely functional, to a charming space full of warmth. And kitchens should be warm and inviting. Who wants a sterile kitchen? I prefer oil paintings as they automatically warm up a space and give instant old world flavor. Yes, you will have to occasionally clean them with mild soap and water. But that needs to be done no matter what room they are hung in. Whatever YOUR preference is, start collecting some art for your kitchen. sharonsantoni.com Art is usually not the first thing that comes to mind when decorating your kitchen. And unfortunately, after all the other elements have been placed, art is not even given a second thought. Most homeowners fail to understand that beautiful antique art can make all the difference when it comes to making your kitchen feel like the "heart of the home" that it is. chateaudemalleville.com This second image of Chateau d'emallevlle gives a better view of the lovely old oil painting featuring game and produce.....perfect for an old world kitchen. via Pinterest An old world kitchen should be decorated and designed in a way that instantly evokes a sense of feeling welcome, cozy and warm. Art will help with the warm up! A lovely old world kitchen by designer Axel Vervoordt. Investing in beautiful artwork for the kitchen might not be your first thought when collecting art. But, since we spend so much time in the kitchen, it's makes sense to display your art where people tend to gather. greenbrookdesign.com Even antique art is not so serious anymore making it unnecessary to relegate it to only the formal rooms of the home. Kitchens and bathrooms are perfect spaces to display art. In fact in today's interiors you don't even have to hang your art. bhg.com Leaning artwork gives it a more casual, yet elegant, feel and a room like the kitchen benefits from this warmer look. You will see more of this trend in art display in some of the following rooms. countryliving.com Art creates character in a way that not much else does. Add some to your kitchen by all means!! James Farmer Designs Look for places that allow you to work some larger-scale artwork into your kitchen. Large pieces have a way of helping make a small space look bigger. Timothy Corrigan I love antique oil figural landscapes because it feels like extending the space to the outdoors. This one pairs itself beautifully to the gardens outside of Timothy Corrigan's Restored 18th-Century French Chateau du Grand-Luc. Lisa Farmer-Eye For Design The following three pictures are from my kitchen last Christmas. I have used several oil landscapes plus samplers down the hall leading to the kitchen. This way the kitchen is connected to the art filled area leading up to it. Lisa Farmer-Eye For Design I love this big oil painting I found at auction. It has alot to do with warming up the space. Lisa Farmer-Eye For Design I have a heart for oil paintings but you can certainly use other types of art. The bottom picture here is actually an antique needlepoint picture of a French woman, her children, and sheep I found at auction and adore. Antique watercolors,lithographs, chromographs, engravings, will also work wonderfully in a kitchen. nellhills.com When treasure hunting for kitchen art try look for antique oil pastoral settings featuring sheep.... countryliving.com. Kristen Buckingham or even cows. These look especially nice in an old world kitchen. thekitchen.com Or try antique oil paintings with a food or drink theme.....perfect for the kitchen. legrillonvoyageur.com The bowl of peaches in this old oil works well colorwise with the great old copper cookware. hellolovelystudio.com This old world kitchen has a lovely oil painting of produce hanging above the door. Don't be afraid to hang your pictures high!! It will make the eye travel up and your walls will seem even taller. stefanoscata.com Antique oil portraits bring instant old world charm to every interior......why not the kitchen!! via Pinterest Oil portraits in the kitchen of the late Joan Rivers. greenandmustard.co.uk Or you can always use them all together like this great mix of landscape, food themed still life, and portraits which is leaned and showcased on a beautiful brass and marble shelf. samsung.com With all the necessities of a kitchen, like appliances, backsplashe, and cabinets, it can be hard to find a place to work in some art. This homeowner did not let limited space stop them. Try some of their ideas. followtheyellowbrickhome.com Kitchens don't have to be large to be transformed into a beautiful space with a collection of antique prints or paintings. Smaller kitchens usually have a cozier feel anyway and the art just enhances the warmth. via Pinterest No window above your kitchen sink? Make use of the space and hang a beautiful old painting to give you he feel of outdoors. Maybe a landscape or floral like this one. wsj.com Create an interesting art display by working a small framed piece of artwork into an open shelving display or even on the top of any ledge you might have in your kitchen. via Pinterest architecturaldigest.com The farmhouse kitchen, has always been a classic old world look and is trendy today as well. An oil painting above the stove and another leaned casually on the counter enhances the authenticity. Ginny Magher A stunning old world style kitchen featuring antique art. enchantedhome.com houseofvalentina.com Gold framed art is lovely against white or cream walls of the kitchen. Works well with the soft glow of copper! williamtheartist.net traditionalhome.com via Pinterest If your kitchen cabinets don’t stretch all the way to the ceiling use the top for a display of leaning art. I love the oil painting of rabbits above the fireplace in this colorful art filled kitchen by Bunny Williams. Designer Megan Pflug Dark kitchen counters and walls are popular but a few well placed paintings (especially in gold frames) can really supply the charm factor. goodhousekeeping.com Even a small piece of antique artwork can make the most sleek and modern kitchens feel instantly more cozy. serenacrawford.com If you like alot of art try a gallery wall grouping of interesting pieces. Also a great way to bring color to your kitchen.. via Pinterest Or if your preference is for just one piece of art to display, invest in quality that will retain it's value. via Pinterest You have heard the old saying "the little are mighty". Even a small piece of antique art can shine in the kitchen when styled nicely. spellegriniliving.com elledecor.com If you want your old world kitchen turned into an aesthetically pleasing and charming family space instead of opting for a purely utilitarian look, antique art can transform it instantly!! Click here to see the previous post https://eyefordesignlfd.blogspot.com/2019/03/decorating-with-girandoles.html This blog post was published by Lisa Farmer In the event that I have not credited the correct source of an image, please contact me at [email protected] and I would be glad to correct it.

Love doesn't change though the years do. Sometimes it can be difficult to remember that people in photos from bygone eras had the same concerns, hopes, dreams, and loves that we do. On a whim one morning, I was browsing vintage photos and came across these wonderful pieces of art. Some of them moved

I love to visit pinterest and all of my favorite blogs for inspiration, but recently I decided to check out my own pics for a jolt of inspiration (like a walk down memory lane) and I think it's time to plug in the soldering iron again... could my kids recent moves be what draws me to this one? and then I came across this bag, and now I want to plug in my sewing machine... I have more sweaters... and more skirts for more pillows... but I also have a few more of these vintage trophy ribbons in my stash... is this starting to sound like one of Deb's squirrel alerts? and then Santa brought me a dremel for Christmas... (we are now eating with plastic silverware!) At the moment, I am making a few special orders with special phrases of this Valentine heart... Is it a bad thing to want to create with so many different mediums? I didn't even bring up the collage work and assemblage that I want to do... At times I question my direction as an artist and small business owner. Am I really doing myself any favors by going in so many different directions? When I have tried to concentrate on only one or two things, I find myself feeling antsy, or feeling maybe a bit more squirrely than antsy actually. There is that one thing that always comes into play when I make something, making something new from something old, creating something it was never intended to be. Did you know that when you type in repurposed it comes up as misspelled? It's not recognized as a word except with those of us who can't help but look at something and think... what if I did this to that, and then put this here, and cut this off... you get the picture, right? I knew that you did :) you get me... thank you for that! so be it upcycled, repurposed, recycled, or whatever the spell check will accept, I will surely be doing more of it starting next week! Gotta get my head back in the game so to speak. til next time, love, Theresa xoxoxoox linking up to: Transformation Thursday Vintage Inspiration Friday Thanks for the parties girls! Pin It

Breathe life into your house with this delightful Circus Acrobats Poster. The poster features a whimsically rendered watercolor illustration of a group of animals. This art piece is hand-painted, showcasing vibrant hues and exquisite detailing that will surely capture the eyes and hearts of both young and old. Its an excellent addition to childrens bedrooms or playrooms, adding a vibrant splash of color and playful animal-themed charm.

This wonderful selection of photographs illustrates Ireland at the very start of the 20th century.

Some are falling apart, but they're as beautiful as ever.

I love old churches and think of them as sacred places where worship took place year after year after year. Most of all with little effort at all I can hear the music in my mind....Glorious old spiritual hymns lifted up to the Lord by those that loved Him, came to His house to feel close to Him and to worship Him.......Listen...."Shall we gather at the river.......

Old houses filled with period furniture are lovely, of course, but that doesn’t mean that they all have to be a museum. Homes are allowed to grow and change with their owners and with the times, and sometimes that results in a pastiche of old surroundings and new furnishings that’s even more delightful than the sum of its parts. Check out these three old houses whose owners have embraced modernism, with beautiful and unexpected results.

Discover the brightly colored seaside town of Villefranche-Sur-Mer through the lens of Julia Engel of Gal Meets Glam on her trip to the French Riviera.

With its old world exterior, this luxury home plan creates magnificent curb appeal. An oversized kitchen is at the center of this home and opens to a keeping room crafted with a fireplace. A distinctive coffered ceiling adorns the generous grand room and has french doors leading to the back patio. For those summer cookouts, a deck to the rear of this home is accessed from the keeping room. A home study and bedroom are tucked away to the left of the main floor. A beautiful second floor master suite features a luxurious bath, oversized walk in closet, vaulted sitting area and an optional office or exercise room complete with its own stair. A media or playroom and three additional bedrooms round out this exquisite house plan. The main roof pitch is 9 on 12 and the secondary pitch is 14 on 12. Related Plan: Get an alternate version with house plan 15743GE (3,330 sq. ft.).