More of this Please!

Today’s Peak Time Tale took me no further than the end of my road. Now I’ve written about Acts of Random Kindness before (A.R.K) > here< and I consider them one of the simplest ways to experience a feel-good boost. Whether you’re the recipient, giver or happen to witness an A.R.K, there’s little else that will give you that instant heart-warming, happy buzz – and who would ever complain about an endorphin overload?

As I left the flat this morning, I noticed what appeared to be a rather fancy looking basket outside the front door or the property at the end of the road. The property in question is marketed for short-term-lease, so it’s not unusual to see boxes and furniture toing and froing every six months’ or so. Upon closer inspection, (by which I mean squinting my eyes and showing neighbourly* interest) I could make out a jar of coffee, some washing up liquid, a candle and an envelope with the word ‘welcome’ written on the front. All finished off with a red bow! A bow people! The previous tenants had obviously left a ‘welcome’ basket filled with a few house-warming essentials to greet the new residents. What a thoughtful gesture to make someone feel welcome on what is likely to be a stressful and hectic day.

I’ve created a few house-warming hampers in my time for friends and family, but never have I considered doing this for the new resident of a property I may be selling. I will definitely take this on board as and when my husband and I decide to sell up and move to our next home (and with our beautiful baby daughter growing up far too quickly, that’s likely to be sooner rather than later!).

A.R.K needn’t be grand gestures done publically with an audience in tow, and this small token proved exactly that. More of this please!

*Read: nosey

Door to Door

As a nod to one of my favourite bloggers, Alex Stedman, (a.k.a The Frugality) I’ve decided to take today’s PeakTimeTales on a slightly different journey.

To feed our increasing obsession with doors (front doors, to be precise) I’ve taken to the streets to capture my choice in local door-eye-candy. Yes, I’m serious. Alex, enjoy!

It comes as no surprise that much like a statement necklace or pair of earrings, the style or colour of a front door can dramatically alter the overall look of a property. I’m not too proud to admit that I often take an alternative route home simply to ogle at a particular front door that holds my current no. 1 spot.

Let’s start by paying homage to the classic black and blue Victorian beauties. Understated in colour but packing a punch in curb appeal, these majestic designs demand attention. Bold. Elegant. Timeless.

Grey is one of my go-to shades when it comes to styling my home and myself. So what better choice when it comes to accessorising the front of your home? Not happy with a simple cool, calm and collected approach? Then create interest by varying the tone of grey and adding some patchwork glass detailing. A thoroughly modern take on another classic design.

Keeping it cool with pastels, these stunning baby blue options are a welcomed alternative in a suburban setting and add a well-placed pop of colour. I love the way the pale blue frames the glass panes of this Edwardian-style door, moving away from the traditional green and red of the period.

Natural wooden doors instantly add a more modern edge to any property, but in order for this look to work, the house must toe-the-line. These beautiful examples of natural wood-effect doors definitely provide a refreshing alternative and subtly lift the façade of the properties without being too showy. I especially like the carefully placed glass detailing, adding character and in the case of the second image, extra sass! (And in case you’re wondering, the wreaths are changed seasonally – surely an accessory every door demands!).

If it’s unrivalled glamour and flair you’re after then look no further than the roaring twenties. Bursting at the seams with elegance and confidence, the decade is unmatched on the style front. So it’s quite a surprise that doors of the period were fairly low-key, being mainly dark painted wooden designs with decorative glass features. This modern take on a twenties-style door is understated but still gorgeous thanks to the dainty diamond shaped glass element.

And now, readers, the door of dreams. The ‘I know I made you look’ door that stands pride of place down a street of bloomin’ lovely doors, but this one just has that little extra something. Painted in Lilac, an unusual choice for a non-beach-front setting, it shouldn’t work, but it does. It adds interest, makes me smile and completely elevates the property (which, by all accounts, is stunning lilac or no lilac). Bravo that owner who dared to break the mould and give my walk home, albeit now slightly longer, a very welcomed dash of colour.

 

(For those of your with a thing for windows, here’s something to tame that craving!)