Sion and I have put a deposit down on a gorgeous flat for the next academic year, which means that we’ll be moving in this summer. It’s not your typical student flat (thank goodness) and has far more of a homely feel – which I think is perfect for your final year when you really have to knuckle down! In light of this, I’ve been rather overzealously shopping for home decor bits so that I don’t need to splash out upon moving in. Collecting things slowly over time has proven to be far more affordable, especially as it allows you to take advance of sales and discounts without feeling too under pressure. So, without further ado – here’s a couple of bits I’ll be adding to the flat.
‘S’ Carnival Light | Link
I’ve been looking for a light like this for several years now however each time I found a potential contender, they were almost immediately written off due to the price tag, ordinarily nearing the £200 mark. Although I love them – as they remind me a little of funfairs or dressing table mirrors – such an extortionately priced item was never going to be on my radar, so I temporarily halted my search. A couple of weeks ago however, I found this gorgeous little lamp from Not On The High Street, which in itself is a very addictive site for home decor! Standing at 9 inches tall and sold by Rocket & Rye, it’s a perfect size for slotting on a dressing table – or a bedside table, without looking overly intrusive. They do actually sell a larger version (13 inches) for £60, however this was more than big enough for me – and it’s very well made for such a great price tag (£30). This will take centre stage in our living room – as it accounts for both of our initials and really adds to the homely feel we’re going for!
Slate Cheese Board | Link
I’m not even sure we eat enough cheese to justify a cheese board – but this is the perfect excuse to host a couple of cheese and wine parties once we move in – plus it doubles up as a bread board and a general ‘kitchen board’! We were given the option to have this engraved, so I did – with our names. Perhaps it’s a bit cringe-worthy and cliche but I think it’s lovely to have a couple of personalised items, especially in a rented property – as it’s these things that make someone else’s house, yours!
Salt & Pepper Shakers | Link
It’s not until you start the very important ‘salt and pepper shaker’ search that you realise quite how many styles there are out there! Eventually, I opted for these very tall – and I think rather elegant (yet bold) shakers, which with alternating colours means that I don’t have to stick to a specific colour scheme. These are from the Eden Project Online Shop – which is a hidden gem in the world of home decor, they’re really affordable – but offer some really quirky, lovely items!
Vintage ‘LOVE’ letters | Link
I know this are quite an unoriginal room feature but having been on the lookout for some sort of shabby chic letters and spotting these for £5, I couldn’t really say no. They are from The Range – which is a great (and super affordable) home wear shop. Until I moved to Bournemouth I’d never come across the chain store before but now I’ve been introduced, I’m a regular! Some of the items look very mass produced and a bit cheap but if you hunt around, you can quite easily spot some gorgeous pieces!
Do you have any recommendations for great home wear stores? If so, please let me know – as I’m always hunting for new items!
Bethan Winner says
I cannot wait to move in with my boyfriend and start buying things like this! Such a lovely post – thank you 🙂
Bethan | Thought from Beth x
Scarlett London says
Thanks so much for your comment Beth! I know – it’s so exciting 🙂 I haven’t even moved in yet but I’m already spending hours on home-wear sites haha! x
Sarah Ivell says
Love these- I want one of those light up letters & that cheese board is too cute as well! I can’t wait for the day I get a flat of my own to decorate with lots of gorgeous home bits 🙂
Sarah xxx
Scarlett London says
Thanks Sarah! The light up letters are so cute, I’ve literally been searching for one for years but wasn’t prepared to pay £200+. They make such a lovely gift 🙂 can’t wait til you get your own flat too – not too long you’ll be moving to uni though, so that’s halfway there! x
Carina says
Oh the S carnival light looks lovely! I want one in C! Unfortunately my dorm room is too small and has no space whatsoever for such decorations 🙁
X, Carina
Running White Horses | Fashion + Travel
Scarlett London says
Thanks for your comment Carina. Oh no, that’s a shame – this isn’t too big so could probably squeeze in – but I’m sure your dorm room is lovely all the same x
Sophie Belcher says
All these bits are perfect! I’ve been looking for a big light up ‘S’ that isn’t a bazzilion pounds for ages and this one is ideal! Hope you’re really happy in your new home and all the best for your final year!
Sophs xx
The Sopho Diaries
Scarlett London says
Thanks Sophie! I know – me too! They seem to be everywhere – but no-where offers an affordable solution so I was quite pleased to find this little bargain!
Scarlett x
Su says
I love the carnival light! so pretty
Scarlett London says
Thanks for your comment Su, really pleased you like it 🙂 x