London Calls…
This time next week I’ll be packing my bags and flying to London which makes me very happy! It’s only an hour from where I live by plane but I haven’t yet been since moving over so it’s time I change things up a bit! The first thing I will do is review photos for the book with the team that I’m working with, aka the publisher & co. Up until now, our teamwork has been purely virtual so I’m looking forward to sitting around a table and discussing ideas and sorting through images to see what will work in the massive flat plan set out before us. I also cannot wait to meet the co-author, Joanna! She has been a lovely lady on the phone and via email but meeting has been a goal of mine so I’m glad that this will finally happen. We’ll also be going on a shopping trip together to round up products and ideas for the book and I’m quite pleased with this agenda because shopping with someone who really knows their city is always a very special treat.
Some have asked me if writing a book is scary… So far I’m not scared at all, I’m quite excited to share my ideas and be heard and to change up the pace a little. Honestly, I needed this as being solely online has started to drain me as I thrive more on diversity and spontaneity than I do on being on my computer 24/7 — I need to spice things up! Blogging can be a lot like marriage, you get into your routine of it and then realize that you’ve turned into a crashing bore of a partner! That is when you have to do special things to make your relationship feel fresh and exciting again. My job is this way. I’ve been blogging for over four years now, it was time to try something new — so I guess we can call this book project my naughty teddy or something. :) My routine is about to be completely changed because between next week and July I’ll be in London, Denmark, Sweden, Amsterdam, Paris, Belgium, Los Angeles and New York. Talk about change, this isn’t going from crawling to walking, this is going from crawling to flying!
I’ll be meeting up with some new friends in London and connecting with some others whom I’ve been dying to meet so this trip will be a very productive 7 days. London is a very special city to me — I had a lot of “first” experiences there back in my single days I flew over so many times from Boston that I actually lost count — I was obsessed with English life and culture and in many ways I still am. I remember flying over “for the weekend” just to see a concert or go out with my friends. Ha! This time my adventures will be much more tame as I have plans to hit lots of stores and to simply enjoy the hustle bustle of the city without sitting before a computer as I usually am quite tied by the umbilical cord to my laptop. I’m going on this trip laptop-free, baby! Though take note: I am bringing my iPod touch to tweet and read my emails. I cannot detach myself from the mothership entirely. When I return from my trip, I’ll have some photographs and tips to share here concerning my impressions of London so while I’m there, I’ll definitely be keeping an out out for things to share on the bloggy blog.
To get me in the London mood, I thought I’d share these gorgeous shoot locations with you from 1st Option. All of these gorgeous properties are available for hire just in case you are putting together a fashion catalog and need a location for your models, or perhaps you are shooting a book of your own and need some great rooms to style. All of these locations are beautiful and vary in style and period but the theme is consistent – they’re all drop dead gorgeous. Enjoy!
(images: 1st option)
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May 5th, 2010 at 10:18am
Wow something really special about this array of photos- Is it the white and then the pops of color? Not sure- Loving the stairs- Loving the “love” pillow and ca’t get zoomed in enough on the huge daisy piece of art…Good luck in London
May 5th, 2010 at 10:37am
Yes, its so exciting and I´m looking forward to this wonderful book. I can imagine that it will be a great change from your normal blogging routine.Sometimes we must jump out from this “normal way” and try new things out.This is so right, and so important. Wish i could play a little tiny mouse to see what is going out there in london on your project…;)…but so i must to be patient and exciting what will the future bring…;)…holly, have a lovley stay in london and enjoy mabye also a little “yourself-time” with your sweetheart…cheers and hugs…and until then…ines
p.s.the rooms are really amazing…;)…
.-= frauheuberg´s last blog ..Laughing is healthy…thanks John Martz… =-.
May 5th, 2010 at 10:38am
…it sounds like such an adventure, can you pick me up on the way and pop me in your suitcase?
I love that stair case i’m always drawn to colourful stripes.
.-= Samantha´s last blog ..Magazine of the month =-.
May 5th, 2010 at 10:43am
Wow! The stairs are my favorite part. From the picture it looks like a thin runner, no? I bet the same effect could be accomplished with paint, too. Awesome.
.-= Sarah´s last blog ..Lessons from The Big Move of 2010 =-.
May 5th, 2010 at 11:18am
I live in London! I’ll look out for you! (haha)
x
.-= Polly´s last blog ..Postcards =-.
May 5th, 2010 at 11:20am
Oh my. I could move in today – forget the photo shoot.
.-= Lori´s last blog ..fabulous enchiladas and margaritas =-.
May 5th, 2010 at 11:22am
beautiful… thanks for the inspiration. love your blog!!
.-= Sandi Gunnett´s last blog ..Inspiration… =-.
May 5th, 2010 at 11:25am
Well, I would never say you are boring, but I must say that I am looking VERY forward to your “naughty teddy” project! :-) If you will be in Copenhagen after the first week of June let me know! I would love to take you out for coffee or tea if you have the time in your schedule!
.-= Traveling Mama´s last blog ..just curious: your {burning} questions =-.
May 5th, 2010 at 11:31am
LOVE that purple couch! All the white is so chic!
.-= Leah´s last blog ..Cool Gwen =-.
May 5th, 2010 at 11:41am
give a big kiss to London from me :) and have a fabulous time, can’t wait to see what you will bring us back !!
.-= flowing moments´s last blog ..la saison des marguerites =-.
May 5th, 2010 at 11:41am
Oh, I want to go to there! I agree – the stairs are to die for against that neutral backdrop. Love. I went to London when I was in my teens but wasn’t impressed. I probably need to give it another shot, especially knowing it inspires you!
.-= Liv @ Choosing Beauty´s last blog ..05.05.10 What The Wednesday – Take Note! =-.
May 5th, 2010 at 12:07pm
Such a nice place! I like the boho style of the leaving room and the old school rug on the stairs.
May 5th, 2010 at 12:12pm
That staircase is DIVINE! Your trip to London will be so much fun, Holly, I just know it! Can’t wait to hear all about it.
.-= Will´s last blog ..{Magazine Review: Living Etc June 2010} =-.
May 5th, 2010 at 12:39pm
Lovely pictures!
Looking forward for your London tips ;-)
I’m going to London, for the first time, next month! I am sooo looking forward to it.
xx,
A.
.-= Ana´s last blog ..Lovely Etsy of the day! =-.
May 5th, 2010 at 12:42pm
Amazing! All of these exciting things could not be happening to a nicer person. Cannot wait to read about and see all of your adventures (congrats!)! And really can’t wait for the book. :)
.-= bussbuss´s last blog ..GAP Deal: 20% Off Code Audrey Would Love! =-.
May 5th, 2010 at 12:53pm
Holly this is soooo exciting!! i cant wait to hear all about your various travels and ofcourse esp to read your book!
What i love about your blog is that –its as if I am there in person visiting the exciting shops,interiors and places you so beautifully mention :)
Also im super excited that you will be visiting my city- London!!
have you found a place to stay as yet??..
I am sure your schedule for london is jam-packed but it would be lovely to meet up with you…if it is possible for you …maybe for a meal/coffee or perhaps a traditional english tea experience..or it can be a very small decor8 blog readers meet up :)
May 5th, 2010 at 1:07pm
Does anyone know where that runner is from??? I’ve had a similar picture bookmarked for years and have been on the hunt.
May 5th, 2010 at 1:19pm
oh my goodness, what an adventure! Have so much fun traveling around and pulling together the book. these photos were a lovely pick-me-up. the staircase shot is my favorite.
.-= jen jafarzadeh´s last blog ..the big news =-.
May 5th, 2010 at 2:51pm
how exciting, holly! i think it’s great you’re changing things up a bit by pursuing the book & even for going to london without your laptop! i think it’ll make the trip that much better to be unplugged & just able to enjoy your surroundings without the constant itch to go online.
May 5th, 2010 at 3:35pm
Love that Union Jack wall art. Amazing! Have fun in London and I’ll just live vicariously through you.
May 5th, 2010 at 4:47pm
hello Holly,
I hope you have a great time in London, weather has improved considerably. So much to see and do.
Have a nice break over here!!
Marga
.-= Margarita Lorenzo´s last blog ..More great words and cute drawings =-.
May 5th, 2010 at 5:22pm
Have the most wonderful time – all the fantastic places you will be able to see! Flying indeed!
.-= Tricia Rose´s last blog ..Santa Cruz =-.
May 5th, 2010 at 5:50pm
These rooms are a.m.a.z.i.n.g. When we move closer to Seattle in a year or two, I’m going to make a point of including alot of white in my decorating. We still have an “earthy” color palette in our current home.
Enjoy England, Holly! xo
.-= vicki´s last blog ..A Winner and a New Giveaway! =-.
May 5th, 2010 at 6:45pm
Oh Holly, I am jealous, yes, flat out jealous, I won’t lie…as I sit in my boring, boring, boring, beyond painfully boring job, I will live vicariously through your adventures. I lived in London, and it is a special place and will always have a special place in my heart. Plus, my mother was British, so even more so! (actually born in Scotland, but grew up in England). If you need a personal assistant, please don’t hesitate to contact me!! It couldn’t happen to a nicer gal! good luck and keep calm!! x
.-= Sarah´s last blog ..New Design Crush… =-.
May 5th, 2010 at 7:26pm
I really like the Very Tidy Kitchen! :)
.-= monica of hola!design´s last blog ..Quote by Picasso =-.
May 5th, 2010 at 9:47pm
Your “naughty teddy”! Your analogies crack me up. Can’t wait to see the book Holly :)
May 6th, 2010 at 1:44am
If you want a tourguide in Denmark (I expect you are coming to Copenhagen) then let me know…
May 6th, 2010 at 3:28pm
OMG neat looking stairs!!
.-= jennifer ramos´s last blog ..Sixx Design’s Home Kitchen…. =-.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:15pm
“…crawling to flying”. You are hardly crawling here Holly!! :)
How exciting for you, congratulations.
Loving all of those photos, particularly the stairs and the kitchen.
.-= ~mel~´s last blog ..Etsy Makeover ~ Closer =-.
May 7th, 2010 at 2:07am
I nearly did when I saw those stairs.
How exciting! I hope you enjoy your travels.
May 7th, 2010 at 1:19pm
I just found your blog today… it’s great!! There are such amazing ideas and I love the pictures in this entry! Thanks for all the amazing ideas! :)
May 8th, 2010 at 10:39pm
Fantastic interiors. If these were just an option, I can only imagine the one you chose for the book. Have unforgettable time in London.
.-= Gosia Maj´s last blog ..The Best Thing One Can Do =-.
June 6th, 2010 at 9:22pm
Hi, Holly! Soooooo sorry I missed you while you were in The Hague last fall–we had a sudden and unexpected return to the U.S. Congrats on your upcoming book and thanks for such great inspiration here. Any chance you know the rug manufacturer? I checked Dash & Albert, but no luck.