Thursday, 20 May 2010

Under the Stair - Makeover completed

Do you remember this post? It shows what this area in the lounge used to look like before we set about changing it.

After much playing around, this is how it looks now. Unfortunately the sun was hiding today, the room looks so much brighter when it's sunny.

It has become a quiet reading corner




Still experimenting with different fabrics/valences for the shelf. I think that I will probably stick to this one.








I had a small amount of Louise Loves wallpaper left, just enough to cover under the stairs and a little was left over for another small project. I really like this wallpaper but sadly it is no longer being made. However, you can still get some fabric in this design which is called Quilt (pink).

















I've had a lot of fun doing up that little corner and have already moved on to another project...

My next post will be about a beautiful piece of furniture I have just acquired for the lounge.

A bientôt!

Isabelle X

MESSAGE POUR GUENIEVRE:
Je voudrais vous remercier pour les gentils commentaires que vous m'envoyez depuis plusieurs mois. ;-)) x
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86 comments:

  1. Victoria - Florence and Mary20 May 2010 at 13:24

    Oh my it looks adorable... I couldn't think of anything better than cosying down in that chair with a good book and cup of tea!

    Victoria xx

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  2. Sal20 May 2010 at 13:29

    It's lovely,Isabelle! Please come and do my very tiny under the stairs space!! ;-)xxx

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  3. Pink Feather Paradise20 May 2010 at 13:34

    What a fab little corner... oh for a corner of my own... I use to have "my end of the settee" but my P has taken to sitting there... :(
    loving the florals and the colours... absolutely perfect!

    x Alex

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  4. Anonymous20 May 2010 at 13:34

    beautiful what a transformation a lovely space for reading

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  5. bellaboo20 May 2010 at 13:36

    I LOVE your cosy corner and the way you have decorated it! The lampshade is gorgeous too.

    Bellaboo :0)

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  6. Unknown20 May 2010 at 13:40

    ooooooh what a nice and cosy little corner!!!! Makes you wish for lots of rain....ALMOST!!!
    Wonderful ....sitting there...with a new book, and a large pot of tea.......yep...could see myself doing just that!

    Have a nice weekend!
    Lynda

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  7. Vintage from the Village20 May 2010 at 13:52

    That is the most lovely under stairs ever !
    I would have to put a door on with a big lock on the inside ha ah !!

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  8. Lori20 May 2010 at 13:53

    Isabelle, your makeover result is really beautiful...what a sweet cozy spot you have created!!!

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  9. Coco Rose Diaries20 May 2010 at 13:56

    Isabelle, I ADORE your makeover! Your wallpaper is gorgeous and all the pretties are beautiful. I could quite see myself sitting in that chair, so am I jealous? Am I ever! Take care xxx

    BTW, the PJ's are from Primark and come in white too! xxx

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  10. LissyLou20 May 2010 at 14:00

    SO CUTE, I LOVE IT!! JUST DON'T BANG YOUR HEAD WHEN YOU STAND UP!!

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  11. monikaki20 May 2010 at 14:02

    Really beautiful makeover!!! you have such an incredible, particular, unique style!! I think you really have your "own" style!!! Bravissima, j'adore ton touche!!! ciao, Monica

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  12. Kar20 May 2010 at 14:04

    Absolutely wonderful!! I wish I had a spot like that in my house. It would be the perfect knitting/crochet spot. And no one else would be allowed to use it. :)

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  13. Pixiedust20 May 2010 at 14:04

    Your little reading corner looks lovely. xxx

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  14. PASSIONEDECO FRANCESCA20 May 2010 at 14:11

    Oh dear, this is absolutely so GORGEOUS!Can I come for a tea??!!
    I love this corner so much and it is such an inspiration for me since I am still moving furniture and things around in my new home!
    I can see Miss Marple reading a good book there!Lovely!
    Fra

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  15. A Bun Can Dance20 May 2010 at 14:12

    Hi Isabelle
    Your corner looks so cosy and welcoming, I'd love to curl up in that seat, cat on lap and read a gripping novel :-)
    Well done you for bringing it all together so beautifully. The fabrics are gorgeous and I especially love the pink one edging the shelf.
    This just goes to show that making just one corner look beautiful can have a huge impact.
    I also wanted to stop by to say a big thank you for the thoughtful comments you've left recently - I really appreciate them.
    I hope that all is well with you,
    Wishing you many happy hours in your cosy corner!
    Denise x

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  16. koralee20 May 2010 at 14:25

    Oh...so pretty and cozy...I would never leave that sweet little corner of your world. I adore the fabrics you used. xoxoxoxo

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  17. Jacqueline @ HOME20 May 2010 at 14:28

    Hi there Isabelle,
    Many thanks for your comment. I have got a few more pictures of the cottage in Cornwall but, not many but, you get the general idea from them. Perhaps I will post them later.
    What a lovely little corner. I love your old books. I have a few that I have bought from Abe Books, and have had as presents. Some of the covers are amazing, aren't they ?
    Enjoy the weekend. It is supposed to be hot !!!! XXXX

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  18. Sandies' Patch20 May 2010 at 14:50

    Love it!
    Very restful, I can just imagine myself reading, then nodding off in this lovely space...
    Thanks for sharing.

    Sandie xx

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  19. salty pebble20 May 2010 at 15:00

    such a truly beautiful make over!!
    you have made a sweet cozy place to sit and admire- ohhhh i would so love to have a place like that to sit, ponder and wonder!- its truly a gem!....enjoy xxxx

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  20. Mary Poppins20 May 2010 at 15:19

    Utterley gorgeous, so pretty and I am sure I would want to spend all day and all night there :0) We have an open area under our stairs that I am as yet unsure what to do with, thank you so much for the inspiration.

    Hope you are all well and thinking of you XX

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  21. Lululiz20 May 2010 at 15:23

    What a wonderful little nook, so snuggly and cosy.

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  22. mary pernula20 May 2010 at 15:40

    Way to cute...........I also like the wall paper. XO MARY

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  23. Bernideen20 May 2010 at 16:08

    What a darling little quiet spot to take a break from the world! If you had a tiny piece of paper left you could use it to cover a book or picture frame mat! This is so lovely here!

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  24. Cape Cod Rambling Rose20 May 2010 at 16:17

    That looks so cozy and inviting! And do I spot one of Niki's dolls on your chair? ;) Every time I see an under-the-stairway nook I immediately think of "Harry Potter"! My second oldest son owns the nook under our stairway... his looks typically boyish! lol

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  25. Zita - Mlle Magpie20 May 2010 at 16:23

    Absolutely gorgeous little nook, Isabelle. You've done an incredible job making this a most beautiful and cozy little place that is just loaded with charm and pretty.

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  26. KC'sCourt!20 May 2010 at 16:42

    Oh that is lovely - a little place to call your own for a quiet afternoon or evening.
    Julie xxxxxxxx

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  27. Catsngrams20 May 2010 at 16:50

    What a wonderful corner to rest and read you did a fantastic job. You are so talented.

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  28. Dogwood20 May 2010 at 16:50

    Too cute. Way too cute. I love it. Don't be surprise if you find me sitting in that chair reading a book or knitting or taking a nap. That little area is so inviting. You are so talented.

    Hugs, Cory/Dogwood

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  29. Anonymous20 May 2010 at 17:05

    oh I so want a special, cute and quiet little reading corner of my own...but this house doesn't have any place like that for me!
    what a charming home and comfortable spot you have!

    I can picture myself sitting there with my favourite book...reading the day away!

    thanks so much for sharing your creative and beautiful life with me!

    ciao bella
    creative carmelina

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  30. Serenata20 May 2010 at 17:40

    Oh it looks lovely Isobel - just perfect for curling up with a book. I want one now - only problem is we don't have a stair nook, living in a bungalow! ;-)

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  31. Unknown20 May 2010 at 18:02

    How gorgeous it looks, a quiet little snug!!! I fear that I would be tempted to spend alot of time snuggled up there with a good book and a glass of wine! Love your stylexxxx

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  32. Niki Fretwell20 May 2010 at 18:08

    Hi Isabelle,
    Too beautiful for words...

    But hey, I'll say something anyway! ;-)) Your always careful selection of just the right items has really paid off Isabelle - Everything works so wonderfully together...Truly lovely.
    May you spend many happy hours reading there!
    Niki x

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  33. It's me20 May 2010 at 19:24

    What a nice lovely sweet corner.............so beautiful done !!!


    I really like it all !!!

    Happy evening hugs from Ria.........

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  34. Lisa20 May 2010 at 19:28

    Oh wow Isabelle! You have created the most beautiful reading corner. I love the wallpaper on the backing to the stairs, such a clever touch. And the fabric valance on the shelf. It's all totally gorgeous. I hope you have very many snuggly reading hours in your new cosy corner.
    Lisa x

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  35. Country Cottage Chic20 May 2010 at 19:28

    It looks wonderful - such a good use of the space - I can't do much under my stairs as it would have to be doll's house sized furniture for me so it's just a boring cupboard which we use for the recycling.

    Jayne

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  36. topchelseagirl20 May 2010 at 19:31

    You have done a wonderful job, it is a gorgeous corner.

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  37. Karen Roderick20 May 2010 at 19:42

    That's beautiful, what a lovely little place to hide out with a book, Karen x

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  38. Thedarkerside7320 May 2010 at 19:48

    what a beautiful and peaceful looking corner of your living room. I just love it. I can quite see me curled up there in that chair either reading or crocheting!

    Your hard work has really paid off in spades. Wishing you many happy relaxing hours there.


    MBB x

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  39. Rubyred20 May 2010 at 19:51

    Such a cozy little nook! I love it!
    Rachel x

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  40. Guenievre20 May 2010 at 19:52

    Alors là : j'adore ce que vous avez fait de ce "petit coin sous l'escalier" ! C'est très cosy, le fauteuil donne envie de s'y assoir pour y lire un beau roman.
    Les tissus sont superbes, j'adore les roses !
    Très réussi !
    Bonne soirée !

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  41. Catherine20 May 2010 at 21:13

    Thanks for coming! What you have done is just beautiful, i wish i had a little corner like this at home...you give me ideas! xx Catherine

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  42. dots and spots20 May 2010 at 21:24

    It looks a lovely corner to curl up in - hope you are well. You must pop in for a coffee one day if you are passing.

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  43. I Love Pretty Little Things20 May 2010 at 21:57

    So sweet and cozy. What a comfy little place to relax! I love it.

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  44. BucksCountyFolkArt20 May 2010 at 22:05

    Hi, what a gorgeous blog!

    I just wanted to thank you for keeping Chris in your prayers. She beat Cancer once before, let's hope she'll do it again.

    Jill

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  45. Enitram20 May 2010 at 22:48

    So lovely!!!!!!!
    A DELICIOUS CORNER TO READ QUIETTLY
    GOOD WEEK-END

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  46. BucksCountyFolkArt20 May 2010 at 23:13

    Isabelle,

    I was just looking over your children's Christmas books and was wondering the name of the one where the two children are at the end of a path, looking at the trees lining it all decorated with lights? It's so pretty, I wouldn't mind trying to get it for my own kids!

    Jill

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  47. Carolyn21 May 2010 at 02:32

    What a charming little nook you created! A good book and a cup of tea and I would be all set.

    Carolyn

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  48. Josephine Tale Peddler21 May 2010 at 03:15

    Dear Isabelle, I am giving you a pleased cyber hug from across the miles. Can you feel it? I love this post. We don't have stairs living in a matchbox of a terrace but it shows how much you can transform a small space into something cozy, pretty and wonderful. I love your fabrics and the book covers are sublime. Thank you so much for your email on Miss P I shall reply back to you when I get a chance this weekend on that post. Have a lovely weekend and thanks for the inspirational post today! xx

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  49. Josephine Tale Peddler21 May 2010 at 03:19

    Forgot to sa it looks like a room in Country Living. Can't you get your house in one of those mags so I can have print photographs? xx

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  50. Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces21 May 2010 at 05:01

    What a charming, cozy spot~ so lovely and the chair looks like something I'd love to curl up in...

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  51. Vera Amos21 May 2010 at 08:58

    What a cosy little nook!
    Have a good weekend.
    Nicky x

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  52. melanie21 May 2010 at 09:46

    Wow, how cosy, what a perfect little sanctuary, I absolutely love it!!! xxx

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  53. Passione Helena21 May 2010 at 10:49

    What a charming corner. It looks so sweet!
    I love those flowers like the paper en pillows..

    I like your pretty blog,
    Thanks also, for the comment you post on my blog

    Warm wishes,
    Helena

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  54. grada21 May 2010 at 11:08

    Hoi

    O wat is het een mooi hoekje geworden zeg en jij hebt ook zo veel rozen spulletjes echt geweldig
    Leuk dat je een berichtje op mn blog hebt geplaatst
    Ik blijf je volgen want je hebt echt mijn smaak
    Lekker gezellig he?
    Fijn weekend
    Gr Grada

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  55. Mary Ann21 May 2010 at 11:35

    hi isabelle! your house reminds me of the movie, the holiday (with cameron diaz) which i love so much. I am going to visit your previous posts. you did a great job on the painting/renovation of your house. thanks for visiting my blog and becoming a follower. i will be following your blog as well. you have a great day! verbena cottage

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  56. Stella21 May 2010 at 12:06

    Hi Isabelle,
    It looks so cosy,just want to huddle myself up in the chair ;)
    Greetings,Ster

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  57. ~*~ saskia ~*~21 May 2010 at 12:33

    Oh My, Isabelle, that is the sweetest little corner. You used such pretty colors and fabrics and prints!
    A*D*O*R*A*B*L*E !
    Is it your favorite spot already? Definitely would be mine =)

    Wishing you a great weekend! xo

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  58. sylvia21 May 2010 at 12:48

    hi.
    thanks for visit my blog,
    WOOW you have a wonderful blog,I love it.
    and I will come again.
    so many beautiful things you show us,
    I like the english vinage you had,its so fantastic..
    have a very good weekend.
    hug from sylvia

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  59. Anonymous21 May 2010 at 15:11

    What a lovely reading nook...everyone should have such a sweet spot!! :) ~ Jo

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  60. Anonymous21 May 2010 at 15:17

    P.S. Good luck with your garden project!! I'm sure it will be beautiful. ~ Jo

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  61. Unknown21 May 2010 at 17:54

    This is so enchanting! GJ! Thank you for following my blog :)
    I post everyday, come say hi when you can :)
    XOXO
    Frenchy

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  62. Saskia21 May 2010 at 18:44

    What a wonderful blog.Thank you for you to follow me, I really like. Go follow you too, am curious to see more pictures .
    Nice weekend and greetings Saskia

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  63. Ingrid21 May 2010 at 19:13

    Hey Isabelle what a romantic place in your house,so beautiful!!!!enjoy it girl...

    Ingrid

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  64. Clare21 May 2010 at 19:22

    Absolutely wonderful Isabelle!

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  65. Bonjade21 May 2010 at 19:25

    So nice that you visited me......
    Now I found you....;))
    Love it here and wishing you nice days....

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  66. Fleurette21 May 2010 at 19:43

    Hello Isabelle, thank you very much for your visit!!
    Your blog is amazing, interesting and very beautiful!!!!!!!!!
    You have beautiful photos and wonderful home full of beautiful vintage pieces!!!!
    I'm really excited is it beautiful blog!!!!!!!!!
    Have a very nice evening and weekend
    Fleurette from Prague

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  67. harmony and rosie21 May 2010 at 19:51

    Isabelle it looks amazing, so beautiful and I especially love the lampshade. I think if I sat down there, it would take quite a lot to get me up!!

    Have a lovely weekend

    Kate x

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  68. Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia21 May 2010 at 20:13

    It's gorgeous, such a cozy little corner!
    Happy Friday!
    XO

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  69. Josephine21 May 2010 at 20:14

    Hello Isabelle,

    It was lovely to have a visit from you today, thank you very much.

    You have a very lovely blog, and this corner.....ohhh...so sweet, really amazing.

    Have a very nice weekend,
    Warm wishes,
    Josephine

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  70. Vær våken21 May 2010 at 20:43

    Wow...what a nice space! I would love to sit down and read my favourite books!!! So cozy! And your blog captured me in some way so I'll be a follower as well!! Wishing you the greates weekend!

    Kristin xx

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  71. Rita21 May 2010 at 21:33

    Hi Isabelle,
    just discovered your delightful blog via a comment you left at Flaviana's. So glad I've had the chance to eet you and your lovely & cozy space.
    I'll have some good reading awaiting me tonight to keep up with your older posts as they all seem so intriguing and inspiring.
    Love your reading nook - it's so inviting, comfy and super chic at the one time. the perfect place to spend some quiet time reading or simply musing.
    I adore your style and will certainly get some inspiration tonight for some project for my apartment.
    Warmely

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  72. Janean21 May 2010 at 21:36

    saw-WEET! who'd think of remaking a nook like this, but it's fab and cozy!!!!

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  73. A Whimsical Girl Named Debbie21 May 2010 at 23:20

    Your little nook is splendidly divine! I adore the shabby chic feel of it! That would be my favorite spot in the house! Love it to pieces!

    http://girlwhimsy.blogspot.com
    http://closetfullofgoodies.blogspot.com

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  74. Pearl22 May 2010 at 03:39

    I love, love, love your blog! Thanks for stopping by mine and becoming a follower. I will definately be back. The too cute reading corner is great and I love that chair and lamp shade. I like it all. hugs, Pearl

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  75. All things nice...22 May 2010 at 13:14

    So cosy and pretty, the perfect place to relax with a cup of tea and a magazine. Is that an IKEA chair?

    All things nice...

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  76. Andi's English Attic22 May 2010 at 14:24

    It really does look like a very cosy nook. xx

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  77. Muisje22 May 2010 at 15:44

    In one word, beautiful.
    Thank you for visiting my blog.

    Love Herma

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  78. Kissed by an Angel22 May 2010 at 19:52

    That looks really cosy!! A comfy chair, a good book and a cuppa!! Heaven!!
    xxxx

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  79. Joyfulsister22 May 2010 at 20:35

    Aloha From Hawaii..
    Beautiful and cozy!!! I would love to have something like that under my stairs, but all I have is a closet lol.


    Thanks for sharing!!!

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  80. Les Cotrions22 May 2010 at 20:57

    Your corner looks faboulous! You made a great work! It's so cozy!!! Love your fabrics Isabelle and the wall paper is a beauty!!!
    A nice Sunday to you!!!!
    Vale

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  81. OhSoVintage22 May 2010 at 21:28

    What a lovely hidey-hole you have created. Just perfect for snuggling under that eiderdown with a good book. It all looks gorgeous. Well done!
    Ruth x

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  82. Hen23 May 2010 at 00:23

    It's lovely, Isabelle, well done, I hope you now get a chance to rest in it. I particularly love that curtain fabric. Perhaps the nook will become a favourite spot for Lily or Larry?
    Hen xxx

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  83. Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings...23 May 2010 at 02:06

    Isabelle...Thank You for stopping by and introducing me to your blog!
    I'm in love with your newly created reading space...So warm, cozy and totally inspiring.
    I have a stack of books I could surely finish off in that darling chair!
    Looking foward to getting to know you better over the coming months,
    xoxo~Kathy @
    Sweet Up-North Mornings...

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  84. Elyse23 May 2010 at 03:42

    wow, isabelle,

    this is amazing! it's beautiful and just perfect with all of the layers of colors, textures, and florals.

    thanks so much for your comment. it reminded me of your lovely blog. i will now click the follow button!

    xo
    elyse

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  85. Deb23 May 2010 at 06:21

    Such a sweet little reading corner, so cozy! I just love the wallpaper, it's beautiful!!!

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  86. maría cecilia5 June 2010 at 02:56

    I love, love, love this corner, Isabelle!!!! You did a great and romantic job!!!!

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Hello.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment on my blog. I enjoy reading them all! I am sorry if I cannot always reply.
Isabelle x