Real Reveal greatest hits
It’s our third birthday coming up and to celebrate we want to invite you to join in with our favourite confession strand, the Real Reveal. It’s been a feature of the blog to post occasional pictures of the real state of our houses, and we’d like you get in on it. Come on now, we’ve built up a bit of trust haven’t we? It’s liberating, it’s cathartic… and we promise no names will be mentioned. This is the sort of thing we’re talking about:
My Friend started it all by uploading this shocking display:
Over at my house here is the living room, looking pretty much as it does unless there is a special occasion:
Here is the classic snapshot of the side of my bed.
The outside is no better. Here is my garden:
So that’s what our houses often look like, what about yours? Throw off your shame, take a snap of that pile of old crap you haven’t tidied away since forever, and email it to us at:
theantistylist@hotmail.com
Like we said, no names necessary. Share it with the group. You’re among Friends. x

Strip it
In Scotland this week and a rifle through the local paper led me to artist / filmmaker Murray Grigor’s collection of prints, currently on show at the Aberfeldy Watermill. His series depicts famous Scottish landmarks or stories reworked with contemporary imagery, including this, his version of the Forth Bridge covered in a William Morris print. It stirs the pattern-loving side of me, something […]

Hidden gems
Just quickly, a lovely photo gallery on The Guardian today of hidden (some more than others) architectural interior gems, includes this shot of south London’s amazing Rivoli Ballroom.

Fireplace feedback
Thanks to all the readers who commented with helpful advice about open fires after yesterday’s post. I honestly thought everyone would say, yes, great, go for it, but your reports of fire hassle have given me pause. I rented a house with an open fire a few years ago, and I loved it. All the […]

Burning question
It’s simple, and I think I know the answer. But it’s not that straightforward. Do I get a fire? I have a boarded up fireplace, a handsome mantlepiece and a big, freezing living room. I like to be warm. I like a focal point. I like to burn things. So I owe it to myself, […]