Real Living July '09

My copy of the latest Real Living arrived yesterday and I've managed to find the time to read it today. I wanted to share with you some of my favourite pages.

The cover page is natural and neutral. A nice change from the more colourful covers which incidentally I also like but sometimes a simple neutral space is what I need to feel relaxed.

Most of the cover page furniture pieces are from Ikea. I have my eye on the white Stockholm side table. The tabletop swivels and there is hidden storage underneath. A good spot to hide coasters I think.

Here's what I love inside the magazine:

This look

Image source Page 23

The wallpaper is not one I would normally choose but it seems to work with the navy lounge, cream throw and yellow cushion. I must add the striped bobble throw & woven felt yellow cushion from Country Road onto my ever growing wish list.

The DIY Projects

Image source Page 34

One idea is to wrap paper around old tins and containers to create pretty storage. Other DIY projects featured include - a chair makeover, wastepaper-basket lamp, painting tin objects, framing metal trays, painting a magazine rack with chalkboard paint and creating a pretty lantern by removing the paper shade. Phew!

This home

Images from Pages 72-75

My favourite parts of the magazine each month are the interiors featured (no surprise there) with tips on how to achieve the same look. This month I was particularly drawn to the home of Michelle Adams. She's the designer behind Rubie Green that sells 100% organic cotton fabrics.

Image source Page 44

My favourite products mentioned are the Rambling Rose cup and saucer set from Domayne and the Iniko cushion from Freedom (see above). And then there are the clever paint and wallpaper ideas, the pretty courtyard makeover and the recipes I am going to try to cook next week.

Do you subscribe to Real Living? If so, what do you like from the latest issue?

(Click images to view larger. All images copyright Real Living. PS: I am not affiliated with Real Living, just a fan of the magazine.)