Notting Hill Flat

I'm still waiting for my boxes from the US to arrive (it's been over two months, ugh). So my place isn't fully set up yet. But so many friends keep asking for pics of my flat I decided to show you what it looks like right now. I love it!

When you walk into the flat there are high ceilings, floor to ceiling bay windows and loads of sun. The hardwood floors are beautiful. I need to buy a swiffer though (I have yet to find one anywhere).

You can see a bit of the ornate detail in the crown molding. I also picked up an extra clothing rack. Sadly, my closet here is nothing like my giant walk-in back in Chicago.

You can see the windows open up wide, and if you walk out them there is a cute little balcony to walk out on. I've written several blog posts siting out on that little bistro table :)

My tiny little kitchen, just look at the fridge!

I'm so thankful I have a full tub in my bathroom. It's tiny but everything I need.

You can look right out onto the private gardens for everyone who lives in the square.

And then finally inside the gardens! They keep it very well groomed. Right after I took all these pictures, I had a bunch of friends over for a champagne and bruschetta bar picnic. We played table tennis and drank slightly to much.

So there  you have it! My Notting Hill flat.

Studio Living

I don't move into my flat for a few more weeks, but I'm already dreaming about how I'm going to decorate my new little space in London. Today, I'm sharing a few sneak peaks of my flat from the property owner's website. That's then followed by some massive pinterest idea binging I did this morning. Big progress here, big progress.

 
Yes, there is a tiny little balcony outside the bay windows! I love how much light this flat gets. Oh and those trees across the street; part of the private neighborhood park I'll soon be sunning in (I get my own little key!).

Now below are my quick iPhone photos the first day I viewed the flat. It's got an adorable little loft where I plan on putting an air mattress for visitors (come visit!). Through the door is a MASSIVE closet (you know I need that) and a cute little bathroom that I forgot to take a pic of.

How gorgeous is that crown molding! I love it. My itty bitty kitchen is over on the right.

So with this new flat I'm am THRILLED to start injecting it with my style. Here are a few pinterest ideas I'm considering.

I'm obsessed with the idea of a "wall mounted bar." If this doesn't scream, 'Alicia' I don't know what does.

image from Decor8

I love the idea of breaking up space with this IKEA shelving system. It's also a good place to store shoes. I totally got this idea from my lovely friend, Maureen, back in Chicago. She makes this look good!

image from pinterest

I'm likely going to need some extra storage space, and I adore this color coded wire rack system.

image from pinterest

Very smart bath towel storing probably needs to be in my life here.

image from pinterest

How perfect is this little wall mounted drop down desk? I envision it doing double duty for a dinner party. In white of course.

image from pinterest

I love to cook so I'm going to need some more kitchen space. This kitchen cabinet from IKEA could be perfect. It opens up to double the counter space.

image from IKEA

And just in case I need it, more closet space via hanging rack.

image from pinterest

Arrived in London!

I'm finally here in London! I've been here a week but it's honestly felt longer. I'm relearning everything from how to tip (or rather, not tip) to what words NOT to say (pants means underwear here, oops).  I'm loving every minute  of it.

Until mid-July I'll be staying in cute studio right down the street from my office. It's corporate housing and I'm pretty impressed. Very bright rooms with maid service and top end electronics. Let me show you around.

You walk in to find a comfy bed and pops of yellow color around the room.

Here's a view from the side. A little TV and desk are on the other side.

A cute little couch and table (already had a few people over to enjoy some wine and dinner).

There's a little kitchen for me to try and whip up some meals. I won't lie, I miss my giant Chicago kitchen and all my appliances! But this will certainly do for now.

And here's a quick peak into the bathroom (across from my bed). It has one of those weird half doors in the shower, so everything get soaked when I take a shower. I'm getting better at it slowly!

You can see more fancy photos of The Rosebery online here.

I promised to update you on more of my adventures soon :)