I’ve hestitated to post any pictures of my newly-pink seaside room here, because I know it’ll look so much better when it’s finished. But yesterday I went and got some fabric samples and started drawing together my thoughts. Here is the room, with Middleton Pink walls and a grey floor.

My inspiration for the room is Jill’s wonderful photo set of a tiny church on the island of Ulva.

When I first started thinking about how to decorate the room my head was full, as usual, of wonderful wallpapers and beautiful patterns. But once I saw this picture I thought again. I have even drawn up a mini-manifesto (so 1960s-counter-culture, a manifesto) of room rules:

1. No wallpaper, only paint colours

2. No prints on walls, curtains or cushions

3. No novelty or kitsch

4. Antique wood furniture, not Mid-century modern

5. Simple shapes. Ceramics not glass

6. Art on the walls, not graphic design

I guess the idea is to not just do the same things I always do with a flat, and have in my flat in London. My moodboard will show you where I’m at…

I know the fabric breaks rule number 2  already! It’s an old bit of linen with an embroidery transfer on it, which has only been partly embroidered. Someone got so far and gave up. I can relate to that. I love the transfer itself, and the embroidery reminds me of those kneeling cushions righteous ladies sew for church. So it’s allowed.

The three velvets are for covering some big floor cushions. The pink is roughly the colour of the walls. I’m planning to back with with something scratchy and penitential like hessian. For a larger, ongoing moodboard for Margate check out my Pinterest board. Or have another look at that church…