The Art of Concealment

 

Thank-you all so much for your fabulous suggestions on where to go and what to do on my much anticipated trip to Paris. It is so much nicer to hear from friends like you than to rely purely on  guide books and travel sites. I will be sure to let you know about the highlights.

 

Onto today's post....if you are somewhat obsessive like me, and like your surroundings to be pleasing to the eye at all times, those necessary but unsightly appliances can be quite problematic! Our flatscreen resides in an antique cupboard, but I should just point out that I am the only one in our family that ever closes the cupboard. No-one else can see the point when it means that they just have to open it again the next time they want to watch TV, but I will continue my lonely crusade.

I love these examples of fold out doors hiding the TV...so much nicer than an ugly flatscreen spoiling a beautiful fireplace mantle.

In the example below, a screen does the job just as well.

Another appliance that really looks better disguised is the fridge/freezer. I haven't quite managed this in my home, I just try not to look at it :) This one, below, has been cleverly disguised as part of the kitchen built-ins.

Even more clever are the following two that have been disguised as pretty armoires.

Groceries generally aren't pretty and should never be in view, in my humble opinion, unless artfully decanted into attractive containers of some sort. This clever pantry below has a pocket door that, when open, makes everything easily accessible and can just as easily slide closed to conceal it.

I love this pretty door that conceals the unattractive stuff below but allows the prettier things on the top shelves to be shown.

This is pure genius. When closed you would never know what lies behind and a clever use of space as well.

Washing machines and tumble driers are also best kept hidden unless you are lucky enough to have a separate laundry area out of the public eye. A simple skirt can work wonders...

...as do these barn doors.

This computer work station is easily hidden when not in use....

......and this gas barbeque can be hidden out of sight and protected from the elements at the same time.

When space is an issue, a guest room for visiting friends is not always an option. This bed is cleverly raised, not taking up any valuable floor space.

A bed in an alcove with a curtain for privacy is also a clever idea...

...and I love this little bedroom hidden behind folding shutter doors. 

 

And while on the subject of bedrooms, notice these clever little pull out trays that serve as bedside tables.

And then we get to our beloved pets and where to house their food bowls and beds.

Take a look at some of these clever ideas!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While we are on the subject of dogs, this is what I was confronted with one morning when I walked into my living room. My beloved dogs decided to eat one of my cushions. (Apologies for the bad photo-taken with my phone) They also chewed a corner of my coffee table, but that's ok - it needs replacing anyway.

 

 

 

And finally, you can conceal an entire room behind what looks like a beautiful wardrobe door. I would love to have a secret room. Between you and me...I would probably spend quite a bit of time there, hiding from my children!

 

 

Till next time

 

Sharon x

Image source: 1. Amy Howard Daily, 2. Cote de Texas, 3,4. Elan Interior Design, 5. Houzz, 6. Pinterest, 7, 8, 9, 10, Tumblr, 11. Charming Spaces, 12,13,14 Tumblr, 15. Georgiana Design, 16. Crush cul de Sac, 17. Georgiana Design, 18. Symphony of Stardust, 19. Zsa Zsa Bellagio 20. Pinterest, 21, Casa Decorada, 22. Pinterest, 23. Crush cul de Sac, 24. Houzz, 25. Roses and Rust, 26 Limilee