Inspiration from Bangladesh
By Jane Way, May 10 17
Spice seller
Spices for sale
I have recently returned from a very interesting trip to Bangladesh. I traveled by air, boat, bus train and rickshaw from the Sundarban to the Bandarban National Parks, passing through many towns and villages on the way.
I returned home with many memories and images in my mind – the frenzy and noise of the Dhaka and larger towns, the peace and tranquility of the Sundarban and countryside and the dirt and dust – but what stood out most for me was the vibrant colours some of which I share with you here. I hope you find these images as inspirational as I do.
Beautiful bourganvillea
A shot of colour amidst the dust
Getting from A to B by rickshaw is the most popular way to travel in the cities. I visited an artist in Old Dhaka who specializes in bespoke decorating
University students in ‘everyday’ wear, gorgeous vibrant colours.
In the pink, women and children outside a mosque
Shades of burnt sienna, orange and ochre. Shabby chic charm, but it’s just the way it is in Bangladesh.
Fish baskets for sale These are loaded up with fish from the holds in the fishing boats and taken to the fish markets by boy porters who carry their load on their heads.
Typical inner courtyard of derelict 18th century house, Panam City near Dhaka – a deserted place with Moghul, Indian and British influenced architecture.
Detail of bannister post in 18th century house Panam City near Dhaka
Interior tiling in the Star Mosque, Old Dhaka. Note the english tiling – genuine Minton tiles installed in the 19th century
Water lily, national flower of Bangladesh
A family outside their village home
Street stalls, Dhaka
Sunset in the Sundarban National Park
Morning mist in the Bandarban National Park
Emerald green painted door.A colour used often to paint external doors, windows and buildings too.
Dressed for a visit to the seaside
Spring is here, so time to give your old home some TLC
By Jane Way, Apr 20 17
If you live in an old house (or indeed a new one) regular checks are a good idea and spring is a good time to do this. By making a list of any maintenance and repair jobs and prioritizing the most important, you will be in control and avoid costly repairs.
Exterior:
You want your house to be watertight so check the exterior first, the roof for missing or loose tiles, gutters and down pipes for leaves and misaligned joins, the condition of the doors, windows and frames, brickwork for spalling and loose or missing mortar and finally the condition of all paintwork.
Interior:
Then move inside starting in the loft, inspect the condition of the rafters for woodworm, the condition of the roof felt and if there are any leaks. Go through the entire property checking the condition of the walls and ceilings (plaster and paint work), the condition of tiles, all woodwork and exposed floorboards, doors, windows and window frames. Also check that taps and all sanitary ware are not leaking and in good working order. Check all wool carpets and upholstery for evidence of moth infestation.
check for woodworm
call the chimney sweep
have moths visited this chair?
keep the roof watertight
If you have open fires, have the chimneys swept and re-black the hearth if necessary
Georgian hob freshly ‘blacked’
Service your boiler, AGA and all other similar equipment that would benefit the same.
Bring spring flowers inside and enjoy your Old Home!
Wacky original features in historic townhouse
By Jane Way, Apr 5 17
Ludlow has many interesting and listed buildings and I was lucky enough to see the interior of a very special one which although privately owned was open to visitors at that time. This house is Grade II*, was rebuilt in 1580 but stands on the site of an earlier 13th century house. I would like to share some of the features I photographed with you.
pendant plaster ceiling
carved and linen fold oak paneling
intricately carved oak panel
leaded light stained glass window
timbered interior wall showing wattle construction
pargeting plaster work
First things First
By Jane Way, Mar 27 17
Welcome to my new website!
I have always lived in old houses and having renovated five over the last decade, I felt I had gained enough knowledge and practical experience to turn my ‘hobby’ into a business. I used to design and make bespoke hats for special occasions…… Hats to Houses – in a way quite similar! Each require design, imagination and the use of colour and textiles to create something a little bit different.
I am looking forward to my new ‘journey’ and I do hope you enjoy my website.