The Harmonious Home Approach

My Instagram Hiatus Ended and I'm Shocked by What I Discovered

This week’s post follows on from last week’s 'How to De-influence Your Home’, as I felt that more needed to be said to reassure that what we see on social media isn’t fair or a level playing field. Read here if you missed it…

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a month ago · 42 likes · Claire Franklin

It’s no secret that in the age of algorithm-driven clickbait, a surefire way to attract eyeballs is to churn out content with catchy one-liners that evoke fear, i.e. ‘Why your home looks cheap’, with a promise to provide answers; ‘5 mistakes people make when designing their kitchen, and what to do instead’… You’ve seen it; you get the gist.

This type of content isn’t exactly new; one can argue that it’s always existed - in newspapers, magazines, traditional advertising, all that good stuff. To some degree, we’ve always been exposed to material written in this manner; content that leverages derogatory buzzwords such as ‘cheap’, ‘tacky’, and ‘bland’ to get us to tune in. However, thanks to social media and the democratisation of content creation, what was once a steady trickle has now become a flood.

Okay sure, but why does any of this matter?

I think my biggest gripe with this kind of content boils down to its lack of authenticity. Countless reels regurgitate the same tips, with tried-and-true language that attracts viewers and drives traffic. For example, a take that I’ve grown really tired of hearing is the hard push towards colour drenching, and the insistence that it’s not just a trend.

Whether or not you should colour drench a room depends on so many different factors: lighting, scale, layout, the texture of the walls, whether the room has cornices and/or intricate plaster detailing… and so on. Don’t get me wrong, I often love the result, but to claim that colour-drenching an entire Georgian sitting room—and its ornate, original plaster mouldings—is a timeless choice is simply not true. The pendulum will inevitably swing in the opposite direction one day, as it always does.

I also can’t count the number of times I’ve heard content creators bang on about how much they hate accent walls, with little explanation as to why. Context matters, nuance is important, and these tips should be given on a case-by-case basis, rather than as blanket statements. It’s all so same-y, and ultimately unhelpful. Which brings me to my next point…

Critiquing aesthetics as opposed to application…

Styles that are commonly roasted across social media include: Modern Farmhouse, Boho, Shabby Chic, Industrial Chic, Anything Chic… you get it. And although the word ‘chic’ makes my skin crawl, I can appreciate that there are still plenty of homes designed with these aesthetics in mind that do, in fact, look good. Rather than slag off an aesthetic in its entirety, I’d love it if more creators would examine the underlying design principles that are present/absent within the examples they show us.

Whether or not boucle is ugly is subjective. Same with ‘dopamine decor’. And again with rattan furniture, scallops, chequerboard, and subway tiles. These things go in and out of fashion, and one’s like or dislike for them is often either arbitrary or determined by the type of exposure they’ve had to that particular trend. On the other hand, critiquing spaces in relation to core principles is far more interesting, and something I personally find more useful.

Lastly, I’m no Sherlock Holmes, but my hunch is that a lot of these tips are simply generated using AI…

Although I’m hardly the first to criticise the rise of AI sludge on social platforms, I’d like to beg the question: why are people using robots to produce content on how to enjoy human spaces? Do we not all see the irony in this?

I’ve been thinking about the relationship between AI and interior design a lot lately, after having read a critique of a celebrity AD tour published by a popular content creator. The post read so ChatGPT - from the diction to the overarching message to the same attempt at humour that doesn’t quite land - and it really took me out of it. Isn’t the whole point of writing a critique to express your own opinion? To introduce a fresh take, rather than copy and paste points for the sake of adhering to a content schedule?

When people use AI to bypass the creative process, it completely defeats the purpose of content creation.

But back to my point on interior design - it’s a topic that, at its core, is so personal and, to a large degree, subjective. Of course, there are universal design principles that dictate good design, and I get that AI can summarise these points tidily. However, AI will never be able to tell us how to experience, appreciate, and celebrate human spaces. If everyone follows the same unoriginal design tips, our homes will look increasingly homogenous. Who wants that?

I know I sound naggy… It’s perhaps a core trait of mine 😅, but I want to enjoy the messiness of unpolished, imperfectly structured blog posts and video content. I want to hear novel takes on design written in someone’s own words, even if it reads as an incoherent stream of consciousness. I’m tired of unoriginal, formulaic content taking up space on my feed. Content for the sake of content, as opposed to self-expression.

Am I being overly critical? Perhaps it’s just not that deep 🌝 either way, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below… I genuinely love having these discussions!

I’m an insufferable cliché in many ways: cat-loving introvert, film snob, chronic procrastinator, and perhaps the most cliché of all… an art school dropout 😅 However, I will defend myself by saying that leaving art school has been one of the better decisions I’ve made in adult life - the wankiness was rather tiring. That being said, I did learn a thing or two…

As someone who’s always loved photography, for my final-year project I examined how smartphones and social media have fuelled the bastardisation of photography as an art form. What was once a celebrated medium has become a mere tool used to market oneself online. Take the bathroom selfie as an example: before social media existed, the concept of taking a photo in a bathroom would’ve seemed utterly bonkers… all the important elements of portraiture such as lighting, composition, and a connection between the subject and their environment are sidelined in favour of simply looking hot for the gram.

Similarly, with the rise of generative AI and online tools such as Canva, we’re starting to notice that the landscape of digital art (how it’s created and the intentions behind it) is rapidly shifting.

Nowadays, the sheer ease of churning out digital assets has devalued the medium to the extent where packs of 100 or so downloadable prints are sold for just pennies. The venture has become less about artistic expression and more about leveraging automation tools to generate passive income. The sellers who succeed are rarely the most imaginative or technically skilled, but instead the ones who gain the system through clever SEO optimisation.

Parallels between Fast Fashion, Fast Furniture, and Fast Art…

Here, the red thread is that the emphasis is on speed, volume, and marketability, as opposed to craftsmanship, originality, and longevity. Rather than generating fresh new ideas, fast fashion/furniture brands focus on trend analysis to rapidly produce cheap products designed to satisfy immediate consumer demand. In parallel, many digital art sellers create images based on trending search terms such as “Espresso Martini”, “Matcha”, and “Aperol Spritz”, etc., rather than a genuine artistic vision.

The goal is not to create something original, but to manufacture a product that is likely to sell. What we’re left with is a cycle of imitation, where successful styles are endlessly replicated until originality is replaced by familiarity. This is the reason why so many homes these days feel incredibly homogeneous.

Not to mention, there seems to be an expectation that an entire gallery wall should be created instantaneously with a pack of downloadables, a home printer, and a handful of Command Strips. Gallery walls, in essence, are supposed to be eclectic; a collection of mismatched artwork acquired over time. The exercise of throwing together a gallery wall in just one afternoon feels rather ironic.

Perhaps you’re thinking, “what’s the harm?”, but the question should be, “what’s the point”? What’s the point in even hanging art in your home if it’s devoid of any meaning or sentimental value? If it doesn’t benefit artists, and in fact, may diminish their profession?

“Simulating” artistic expression, and “signalling” culture…

A huge interior design ick of mine is faux exhibition prints. There’s something so uncanny about a print that commemorates an exhibition that never actually happened. Considering they’re often whipped up on Canva and sold for a fiver, by going down this route you’re actively choosing to support an algorithm rather than supporting artists by attending real-life exhibitions.

So, what’s the alternative?

1. Opt for limited edition prints as opposed to downloadables…

This is such an easy, affordable way of supporting creativity, authorship, and the continuation of someone’s artistic practice. Sure, a limited edition print may cost £80 as opposed to £8, but it carries the creative expression of a real person who’s made a commitment not to flood the market with regurgitated imagery. It encourages the age-old concept of quality over quantity.

2. Invest in one-off pieces from artists whom you care about…

Here’s a hot take - art should be expensive. It should be something you save up for and invest in. Unlike “fast-art”, an original painting often represents years of developing an artistic practice, which truly is a labour of love. A high price point helps sustain artists, empowering them to continue creating work that contributes to culture, rather than churning out only what is immediately profitable. When art becomes too cheap, it gets treated as a disposable decorative commodity - much like a cheap Shein outfit purchased for the sake of matching a certain “aesthetic”, only to be discarded once the trend inevitably shifts.

Furthermore, as someone who paints, I can testify that even a small artwork can take days to complete. If I were to sell a painting for anything less than a few hundred pounds, I’d be making far less than minimum wage, and essentially giving away something I’ve poured my heart into, for pennies.

3. Buy vintage art from charity stores, antique fairs, and flea markets…

If you’re really strapped for cash but want to decorate a blank wall - this is my top tip. I’m so often blown away by the beauty, attention to detail, and impressive techniques present in many of the old oil paintings I find at charity stores. Not to mention, they often come framed, so that’s one less thing you have to worry about.

4. Create art with friends…

I absolutely love a sip-and-paint night: invite a few friends over, provide a vague theme that can be interpreted in many ways, drown them with alcohol, and see what everyone comes up with. Swap paintings with friends, and hang artwork created by your children or your nieces and nephews. Art created in this vein will never cease to make you smile, and will remain 10,000x more valuable than any generic cocktail print you’ve downloaded from Etsy.

5. Frame photographs, greeting cards, and postcards from travels…

I do this all the time! Why wouldn’t you want to be reminded of a special holiday abroad? Or of the time you and your mates crammed into a tiny photobooth on a night out? Or of your Grandma’s beautiful cursive handwriting? Decorating your home with these kinds of sentimental memorabilia will never fail to make it feel full of love and warmth - and it costs nothing!

In summary…

Much like fast fashion and fast furniture, there’s always the temptation of instant gratification - to decorate an entire home with ‘trendy’ mass-produced prints, as cheaply and quickly as possible. However, as someone who truly cares about art as both a profession and a hobby laden with meaning, expression, and emotion, I strongly encourage people to think twice before going down this route. And remember - there’s absolutely nothing wrong with leaving a wall blank while you patiently wait for the perfect piece.

Thanks for tuning in! I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below x

For the first time in months, I’ve not kept up with that once-a-week promise. I blame it on the fact that so far in July, I’ve consumed more alcohol and inhaled more plaster-dust than I thought physically possible - a real personal best. Summer is officially in full swing, and my partner and I are in a mad scramble to get the house to a certain level of “done” so that we can start hosting and facilitating more drunken summer evenings.

So far, we’ve finished renovating 4 rooms 🎉 Now that we’re able to take a step back and appreciate the sweat equity we’ve put into decorating, one thing I find rather amusing is the fact that every room in our house has ended up a different colour… Basically, the moment my partner and I moved in, the advice of “keeping the walls neutral” went straight out the window. And to this day, I can proudly say that no surface is safe.

It’s not that I don’t like whites and neutrals - I actually really do. I simply find it hard to turn down the opportunity to experiment with colour now that I’m a homeowner with free will, a set of paint rollers, and a worrying amount of creative freedom. But hey, at the end of the day, I believe we should all just have fun with paint… It’s really not that deep.

So without further ado, here’s a handful of either unpopular, unexpected, or simply underrated colour combinations that I’ve really taken a liking to lately…

1. Light blue and black

I’ve always really loved the combination of pale blue paired with the blackest black. Light blues without contrast can often make a room look washed out, whereas peppering in a few black accents here and there can give the perfect counterbalance.

Oddly enough, I struggled to find many examples on Pinterest, but here is a really beautiful bedroom designed by Heidi Caillier, which I keep coming back to:

And here’s a moodboard I’ve whipped up:

2. Next up… Red and green

The classic Christmas combo. It’s a pairing that brings so much joy come holiday season, and yet, the concept of decorating a room in red and green in any other setting is considered design sacrilege by many.

But why tho? Given the right shades, this combination can result in a warm, inviting, vibrant atmosphere… that doesn’t at all scream Christmas. Here are some examples I keep coming back to:

3. Pink and black

My 14-year-old self would be thrilled that I haven’t completely ruled out the classic pink/black colour combination in adulthood. However, let me clarify that I only like this pairing in small doses.

Much like the black and baby blue combo, these colours pair so well because of their soft/harsh contrast. Whenever I feel like a room is looking too earthy, I love to add a hint of pink (usually in the form of a small decor item) to give it a “feminine” touch, and then throw in a couple of black accents to “ground” the space.

4. Yellow and dark red

I recognise that yellow and dark red are a colour pairing that can run a risk of looking very dated in the wrong context, or with a ratio that’s slightly off-kilter. However, when done well, I think these colours can make a space feel homely and design-forward, all at once. Add a touch of chrome to the mix, and you’re onto a winner.

5. Last but not least… Brown and lilac

Up until recently, I never gave any shade of purple much thought. In fact, I struggle to think of a single purple item I own… purple has never been my cup of tea. However, after seeing a few interesting interiors online that pair lilac with brown, I’m really starting to appreciate the unusual combination. It’s more unexpected than the popular browny-red and pink combo, and it leans slightly retro… which is absolutely my vibe.

Here are some of my latest saves…

And that wraps up this week’s post ☑️ I’d love to hear your thoughts - which unusual/unexpected/underrated colour combinations have you been into lately? Drop a comment!

I apologise in advance if any of the following reads as a bit of a ramble, as full disclosure: I did string most of this article together over the course of a 3-hour un-airconditioned train journey during the hottest day of the year 🥵. Nevertheless, if you’re a fellow renovator or to-be renovator (may the odds be in your favour), I hope you’re able to take something from this… And if you have any tips you’d like to share, I’d absolutely love to hear them in the comments!

For many, the biggest cost saver when undergoing a renovation is to get thrifty and think outside the box when remodelling your kitchen.

I won’t go into too much detail here as I’ve already written an in-depth article about how we saved on our kitchen reno, but as a high-level overview…

• Avoid large fitted kitchen companies such as Wren and Howdens (if you’re based in the UK). They will ask you for half of your inheritance and the promise of your firstborn child in exchange for essentially a flat-packed MDF kitchen.

• Consider commissioning freestanding units, then fitting them if required. There’s no shortage of small family-run businesses that craft excellent, solid wood kitchen cabinetry for very reasonable prices, if you’re willing to shop around.

• Don’t rule out the idea of refurbishing a second-hand kitchen, or the one you’ve already got, by giving the cabinet doors and hardware a ‘facelift’. If you can snag a dated solid wood kitchen from Facebook Marketplace, then you’re onto a winner.

• Extending your kitchen isn’t always the way to go. I’ve heard from builders that these days, kitchen extensions don’t always fetch what you spend on them (if you’re planning to sell), as you’re not adding any bedrooms. Use clever design solutions to maximise the footprint you already have, then give it some real thought before committing to any major works.

Get your hands dirty

Here’s a rather obvious one - do the demo yourself. Why pay to use one of those smash rooms when you can do it from the comfort of your own home? Don’t underestimate your ability to learn new skills and accomplish seemingly tricky tasks… You might surprise yourself with what you’re capable of!

• Recognise the importance of sweat equity. Once we finish renovating (if that day ever comes 🙃), we’ll probably have saved between 10-15k simply from doing the decorating ourselves - reinstating period features, skimming, sanding, prepping, and painting - rather than hiring a professional decorator to do it for us.

• Leverage the fact that we live in a world where access to information is just a few clicks away. Sure, some tasks are indisputably best left to the professionals, but there’s an entire treasure trove’s worth of tutorials online that’ll help you tackle jobs where the stakes are lower.

Keep electrics and plumbing in the same location unless you plan on doing a full overhaul

Above all else, your top priority should be to ensure your plumbing and electrics are in good working order. If you’re fortunate for that to be the case, keeping your current layout will be a significant cost-saver…

• Get creative with design solutions that fit within a tight perimeter. This is where design really becomes exciting - and often when the best results are achieved.

• If you want to extend/reroute your plumbing without drilling into walls and having to replaster, consider making a statement out of exposed chrome or copper pipes.

• Again, unless you’re doing a full rewire, I’d suggest buying rechargeable sconces rather than getting additional wires chased. You can even purchase wall lighting that’s designed to be hardwired, then remove the wires and fit a rechargeable bulb.

Avoid trends - they’re usually not a great investment.

I especially think it’s important not to fall into this trap when renovating expensive rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms…

• I see this a lot with tiles, which cycle in and out of fashion faster than jeans. What might look super slick and design-forward now will look dated in a few years, and tiling is really a one-and-done type of job. Not something you’d want to be redoing periodically.

• Personally, I love non-trendy, classic tiles such as plain, small-format, porcelain tiles. If you want to give the “boring” tiles in your bathroom a bit of interest, why not paint the grout a fun colour, instead of forking out for an entire rework?

• If you’re after bold patterns and pops of colour, introduce a bit of ‘whimsy’ by displaying art in your bathroom, or by hanging a patterned shower curtain - so underrated!

On the topic of what’s trendy, avoid marketing gimmicks and opt for your tried and true…

There are loads of new startups and “trendy” full-service renovation companies that target first-time buyers who want a brand new Pinterest-worthy makeover… and know little about the costs involved. Your best bet will always be to partner with the old geezers who have worked in their trade for decades, and aren’t selling you the shiny new thing. Have confidence in your ability to steer on design choices, and prioritise clear and frequent communication.

Preloved materials will save you a pretty penny…

I’ve reiterated the whole “shop secondhand” spiel so many times in articles that even I’m getting sick of it - and for that I do apologise 🙇🏻‍♀️. But hey, it really is a big cost-saver.

• If you search “freestanding bathtubs” on Marketplace/Gumtree/eBay, you’ll need to cancel your dinner plans as you will be doomscrolling for HOURS. You’ll find an infinite supply of secondhand - and oftentimes, virtually brand new - sanitaryware available for a fraction of what they retail for.

• For whatever reason, bathroom vanities are disproportionately expensive. The companies that sell them are laughing all the way to the bank. Just buy a regular cupboard, then fashion a sink on top of it. Done.

• Here’s something else you can very easily find secondhand for CHEAP: carpet offcuts. You can even get brand-new offcuts from most carpet retailers at a heavily discounted rate. If you need to lay a runner or carpet a small room, this is your best bet.

• Shop around on auction sites for building materials such as flooring, tiles, wood offcuts, and paint.

• On that note, select high-quality paint from renowned brands, such as Farrow & Ball. YES, F&B is expensive… but you’ll likely save in the long run as premium brands often provide much better longevity and colour-match accuracy. Again, there are always plenty of unopened cans of Farrow & Ball paint for sale on Facebook Marketplace. Ideal, if you know which shade you’re after.

On the topic of paint, a fresh coat can do absolute wonders.

In some instances, things don’t actually need to be replaced or renovated. Whether it’s a wall, a radiator, a staircase, or woodwork, it may just need a fresh lick of paint to restore it to its former glory. Give this a go before paying for major changes.

• Even if a room is painted in a nice colour, giving it a fresh coat can immediately make it feel more “premium”.

• Disguise uPVC window frames by painting them and replacing the handles, rather than replacing the entire thing, which can be pricey.

• If you have old radiators but they’re in good working order… don’t get rid of them, paint them!

Think carefully before committing to custom joinery

• Fitted shelves and storage aren’t necessarily the ‘value add’ they’re marketed to be - a lot of people want the flexibility of doing whatever they want with a space without having to work around built-ins.

• DIY Ikea built-in wardrobe hacks may seem like a good idea, but I’d only go down this route if you really need fitted storage to get the most out of a small space. If you don’t need to maximise every last millimetre of a room, then I honestly think that a nice antique wardrobe will always look best.

• On a semi-related note: front doors in the UK cost an eye-watering amount. If you don’t like how yours looks, try to refurbish it first, then see if you still want to get a new one made. This is where the “fresh coat of paint” tip really rings true. Caulk, wood filler, some nice decorative trim, and of course, new hardware can totally transform a knackered front door and give your house more curb appeal.

Finally, be thrifty, but don’t cheap out.

If you cut corners now, you’ll pay for it further down the line. Certain materials might look alright to begin with… but within a few years, the signs of wear will really show, and you may be tempted to replace them… Thus costing you more in the long run. Either 1. save up and do things gradually with fewer compromises, or 2. cough up the money, as painful as it is, knowing that as much as it means sacrificing on other things right now (social life, travel, eating out, etc), your future self will thank you for it.

In a nutshell, it’s a trend that blends classical architectural details and antique-adjacent furniture with a contemporary, pared-back neutral palette - think panelling, faux-brass hardware, and linen upholstery… all in varying shades of greige.

You might adore this aesthetic, hate it, or feel ambivalent towards it. However you feel, that’s fine. Sure, this isn’t going to be a glowing review, but it’s also just my personal take, and I’d love to hear yours too. So without further ado, here’s a deep dive into the key reasons I don’t think the Modern Traditional aesthetic is as timeless as Pinterest might have you believe...

1. In essence, the Modern Traditional aesthetic does the same disservice to Victorian interiors as 2010s “Minimalism” did to early 20th century modernist design…

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a Pinterest aesthetic hollow out a movement’s original meaning. The same thing happened to early 20th-century modernism when it came back around in the 2010s. Modernists never promoted minimalism for the sake of looking expensive or “clean” (TANGENT: big eye-roll at the BS “clean girl” aesthetic). Instead, it was rooted in an attempt to make good design accessible to everyone, not just the wealthy.

Nevertheless, when greige minimalism peaked in the 2010s, true Modernist ideology was tossed aside, leaving behind only the surface-level aesthetic: white walls, sparse furniture, a vague sense of “calm.”… What was once a political statement became a copy-and-paste template optimised for resale value.

Modern Traditional is doing the same thing to 19th-century interiors, with a few caveats. Instead of stripping away ornament, it’s stripping away colour, and instead of adopting a revolutionary spirit, it practices performative nostalgia to achieve a watered-down version of “heritage.”

AI mockup as an example:

Note the…

• Beige linen sofa

• Boucle armchair in a traditional silhouette

• Faux antique furniture

• Deliberately distressed synthetic rug, made to look vintage

• Faux brass hardware without any true patina

• Greige mass-produced decor

2. Then there’s the issue of colour, or lack thereof

A glaringly obvious issue with the “Modern Traditional” style is its colour palette, which tends to be overly neutral to the point of looking drab. These dull, washed-out shades of green and taupe result in an aesthetic that reads like an older relative of Sad Beige Minimalism. Not to mention, it’s a palette that’s far from period-accurate; most mid-to-late Victorian interiors were, in fact, intentionally bold in their colour choices. Let’s dig deeper...

It’s important to remember that early Victorian homes were muted not by choice, but out of necessity. Pigments were expensive and, therefore, limited to the upper class. However, that changed in 1856 with the invention of synthetic dyes, which made saturated paints affordable for the first time in history - a change that was enthusiastically embraced by the middle class. From then onwards, vivid colours were used liberally in British interiors. 🥳🌈

Given this history, the irony of the Modern Traditional aesthetic is that its muted colour palette unintentionally reflects the very restraint the Victorians themselves were actively rebelling against.

If the references above feel too busy for you, you could always adopt the same playful approach to colour and pattern, just in smaller doses.

Here are a few nice examples…

Before we move on, let’s quickly discuss “Chromophobia”…

In recent decades, we’ve seen a very obvious aversion to colour in Western culture that’s evident not only in mainstream decorating choices, but in the colour grading of Hollywood films, throughout liminal spaces, architecture, automobiles, and even in the condemnation of brassy bleached hair that leans yellow as opposed to ashy. There have been countless essays written on the topic of the Western world’s fear of colour, so I won’t go into too much detail, though a few key takeaways include:

• The liberal use of colour being associated with the superficial, the feminine, the foreign, the childlike

• Colour restraint being coded as serious, masculine, rational, and “high culture”

• In cinematography, colour being treated as a distraction from “serious” storytelling and gritty realism

• In the realm of property, neutral tones being marketed as safe, timeless, and tasteful, leveraged to maximise resale value, while bold colour is treated as a risk that needs to be minimised

If this interests you, I’d recommend a brilliant book titled Chromophobia by David Batchelor, which thoroughly dissects these points and many more.

But moving back to the Modern Traditional…

3. The irony of artificial patina…

Take a look at the image below. You’ll see a room equipped with traditional silhouettes and a rug that signals age. However, every single item, including the artwork, is identifiably brand new - most likely delivered to the owner’s doorstep as flatpack panels which we generously dub “adult LEGO.”

If there’s one thing I preach over and over again like an insufferable broken record player (sorry), it’s that homes feel uncanny when they’re filled with objects and materials that are simply trying to imitate the look of something, rather than being the thing itself. So if you like the look of vintage, buy genuine vintage furniture. It’s not complicated. Not only does this result in a more authentic look, but the vast majority of furniture produced pre-21st century is of much better quality. Not to mention, buying secondhand is better for the environment and better for your bank balance, etc etc sorry for virtue signalling 🫣.

Furthermore, the act of furnishing a home exclusively with brand-new, mass-produced furniture is yet another classic example of modern-day expedience, a depressing reminder of our tendency towards instant gratification. The spaces that the Modern Traditional trend attempts to imitate were decorated with pieces accumulated over decades, even generations. In contrast, the average Modern Traditional home could be achieved through a single Amazon order.

Anyway, enough of the criticism. What’s the alternative?

This is purely my personal opinion, but I feel like there are two obvious pathways we can steer towards to avoid the typical Modern Traditional trap:

1. If you’re drawn to the Modern Traditional aesthetic for its romance and nostalgia… embrace heritage by furnishing your home primarily with vintage or reclaimed furniture - pieces that have earned their patina and have a story. Opt for a neutral base if that’s your preference, but pepper in a few colourful accents as a nod to the flamboyant Victorian zeitgeist.

2. If what you like most about the Modern Traditional aesthetic is, in fact, its popularity paired with its pristine newness… purchase high-quality furniture from contemporary brands. I’m not against antique-inspired furniture if they’re made to the same high standard as vintage pieces. Keep in mind, furniture of this kind is expensive, but then again, it should be. Weave in traditional elements, such as wallpaper with classic motifs. Remember to include a handful of modern items in each room, so that your home doesn’t feel too theme-y.

And that just about wraps it up. I’m always a bit apprehensive about publishing critiques of certain decorating styles, as I’d hate to offend anyone who puts a lot of effort into their home. That being said, I see these kinds of interiors a lot these days, especially in London, and there’s clearly a reason they’re so popular… so perhaps I’m missing a key piece of information! I’d love to hear what you think. Are they on their way out?

I’m constantly collecting design inspiration, and when I scroll through the pins I’ve accumulated, I notice a pretty obvious red thread: there’s almost always an element of novelty to these spaces, despite their difference in style and aesthetic.

So for Sunday’s belated post, I thought I’d share a completely subjective list of unconventional design details that I’m drawn to like a magpie. Some of these might be a bit marmite, so I’m curious to hear your thoughts…

1. Painted details that spark joy

I recently came across a few examples of hand-painted suns around boring old ceiling lights, and I kind of love them - they can’t not make you smile! I especially like the idea of adding starbursts around bog-standard spotlights to add character to new-builds…

2. Painted accents on wooden floors

Sticking to the theme of painted details, I’ve been really into these lately…

As much as I do believe that beautiful hardwood flooring speaks for itself, and doesn’t need to be accesorized - hey, why not live a little. These examples really make me want to tamper with our newly laid flooring… I’m sure my partner would be thrilled 😏

3. Striped accent walls

And on the topic of patterned accents, I’m going ROUGE by announcing that I do, in fact, love an accent wall… at times. In recent years, accent walls have been deemed as interior design sacrilege, but I’m here to argue that they can look great in the right context. These striped accent walls are proof of concept…

4. Ceramic gallery walls

Gallery walls have also become a bit kitschy, and people nowadays seem to either love or loathe them. If a typical gallery wall doesn’t do it for you, perhaps a wall adorned with unusual handmade ceramics is the answer…

5. Glassware collections

And if one-of-a-kind ceramics aren’t enough, how about these amazing handblown/eclectic glassware collections 👀

These really make me want to ransack my local charity stores. In fact, what time do they close? 🤔

6. Painted geometric splashbacks

This next one is rather niche… I’ve always wanted to DIY a kitchen splashback with hand-painted ceramic tiles. When I say always, I mean since a few weeks ago. Nevertheless, the urge is strong.

7. Colourful glass accents

If the running theme isn’t obvious by now, here are some examples of glass accents that I’ve been obsessing over. I guess I’ve really been craving colourful details that provide a bit of a pick-me-up lately 🌈

8. Stainless steel sanitaryware

Now for a slight pivot - I honestly don’t know what it is about this trend that I’m so drawn to… I only ever see stainless steel toilets and washstands IRL in aeroplanes and public bathrooms. Perhaps it’s because these references prove that even the most utilitarian materials can look chic with the right styling and lighting - and I’m here for it.

9. Mirrored splashbacks

Another design feature in the same vein (at least in my opinion) is mirrored splashbacks. They carry that same cold, slick, modern appeal that I think works wonders in the right setting. I think they can be a great (albeit slightly unconventional) alternative for smaller kitchens and darker spaces.

10. Mirrored walls

To end this rather random list, I’ve been really into unapologetic, floor-to-ceiling mirrored walls as well. Why the fuck not. The last photo you’ll see in this article has been living in my mind rent-free for weeks now. I love the drama and the Art Deco steer of these references 👌

…And that’s a wrap! Which of these design details do you love/hate/are ambivalent towards, and why?

Up until this past week, our primary bedroom was packed to the rafters with boxes and furniture. Now that we’re on the verge of completing our other rooms, we’ve been able to clear out our primary for the fun part - furnishing and styling !!!

So for this week’s recap, here’s a rundown of how we’ve transformed our primary bedroom…

When we first moved in, this bedroom was an unremarkable yellow rectangle, punctuated with some questionable red velour curtains. Everything had to go.

We kicked off the makeover by swapping out the millennial grey carpet, which had decades’ worth of hair, dead skin, and nail clippings embedded into it, for engineered oak flooring. I then decided to endure the punishing ordeal of reinstating traditional cornices, which I’ve complained about before and will complain about again.

Once that was out of the way, it was onto painting. The room gets a lot of natural light thanks to its south-facing aspect, so we decided to paint it a dusty blue as we knew it could handle a cool-toned colour without looking dull. Annoyingly, the yellow walls we’d inherited were old and powdery, so we had to prime the entire room with Zinsser Bullseye 1-2-3 before going in with our blue paint of choice - ‘The Good China’ by Coat.

With all the cosmetic upgrades checked off our list, we then shut the door to our primary bedroom and forgot about it for months - only entering to offload Facebook Marketplace finds that’ll migrate to other rooms in months to come.

From our dusty loft, I continued to hoard bedroom inspo while dreaming of the day I’d sleep in a king-sized bed - with actual bedding. After scouring every corner of Pinterest, I whittled down our primary bedroom moodboard to the following images:

Now, trawling Pinterest is the easy part - I could do it in my sleep. In fact, I probably do trawl Pinterest in my sleep. Execution, on the other hand, can be a minefield. I wanted to incorporate vintage furniture without it looking drab, and layer in folky patterns without it feeling too grandma. Easier said than done.

All of the furniture was thrifted from Marketplace/auction sites or passed down to us from family. This allowed us to work with a very small budget and string together a space that feels homely and eclectic.

In terms of decorative elements, I painted a large artwork early last year, which set the tone for the room's colour scheme. We felt that the perfect place to hang it up was on the chimney breast, where the fireplace used to be - sadly, we had to remove it as it wasn’t structurally sound (we kept all the others though!).

All in all, we’re pretty happy with the way it turned out. It really feels like us, and I personally can’t wait to sleep starfished every night on our new king-size bed.

So, with that being said, I thought I’d post something a bit different this week, rather than rant about my latest renovation melodrama.

Now, as much as I love Dakota Johnson’s AD tour and have probably watched Emma Roberts’s one about 10,000 times, my favourite house tours are more low-key - the kind you find further down the YouTube rabbit hole. In general, I prefer tours of more ‘normal’ homes (somewhat), as they’re easier to draw inspiration from.

1. Alex Tieghi-Walker’s Los Angeles home | Vogue

First up is arguably my all-time favourite. It’s from a Vogue segment that’s appropriately titled “Objects of Affection”, which perfectly sums up Alex’s approach to decorating. Originally built by a hippie in the 60s, Alex’s bohemian, split-level LA home is full of handcrafted objects, natural textiles, and art that he’s acquired from friends, contemporary artists, and his travels over the years.

It’s a home that feels incredibly playful and tactile, which are qualities that I aspire to bring into my own home. Oh… and he bathes outside.

2. Emily Bode and Aaron Aujla’s apartment | Vogue

Another home that embodies this same bohemian sensibility is Emily Bode and Aaron Aujla’s apartment in Chinatown, NYC.

This couple’s apartment is full of one-of-a-kind objects, most of which they’ve made themselves, and sentimental knick-knacks that spark curiosity. Special mention goes to their vintage bathtub, which is probably the most beautiful tub I’ve seen to date.

3. Max Hurd’s Soulful London Home | Homeworthy

Next up is a tour that takes a very different approach to the previous two, and instead steers towards the aesthetic of your classic British country house. Max Hurd’s home is WILD. It’s exactly the kind of fever dream you’d expect from an eccentric Art Director with full creative freedom and access to an abundance of chintz.

Although his style isn’t the kind I’d usually gravitate towards, I love his sense of humour and appreciate his unwavering commitment to a very particular vision - which he’s absolutely nailed.

4. Ethan Gaskill's 1920's Los Angeles Apartment | Home Decor Homies

Now for a complete 180. I’d be amiss not to feature classic West Coast MCM interiors in this shortlist. And the best example that comes to mind of slick, sophisticated, modernist decor (at least IMO) is in Ethan Gaskill’s LA apartment.

It’s evident that every item in Ethan’s home is carefully curated, and his material palette is especially on point: chrome accents paired with vintage wooden furniture, contemporary objects placed atop patinaed surfaces… and the result is a space that feels timeless.

5. Millie Cowie’s Camberwell flat | House Beautiful

Last on the list is a house tour very close to home, literally. Millie Cowie’s Camberwell flat is not far from where we’re situated in London; therefore, I can wholly appreciate a lot of the quirks of her property, which are typical of old period homes in the city.

I absolutely adore her stainless steel kitchen, which she put together for pennies (!), and her overall use of reclaimed materials makes me want to go dumpster diving… and I mean that in the best way possible.

I thought Millie’s house tour would be the perfect one to end on, as it ties together all of the elements that I admire from the previous tours: an emphasis on furniture that hasn’t been mass-produced (either vintage or handmade), a confident use of colour, and a clear expression of the owner’s personality. ❤️

So, if you’ve tuned into this expecting to be inundated with references to Matthew McConaughey rom-coms and Nancy Meyers films, I’m sorry to disappoint. I’ve never been partial to a 90s rom-com, and personally, I think the viral “Nancy Meyers aesthetic” reads as a suburban beige hellscape. That being said, I fully acknowledge that both films and interior design are super subjective, so please don’t come for me 🌝

Anyway, without further ado, here are five films that make me feel something… and when I say “feel something”, I mean the overwhelming urge to redecorate my house.

1. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

To kick things off, I want to start with a film that holds a very special place in my heart: The Royal Tenenbaums. When discussing production design, perhaps the obvious Wes Anderson film to rave about is The Grand Budapest Hotel. However, I first watched The Royal Tenenbaums as an impressionable teenager and, as a result, it just hits different.

I was immediately captivated by the nostalgic, eccentric interiors of the Tenenbaum home and the way it echoes the family’s quirks and dysfunctional relationship dynamics. One of the most striking things about the house is that it appears untouched by time. The siblings’ bedrooms are cluttered with artefacts from their childhood that simultaneously romanticise their upbringing while mirroring the fact that they’re trapped in the past.

Also, I’m heavily biased towards patterned wallpaper, wood panelling, and gallery walls, all of which this film has in spades.

2. Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)

Next up is a film that oozes nostalgia: Only Lovers Left Alive. Adam’s dilapidated Detroit mansion presents the ultimate example of a “lived-in” interior, exactly what you’d expect from a Sad Boy musician vampire who’s walked the earth for centuries. As your textbook Sad Boy, Adam despises the contemporary world and the way capitalism has rendered artistry an afterthought (his words, not mine). In response, his home is filled to the brim with vintage guitars, antique furniture, rare books, and scientific relics.

I absolutely love the eclecticism of his home and how layers of objects collected from every corner of the world make it seem both whimsical and deeply obsessive. Plus, his lighting plan is on point. Not a big light in sight…

3. Amélie (2001)

Amélie is a film that I always come back to, and each time I swoon over the titular character’s lived-in apartment. Yes, I’m aware that I use the term “lived-in” often, but it really is my favourite kind of aesthetic. Amélie’s home visualises the inner life of a shy romantic: a warm, saturated space shaped by imagination, nostalgia, and private rituals. It effortlessly reflects someone who lives through imagination rather than direct participation in the world.

Although Amélie is clearly an introvert, her apartment is utterly extroverted, serving as an expression of all her bottled-up emotions and fantasies in a way that I find incredibly endearing. It’s a great example of why we should aim to make our home feel personal rather than aspirational, and I have to give a special mention to the vintage checkerboard tiles and red kitchen. Could this have influenced my decision to paint our kitchen red? Cannot confirm or deny.

4. In the Mood for Love (2000)

Now, let’s take it back a few decades to 1960s Hong Kong. Although it’s not my favourite Wong Kar-wai film (Chungking Express is), you’d have to be blind not to appreciate the production design of In the Mood for Love. Every 👏 scene 👏 slaps 👏. The film’s highly saturated interiors are truly intoxicating. More importantly, they really scratch my itch for MCM decor.

In the Mood for Love immerses us in beautifully rich interiors: floral wallpaper, patterned cheongsams, heavy curtains, dark wood, bold colours, and pools of warm lighting overlap to create spaces that feel visually dense. This richness reflects the emotions of the characters themselves, most notably the suppressed desires of the two protagonists, our star-crossed lovers 💔. Every corridor, rented room, and narrow stairwell seems charged with intimacy and confinement, all at once. Sure, the film is heartbreaking, but the interior design really fills my cup.

5. The Nice Guys (2016)

Speaking of MCM, this last film deserves to be in the running for Final Boss of LA Modernism in Cinema. I’ve watched The Nice Guys a few times now, and each time I like it more. Ryan Gosling’s perpetually drunk character is honestly fucking hilarious, and the film’s ultra-70s production design has me feeling nostalgic for a time and place I’ve never actually experienced.

The interiors throughout The Nice Guys perfectly capture the film’s mixture of glamour, moral decay, and absurdity. We’re talking sunken living rooms, mirrored walls, shag carpets, and sprawling modernist mansions that feel undeniably seedy. These spaces lean heavily into the era’s excess and, although the goal was to make each set feel overstimulating and morally unsteady, they still beat any stark white minimalist interior in my book.

If we can’t learn anything from the film’s anti-heroes, perhaps we can at least take a few pointers from the spaces they inhabit: clashing yellow patterns can work, warm amber lighting is always the way to go, chrome accents pair perfectly with wood, and it’s about time that shag carpets make a comeback.

And that’s a wrap!

1. First things first: make yourself at home, even when you’re in renovation limbo…

Unless you have some seriously good karma, your renovation will almost certainly take longer than expected. Therefore, get comfortable in the space you’re camping out in - light a candle, hang up some art, make your bed each morning - go to the effort of making your surroundings feel homely. This is super important for your overall well-being, as living in a dusty, chaotic money pit can really take its toll without you even realising.

2. On the topic of wellbeing, prioritise storage solutions to avoid unnecessary stress…

When Ed and I first moved in, each morning we’d run around the house frantically searching for the clothes we wanted to wear, which inevitably led to meltdowns. We’d quickly forget it ever happened, then repeat our actions the next morning like Groundhog Day. It took us approximately 8 weeks to realise we needed to establish interim storage solutions. Clearly, our brains are too smooth.

If you’re about to embark on a renovation, set up a temporary clothes rack immediately and buy a chest of drawers. Prioritise easy access to your most-used belongings. Creating order amidst the chaos can feel daunting, but putting it off will only make your day-to-day harder.

3. Set up a kitchen station, or Deliveroo will rob you blind…

If you’re about to remodel your kitchen and you think it’ll be out of action for a couple of weeks… times that by 3, and you’ll probably be closer to the mark. Therefore, setting up a station with a mini fridge, kettle, and microwave is worth the effort as it means you won’t have to depend on takeaways. I never thought it was possible to grow tired of having Char Sui and fried rice for dinner every night, but guess what? It is.

4. Tackle your plumbing issues first…

Before planning any renovation or refurbishment work, run every tap in your house to identify existing leaks. Use every bath, shower, toilet, and sink, and monitor them closely. As I’ve mentioned in my Renovation Recaps, Ed and I didn’t think we needed any major re-plumbing when we moved in because nothing came up in the survey. However, we were sorely mistaken, and rectifying the damage caused by poor plumbing has easily been the most expensive part of our renovation.

5. Learn to accept the quirks of your property…

Some things need sorting without question: plumbing, electrics, damp, and grey carpet. Cosmetic ‘defects’, on the other hand, don’t necessarily need to be erased. Old properties are bound to have wonky walls and creaky floorboards, but as long as they’re not symptoms of structural issues, it’s usually best to appreciate the character they add. Certain features in a period property may look old and knackered, but have stood the test of time - something that can’t be said for new builds.

6. The worst tasks are never what you’d expect…

Reno-wise, I used to dread coming into contact with asbestos. Amateur renovators fear asbestos the way children fear quicksand. However, it turns out that what I really dread is stripping decades’ worth of lead paint, night after night, and inhaling Peel’Away 1. Stripping paint, IMO, is akin to medieval torture, and personally, I think lead poisoning could be preferable. On the other hand, ripping up tiles, carpet, and knackered vinyl has proven to be surprisingly therapeutic.

7. On the topic of DIY, don’t be a hero…

Do not embark on a brand-new, unpredictable DIY task when you’re hungover or on your period. And do not delude yourself into thinking you can squeeze a ‘simple’ task into the 25-minute window before the second takeaway you’ve ordered that day arrives. Give yourself plenty of time so you’re not forced to rush, and remember to factor in prep and clear-up time too. Which leads me to my next point…

8. Impatience will cost you…

Although it’s important to maintain momentum during a renovation, some things are worth waiting for: good tradespeople, quality materials, and a job done properly. A renovation is a marathon, not a sprint, and cutting corners will almost always come back to bite you in the arse.

9. That being said, don’t underestimate your ability to do seemingly difficult tasks…

If you’re new to home DIY like we are, you can’t expect the same immaculate results as a seasoned professional. However, if you do your research, take your time, apply yourself, and trust the process, you might surprise yourself with a half-decent finish. Don’t immediately rule out a job just because you’re utterly clueless about it. It’s your house, and you have free will. Trial and error is part of the fun.

10. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, don’t be too hard on yourself…

It’s easy to get wrapped up in a never-ending list of responsibilities and feel as though you’ve barely scratched the surface. Progress might feel slow, so document the journey to remind yourself how far you’ve come. Most of us juggle these projects alongside our day jobs, when project management alone is a full-time job. A renovation demands a lot from you, so it’s important to celebrate every small win along the way 👏🎉

Many would argue that the most stressful part of renovating isn’t the dust, the mountains of boxes, and the all-encompassing physical chaos, but having to tame an ever-evolving Excel spreadsheet of expenses. That being said, there are many ways to keep costs down without sacrificing quality…

My general ethos is to prioritise well-crafted, honest materials, and pay a fair price for trades - do it well, do it once. On the other hand, you can save tonnes of your hard-earned cash by getting a bit more creative with your design solutions, rather than defaulting to the standard approach. I know this probably sounds quite vague, so let’s dive in…

Let’s say you want a new kitchen. Don’t immediately walk into a Wren or Howden’s showroom - you’ll end up paying a fortune for a conventional fitted kitchen, because that’s the standard approach. The final product may look slick at first, but you’ll be looking at dressed-up MDF cabinetry that isn’t built to withstand the test of time. When you break down the cost of raw materials you get from these high street kitchen companies, the math doesn’t add up. People pay an arm and a leg for what’s essentially well-marketed chipboard.

Also, keep in mind that when you opt for these big companies, you pay a premium for a kitchen designer and a project manager to manage the job. This might be worth the expense for people who are cash-rich and time-poor, but if you’re willing to invest a bit of time and energy and take on those roles yourself, your ISA will thank you. I don’t mean to sound preachy, but I feel like we’ve been conditioned to think that there’s only one way to go about getting a new kitchen, when in actuality, there are many cost-effective alternatives.

Ed and I were determined to find a way to replace our kitchen without forking out a small fortune: a solution that didn’t cost an arm and a leg, a few vital organs, and the promise of our firstborn child…

So we reached out to a small business called Olive Branch Kitchens, which crafts solid-wood, freestanding units. We can’t recommend them enough. Our cabinets are beautiful, and we paid less than £3,500 for cabinetry that looks like it came straight out of a d'VOL showroom.

We opted for a 40 mm solid oak countertop (miles cheaper than quartz or marble) and spruced up our cabinet doors with polished nickel handles. It’s a no-brainer: by shopping around and turning your attention to small businesses, you can get a much better product for a fraction of the price.

**What I mean by ‘freestanding kitchen’ is that the units were delivered as finished pieces of furniture, rather than flat-packed like what you’d get from companies that sell factory-made units. Our builders still screwed our cabinets onto the walls, though they can be easily detached and moved around if we ever want to change our kitchen layout or extend.

Another approach I love is using a vintage butcher’s block as a kitchen island - you’ll save £££, and they add so much character. Also, pass on the overhead cabinets. Go with open shelving instead, or repurpose a vintage cabinet as a kitchen pantry. *Chef’s kiss*

If you prefer a more contemporary look, perhaps consider a freestanding stainless-steel kitchen. Ed and I were seriously toying with this concept for a while, but eventually decided to go for a more traditional style, as it felt right for the space. We did a lot of research into stainless steel, though, and worked out we could source our entire kitchen run for less than £1,000 (plus appliances) if we went this route.

If you’re into the industrial, commercial-grade kitchen look, then I honestly think it’s worth some thought. Paired with the right decorative elements, I think a stainless steel kitchen could look soooo good. Here are some examples:

Another big saver is to do the demolition yourself, or better yet, sell your existing kitchen on Facebook Marketplace on the condition that the buyer dismantles the units upon collection. Honestly, you can sell just about anything on Facebook Marketplace.. old appliances, leftover building materials, feet pics.. list anything you can think of, and give it a few days. I guarantee that someone will buy the grey laminate flooring you’ve just ripped out. Or your unwashed socks.

On this same note, if the shape of your kitchen is fairly straightforward, you could consider installing a second-hand kitchen yourself. There are plenty of decent (albeit dated) wooden kitchen units on Marketplace that could be up-cycled with a fresh coat of paint and new hardware. You could even elevate a dated, honey-oak kitchen by applying a darker stain and replacing the countertop with something a bit nicer. Save on the cabinetry, and splurge on a natural stone countertop, or an interesting slashback 👀. Consider it.

Lastly, on the topic of kitchens, the one thing that Ed and I wish we’d done differently to save money was to set up a temporary station in another room while our kitchen was being renovated. We probably could’ve bought a second-hand mini fridge and microwave for less than £50, and that would’ve saved us hundreds when you add up the cost of ordering Deliveroo every night for several weeks. Huge mistake.. what were we thinking? If you’re going to take one thing from this post, let it be that.

To kick things off… the kitchen.

I’m pleased to say that we’ve officially crossed off Phase 1 of our kitchen renovation. It’s finally in full working order, and we’re stoked with the way it looks! After styling the room from head to toe (adding open shelving, spice racks, art, and an antique haberdashery), it genuinely feels like home.

Looking ahead, we’ll likely get a splashback tiled above our kitchen run (I’ve been obsessing over these d’VOL kitchen tiles), and within the next year or two, we’re hoping to install a large skylight at the rear of the kitchen to bring in more light.

Next up - the bathroom (brace yourselves)…

With the kitchen done and dusted, the next big-ticket item on our list is our main bathroom… which currently looks like a crack den.

Around a month ago, we had our shower redone in isolation, as we’d spotted a slow leak trickling down into our newly renovated kitchen below. Turns out that that slow leak was actually four not-so-slow leaks, but that’s a story for another day 🙃.

Unfortunately, we had a bit of a negative experience with the building company that carried out the shower work (which I’ll get into when I eventually write my Bathroom Deep-dive post), so we decided not to bring them back for the remaining bathroom work, and instead we’ve lined up contractors we’ve worked with before and trust.

Shower aside, Ed and I took on the rest of the bathroom demolition ourselves to keep costs down. It was a weekend affair and, much to our surprise, actually a lot of fun. Who knew chiselling away tiles and ripping out a bathtub could feel so cathartic? The toilet removal was pretty minging though, I won’t lie. We saw things a person should never have to see.

In the coming weeks, we’ll be getting our subfloors replaced, the plumbing upgraded, 1st/2nd fix electrics sorted, walls re-plastered, floors tiled, and new items fitted - all of which we’re project managing ourselves, as we’re a sucker for punishment. Once that’s done, we’ll prime and paint the room too.

I honestly can’t wait to finally use a decent bathroom and come out feeling clean, rather than feeling like I need to hop straight back into the shower.

Now onto the “fun” stuff…

If you’ve read Renovation Recap Part 2, you might remember me complaining about how installing cornices nearly drove me to the brink of insanity. Clearly, I’m either delusional or have a worryingly short memory, because I’ve decided I’ll be putting up cornices in the study next week (pray for me)… and I’m feeling suspiciously calm about it…

Having said that, Ed and I started stripping the two original fireplaces in our living room to reveal the cast-iron surrounds underneath. And let me tell you - stripping six layers of lead paint makes installing cornices feel like a weekend at the spa. It’s been the messiest, goopiest, most deceptively finicky task we’ve tackled so far - the smell of PeelAway alone makes me retch. I would genuinely rather sit in a dark room and pluck out strands of my hair one at a time.

Thankfully, we’ve finally caught a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel…

The big visual wins…

Alongside those trickier tasks, we’ve also managed to tick off a few heavy-hitters: painting our living room, primary bedroom, and wardrobe room, as well as stripping the carpet off our first staircase to get a peek at what’s underneath…

What’s next?

Looking ahead, we’ve still got plenty on the list. We need to paint the study, loft bedroom, all of the landings, and all of our doors, as well as restore the staircases and sort out our feral garden.

It’s been a journey so far, but we’re determined to power through so we can finally start using all of our rooms, rather than continuing to camp out in the loft like two squatters - as we’ve been doing for the past five months.

Wish us luck (we’ll probably need it)!

That being said, you can criticise a design choice or a thing that someone likes, without criticising them as a person. Go ahead and drag reality TV… I won’t get offended, even though it’s 100% a guilty pleasure of mine (and a huge time-suck when I have a long list of chores to get through). There’s nothing wrong with having questionable taste 🌝 I’ve literally written an essay on it.

Anyway, this was a rather long intro to what I’d like to dive into today: how we can shift our approach to styling to elevate the look and feel of our home, IMO. Here’s my first suggestion, and probably the one that I feel most strongly about…

When shopping for furniture, don’t default to large retailers…

Before you purchase an item from Dunelm, Wayfair, Zara Home, etc etc, get into the habit of checking eBay, Gumtree, or Facebook Marketplace first. It’s better for the environment, your bank account, and achieving a more authentic look.

This is especially relevant for anyone who likes a vintage aesthetic. If you’re drawn to MCM, then buy actual mid-century modern pieces. Facebook marketplace, auction sites, and antique stores provide a never-ending supply of secondhand gems - you really won’t have to look hard to find what you’re after. Plus, the quality of vintage furniture is always miles better than that of any MCM replica that’s mass-produced today. Oh - and you won’t have to dedicate an entire evening to flatpack. There’s literally no downside.

Faux Vintage:

Genuine Vintage:

When an entire house is furnished with faux mid-century, faux rustic, faux antique pieces, it feels artificial. Patina should be earned, furniture should feel collected, and antiques ground a space. Which brings me to my next point…

Value honest materials…

My biggest decorating ick is the use of dishonest materials - perhaps the worst offender being marble print in place of real marble. Trying to imitate high-end finishes never works - people see straight through it.

As previously mentioned, a space never feels elevated when you’re only trying to achieve the look of something. If you’re budget-conscious, prioritise humble materials that don’t try to be something they’re not. Stainless steel kitchens can look super sleek despite being relatively inexpensive, cork flooring can look very design-forward, and an understated, plain porcelain tile can make a space feel very sophisticated. Good design choices have little to do with expense.

My nightmare:

Love this:

Next up: Following fads will leave you out of pocket, and with a home that feels homogenous…

It’s all too easy to get sucked into decor trends. The whimsical, dopamine-inducing trends that have been doing the rounds on social media in recent years are especially hard to ignore - they’re eye-catching, novel, and uplifting. There’s nothing inherently wrong with decorating your home with trendy items, but for the sake of longevity, it’s probably sensible not to overdo it with items that you’re seeing everywhere.

We shouldn’t have to swap out the decor in our home every couple of years - it’s just not sustainable. Every trendy vase that’s suspiciously shaped like a sex toy (you know the ones I’m referring to) has a shelf life, and can very quickly make a room feel dated.

This needs to stop:

AI-generated art shouldn’t be touched with a stick…

If you’re willing to go to the effort of nailing art to your walls, I’d assume you have at least a small ounce of appreciation for creativity. Therefore, I urge you to avoid AI-generated art like it’s the plague. Sadly, platforms like Temu are full of them, and the big T is relentless.

If you’re after prints, I encourage you to visit a local gallery or purchase directly from artists. This helps support their profession - something that I care deeply about.

It’s also important to remember that art shouldn’t be cheap and should be acquired over time. It’s totally fine to leave a wall blank if you’re yet to find the right piece. You’re better off having one £500 artwork in your home than an entire gallery wall of prints that have been churned out on Canva. If you take into consideration the cost of frames and command strips, displaying dozens of generic prints could end up costing you the same amount as one original, meaningful painting.

Lastly, not everything in your home should adhere to the same aesthetic…

At a time when mass-produced goods are the norm, we’re starting to notice that the most revered homes - think the kind you see in The World of Interiors - have a different lean: they feel deeply personal. How is this look achieved? By furnishing a home with items collected over time, that are from different eras; a selection of Modernist pieces paired with a dash of Art Deco, a Georgian chest of drawers punctuated with a Space Age lamp… The effect of eclecticism is powerful and results in a space that has character and cannot be replicated.

So, to sum things up, don’t feel as though your home should adhere to just one aesthetic - this will only make it feel gimmicky. The most personal spaces haven’t been furnished all at once, with products from the same retailer, and of the same aesthetic. Instead, they are homes that tell stories about the individuals living in them.

I hope you’ve managed to take something from this - good luck styling your home!

First things first: Lighting above all else.

You do not live in the backroom of a home appliance store. Or maybe you do, but for those of you who don’t, your first task should be to swap out ALL the lightbulbs in your house for warm bulbs with the same Kelvin rating. Do it now. Make sure your bulbs are less than 3000K for a nice, warm glow. Not only will this add ambience to your home, but it’ll also tone down any stark, decorator-white walls and make a space feel more ‘designed’. Estimated time: less than an hour

On the topic of lighting, you can draw attention to your favourite decorative elements by flanking them with sconces or picture lights. These don’t have to be hardwired - you can buy plug-in sconces, rechargeable/battery-operated ones, or make any wiring redundant by swapping out existing bulbs for rechargeable ones. Estimated time: under an hour.

Next up: Windows are f***ing expensive to replace, so here’s how to work with what you’ve got…

If you’ve been blessed with traditional timber sash windows, well… I’m very jealous - how does it feel to be one of God’s favourites? For the rest of us, we can elevate our *Y2K* uPVC windows by replacing the existing handles with something a little nicer. Go for polished nickel, antique brass, or cast iron. This is a relatively inexpensive upgrade that can completely change the ‘language’ of plastic-y windows. You could even paint your window frames with a matte uPVC paint to make them look less… uPVC. Estimated time: depends on how many windows you have.

Which leads me to an obvious but often overlooked task: clean every window (inside and out), every mirror, and descale your shower door. Just do it. Be an adult. You’d be surprised at how much of an impact this alone can have. Estimated time: an hour, max. There’s really no excuse not to!

Go on a side-quest…

If you’re itching to get out of the house, make a trip to your local charity store and purchase some vintage art frames. Most charity stores seem to have an endless stash of second-hand artwork, which can be purchased for pennies. Sure, a lot of the art is questionable, but the frames are often made of solid wood and glass (rather than perspex). Reframe all of your art that is currently Ikea-clad. Estimated time: a few hours. Maybe a full day if you get easily carried away like I do.

While you’re perusing the charity stores on your high street, stockpile a few large bowls, trays, and storage containers. Use them to organise small, miscellaneous items around your house.

Don’t despair over your landlord’s decorating choices…

Details matter: nothing screams ‘rental’ or ‘ex-rental’ more than a blanket of Brilliant White paint coated over every surface of the property. Use rubbing alcohol or a dash of paint stripper to remove the tell-tale signs of a lazy paint job. This often includes paint on door hinges and around light switches, etc. It may seem like a minor upgrade, but these small details really do add up. Estimated time: a few hours. This one may take a bit of patience.

Another way to disguise the decorating sins of a past/present landlord is to cover those ugly Landlord Special tiles or grey laminate flooring with a natural fibre rug (think jute, sisal, or seagrass). Perhaps consider investing in a handmade Kilim rug - there are loads on Etsy! This is such an easy, non-committal way to give a cold space much-needed warmth. Estimated time: depends. I can spend hours trawling Etsy.

If laying down a rug doesn’t resolve absolutely all of your problems and your kitchen/bathroom still looks builder-grade, then hang up some art and don’t forget the mood lighting. Bathrooms and kitchens shouldn’t feel solely utilitarian. Estimated time: an hour or two of styling, if you’ve got those bits on hand.

Another tried-and-true tip is to replace off-the-shelf kitchen cabinet knobs with nicer additions - this alone can really impact the look of a kitchen. Do this to the other knobs around your house if you’ve got a bit of extra budget and time to spare. Estimated time: less than an hour to install, if you’re only swapping them out for ones that screw into the same holes.

Your approach to styling can have a huge impact…

Reorganise your pot plants: avoid going full Elephant Pants with the scattered houseplant aesthetic (unless that’s what you’re into, in which case, go full force!). Instead, group plants in one zone for a more intentional, “grown-up” look. Estimated time: less than an hour, unless your house is an actual jungle.

When styling display cabinets and open shelving, use the “less is more” approach: remove unnecessary items that don’t do much, and make sure that the items that remain are hardworking. By this, I mean unique, collected, and intentional, rather than your bog-standard Zara Home vase that’s just there to fill up space. Estimated time: a couple of hours. If you find yourself spending too long on this, take a break and revisit it the next day with fresh eyes.

While you’re rearranging your bookshelves, avoid an overly curated setup. Do NOT colour-coordinate your books… this is psychotic behaviour - I’m sorry, but it needs to be said. A more casual, lived-in look is the way to go. Estimated time: same as above.

A final word…

Lastly, if you’re going to do anything at all, let it be a good tidy + declutter. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what kind of furniture or finishes you have in your home; the nicest interiors are always ones that feel considered, loved, and well looked after.

Hope you enjoyed this post! Next up: a deep dive into high-effort but high-impact changes that can elevate your home.

Now I’d like to preface this by saying that I was more than happy to forgive all of the ‘Landlord Specials’ that the previous owners had peppered throughout the property. However, I can’t say the same for the hidden issues we keep uncovering because they cut corners as landlords. I know it’s probably bad form to slate the previous owners, but even our super nice neighbours didn’t have the nicest things to say about them. They were *cough* dickheads, to put it politely.

When getting the property surveyed, the sellers had switched off the water supply, meaning that the whack-a-mole of plumbing issues which we’ve had to tackle went undetected. They’d also siliconed all of the cracks in the shower to conceal shoddy workmanship, rather than repair root causes. Oh, and they had patched and painted over tide marks upon listing the property, so the tell-tale signs of water damage were effectively invisible.

With that in mind, as our builders removed the laminate flooring in our kitchen, they weren’t entirely surprised to find that the subfloors were completely rotten due to slow leaks from the bathroom above. So far, we’ve discovered 4 different leaky areas in our bathroom (a new high score!), which I’ll cover in more detail when I recap our bathroom reno.

After our builders had carefully reconstructed the kitchen subfloors and plastered the walls, it was time for us to decide on flooring. We originally had our hearts set on a terracotta tile to introduce a bit of warmth into what was otherwise a very cold and dark room. Though to our disappointment, there wasn’t enough clearance between the subfloors and the bottom of the bifold doors, and we couldn’t sink the floor nor raise the bifolds due to budget constraints.

In the end, we opted for LVP as every other flooring option (tile, hardwood, engineered wood, etc) was too thick. We went with a product that was the closest match to the wooden flooring we’d installed in the bedrooms and our living room, and in all fairness, it doesn’t look half bad.

In light of the flooring conundrum, I had the sudden urge to paint the walls terracotta instead. I pitched the idea to Ed the morning the builders were due to begin decorating, and we hurried to the local paint store to pick up some samples before they arrived. An hour later, we had settled on Little Greene’s ’Tuscan Red’, which we’d quickly fallen in love with. I floated the idea of colour drenching the entire room to our builders, but they looked at me like I had 3 eyes. So I practised a bit of restraint, and instead we painted the ceiling in ‘Dimity’ by Farrow & Ball to soften the effect of the bright red walls.

Perhaps this moodboard is a bit unhinged, but I’m a big believer in the advice that if a room doesn’t get much natural light, you’ll never make it lighter by simply painting it white. It’s better to lean into the lack of natural light and opt for a colour that feels cosy/moody instead. The original kitchen we inherited was entirely white, yet it only felt cold and soulless.

Once the flooring had been sorted and the walls plastered + painted, it was time for the kitchen cabinetry to go in. This was the step I was looking forward to the most. After weeks and weeks of scouring the internet before moving in, I had managed to find a family-run business based up north who specialises in crafting solid wood, freestanding kitchen furniture. I placed the order for our kitchen units to be made while camping in New Zealand, with this sketch that I did on the back of a campsite map:

Who needs CAD software, right?

Despite the shocking lack of technical details in my sketch, the units arrived precisely on schedule, and as soon as they came out of the van, I knew we had made the right decision 😍

Next up: a deep dive on our kitchen units. Why we decided to go for freestanding units rather than ordering from a standard fitted kitchen company…

Today’s argument is that every interesting interior should have one or two kitsch items peppered into its design.

Incorporating something unexpected in what would otherwise be a fairly serious/refined space can be a powerful design tool. I don’t mean scalloped edges, or ‘Bubble Core’, or any other popular trend that’s at the tipping point of becoming tacky - I’m referring to decorative items that have always been regarded as garish, and yet, have a strange appeal which we can’t quite articulate.

I’m talking lava lamps, shag carpets, animal print, disco balls.. Freed from context, these things have interesting forms, patterns, and textures, and that’s what makes them so much fun to experiment with, at least in my eyes…

Again, I’m not suggesting we absolutely clutter our homes with “bad taste” decor, but with a light touch, the element of surprise/tension that comes with these unexpected choices can elevate a space by giving it character.

The obvious example…

Leopard print is a timeless staple due to its kitschiness. It’s bold, provocative, and kinda sexy. When you walk into someone’s house and spot an animal print throw, or armchair, even, you know you’re in for a good time.

Sadly, it seems there’s been a steady decline in kitsch decor due to social media being so quick to slag off anything slightly risqué. Too many people play it safe these days out of fear of their flat being referenced in a TikTok video. But we all know deep down that the day we stopped seeing pink plastic flamingos in British homes, we started seeing a real sadness in society. Where’s the fun? Where’s the drama?

Data shows a direct correlation between the accumulation of kitsch decor and life satisfaction. For every Ceramic Staffordshire Dog you have in a room, your happiness compounds. I can’t reveal my sources to you, but just trust me on this.

To sum things up, my prediction is that we’ll eventually grow tired of all the content out there criticising “tacky” aesthetics, and the pendulum will inevitably swing in the direction of embracing kitsch. Perhaps I’m an agent of chaos, perhaps I’m onto something. Either way, the internet moves fast, so we’ll find out soon enough.

During the frenzied days leading up to Christmas last year, I decided to partake in what could only be described as a character-building exercise. After watching a total of one YouTube tutorial of someone putting up cornices, I thought I’d give it a crack. Little did I realise that none of our master bedroom walls were plumb or level, so EVERY cut was a matter of trial and error - the corners in particular had to be shaved down millimetre by millimetre until they fit just right. What should’ve been a pretty straightforward task ended up taking many evenings and a lot of patience. Granted, I did attempt it in the midst of a multi-day hangover…

In the end, after I had filled, sanded, primed, and painted the cornices, they came out all right. However, they looked pretty janky during installation, so it was really one of those “trust the process” type jobs.

Would I recommend it? Well, if you value things such as your neck, your back, and your sanity.. then probably not. But if you’ve got the patience for it and your heart is set on reinstating traditional features, then perhaps.

While I was busy straining my neck installing decorative features, our builders were downstairs damp-proofing our living room walls…

In Recap Part 1, I mentioned that a lot of our ground-floor walls were affected by rising damp. The task of mitigating this involved a week-long symphony of drilling accompanied by the sound of Christmas carols, but despite the dust, the chaos, and my lingering hangover, it was worth it. The builders did a great job, and that permeating smell of damp was no more.

Next up was the kitchen. The cabinetry that we inherited was in pretty good nick, albeit not to our taste. It read very 2000s Ikea, with its white gloss laminate doors and grey faux quartz countertops. However, we didn’t want to see a perfectly good kitchen go to waste, so I listed it on Facebook Marketplace and within a week, a lovely young couple came down from Cumbria with their builder, dismantled all the units, then drove off into the sunset. I’d highly recommend doing this if you’re thinking of renovating your current kitchen. Rather than paying for removal, you’ll profit from it. Plus, nothing goes to waste.

After our kitchen was gutted, we were left with a depressing, empty shell…

We had plans to go to New Zealand over the holiday period, so we ended up hiring a small building company that made a start while we were abroad, because as much as I liked the idea of living off takeaways for weeks, my ISA didn’t. In our minds, the job would be fairly uncomplicated… minimal changes to the plumbing and electrics, new flooring, and the simple installation of freestanding units (which I’ll do a deep dive on soon), but as you may have guessed… we uncovered a major setback after exposing the subfloors…

Next up in Part 3: Hidden leaks, last-minute pivots, and a kitchen starting to take shape…

I’m not ashamed to admit that, growing up, I spent many weekends visiting open homes with my parents - not because I didn’t have friends 👀 - but because, even as a kid, I was interested in design/architecture. Also, I was quite frankly, nosy. It was arguably my favourite weekend activity. Don’t judge me.

Back then, one thing I quickly cottoned on to was everyone’s distaste for quintessentially mid-century features like popcorn ceilings.

For context, I spent part of my childhood in suburban Auckland, New Zealand, where entire neighbourhoods of 1970s bungalows were being rapidly demolished in favour of contemporary new builds. The new builds: desirable. Popcorn ceilings: immediately off-putting.

As a kid, I didn’t exactly understand why my parents and the other open-homers detested popcorn ceilings so much. I hadn’t been around long enough to witness its rise and fall. Visually, I thought they looked fine. Sure, not a slick feature per se, but certainly not as ugly as old, stained carpets or plastic ceiling fans hanging by a thread. At that age, with minimal influence, what impressed me were tidy, well-kept homes with good natural light. Homes that weren’t nice in my eyes were just the opposite. Simple as that. “Undesirable” features such as popcorn ceilings and vinyl flooring were largely irrelevant to me.

Reflecting on that naive mindset, perhaps we could all benefit from re-examining our perception of what’s “ugly”. How can we learn to accept finishes such as popcorn ceilings and pebbledash exteriors, if we’re not able to fork out the small fortune it costs to have them replaced?

Let’s start with popcorn ceilings…

First, a bit of history. During the post–World War II housing boom, builders needed faster construction methods to meet growing demand. Popcorn ceilings were a pragmatic choice - they hid imperfections such as uneven surfaces, were decent at dampening sound, and were quicker to slather on than a perfectly smooth ceiling. Over time, they became a visual marker of mid-to-late 20th-century residential design thanks to the sheer number of properties that sprang up during that era.

In a previous post, I argued that our distaste for certain decorative features stems from them being products of ‘expedient design’, rather than markers of a past era…

Yes, at their conception, popcorn ceilings were indeed an expedient choice. Though needless to say, at a time when communities were rebuilding after years of turmoil, opting for the sleekest interior finishes was a frivolity, not a priority.

If removing popcorn ceilings isn’t a realistic option for you, perhaps we can instead appreciate their historic significance. Here’s an example of a beautiful apartment in Melbourne, Australia, that works with popcorn ceilings and embraces its 1970s roots…

These photos were taken from this article (Credit to The Design Files)

Next up: the dreaded pebbledash…

Although I’ve lived in London for upwards of a decade now, I still haven’t (and likely never will) grow tired of Victorian terraced houses and iconic London brickwork. I’ll be honest.. pebbledash will never look as good as traditional brick. Perhaps you feel I’ve been generous on the popcorn ceiling front, but pebbledash? I admit, it’s a harder sell (at least IMO).

Like popcorn ceilings, pebbledash is a finish that most people associate with post-war suburban expansion. In interwar and post-war London, it was a practical way to cover weathered or damaged brickwork, and a cost-effective alternative to full restoration. Interestingly, pebbledash was initially used in higher-end Arts and Crafts architecture in the late 1800s and was seen as a rustic, handcrafted aesthetic. Over time, however, mass adoption made it feel more utilitarian than bespoke.

All that being said, I’ve seen plenty of genuinely beautiful houses with pebbledash exteriors scattered across the city and in coastal towns. Traditional brickwork will always take the cake, but here are a couple of examples of how characterful pebbledash can look with the right treatment:

To sum up my waffling in a few short sentences: popcorn ceilings and pebbledash - like many other “ugly” design features - once served a valid purpose. They were appropriate, sensible choices at one point in time. Despite the generally negative view towards these finishes, they don’t necessarily detract from a home’s appeal. In fact, with the right approach, they could potentially add character.

I’m not here to argue that our distaste for Millennial Grey is unjustified. Instead, I’d like to suggest that the main reason we despise Millennial Grey isn’t that it’s everywhere, but because it’s a visual outcome of expedient design…

What do I mean by expedient design?

Expedient design is a surface-level approach that focuses on what’s ‘good enough’ right now and can be delivered quickly. The most obvious example that springs to mind is grey laminate flooring: cheap, easy to install, and neutral enough to be sold to a wide consumer base. By opting for grey laminate, we’re disregarding the key design principle of valuing authentic materials (real wood rather than something made to look like wood). Same with grey synthetic carpet, and grey faux-marble worktops. It’s this artificial quality that we’ve grown to dislike - not necessarily the colour grey.

Application is everything.

What separates a Millennial Grey interior from a well-designed space isn’t the use of grey itself, but its application and what it’s paired with. There are plenty of examples of grey used strategically in a home, in ways that look elevated. I’m a strong believer that there isn’t a single colour that’s inherently ugly - any colour can look good in the right context and with a considered approach.

In defence of sage green.

Sage green has become an increasingly popular choice for walls and furnishings over the last few years, and, unsurprisingly, we’re beginning to hear whispers of it quickly becoming the next Millennial Grey. If this rings alarm bells for you, I’m here to tell you not to panic. Don’t go repainting your sage green walls just yet.

Sure, we’ve been seeing an oversaturation of sage green lately, but in actuality, sage has cycled in and out of fashion for over a century…

A British staple.

Sage green has always been a staple in British interiors. It became strongly associated with the British Arts and Crafts movement (led by iconic figures like William Morris) - a movement that rejected artificial colours in favour of more natural tones that reflected the British countryside. Fast forward to post-war Britain - many households of this era embraced muted palettes due to material shortages and a cultural preference for understatement. Sage green sat comfortably within that tradition of subtle, restrained colour. It’s a shade with historic significance and will remain a solid choice in the right setting.

By turning our noses up at popular colours that may or may not be on their way out, we’re failing to understand why it is we grow tired of these trends. What we’re actually tired of is being overexposed to a particular colour that’s used without much consideration. We’re tired of the copy-and-paste approach: when someone selects a colour simply because they’ve seen it all over Pinterest and because it’s a convenient choice, rather than selecting a shade that truly complements the light, architecture, and setting of a space. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, by the way, but if you care about design, an examined approach always pays off.

And last but not least, of all the faux pas, the biggest is taking what’s going in and out of style far too seriously. If you think sage green is a nice colour, by all means, go for it.

With endless inspiration at our fingertips, it can be daunting to choose a design direction. Luckily, my partner and I gravitate towards similar interiors, at least in essence - cosy, lived-in homes filled with vintage/secondhand objects. In fact, if I could live in any style of house, it would be a folky, mid-century log cabin - think something out of Twin Peaks. Not too twee - like Kendal Jenner’s Mountain House - but something that feels like a warm hug.

However, we don’t live in a quaint town in the Pacific Northwest. We live in London, and I’m in the camp that believes the way you decorate your home should reflect the architecture/setting in which you live, at least to a degree. Therefore, as we begin to style our Victorian terraced house, we’d like to keep a certain British sensibility whilst incorporating a bit of that folky, woodsy charm that I love so much.

Although I’ve put together a handful of mood boards, I haven’t gone to the effort of creating actual mockups for each room, as I know I tend to pivot heavily. Besides, I spend my 9-5 in front of a screen using design software, so the last thing I want to do when I clock off work is spend more time on the Creative Suite. It’s far more satisfying working with tangible samples and physically moving things around a room, as opposed to mocking things up virtually.

I generally prefer to shop secondhand, so my approach to styling is I’ll find a gem on eBay/Facebook Marketplace, use that as a starting point, then decorate around it. It’s difficult to create detailed mockups when you don’t know the specifics of what you might find 🤷‍♀️ and honestly, I kind of love the serendipity of that approach.

Here’s our living room mood board (some of the furniture we already own)…

I’ve also created a ‘North Star’ mood board of interiors that I’m really drawn to and think might work well in a Victorian terraced house…

It’s just a starting point, and I’m fully aware that in 6 month’s time our home will probably only resemble these mood boards very loosely. For example, we didn’t intend to paint our kitchen walls a deep terracotta - a sudden inclination I had one morning whilst feeling very jet lagged - but I pitched it to Ed, and it passed compliance 🤝 and there we have it. We have a red kitchen. And we love it. I’m genuinely excited to see where this kind of spontaneity takes us as we chip away at the other rooms of our house.. so stay tuned if you’re also keen to find out!