I have always enjoyed displaying multiple candles around the house but aside from how it looked and smelt, I have never delved deeper into this object that exists in so many of our homes.

I adore history and at the start of any project I like to go back in time to find out as much as I can. I am sure most of you know that the intention of a candle from the beginning was to light a space and not about any fragrance. Humans have used candlelight for thousands of years, yet the scented candle as we know it today only began to appear in the twentieth century, and transformed what was a very practical source of light to something intentionally design to shape the mood and atmosphere of our homes.

Over the past 19 months, I’ve immersed myself in a world I thought I knew everything about, I am obsessed with candles but this was different I learnt the structure and how to build a candle from scratch, it is one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. I genuinely love building things and adore working in teams rather than in isolation to design products, talk about culture and worlds.

The initial idea

I began the creative process with moodboarding, choosing colours, textures, words and physical samples of other candles. I knew I wanted the collection to feel sensorial, tactile and evocative. And every decision that was made had to answer…

This is a snippet of the original moodboard which included textures, colours and moods. A lot of the references were focused on materiality and nature.

Designing the vessel

A couple of details and compromises will always happen when designing a product. I really wanted the trio of candles to each live in its own coloured vessel, white for the morning, green for late afternoon and chocolate brown for the evening but we couldn’t get the dye to stick so compromises had to be made.

The moment I knew we had got it right was once we had our final finished sample back and had nailed the texture. This part took the longest I wanted the exterior of the vessel to feel smooth but in fact the compromise which is one I didn’t want to make is that the smoother the candle, the more at risk it is of marking. We went through many iterations and some were too rough and sandpaper like. And then it finally arrived. As soon as I held the vessel in my hands, I just knew we’d got it right.

I always wanted this to feel like a forever piece, not something you’d throw away once the candle is finished. Once it’s burnt through, you can easily clean out the vessel and give it a second life as decor, storage or whatever works in your home. I’d love to know what you’d use yours for?

Testing the different scents

The thing that surprised me the most was that developing a fragrance is similar to building a house, you have to think about what’s in front of you in layers. We went through around four iterations for each scent working on the base notes, the middle which are also sometimes called the heart notes and the top notes. I learnt that top notes are not the true scent of the candle, it’s actually the middle/heart notes that give the candle its core personality and its true scent and the base notes are the ones that linger. This also means you can’t necessarily judge a candle and its true scent from just a sniff!

The final collection contains three fragrances which mirror glimmers and moments we all experience during the day and evening. Each of the candles has a different role within the home. The scents we developed were very much matched to the mood and how our bodies responded. When we tested each fragrance they were each placed in a perspex box so we could really experience each one. And it’s because of this process that we were able to come to our final ingredient choices and notes.

Beauty Pie wanted to bring back one of their most loved candles and to experience it in the new form and our sculptural vessel so we bought back REVES D’EZE and I iterated very gently making tweaks to the fragrance. It truly smells like the outdoors and when you are on holiday, picture the South of France.

I talk often about how golden hour is my favourite time of the day. I adore sunrise and sunset and when the skies allow us to experience that, (basically when it’s not grey and miserable!) I feel so content and grateful and even if I have had a not so good day, it makes me feel like everything will be ok. This feeling came to life in, TIME WELL SPENT.

And then what can I say about MIDNIGHT CASHMERE, this candle makes me feel very emotional. I would say this certainly evokes the strongest physical emotions too, it’s calming, cosy, cocooning and in fact quite masculine despite the mostly food orientated notes. You will notice across the three candles they behave in quite a unisex way. I have always personally been drawn to woody, oudy, leathery scents and always shied away from floral scents.

The naming process

My original names for the candles were a little different. I was going to share here but have decided to keep them a secret for now incase they can come to life at a later date ;)

Each candle represents a distinct mood and moment in time, inviting you
to move through your day with intention and celebrating life’s ‘glimmers.’ The word ‘glimmer’ has been polarised and used more recently as a way to describe a micro-moment of safety, joy, or calm that helps regulate the nervous system.

I wanted each candle to have it's own story and glimmer and to feel desirable on its own, but even more powerful when experienced together. The taglines were really important to me too, as they helped bring the story behind each name to life and give each candle its own little world. When dreams drift into daylight captures the fresh, optimistic feeling of Rêves d’Èze; The world can wait, the hour is yours is that permission to slow down and take a moment for yourself with Time Well Spent; and Wrapped in warmth, embraced by night speaks to the cosy, comforting feeling of Midnight Cashmere. Together, they help tell the story of moving through the day, from morning through to night, and the different glimmers and rituals we find along the way.

For anyone who already loves their rituals morning skincare, golden-hour glow, and winding down at night, the candles feel so aligned and represent scent, space and rituals which are all pillars in The Intentional Home® and help you to curate calm and tranquility in your own home.

The candles have only been out in the world since the 12th of August and already shared online in people’s homes and across magazines. It has made me feel immensely proud and happy to have bought something to life for others to enjoy. It has also been a huge honour and privilege to work with Team Beauty Pie!

I have to end this piece with a question for you:

You can read more about the collection here

You can shop the Beauty Pie X Reena Simon candles here

Love, Reena x

If you’ve followed me for a while over on Instagram, you’ll know I’m very particular about the brands I choose to design products for. I have a few non-negotiables with one of them being able to have full creative freedom so that my own Brand DNA remains consistent. I only ever design products that I would choose and want in my own home. I love the idea that people who know me will be able to confidently say oh I can see that is a ‘Reena Simon’ collection or object.

I have spent almost a decade building my creative business through publishing work having co-authored two books, Scandi Rustic and more recently Scandi Modern. I co-designed a lighting collection for an online retailer consisting of 18 lights and a modular sofa and fabric collection for Sofa.com. I was over the moon when both of them were included in The Times in a round-up of the chicest design collaborations in 2023. And more than all of that, I have loved seeing some of what I have created in your homes over the years.

When my name appears on a collection, I haven’t simply endorsed or selected the products. I design with my own team or co-design with the Brand’s internal teams and creatively direct the entire project from the moodboard to the sampling, packaging, copywriting and the storytelling to bring it all to life.

Last week saw the launch of a design collaboration which has been in the making for nearly two years. I’ve partnered with Beauty Pie to design a trio of candles inspired by the way I believe a home should feel and to suit every hour and mood of a 24-hour day.

I have always used and loved Beauty Pie as a beauty and skincare brand and I was really excited when they entered the candle category a few years ago. To now be aligned with such a brilliant brand, with an ethos I genuinely believe in, is a dream come true.

Beauty Pie x Reena Simon felt like the right chapter for my next product to design because I wanted to create an object that like my books that will last. I have a personal affinity and desire to keep things and crave permanence. I don’t like to let things go or replace things often. This is also why you’ll rarely see me redecorating online. I like to choose materials so that once I have done something, I don’t need to do it again anytime soon, hence the abundance of polished plaster and tadelakt (favouring that over paint which inevitably needs touching up or redoing) that cover the walls at The Black House.

My original intention was for the candles to be refillable, but during the development process we weren’t able to make that element work. I felt it was still really important to design a beautiful ceramic vessel that felt like an object you would want to keep rather than something you would immediately get rid of once the candle had finished.

When I think about interiors, I don’t begin with furniture. I begin with atmosphere. To me, scent has never been a finishing touch. It is another layer of design and one that I often reference as the invisible layer. Scent is as important as texture, light or materiality. It welcomes you before you have had the chance to notice anything else.

As I was writing this, I read an article here on Substack from On Brand by Lineshya Das and Alex Manderstam about why perfume has become beauty’s next big category. It explores the idea that fragrance is no longer simply a finishing touch, but a form of identity, memory and emotional expression. It also described the way people look to build a “fragrance wardrobe”, choosing different scents according to our mood or the moment. This thinking completely mirrors my own but in relation to how we choose to scent our homes. Why should one fragrance capture every room, ritual and occasion? The scent I want around me on a lazy, slow Sunday morning may not be the one I choose when friends arrive to ours for dinner or when I want the house to feel calm at the end of the day. This point of view was at the centre of the collection: three fragrances, each designed for a different feeling and moment within the home.

The trio included Rêves d’Èze for the freshness of the morning and is a scent I would want to wake up to. Time Well Spent was designed with my favourite time of the day in mind, golden hour, and Midnight Cashmere for the evening when you want to feel calm, cosy and cocooned and you know you will be staying put. Each one was created to respond to a different mood and moment within the home.

When I first started talking to Beauty Pie about my idea, they were really excited by the story because it resonated with every person in the room. Like our homes, we are never led by just one mood during any 24-hour day. I also discussed the categories I felt were missing for the brand and what we could explore together to introduce something both their community and mine would appreciate. It was always going to be a trio. I am also really passionate about materials and knew I wanted to work with ceramic - another first for Beauty Pie and for me!

I knew I didn’t want to create candles simply because candles are beautiful and most of us have them at home. I wanted to create something that genuinely reflected my philosophy of intentional living and, in particular, the Scent and Ritual pillars of The Intentional Home® and how those things can benefit all of us.

I am going to talk to you a lot more next time about the design of the vessel, testing the different scents and the naming process. You can get an exclusive behind the scenes of what the original names were before we settled on the names we agreed on.

One thing I talk about a lot is that our homes are never just one mood and they serve us in different ways during the days, the seasons and life in general. I also seek a lot of calm and comfort from the very ordinary moments in life and lighting a candle is one of the things that genuinely helps me feel calmer both physically and mentally.

This collaboration has never been about creating a product for the sake of it. It is about creating a feeling and helping people scent their homes with intention.

As a founder, this collection sits so comfortably within The Intentional Home, which is my philosophy. Some have even referred to it as a movement for those of us chasing calm and tranquillity, whatever era and season of life we are in. Scent should never be forgotten. I hope that when you experience these candles, you don’t simply smell a beautiful fragrance. I hope you recognise a feeling or a memory, or perhaps create a new one of your own.

The most meaningful homes aren’t defined only by what we own. They are defined by how they make us feel.

You can read more about the collection here:

You can shop the candles here.

Reena x

Many of us will spend hours choosing a sofa, finding the right shade of white (my favourite is Little Greene Travertine light for the walls, and loft white for the ceilings) and pondering over whether we have chosen the right shaped coffee table. I’ve debated all of those things myself. But when we think more deeply about our homes and go beyond just looks, most of the memories of homes we have come from the feeling we felt inside them.

Before we take in the architecture or notice the furniture, we have already experienced the atmosphere. A familiar smell can take us back to a place or a moment. And we all have that one friend whose home smells beautiful the moment we walk through the door.

I think about it alongside all the other elements that shape how a home feels. At the heart of The Intentional Home® is one question:

Why doesn’t my home feel calm?

I’ve come to understand calm after chasing it for most of my adult life. I have also spent the past decade talking about six connected pillars: Scent. Light. Texture. Nature. Space. Ritual.

When I began sharing our Victorian terrace on Instagram in 2016, I was mostly focused on the visible layers: furniture, colour, layout and light. Those decisions mattered but it never fully explained why some rooms made me exhale as soon as I walked in, while others never made me feel fully relaxed.

Every visible decision in The Black House had a reason behind it. The warmth of the cross sawn oak against polished concrete. I have paired soft textiles throughout the open plan living space which sit beside darker architectural details like our exposed beams. And the sculptural lighting that cascades down from the ceiling in the double-height space changes the atmosphere as the day goes on. Those materials matter, but it is the feeling they create together that stays with us. I wanted a home that could bring a sense of calm to a busy family living a very real life inside it.

Over the past decade, and particularly while renovating our bungalow into The Black House, I’ve come to understand atmosphere differently and scent became one of the most important ways I created that feeling.

I don’t need the same feeling from every room, or at every hour. So when I choose a fragrance, I begin with one question:

How do I want this room to feel?

It sounds simple, but it stops me choosing something because I like the packaging or the list of notes. And I’m not pretending I’ve never chosen something because the box was beautiful. Now, I try to think first about what actually happens in the room and how I want to feel while I’m there.

I do think a home can have a signature scent, but I don’t believe that has to mean one fragrance for the entire day. Our homes after all are never one mood for the whole day.

I’m intentional about this and very mood led. I have candles for different rooms and different moods. One for the morning. One that only comes out once the house has gone quiet and the girls are asleep. It led me to think more deeply about scent and how it also connects to our childhood homes and memories.

We moved around a lot, and some of my early years were spent in clinical environments and Women’s Aid refuges. And in my teenage years my Mum was in and out of hospital. I learnt early on that a space could affect me before I understood why. Some smells offered comfort; others stayed with me for very different reasons. I’ve had to define the feeling of home for myself as an adult.

I think that is why ordinary smells mean so much to me now and why I notice scent so much. I love the smell of my morning cup of coffee before anyone else is awake. And although I am not the cook in our house, the food connected to family. Although our Indian heritage wasn’t especially present in our everyday lives growing up, my mum has always expressed it through food. I don’t know how to make those dishes myself, but she still invites us over most Sundays. The scents of what she cooks belongs to her kitchen and to the feeling of that moment of all of us gathering there.

Over the past year, I’ve been exploring this idea more deeply and asking myself:

I’ll share where that question led in my next post.

Before then, I’d love to know: what scent says you’re home?

For me, the first thing that says you’re home isn’t something you see at all.

Reena x

When I launched this Substack in September 2023, I wrote regularly until the beginning of the summer holidays in 2024. There wasn’t a dramatic final post or a moment when I decided it was no longer for me. Pausing felt like a true necessity.

My girls were getting older. They were too old for holiday clubs but not old enough to be truly independent, and I needed to be more available.

At the same time, I was still running every part of my business. I couldn’t sustain Substack alongside everything else and, at that point, I wasn’t able to invest in the infrastructure or support that would have made it possible.

So I paused, fully intending to return when I had more capacity.

Then more than two years passed.

From the outside, the business was growing. Behind the scenes, almost everything still came back to me.

An ordinary week for me might involve travelling back and forth to London often more than once, a shoot day, a separate day sourcing props, producing creative treatments, meetings, proactively pitching for work and creating design decks, responding to inbound enquiries, negotiating contracts and fees, and keeping up with the administration behind it all.

That was before running my Instagram account, writing books, developing products or being present for family life.

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For a long time, I thought that was simply what it meant to work for yourself. I had built the business, so I believed I should be able to manage every part of it.

When something slipped, it was easy to see it as a personal failure. Maybe I needed to be more organised. Maybe I needed to work harder or manage my time better.

But there are only so many hours in a day. No amount of organisation changes that.

I don’t think I am alone in having tried to do everything for too long.

Whether you are building a business, renovating a home or managing family life, there can be a point at which you unintentionally create a life that depends on you never becoming tired, distracted, unwell or needed somewhere else. And if you are a long time follower over on Instagram or you might have read my story in The Times, you will know about my 2022 health blip.

Substack became the thing I kept promising myself I would return to next week.

Then next week became two years.

Looking back, I don’t see pausing as a failure. I see it as the reality of that moment.

I hadn’t failed. I simply didn’t have the capacity or infrastructure to give it what it needed.

Accepting that I am a founder

One of the biggest changes over the past two years has not been a particular project or achievement. It has been accepting that I am a founder.

For a long time, I described myself solely as a creative director, writer and content creator. All of those things are true, but they didn’t fully acknowledge the business I had built around my work.

I run a business. It has different revenue streams, commercial partnerships, books, design collaborations, licensing, intellectual property and an audience and community I have spent years building, in fact it has been a decade.

Accepting that has changed the questions I ask.

The question is no longer only, How can I get all of this done?

It is also:

Growth needs people, systems and infrastructure. Without them, I could remain extremely busy while the business itself continued to stand still.

I now have more hands on deck, which gives me time to return to the work that only I can do. Writing is one part of that.

This does not mean I have everything perfectly structured. I don’t. Some of the bigger goals I have in mind will require more strategy, more people and more funding. I am at the very early stages of working out what that looks like.

I’m also not ready to reveal everything I have been developing over the past two years all at once.

Some things need more time before they are shared. But I do want to bring you closer to the thinking behind what I am building.

What I have been doing

A lot has happened since I last wrote to you.

Scandi Modern, my second book with Rebecca Lawson, is written and published. My product design work has continued alongside it, and so has the commercial side working with Brands that I authentically and genuinely believe in and want you all to know about too.

For years, many people have known me through images of The Black House or perhaps even Scandi Rustic. But the house and the books were never really about creating a particular look. It has always been about changing how home felt.

The Black House began as a neglected bungalow that many people would have dismissed. We transformed it into a home that could hold the reality of family life whilst giving us a greater sense of calm.

A version of calm that could exist alongside the school bags, deadlines, noise, illness, work and everything that a home actually has to absorb.

My work is not solely about Scandinavian interiors, dark houses or choosing the right shade of paint. I am interested in how our surroundings affect us.

Light can change our energy and mood before we’ve noticed why. Natural materials help us feel connected to something beyond a screen. The objects we touch every day can turn an ordinary action into a ritual. Scent reaches us before we have consciously registered anything else about a room.

These ideas have gradually become The Intentional Home®.

A clearer point of view

The Intentional Home® is not about achieving perfection or creating another set of rules for how a home should look.

It begins with one central question:

Instead of beginning with what is fashionable, I think about what a room needs to give back to the person living in it. Does it need to energise, restore, bring people together or offer somewhere to retreat?

Only then do I think about the materials, colours, objects and light that might help create that feeling.

For me, an intentional home is shaped through six defining pillars:

They are not trends or a checklist. They are a way of noticing what is already happening around us and understanding why some spaces support us while others leave us feeling unsettled.

The past two years have helped me find the language for ideas that were already present in my work. I can now see that my books, The Black House, my product collaborations and the objects I choose all belong to the same conversation.

That is the conversation I want to continue here.

Why I’m returning to Substack

Instagram has given me an extraordinary community and career. It remains an important part of how I share my work, but the algorithm decides what you see and when you see it. Even people who actively follow my work miss large parts of the story.

Substack offers something different.

Here, I can share the full picture. I can explain what happened before the finished photograph, why a decision was made, what changed during the process and what I learnt from it.

There is also room for conversations that do not fit neatly into an Instagram caption.

I want to write pieces of genuine value for other founders, for people renovating their homes and for anybody chasing a greater sense of calm.

There will be personal articles about home and life (especially travel) at The Black House and beyond. I will share more of the process behind the products I create, including some of the changes and compromises that were inevitable along the way.

I would love this to be the place where you can get the fuller story without having to hope the algorithm shows it to you.

What happens to paid subscriptions?

I don’t want to return and immediately place my new work behind a paywall.

First, I want to establish consistency and work on a sustainable routine.

Paid subscriptions will remain paused for now.

If you are already a paid subscriber, you will continue to have access to the original paid Black House content. That archive remains part of this publication, and I want it to retain its value.

Before anything changes, I will tell you exactly what the paid format includes, how often it will arrive and when payments will restart and you can of course make the decision of what is best for you.

For now, everything I publish as I return will be open to everyone.

Beginning again

My next piece will introduce one of the pillars of The Intentional Home® that I value you the most. I’ll tell you more about that next time.

But first, I would love to know: are you here as a founder, a renovator or someone trying to make home feel calmer?

Thank you for staying while I was away. I am very glad to be back.

Reena x

*The Vase game is strong in this collection.

I hope you have had a relaxing weekend! I am sure you have heard the news if you spend time on Instagram that Kelly Hoppen has designed her first Homewares Collection for Marks & Spencer, here is a preview. The neutral colour palette and using that as base to build the design of your home is a principle I am passionate about and can relate to. The collection goes LIVE on the 12th! I will share my favourites*, where would you prefer to see them?

Thank you for all your lovely comments on our previous post about choosing the right flooring. If you missed it, you can check it out here. Today, we're moving up, literally to talk about why ceiling design is just as important, especially when adding character to a new build and this post brings our mini series to a close.

When you walk into a historic building like those in Rome or the Vatican, it's often the ceilings that take your breath away. The grandeur, the intricate details, and the artistry overhead remind us that ceilings have always been more than just a structural element, they’re a space where history and creativity meet. Ceilings hold immense potential to transform a room from ordinary to extraordinary.

This is a photo of a ceiling from a trip we took to Matera last year. I was blown away by how it has been preserved and all of the stories etched there. Have you been to Matera?

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In case like me you appreciate history and wish you had studied that (I wish I had carried on the subject beyond A Level) here is a little history lesson because I am sure you are thinking why did they do that?!

Matera, is known for its ancient cave dwellings (Sassi) and rock churches, and has a rich history shaped by different religious and artistic influences. The carvings and etchings, including human faces, are believed to have several meanings:

1. Spiritual Protection: Faces or other figures etched into ceilings may symbolise divine presence or spiritual protection, acting as a guardian of the sacred space.

2. Iconography: These carvings could represent saints, angels, or important religious figures. They were often included in religious architecture to inspire reverence or devotion.

3. Commemoration: Some faces might have been carved to honour local religious leaders or patrons who contributed to the building or preservation of the religious site.

4. Artistic Tradition: The tradition of etching figures and faces into church walls and ceilings reflects the blending of local art forms with Byzantine and Romanesque influences, which were common in this part of Italy during the medieval period.

Matera has so much history and culture, in fact so much of Italy has, and visiting it last year still makes it one of the most memorable holidays and places I have ever visited. If you are thinking you have heard of Matera but also can’t put your finger on it, it was where the last of Daniel Craig’s James Bond films was filmed. And also if you ever go to Matera, let me know as we had an amazing private tour with a brilliant guide.

Right, history lesson over :) Lots of you might be reading this and have lived or live in a period property with mouldings, intricate ceiling roses and detail or an old barn with original wooden beams or a renovation like mine and installed your own ceiling decor.

Or you might live with plain ceilings and are thinking about doing something with them. Read on to find out what to consider and why paying attention to your ceilings can make all the difference.

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If you follow me on Instagram, you will see that I’ve pivoted into product design. While I’m still working on my styling jobs, supporting brands with their seasonal launches, and sharing newness, my heart has always been in design and creating.

If I had the knowledge and expertise back in the 90s I might have gone on to study something in interior design or fashion at University but the only subjects on my radar were the usual and so I ended up studying English Literature. I think not having a childhood full of cultural experiences, travel or even visiting museums meant there was a definite void of knowledge and experience. But in a way, I feel like I have ended up being exactly where I was always supposed to be: working in a creative role and I believe that lived experience is just as valid as professional qualifications. After all, how many 18-year-olds really know what they want to do? If you could go back in time, would you have chosen differently?

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Back to the article in The Times—it highlights how strategic partnerships in the design world are reshaping modern interiors with a fresh, minimalist approach.

For this week’s Edit, I’ve curated a selection of pieces which speak (even if not intentionally) of Scandi-inspired design and I have included one of my own! I feel that it is important to feature here as I never know what you have or haven’t seen on Instagram.

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I hope you all had a fantastic weekend! We are back from Austin which we visited for the third time (our best friends live there). Whilst we were there we took a mini road trip outside of Austin to Wimberley and Fredericksburg which were just over an hour away. A few of you said you were interested to hear more, so whilst the Austin travel guide is coming, I wanted to share a little about two places we visited: Fredericksburg and Wimberley, which are located in the Texas Hill Country. We had 24hrs in each place so not very long but long enough to get a feel for each place.

~ Fredericksburg is known for its German heritage, vineyards, and beautiful scenery. Unfortunately for us, not all of the vineyards allow children in and there was a huge thunderstorm but it was a very scenic drive and we ate at a couple of restaurants there. If we get to go back one day, I would love to go to Signor Vineyard and also learn more about the history there.

~ Wimberley is a small town known for its scenery and rivers, including the famous Blue Hole Regional Park and views of the Hill Country. We enjoyed our 24hrs there and swam in the lake. It is very quiet here in comparison to Austin and the lakes there. It was equally beautiful but there is something magical about the lakes in Austin with the downtown backdrop and the skyscrapers. I think I am still in my City Girl Era.

Thank you for your lovely comments on part one of our series, where we discussed adding character to your home by choosing tactile and earthy wall materials. Now, let's move on to part two—flooring! This is a topic very close to my heart because the right flooring can transform your space into a calm, cosy haven you'll never want to leave.

The overall interior design of our home is earthy, Scandinavian, and rustic, inspired by interior design books, magazines, and our travels. The walls, floors, and ceilings have played a crucial role throughout the design process.   My vision was to breathe life into our home by selecting tactile, natural, and textured materials. By keeping the materials consistent, I sought to create a sense of flow and tranquillity throughout. 

The main materials used are concrete and cross sawn oak timber and it’s here on our staircase where the two meet. You can read more about the story of our staircase here.

Consider upgrading to read on and find out about the two Interior Designers who have inspired our house build. And the benefits and considerations of the materials we chose.

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This week, I'm sharing something a bit different, after kicking off a new three-part series last Sunday on creating a calm and tranquil home. I felt there was an opportunity to talk about how our pasts shape the spaces we create in adulthood.

Personal Journey

Growing up in Women’s Aid refuges deeply influenced my desire for stability and nurturing spaces. My mother, sister, and I spent time in these shelters, moving away from our home and my biological father, who my mother was forced to marry.

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I've shared previously on Instagram about my own chaotic childhood, marked by time spent in Women's Aid refuges and social housing with my mum and younger sister. Today, the peaceful and comfortable home that Matt and I have built for our family stands in stark contrast to those early years. Creating a space that embodies the comfort and stability we once lacked has been a deeply personal journey for me. I hope sharing this inspires you to find your own sense of calm and tranquility in your home.

We chose our ‘ugly duckling’ bungalow because we saw massive potential. Despite initial reservations, the plot's uniqueness (it is surrounded by trees) and potential drew us in. The bungalow, nestled on a hill with split-level interiors and 3m high ceilings in parts, hinted at the promise of open-plan living and a dream house reminiscent of all the homes we had watched come to life on Grand Designs over the years.

For me, “hygge” (pronounced almost like “hew-guh”) might sound like a made-up word, but its actually got a pretty straightforward meaning. It’s a word used in Denmark and is all about cosiness, comfort, and contentment – basically, feeling warm and happy in your surroundings.

When designing our home, the three main areas that were really important to us were Walls, Floors, and Ceilings. This is the first of a three-part series about these features and how they influenced our choices within our home. I hope it will inspire you to create your own sense of calm and tranquility.

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Hello! We are speeding towards the school summer holidays. And June has been very busy, 3 sports days and 3 school fetes. Roll on July and slowing down. I say this but I am romanticising life here as the school holidays are not really a time for a slower life but I guess the pace of no school runs, making packed lunches and the parental Whatsapp groups pinging is something to look forward to!

The last couple of weeks have been a bit a whirlwind, an invitation from Husqvarna to speak at a celebration event in partnership with Kew Gardens to Taylor Swift, Kings of Leon and the Foo Fighters. I don’t think my music taste could be more eclectic.

On the Kew Gardens / Husqvarna front, I found out a few random and interesting facts, it’s not illegal, but you could be fined for mowing your lawn in the middle of the night (I don’t know anyone who would actually do that! ;) but the robotic lawn mowers (we have one) are fine to use at night as they are so quiet! So Kew are now able to get that job done by night rather than when they are open to the public and their garden curators can spend more time tending to the roses and plants by day. If you haven’t been, Kew Gardens should be on your bucket list. It’s a very beautiful place.

The rest of the week was spent shooting and styling content and lots of newness for some great high street brands which you will see very soon, if you follow me on Instagram.

I’ve also spent some time collecting pieces for Edit 35 which feel very summery indeed. I can’t resist sale shopping..and the satisfaction of not paying full price. We are off to stay with our best friends in Austin in a couple of weeks and after spending time at their home for a week or so, we will all be heading to Mexico together. The Edit includes some things I am looking at for sunny days ahead.

And last but not least, something exciting is coming soon.. Collection II in collaboration with Lights and Lamps. I will share more this coming week. Lots of you loved the first collection and this time we are creating something a little different and I am sure you will wonder why you don’t already own one.

I am looking for inspiration and would like to start including things you are looking for, either for your wardrobe, home or travel if you would like to leave me a comment or send me a DM.

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Let’s start the Edit, you will see an array of classic pieces and a mix and match approach.

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I do appreciate a co-ord (as you can see from the pic above which was in the Jigsaw sale last Summer). And this one is in the sale!

Shop frayed Skirt

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The matching top.

Shop Blouse

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I ended up being drawn to a natural, rustic feeling for this week’s Edit. This dress will be perfect for Tulum.

Shop Dress

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The White Company is in sale!

Shop Bowl

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This had a lot of love a few months ago in the Edit, and this time it is in the sale.

Shop Art

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AD ~ a post in Collaboration with Kid & Coe

In my adult life I have had feelings of guilt about going somewhere multiple times knowing that I could essentially be anywhere in the world, surrounded by everyone back home (fellow Brits) and not really experiencing what the country has to offer. It is also why I don’t favour all inclusive holidays which can be void of any cultural experiences. But that doesn’t mean I don’t go on them! It is the easiest holiday by far that we have had with our trio of daughters in tow. 

My love affair with Ibiza started when I was 17, I ashamedly (although my 17 year old self felt no shame) booked a Club 18-30 holiday. I really hope that company no longer exists! In fact, after a quick google search, Thomas Cook in fact shut down Club 18-30 in 2018. And for any of my readers outside of the UK, a Club 18-30 holiday was essentially a crash course in hedonism, where the only historical site you’d remember is the bar where you lost your flip-flops. It’s the kind of trip that you’ll laugh about (and maybe cringe a little) for years to come. 

I did this same holiday all over again aged 19. I had never been abroad with my family. I had been on a coach trip to Austria with the school which included a day trip to Venice and I had been to Berlin for an A Level history trip but family holidays abroad and travel by plane, was an alien concept to me. 

Then there was a long pause and I was not back to the island until 2018 to celebrate my friend’s 40th. I was in my late 30’s. We did go clubbing and we did see Craig David perform but we also visited beaches, chic restaurants and Ibiza old town. Fast forward to 2024 and I had the opportunity to visit the island again but this time with my husband, three daughters in tow as well as my Mother-in-law. We were going to be hosted in North Ibiza by Kid & Coe. Kid & Coe is an online platform dedicated to design-led family travel. 

Why Choose North Ibiza?

North Ibiza is a tranquil haven away from the bustling nightlife of the south. It really is as  beautiful and picturesque as the photos you see online and could not be more different to San Antonio. Ibiza has countryside, scenic beaches, villages, amazing food and a laid-back atmosphere which is perfect for families. And an opportunity to mingle with the locals. It’s the rustic, informal side of a relaxed atmosphere which I love about Ibiza. 

WHERE TO STAY

For our family trip, we stayed in a stunning, design-led villa in San Lorenzo called: 

The Ibiza San Lorenzo Residence 

Designed by renowned and resident Interior Designers, Ibiza Interiors the Villa featured minimal décor. We loved the wooden ceilings, that everything was housed on one level and the gardens that sprawled and wrapped around the house. The textured walls in the bathroom were like a home from home and the attention to detail combined with unlacquered brass and the aesop hand wash was a dream. 

We loved enjoying breakfast each morning at the outdoor terrace. 

The spacious accommodation allowed us all to have our own space to enjoy the serene surroundings and beautiful views. 

And our daughters, aged 12, 9, and 8 made the most of the treehouse, garden and swimming pool. 

WHERE TO EAT:

Here are some must-visit restaurants which we would highly recommend and enjoyed. I have to say here, we did choose some spenny places for food as it’s the first trip that we felt our daughters were old enough to appreciate good food, are not so fussy but there was still always the safety net of chicken nuggets and chips at even the most chicest of places.

~ The Croissant Show in Ibiza Town for the best brunch and to sit side by side next to Dalt Vila, which is one of Ibiza’s iconic and oldest monuments.

~ La Paloma, San Lorenzo: A magical dining experience in the summer orange grove. Reservations are essential.

~ Fish Shack, Talamanca: A laid-back spot for a late lunch with stunning sea views. We absolutely loved this place. The seafood was out of this world. 

~ Cala Gracioneta Chiringuito: we went one evening and enjoyed wine at the table whilst the girls played on the beach. It was magical. 

~ Chez Gerdi, Formentera: There are lots of places to eat in Formentera, but this restaurant was recommended by many of you who follow me on Instagram. We are so happy to have made time for this.  A fantastic dinner spot after exploring Formentera. There was a live DJ and the best prawn salad. Again, we booked ahead.

BEACHES and HIGHLIGHTS: 

~ Dalt Vila is at the heart of Ibiza town filled with high stone walls, drawbridges, enormous wooden fort doors, numerous churches, and historical museums. We strolled through the white cobbled streets, heading upwards. We didn’t make it all the way to the top though!  

~ Ibiza old town is a must when you visit Dalt Villa. It’s right next to the sea and you can people watch and drink rose. 

~ We also visited a beautiful rocky beach called Playa Cala Salada (pictured at the start). 

~ The Villa is minutes away from Portinax which is at the North East tip of the island. The water was crystal clear here and before heading to the beach we went to Los Enamorados for drink. I really enjoyed the vibe and views here.

~ Visit the markets. We did two. Sant Jordi market on Saturdays – a flea market that is filled with treasures with a true Ibiza feel done car boot style. And the next morning we headed to a market which had a more artisanal feeling in the northern town of San Juan.

~ Wander around Santa Gertrudis, known for its shops and restaurants. We didn’t have time to eat here but I absolutely will when we go back. I did get to visit a stunning lifestyle shop in it’s opening week. The decor, brands and aesthetic was inspiring and I wanted to take everything home with me. 

~ Day Trip to Formentera - you can do this the bougie way by booking a private or shared sail boat with a skipper or you can take the ferry. We did the latter, it was really affordable for the six of us and a lot of fun sitting on the outdoors upper level. We had a very chilled beach day but there are lots of boutique shops if you prefer to be on the move. Our only family photo of course!

~ North Ibiza is blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches. Experience the magical sunset at Benirras Beach (Drummer's Beach). And they have the best take out pizza which we ate whilst sat next to the ocean. 

We have fallen head over heels in love with North Ibiza. It offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences, making it an ideal destination for a family holiday. From stunning beaches and charming villages to delicious dining options and unforgettable activities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful part of the island. We have created forever memories and will definitely go back, we missed the sunset at Es Vedra so have the perfect excuse to go back. 

The most epic and magical sunset of our time in Ibiza is the perfect montage to bring my guide to Ibiza to a close. My husband took the sunset picture of our little ladies which I must give him full credit for! ;)

Any questions please do leave me a comment or DM if you prefer. 

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On Wednesday, I left for Copenhagen, and took a risk, no umbrella or water resistant jacket. It was slightly warmer when I arrived in Copenhagen, so that was a relief but it did rain!

I love Copenhagen. When Matt and I visited a couple of years ago, it made a big impression on us and we both agreed that it feels like a city we could live in and call home but the caveat and reason why that would never happen for us, drumroll please… is the weather! If we were ever to move abroad, we are chasing the sun.

I was in Copenhagen for 3 Days of Design, which is Denmark’s annual design festival, and it’s been on my must-visit list for a while. This year, my lovely friend ( and also co-author of our book, Scandi Rustic), Rebecca Lawson (Instagram @malmo_and_moss), and I finally made it.

The simplicity and thoughtful use of materials in Scandinavian design, especially glass and wood, always resonates with me. The emphasis on this years festival was on longevity and sustainability, paying particular attention to the materials we should be looking to use, like Bamboo. I was able to meet the Founders of the brand Ask og Eng. I have adored their work from afar. It is beyond aspirational and inspirational for me personally on many levels and I would also love to one day invest in some of their pieces.

The Founders opened the doors to an apartment they have designed and installed their custom kitchen and ojbects. Aside from the design highlight, let me know in the comments if you fancy a 48 hrs in Copenhagen guide?

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Back to this week’s Edit. I am rounding up lots of wood and pieces that have recently inspired me and I have in my own home. I am posting this to all Subscribers today for FREE!

I would love for you to see what the now, Ad Hoc Edits feature. If you choose to upgrade your subscription, you will hear from me once a week, sometimes twice, in your inboxes. Following feedback from current subscribers, it will either be an Edit, design or renovation related piece and travel guides are coming up. The thread that runs throughout is modern, tranquil and considered design choices, whether it’s for your wardrobes, homes or travel. I have promised health and want to and although it feels like a lifetime ago it still feels raw when I start putting pen to paper.

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These beautiful chairs, inspired by the Scandinavian design classic, Wishbone chair are currently on sale and if you are a Soho House Friends Member, don’t forget these will be cheaper for you! I am looking for dining chairs at the moment and seeking ones with arms! Let me know in our chat or comments if you have seen any.

Shop Set of Chairs

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Habitat celebrates its 60th anniversary this year and embodies the essence of Scandinavian design principles, with this dressing table made from solid oak and oak veneer. It is multi-functional and the shallow depth means it could also be used as a console table. I have shopped at Habitat ever since we purchased our first home. I miss their dedicated high street store in Cardiff, but I am glad the brand is still around and continues to deliver.

Shop Dressing Table

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Again, from Habitat, this mirror offers a clean contemporary aesthetic and I appreciate the organic shape.

Shop Mirror

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Staying with wood and a shape which ‘mirrors’ the above, this serving plate would bring a natural and rustic charm to your table settings.

Shop Wooden Plate

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I am really enjoying M&S at the moment, mainly for their collaborations across fashion (Sienna Miller Edit) and homewares. I have shared pieces from their Fired Earth collaboration before and these plates are on my wishlist.

Shop Plates

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This vase is from one of my all time favourite Danish Interior brands Ferm Living. The Ferm Living Showroom is an absolute must visit if you find yourself in Copenhagen. It is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional for arranging flowers in a voluminous, Ikebana-style.which I often share in the Edit and is featured in the apartment.

Shop Vase

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As part of Habitat’s 60th birthday celebrations they have reimagined some of their collections as well as celebrating timeless design. If you follow me on Instagram, you will know that I love to design using a mix of glass and wood. This combination in particular works really well. Oak and fluted glass, Yakker Sideboard

Shop Sideboard

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Ruffle placemats are currently one of my most favourite accessories!

Shop Placemat

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Who doesn’t love a marble storage jar, it instantly offers tactility and warmth to a space.

Shop Jar

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I am always on the hunt for stylish glasses and came across these recently. They are are stackable which is always handy.

Shop Glasses

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I really appreciate H&M bedding for its affordability. This cotton muslin bedding has a thread count of 250 which I find appealing and comfortable to sleep in.

Shop Bedding

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This Marks & Spencer urn has caught my eye as the garden is on my mind despite the weather!

Shop Urn

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One of the bestsellers from my design collaboration with Lights & Lamps has been the Solara. It features brass details, a linen shade and leaves raw seams exposed. I have exciting news, Collection II is incoming…!

Shop Solara

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This small candle holder (in the sale) will definitely add a little scandi rustic feel to your dinner table. Also a tip to keep an eye out on the Homewares section on the Coggles website. They feature a lot of Scandi brands.

Shop Candle Holder

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I don’t think that any household can have enough, tea towels.

Shop Tea Towel

Wanderlust, anyone….?

We stayed at the iconic Villa Copenhagen during our visit in Copenhagen. The architecture throughout the city is breathtaking and this building in particular blew my mind. I would highly recommend the hotel if you are planning a visit to Copenhagen.

It is located in the heart of Copenhagen opposite Tivoli, and is housed in the former Central Post & Telegraph Head Office, dating back to 1912. The design aesthetic of Villa Copenhagen reflects Scandinavian design principles and is characterised by minimalist décor and a muted colour palette with huge indoor olive trees. And the Courtyard Bar and reception area has an incredible glass ceiling and good food too.

The hotel offers a host of different dining options from Rug Bakery..and I can vouch for the best cinnamon bun!

The hotel also has a stunning outdoor rooftop pool which we used!

I hope you enjoyed Edit 34. I would love for you to share, restack and leave me a comment. It helps me reach more people. Thank you for reading.

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I very rarely attend formal gatherings these days so if this happens, I prefer to make my outfit choice work for my wardrobe so I can wear it more than once. I certainly can’t afford a one hit wonder outfit especially with having three young daughters who outgrow their clothes in what feels like every five seconds and take up any spare pennies!

I went to a wedding yesterday which was special for several reasons. It’s a very dear friend who has waited a long time for this to happen and it was also at the wedding venue where Matt and I got married! I loved where we got married which was in a woodland setting in a barn, with vaulted ceilings and original stone buildings.

However, if I could rewind time and had the energy back then and perhaps more funds, I would have got married abroad! I don’t know what is classed as a budget wedding but 11 years ago we managed to do it for £12,000. We took a very DIY approach when it came to decor and flowers and we were only the third wedding to take place where we got married and at that stage they were just starting up so we benefited from not having to pay for everything that wedding venues now want to charge for. It felt different this time and more like a well oiled wedding machine and I know from my friend that comes with a price and it cost more than double what we paid! I wouldn’t be surprised if they start charging for toilet paper now!

I am not sure if getting married abroad is in fact cheaper but I think if my little ladies want to when they are older, I would explore that option.

I chose a linen suit and it doesn’t matter how many times it is steamed / ironed, it crumples every time you sit down and stand up but I made my peace with that and the comfort of the elasticated wide leg trousers and airness of the material made it a good choice.

I am heading to 3 Days of Design in Copenhagen this coming week so wanted to choose an outfit that would work for both and this will come with me.

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Shop Suit Jacket

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Shop Trousers

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Shop Top

The suit wasn’t the only outfit in the running in the end. Read on to see other choices and some interior pieces which have caught my eye this week and would also make for a great wedding gift.

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I have ordered everything in two sizes so a lot will go back. It is funny as there is nothing really new here, I owned a similar version of each item from the Kate Moss for Topshop collections and Isabel Marant for H&M back in the noughties. And my wardrobe has consistently stayed 90% white blouses/shirts and denim every since. I have kept lots of the pieces I bought over 20 years ago albeit none of my size 8/10 pieces from back then fit me now but I have three daughters so they may want them one day.

Here is a montage of what I bought and links below:

Shop Blouse

Shop Top

Shop Blouse

Shop Barrel Leg Jean

Shop Mules

Shop Jacket

Shop Jacket

Shop Bag

I’m waiting patiently for the delivery now…. I’ll share my photos with you!

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Now back to the Black House Series and sharing the journey of our staircase, and a regret so hopefully you don’t make a similar mistake.

Staircases aren't always just about getting from point A to point B.  They're like the unsung heroes of home design, quietly shaping the style and flow of a property. It's all about the details. Think about it — upstairs, downstairs, repeat. But there's more to it than that. A well-thought-out staircase isn't just a way to move between floors, planned well, it can be integrated into the floorplan as a functional design element which was our aim.

Our family dog Simba loves to sit here as there is no underfloor heating in this part of the house.

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You could look at Design Chats as informative, behind the scenes and / or inspiration if you too are on a entrepreneurial journey. I have collaborated and will continue to do so with Brands but in tandem I would love to launch my own Homewares brand… watch this space.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll delve into the lives and businesses of the individuals I have met along the way highlighting the lessons they've learned and the insights they've gained.

Our series kicks off with Sasha Stewart, the Founder of Toasted Wood who works with Shou Sugi Ban which we discussed in Chapter 10 of the Black House Series. Join me as we explore Sasha’s path from her adventurous upbringing on a free-range chicken farm in Ireland to becoming an internationally renowned equestrian and eventually, an innovative entrepreneur. We’ll uncover the pivotal moments that shaped her business philosophy, the challenges she overcame, and the inspirations that drive her today.

A picture of Sasha

RS - Reena Simon | SS - Sasha Stewart

RS: Sasha, could you please tell us about your background and what inspired you to start Toasted?

SS: I grew up on a free range chicken farm in Ireland and as one of 5 siblings it’s fair to say that we lived a fairly feral lifestyle, scruffing around on our fat furball ponies, jumping over farm machinery and bikes made into show jumps in our fields and garden! I’d say it was a very free and adventurous upbringing with our lovely parents allowing us to get on with it. Mind you hard work on the farm was also expected when they needed us to collect or grade eggs or lock the chickens in at night time etc.

I loved life in the countryside and still adore rural life. I’m not a city slicker AT all!   Anyhow my passion for horses grew and I started to win a few local shows and before I knew it I was riding for Ireland and touring all over the world competing throughout my late teens and twenties at European, World Championships and Olympic Games. It was an absolute dream and a very charmed life I have to say. I worked hard and was obsessive about it, sacrificing a social life and working birthdays /Christmases etc but I loved every second and learnt a lot about myself; discipline; standards and had high expectations of myself.

As soon as I had my first babies (twins) in 2008 I retired to put all that energy into trying to be a decent mum. (Still feel like I haven’t quite mastered that one lol)! Anyhow fast forward to having it all, building and then losing our dream home in the crash of 2008, and dragging ourselves back up from being penniless and going through the awfulness of repossession… living in a mouldy cabin with our 4 kids in one bedroom for several years. (They loved it!!   … us… not so much at times).

We finally managed to find a site and build a simple barn in 2017 and I’m actually really proud of us being able to find the resilience and determination to start over. It was only whilst charring my own boards for that barn, that I started to think of “Toasted” being born and dared to dream of a new adventure. 

RS:  Can you share a pivotal moment in your entrepreneurial journey with Toasted that shaped your approach to business?

SS: My husband constantly (and annoyingly) tells me that Toasted was all his idea. I was charring 400m2 of timber for our own barn. It was a labour of love with a single blow torch and a steel hand brush. It took about 6 months (in between being mum to 4 kids between 4 and 9). It was Andre who said when I was nearing the finish line, “you should find out if there’s a niche for this charred timber?” As soon as he said it I had an actual epiphany. I could instantly see the branding, the name, the brochure, a whole stack of ideas just slotted into place. It was so weird.   Anyhow I decided to tentatively show some architects a few samples. One firm that I absolutely love here in Ireland called me back just after I’d been in their office to tell me they’d had someone drop out of a luxury trade show they were running.  Would I like to take their spot… this weekend… free of charge… 

I had a small panic and said I’d call them right back and instantly phoned my sister. “I can’t possibly have trade stand at an actual show in 2 days time!” I shrieked. “I don’t even have a brochure/ a flyer/ a sign/ or a clue what I’m doing!!” 

My sister Melanie is that girl who oozes positivity, sees every crisis as an opportunity, loves an adventure, is a massive risk taker, fails and laughs about it… you get me? Anyhow she gave me my pivotal piece of advice: 

“if you start now before you’re ready, you’ll seriously thank yourself in a years time.” And boy was she sooooooo right! I jumped in face first, winged it, talked myself up and imagined Toasted as an already flourishing business! I went home after three days at the show exhausted but exhilarated as people had been so kind about the samples and enthusiastic about what I was doing. I didn’t get a single order for 9 months. Count them NINE!!! I hadn’t factored in people having to fall for the product, include it in their home design, apply for planning permission and start building their house before they needed me to get involved. Lucky I started way before I was ready!! Thanks Mel. 

RS:  How do you define the mission and values of Toasted, and how do they influence your decision-making process?

SS: I try to keep it extremely simplistic. Basically I will not provide anything to my customers that I wouldn’t be excited to put in or on my own home. Everything from the species of the timber, the way it’s been produced, the sustainability, its eco credentials, the highest grade of sealant… this high standard finish is everything to me. So in a nutshell "green and gorgeous!"

RS: What strategies have you employed to overcome challenges and setbacks in the journey of Toasted?

SS: So I was thinking quite small at the start....manageable bite sized toast to begin with. I kind of made myself think of the business as a side hustle I suppose keeping expectations a little low. I’m aware how many small businesses fail in the first year (20%… and 60% will fail within 3 years) so I knew I had to keep things manageable. I had a rent-free chicken shed on my parents farm I could convert pretty easily. I had no staff. I didn’t need to buy stock as everything is tailor made here for each client. These ingredients made for very little risk or pressure. With no money invested and no employees depending on me I could focus on providing a top-quality product myself and telling everyone about it.

We need to be all things in the business at this fledgling stage so you do the marketing, the socials/pr, the samples, responding to emails and queries, taking calls, networking, bookkeeping, orders, haulage, I designed machinery we needed engineered to make things more efficient… it’s never ending. But if it’s your passion and you’ve decided to go for it, most of it is pretty fun too! I’ve heard of people spending thousands of pounds they don’t have on focus groups for things like coming up with a name.  In my opinion…what a waste.

Ask your pals… your family… brainstorm over cocktails… really think about where the limited amount of money is best spent. Running out of cash is the number one reason small businesses don’t make it off the ground in year one. 

Another strategy I think has worked for me is to employ other women who are better than me in the areas I’m weak. The women who work for me are other mums with kids and so we all get each other and support each other with our parenting woes whilst doing toasted stuff. I’d say a big weakness for me is that I’m pretty great to work for but I find it impossible to be a boss. I’m much more of a friend and so having a team around me who are genuinely lovely people but who also want the best for the business makes me feel incredibly lucky.

I’d also like to quickly mention that it’s important to “read the room”. I had a few clients in the early days who took one look at my 5’3” small blonde stature and immediately asked “who does the burning??”  I didn’t have a portfolio to prove I was as good as I know I am. I had no testimonials from happy customers yet.  As a real feminist and cheerleader of other women, I'm afraid I had to imply I had a team of burly men with blow torches who did the heavy lifting in order to reassure those few early clients who perhaps wouldn’t have trusted my skill set from how I looked. So if you need to… work with what you’ve got to get the deal done. I knew I could deliver so it wasn’t really that naughty was it? Now I love telling people we are the only all girl team on the planet charring timber. 

RS: Could you highlight a key lesson you’ve learned from a past failure or mistake with Toasted Wood, and how it has contributed to your success today?

SS: So I’m a fixer. If someone is stressed or has a problem I love to step in and try to help sort it for them. I know it’s because I’m a people pleaser which is something I would love to be able to work on. So I had this client call me from London in a real panic as she’d forgotten to order the timber for an upcoming build. She had a crane ordered for a particular date which was costing thousands of pounds and it had completely slipped her mind to put the order in for her timber. I told her I’d do everything I could to help. She agreed to email me all the details. I had a look and although it was a lot, I offered to work weekends and late nights to be able to get it done for her fast approaching deadline but I’d have to order the wood immediately. She said she’d forward a deposit. I emailed her the invoice within the hour and she confirmed everything again.

The deposit didn’t come through but the clock was ticking and I was so determined to help her, I went ahead without the deposit and ordered £15000 worth of timber. After a few days I chased up the email to see if there was an issue. She apologised and said she had just realised she'd made a typo and then hadn’t checked my confirmation email OR the invoice and that she’d realised now that she’d added a zero by accident. She only needed £1500 worth of timber. My heart dropped into my knickers at this point. I couldn’t believe it. I’d stupidly gone ahead, assuming because I’d sent emails confirming it (twice) and the invoice, that all was as it should be. The lengths and sizes for her job were super awkward and not our usual at all so I knew it would be a nightmare to resell. She wasn’t very gracious about it and actually quoted my own ts and cs back to me saying “until your deposit is paid orders are not officially in progress”… my determination to help out had meant I’d agreed to work masses of overtime and ultimately for what?

I’d put myself in such a stressful situation for zero gain, and now thousands of pounds out of pocket. If it happens now, I’m still tempted to offer to go ahead and order but I make myself remember that awful feeling when it all went wrong. I’m honest about our lead times with customers and we never miss a deadline through making false promises. More importantly I’ve given up offering to work overtime and miss out on family life. The noose of time is all too real when the kids are growing up so fast. 

RS: How do you stay innovative and ahead of the curve in the your industry?

SS:  I’d say my clients are great at keeping us innovative. Just now we are charring stairs that will be covered with a glossy epoxy resin for a beautiful bespoke design. We have charred doors, coffee tables, serving platters, shop signs, planters, pergolas … I’ll have a go at anything. The joy of being so small gives me the creative freedom to do these weird and wonderful projects. 

RS: What advice would you give to aspiring (female) entrepreneurs who are just starting out?

SS:  I’d say a lot of us girls (not all) suffer from imposter syndrome. I certainly do. I realise my strengths, I really do but I often feel like I’m juggling too many balls, dropping a few and all in all I’m “winging it”. I had the great pleasure of sitting at a posh dinner with an older, wiser and incredibly successful business woman once.

She had spent a lifetime running an empire and she told me that evening: “We’re all winging it dahling” She told me how many of her most admired contemporaries admitted the exact same feelings. If you’re too far in your own comfort zone then are you really pushing yourself? I started to see “winging it” in a more positive light after that. 

Lastly, KNOW YOUR WORTH. Whether it's your time, or your knowledge, you charge for that girl! A lot of women especially in design spend so much more time than they charge for. They offer interiors advice to friends of friends FOC (free of charge)...Stop doing that. You're good at what you do and you should value that. Find a way to word it so they know to come to your studio to discuss it, or meet during work hours, or offer an intro package etc. Keep it professional so they know. Would you ask an acquaintance who's a dentist to quickly fill a tooth for you at home in their spare time?

RS: Can you share any upcoming projects or initiatives that you are particularly excited about, and how they align with your brand’s vision?

SS: Okay so we’ve done a grand designs project in England which is always exciting to do and it’s being filmed right now… There’s an incredible build going up in Kent with a design we’ve never done anything like before and it’s going to be put forward for a lot of awards so that’s big pressure. We’re going into one of my favourite restaurants in London so I’ll love going there to dine and pinch myself that our wares are in somewhere like that! Also those epoxy stairs could be awesome!!! 

RS: What role do you believe collaboration plays in driving innovation and success in the artisan industry or design, as seen through Toasted Wood perspective?

SS: Collaboration is such an opportunity for growth, to evolve, to try new things. We are hoping to do some gorgeous things with a garden landscape designer which is something new for us. I love ideas! I have roughly a hundred a day lol! It’s knowing who aligns with your ideals and your brand and how to bring the best out in eachother that’s the key I think. 

RS: Lastly, what legacy do you hope to leave through your business? 

SS:  I’ll be long gone while the buildings we have been involved with still stand. The oldest wooden building in the world was built in 711AD in Japan and still has its charred timber in tact. I love that our cladding is helping the planet like that. Lasting so long and locking all of its carbon inside is just such a feel-good factor for me. Our timber is a mix of carbon neutral & carbon negative. Renewable, sustainable and natural. That’s timeless. 

Quick fire round:

If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Shine on you crazy diamond - Pink Floyd. I would never tire of this!

Are you an early bird or a night owl?

Such an early bird. In bed by 9:30 most nights! So square! 

What’s the last book you read that you couldn’t put down?

I’m addicted to books!! And for the first time ever in my life I recently got to the last chapter of this particular book and panicked that I’d almost finished it and immediately went back to the start!! Insane I know but I loved it “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus.

If you could teleport anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?

Amalfi coast - if you’re paying can I stay at Villa Treville please?

What’s your Netflix guilty pleasure?!

Oh God I’m not sure I can admit to this one but “Selling Sunset” got me hooked. 

I hope you enjoyed our first Design Chat, I was literally quite ‘blown away’ when I received the answers back! And now I wish I had interviewed Sasha face to face or over a few glasses of wine, I feel a Podcast calling… but my own imposter syndrome might currently hinder that.

I would welcome your feedback and if you have any questions for myself or Sasha, “fire” ;) away in the comments below.

*As a little something extra, if you're planning a renovation and considering Shou Sugi Ban, Sasha has kindly offered for you, to use my referral code REENA5 for 5% off your order. This is for a limited time only and will expire on 31/08/24.

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This week has been a whirlwind, I’m working on some exciting Summer brand campaigns behind the scenes and can’t wait to show you new interior pieces which I know you will love. I’m feeling really energised and it’s because the sun is finally here.

I’m also preparing for our family holiday to Ibiza next week, which is rapidly approaching. This means getting all of the summer clothes from storage which is under the beds (we don’t have eaves or an attic) and switching out winter. I will then review what we all have and have seen a couple of last minute items I would love to get for me and the little ladies!

You will see high street pieces and a designer co-ord in the Edit which I have been lusting after for some time.

I’m heading to the RHS Chelsea Flower show tomorrow, I’ve never been before and I’m looking forward to it but have not been organised enough to pre-plan an outfit. I will be wearing my trusty smock, sleeper dress which I pretty much wear on repeat every Spring / Summer.

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The best selling piece from Edit 31 was the Wat the Brand puff sleeve dress. This week they have announced more ‘newness’ for summer and this co-ord is great with the option of shorts versus wide leg trousers. Would you go shorts or trousers?

Shop Striped Blouse

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We are definitely heading into BBQ season and I have wanted to invest for some time, in small dishes for olives and snacks and this Scandi brand keeps on giving. As a family, we love hosting family and friends so they will be well used.

Serving bowls

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This is a beauty and is ‘New in’ from The White Company. Carrying on with the glass homewares, the shape of this vase for all of your summer blooms and tablescapes would be divine.

Glass Vase

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I hope that one day, I will feel comfortable enough to be able to wear a bikini once more and when that day comes this is the one I would wear. The bow detail and high waisted bikini feels like this would be comfortable, flattering and of course, stylish. 

Bikini

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I can’t think of a more perfect, relaxed beach cover up for a sun holiday in Ibiza and especially crochet.

Crochet slip dress

The first 5 items in every Edit will always be available for all Subscribers. If you would like to see more and be a part of the community, please feel free to upgrade. As a token of appreciation for your support over the past few months, one paid subscriber will receive a surprise £50 voucher for a brand I adore (it could be interiors, fashion or beauty from a mix of independent and high street online stores). Winners will be notified the last Sunday of every month.

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I turned 41 last week but I still feel 21!! My birthday celebrations were great, a cosy breakfast with friends at The Ivy, catching up and reminiscing about old times and plotting a girls trip to Ibiza for the closing parties and to see Calvin Harris… ha..this will probably stay in my dreams! Then I booked myself a Charlotte Tilbury make-up lesson and sharing what I bought later in the Edit, and Matt, my husband made reservations for dinner at Gaucho and Golf Fang. I love the whole concept of not just drinking from bar to bar these days, but I didn’t enjoy the Golf as much as Flight Club. Have you been to either of those establishments?! I feel quite late to the party and only recently found out about them, perhaps because I have younger siblings who are all in their twenties.

The month of May is my favourite for obvious reasons but also because it sees the return of the white dress! My style icon / crush has been Sienna Miller for the past 20 years and her Met Gala outfit is my dream. I can’t wait for a high street version to arrive and hope it does before I go to a wedding in June although having not been to a wedding for years as now in the ‘divorce party’ stage of life, I am not sure these days of the wedding etiquette so keen to hear your thoughts in the poll above.

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I adore ME+EM and this white dress is just stunning. It is shirred around the waist too which works for my figure which is on the curvy side, carrying most of my weight around the middle. This is often why you will see cuts like this and elasticated waists in Edits. I am all for flattering clothing and comfort.

ME+EM White Dress

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We have booked a last minute trip to Ibiza (the accommodation is out of this world and shared later in the Edit). I am really enjoying the Wat The Brand summer drops. This puff sleeve dress has my name written all over it.

Wat The Brand Dress

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The month of May is still one for wearing ‘jeans’. The weather can go go from sunny to freezing in a blink of an eye!   I have worn variations of this same outfit for weeks – I have these jeans in 3 colours, and while they are quite expensive, I wear them in rotation, with a shirt.  I am a size 12 but around the waist I need lots of stretch and give, I currently wear a size 31 in Paige.

My everyday ( and night!) Paige jean. Although I am going to try a pair of Le Crop Jeans from Sézane next. And at £95 they are less spenny, and I have been told they are stretchy and true to size. I will go for a size 12 and report back.

Paige Anessa straight leg jean

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I feel like the Queen of shirts and have quite the collection. The latest one to land in my wardrobe is this Zara striped shirt which you might have seen me wearing on Instagram.. but I have recently discovered a new brand, called WITH NOTHING UNDERNEATH, have you come across it? I have shared below the one I am thinking about.

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Zara shirt

This is the one I have ordered, they have a 10% off welcome code you can use too. I have gone for a size 14 as would like to wear it slightly oversized.

Pink Stripe Shirt

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I adore the irregular shape of this wooden serving bowl and because of the material, it could be used to house many things from fruit to decor.

Wooden Serving Bowl .

I have been quite blown away by so many of you following and joining me over here on another platform outside of Instagram. As a token of appreciation for your support over the past six months, I invite you to join our community of like-minded individuals where we discuss design, fashion, travel, and health in a welcoming and safe environment. Every month, one paid subscriber will receive a surprise £50 voucher for a brand I adore (it could be interiors, fashion or beauty from a mix of independent and high street online stores). Winners will be notified the last Sunday of every month. I would love for you to join in.

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When we started on our renovation journey, Matt (the husband) and I both envisioned our dream Black House.  We did lots of research and finally agreed that the best plan for the house was to clad the exterior in a mix of corrugated steel and Siberian Larch which had been preserved using the Shou Sugi Ban process. The reason for the mix, was a cost saving exercise as there were walls that would never be visible so it made sense not to use the wood cladding on one of the neighbouring side elevations.

What is Shou Sugi Ban?

Shou Sugi Ban - the science of toasting wood, is the Japanese art of preserving and finishing the wood by charring it with fire.  It’s a centuries-old technique and is not just visually breathtaking but also imbues the wood with enhanced resistance to fire, pests, and decay, making it an ideal choice for exterior cladding. I still can’t get over the fact that it can withstand all of those things and will outlive us.

The oldest wood building in the world dates back to 711 AD and still stands. You can visit the Horyuji Temple in Japan, which was built using burnt wood. Japan is on my travel bucket list, as soon as the little ladies are old enough to appreciate it, we will hopefully visit.

Photo credit: https://www.japan-guide.com

Once we had settled on Shou Sugi Ban, we had to find a supplier which was trickier than we had anticipated.

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Welcome to this week’s edit! I can’t believe this is my 30th edit for you all, I am very happy with my little corner of the internet here on Substack and watching this community grow while sharing what I love the most… interiors, fashion and travel.

I think that lots of us perhaps dress like our homes, maybe unintentionally but I wanted to ponder this one. The way we dress does often reflect our subconscious preferences and comfort zones, which can be influenced by our living environment. For instance, someone who enjoys a minimalist, sleekly designed home might naturally gravitate towards clean lines and simple silhouettes in their clothing choices.

There is some science behind this phenomenon. Psychologists studied how our environment affects our behaviour and preferences, known as environmental psychology. Our homes play a significant role in shaping our comfort levels, mood, and sense of identity. When we dress, we often subconsciously draw from these influences, whether it's the colours, textures, or overall feeling of our living space. It's like we carry a piece of home with us wherever we go.

Shop long cotton trench by Victoria Beckham x MANGO.

And to open this week’s Edit, I wanted to chat about a collection that seems like a natural move and I was excited to see it because I do like VB make-up. It is the highly anticipated debut of Victoria Beckham x MANGO.

I’ve selected a couple for this weeks edit, playing with the trend of softer fabrics as seen here. I think it has the ‘typical VB aesthetic’ offering a muted colour palette and simple silhouettes but when I shared on Instagram stories, there was a 50/50 reaction with many rightly pointing out that the sizing is problematic and not inclusive. If I was to personally buy anything, I would need to factor in a trip to the seamstress which is a given for me for a huge part of my wardrobe, being only 5ft 1 and a half (the half is very important!).

I’ve also found the perfect LUXE vs DUPE for those coveted bouclé lounge chairs all over instagram lately. As a paid subscriber, you gain exclusive access to this, and more handpicked products carefully curated for you. Whatever you’re looking for, there is something in this edit for everyone.

In recent years, the interior design world has seen a resurgence of Scandinavian design influences in modern interiors, and it's no wonder why. Brands like ferm LIVING and H&M have been at the forefront, showcasing their commitment to minimalism and cosy comfort. I have included a couple of pieces from these Brands in the EDIT and often do.

Click on the images to discover more — happy scrolling!

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My dream garden sofa from one of my favourite Scandi brands.

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The cuffed trouser is everywhere at the moment, but make it a co-ord as showcased by Aligne and the look is instantly elevated.

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