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As a home interior stylist and content creator, I never really thought much about the fashion side of things... but I do get asked questions about what I'm wearing occasionally and I do know some things about fashion (even if it doesn't seem that way sometimes when I'm donning the painting clothes!) as I spent nearly a decade working for some of the most famous fashion brands in the world... So here is my little fashion corner with my most asked questions and over time I'll update this page with some other inspiration. Tap the images to go to the products Red Carpet Event I've had a lot of love for the outfits that I tried on for the LTK Gala at the Natural History Museum. I never get this dressed up in fancy outfits so it was a mission to find colours and shapes and styles to suit me... so many people seemed to really like them so here's the video I shared and you can tap here for the list of products or the image above.

I’ll keep this introductory paragraph short and sweet as I can easily ramble on about all of the things that I have learned about why it’s so important to use eco-friendly products over chemicals as much as possible. So instead, I’ll just share some of my favourite cleaning and home products that are better for the environment and for you.  All of the information surrounding their product testing and their reasons why their products are better for the environment and your health can all be found on their respective websites.  What I want to share is my favourites that I have tried and tested so you know what products actually work to keep your house clean and your sheets bright white.  Dip After seeing lots of information about how fabric softeners and gel capsules are extremely bad for the environment and our water system, I realised that I needed to switch. It also came at a time when my doctor told me that I have extremely high levels of toxins in my body, the levels of a person who has welded metal in a factory for years… and my doctor believed it’s (partly) because of drinking unfiltered tap water. Hearing the same information from multiple sources about how our water supply can become contaminated for lots of different reasons, I wanted to make the switch (and bought a water filter) I have used Dip laundry sheets since the start of 2024, now in October, we have become regular customers - you can set up a subscription as well.  They’re easy to use, just keep the small slimline box in a little drawer (no more bulky capsule boxes!) and tear off a sheet and throw in with your laundry. Done!  I have tried other brands, but didn’t get on well with them and rather than say who they were (I don’t like leaving bad reviews, only positive) I’m just going to state that Dip is the best one I’ve found.  They also have fabric softener sheets, but I haven’t used them yet.  Raindrop Moving on to how annoying it is to waste so much plastic (and plastic can only be recycled a few times before it loses its molecular integrity) on liquid soap pumps (the pumps are not recyclable as far as I’m aware!) I have been wanting to find an alternative for a long time.  It’s easy to use and refills are tiny and easy to slot away in a drawer. You just fill the glass pump bottle with warm water, and drop a refill tablet in and leave it for 30 minutes until the foam is ready for pumping! I have a discount for 5% off here Soap Bars - Any! Marketing teams have done an amazing job at making us feel like we must lather up our whole body in suds in order to be clean. For years I struggled with backne… if you don’t know what that is then you’re very lucky. Then the second I switched to a bar of soap to be more eco-friendly, my skin cleared up. I realised that I had been stripping the natural oils in my skin by lathering up with shower gel and drying out my skin, causing breakouts. So I will never buy a bottle of shower gel ever again.   Purdy & Figg This is an all in one product, which I use in most of my house, apart from the bathroom as I have found other eco friendly products for the bathroom, which I’ll share in the next section. That’s bit to say you can’t use it in the bathroom. This product is designed to be used on nearly all surfaces so it does save space in your home and it leaves a beautiful scent. It’s easy to use and refills are small and easy too. You fill the glass spray bottle with water and pour in a whole tiny bottle of your chosen essential oil, of which there are many. Tap here for 10% off Colt & Willow This is an eco-friendly brand that I personally use for cleaning my bathroom. They have different products designed for scrubbing your toilet as well as a cream cleanser, which is something that I’ve always loved to use in the bathroom. I’d love for this to become a reference place for people to share their tips and advice so feel free to leave comments below the article or by all means message me on any of my social platforms or email.

THE DETAILS We have covered THE PLANNING in Part One . As with every project, the success lies in the planning, from drawing up sketches to help visualise the end goal, measuring up to ensure everything will fit or can be cut to size and selecting the right paint colours and decorative mouldings or details to complete the project. Apart from anything else, you will want to add up the costs of all of the materials, tools (rental or purchasing) and even consider the time you think that it might take to complete, which is always more time than you think! Every detail is important, so here’s the list of all the products that I used for this Ikea hack, which I tried to make as simple as possible to save time and avoid anything too tricky! The Drawers Ikea Malm - 6 Drawer TAP HERE for link £149 160cm x 78cm x 43cm We decided that we didn’t want the traditional cupboard for our built-in as we’ve always found cupboards actually make it more difficult to reach the items that you need. Drawers on the other hand, make accessing your items easier and make organising your items easier. Obviously it will depend on what sort of items you’re planning on storing. Larger items will probably need cupboards but smaller items can be organised in drawers. As I work in interior design, I have a lot of samples to tidy away, as well as craft items and props for my content creation and my toddler has a few toy drawers too… so these drawers work well for the needs of our family. These drawers are not suitable for anything too heavy, however, so we avoid any crockery or serveware… that’s more suitable for the shelves! The most asked question about the drawers (other than, where they're from) is "why not get the white drawers?" In short, if you're priming and painting, then it doesn't matter! Tip: "Ikea prices can differ by colour, and if you're priming and painting anyway, then it doesn't matter what colour you buy - so make it the cheapest!" The Shelves Ikea Lack Shelves TAP HERE for the link £13-£17 Prices differ by colour! The shelves come in 2 different lengths. Small: 30cm x 26cm Large: 110cm x 26cm I decided on floating shelves for ease but also security. The way that you secure them to the wall, means that each shelf supports itself and doesn't rely on anything else for support. So then we boxed them in to fill the gaps between the wall and the edge of the unit. The trim is secured to the wall and ceiling separately. Tongue and Groove You can get tongue and groove panelling in individual panels, or large MDF sheets with the detailing added. Depending on your project, and the size of the panels, you might have to go for individual panels rather than the large MDF sheets. Large sheets are often wide but not very tall because most people use them for panelling the lower section of a wall, for instance in a downstairs toilet, which is probably where you’ve seen tongue and groove panelling the most. But luckily, I managed to find some large sheets so I will link them here for you. When I was designing the built-in, I was concerned that a big block of furniture and painted wood would just end up looking a bit flat. So I wanted to add a bit of interest. At first I considered wallpaper, which is a good option, but I decided against it because I thought it might be a bit too busy and a bit too overbearing especially when combined with such a large built-in. So I opted for tongue and groove panelling, which you can buy in large sheets so I didn’t have to worry about getting individual panels. I added a bit of interest and created some deaths and texture to the built-in. Primer Zinsser BIN If you watch any DIY video on any social media platform, you will see the comments sections flooded with unsolicited advice that this is the best primer - AND IT IS!!! This is the only time when the 'you did it wrong' crew actually have it right. Paint Colours The Walls: White 03 Lick Matt Emulsion Unit: Green 12 Lick Eggshell Before you start any project, make sure that you're using the correct type of paint. For furniture, eggshell works well and for walls, matt is a great option. Some brands like Farrow and Ball offer a wider range of paints as well as colours, so make sure that you look into them before purchase. This was the biggest DIY project that we have ever completed and it is definitely not a job for 1 person - even the ikea malm instructions say that you need 3 people just to assemble the flat pack furniture! Between the 2 of us, we were able to complete the project with a few mishaps, which I will write up in another blog post soon. Don't worry, there weren't too many problems! As much as this was a very difficult job, and we are unlikely to attempt something like this again, we absolutely love the end product and we're so proud of ourselves for 1, designing something so beautiful, and 2, for actually creating it.

I have some exciting news! I have been shortlisted for the Ufurnish.com  Home Awards and I would absolutely love it if you would vote for me. They have partnered with a few other amazing sponsors to acknowledge the creativity and work of Interior Designers, Bloggers and Retailers. I am in great company and I have been lucky enough to have been entered into 12 categories! The finalists will attend an awards ceremony in London, where the winners will be announced, opening the door for new opportunities as well as a feature in Stylist Magazine - I used to read Stylist religiously on the commute to work when I lived in London so this really would be a pinch me moment and I would love your help to get me there if you would be so kind as to vote for me in as many categories as you see fit. So here we go! Best Bathroom Vote Here Best Bedroom Vote Here Best Before & After Vote Here After: Before: Best Dining Room Vote Here Best DIY Creation Vote Here After: Before: Best Hallway Vote Here Best Interior Blog Vote Here Best Interior Instagram Vote Here Best Living Room Vote Here Best Nursery & Children’s Bedroom Vote Here Best On A Budget Vote Here Most Fun Home Accessory Vote Here Thank you so much for taking the time to go through the categories. I’m so excited! Xx

Welcome to the world of galley kitchens, where space is a premium commodity, and creativity is your best friend. If you're a proud owner of a small kitchen looking to optimize every inch of your culinary space, you're in the right place. In this guide, we'll explore ingenious ways to make the most of your galley kitchen's layout, from clever storage solutions to space-saving hacks that will transform your cooking area into a functional and stylish haven. Embracing the Galley Layout The galley kitchen, characterised by its narrow and compact design, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. While some may see it as a constraint, others view it as a design opportunity waiting to be unlocked. By embracing the galley layout's linear structure, you can create an efficient workspace where every item has its place and purpose. Clever Storage Solutions In a galley kitchen, storage is key. To maximise space and keep clutter at bay, consider investing in multifunctional furniture pieces that serve dual purposes. From pull-out pantry shelves to wall-mounted racks and magnetic organizers, there are endless possibilities to enhance storage without sacrificing style. Utilising Vertical Space When floor space is limited, think vertical! Install floating shelves or hanging pot racks to free up valuable countertop real estate. Vertical storage not only adds visual interest to your kitchen but also provides easy access to cooking essentials without overcrowding your workspace. Opting for Space-Saving Appliances In a galley kitchen, every inch counts. Choose compact and energy-efficient appliances that fit seamlessly into your layout, such as slim refrigerators, narrow dishwashers, and slide-in ovens. These space-saving gems not only enhance functionality but also add a modern touch to your culinary oasis. Let There Be Light Lighting plays a crucial role in opening up small spaces and creating an inviting ambiance. Install under-cabinet LED lights to brighten dark corners and illuminate your workspace. Additionally, consider adding a statement pendant light above your kitchen island or dining area to add a touch of elegance to your galley kitchen. Personalizing Your Space Finally, don't forget to infuse your personality into your kitchen design. Add pops of colour with vibrant accessories, showcase your favourite cookbooks on open shelves, and display cherished mementos to make your galley kitchen feel like home. By blending style with functionality, you can create a space that reflects your unique taste and culinary passion. Conclusion In the world of galley kitchens, maximizing space is not just a challenge; it's an opportunity to get creative and design a functional and stylish culinary haven. By adopting smart storage solutions, utilizing vertical space, choosing space-saving appliances, and adding personal touches, you can transform your small kitchen into a practical and inviting space where cooking becomes a joy. So, roll up your sleeves, unleash your inner chef, and let your galley kitchen shine as a testament to innovation and style in a compact culinary oasis. Happy cooking! In a world where small kitchens reign supreme, the art of optimising space in a galley kitchen is a true testament to innovation and style. With these practical tips and clever solutions, you can transform your compact culinary space into a functional and stylish haven where cooking becomes a joy. Let your galley kitchen be a reflection of your creativity and passion for cooking, and watch as every inch of your culinary oasis comes to life in style.

Are you tired of feeling cramped in your tiny bathroom space? Don't worry, you're not alone! Many people struggle with small bathrooms, but the good news is that there are ways to make your small bathroom look and feel bigger without knocking down walls or breaking the bank. Read on to discover five simple yet effective ways to maximise space and create the illusion of a larger bathroom. 1. Opt for Light Colours One of the easiest ways to open up a small bathroom is by using light colours on the walls and fixtures. Lighter shades like soft whites, pastels, or neutrals reflect more light, making the space feel brighter and more spacious. Consider painting the walls, cabinetry, and even the ceiling in light hues to create an airy and open atmosphere in your bathroom. 2. Use Mirrors to Create Depth Mirrors are a well-known trick to visually expand a room, and they work wonders in small bathrooms. Install a large mirror or a series of smaller mirrors to reflect light and create the illusion of depth. Placing mirrors opposite a window can also help bounce natural light around the room, further enhancing the feeling of spaciousness. 3. Keep It Clutter-Free with Smart Storage Solutions Clutter can quickly make a small bathroom feel even smaller, so it's essential to keep things organized. Invest in smart storage solutions like wall-mounted cabinets, floating shelves, or baskets to keep toiletries and towels neatly tucked away. Clearing the countertops and maintaining a clutter-free space will instantly make your bathroom appear more expansive. 4. Embrace Minimalist Design When it comes to small bathrooms, less is often more. Embrace minimalist design principles by opting for sleek and simple fixtures, clean lines, and uncluttered surfaces. Avoid heavy or bulky accessories that can overwhelm the space. A minimalist approach not only creates a modern and sophisticated look but also helps visually enlarge the bathroom. 5. Utilize Vertical Space In a small bathroom, every inch counts, including vertical space. Make use of the walls by installing storage cabinets or shelving units that extend upwards. This not only maximises storage capacity but also draws the eye upward, creating the perception of a taller ceiling and a more spacious environment. Consider utilising over-the-toilet shelving or tall built-in cabinets to take advantage of vertical space efficiently. Achieving a sense of spaciousness in a small bathroom is possible with the right design strategies. By incorporating light colours, mirrors, smart storage solutions, minimalist design elements, and maximizing vertical space, you can transform your compact bathroom into a more open and inviting oasis. Say goodbye to that cramped feeling and hello to a visually expanded bathroom that feels light, airy, and rejuvenating.

My main goal with our bedroom was to create a calm and relaxing space that helps to switch off your mind and help prepare you for sleep. So no loud pops of colour, just simple neutrals and soft tones. Tap on the picture above to be taken to a list of products in the picture. Some items may be sold out and so I have added similar items that I have found but luckily the main items are in stock! You can also click here to see the list. Wall Art I have had so many compliments on the wall art in my bedroom. I actually made some of them so I already have a blog post showing how I made the ones that sit above my chest of drawers. You can tap here to read or tap the image below. The prints above my bed also attract a lot of attention and unfortunately I bought these in a clearance sale at an outlet store as they had discontinued them and needed to get rid of them to make way for new stock. So I was very fortunate to get them but it means that I cannot share the link for them. Instead, I have curated a list of similar products here or you can tap the image below. Cushions Tap on the image (or tap here) to see a selection of boho style cushions, including the ones I have on my bed. Take note of the product descriptions before purchasing just to make sure that you’re aware of what you’re getting. Sometimes cushions are actually just the cushion cover and other times it will include the filling as well as the cover. Curtains & Blinds Parker curtains from the Abigail Ahern collection in colour Fawn. Double pinch pleat. Blackout lining Cassetted Roller Cordova Ecru Bed Our French style weathered oak bed is called Coco from Loaf and we got the standard fabric. There are a lot of different fabrics to choose from for the headboard but keep an eye on what you select as I believe that the price may vary depending on which fabric you choose. Here’s the link to their website Mirror William Wood Mirrors Citadel Mirror in Black It may have been discontinued as this is years old now. Paint Chalky White Crowns Paint Carpet The carpet in this picture is the old carpet but the pictures at the top are the new carpet: Cormar Carpet Co. Wool Loop Southwold Texture Pakenham Parchment Click here to shop the full catalogue

Are you ready to give your home a vibrant and trendy makeover this summer? As the temperatures rise and the sun shines brightly, it's the perfect time to infuse your living space with a touch of summer charm. From breezy textiles to botanical accents, let's explore some stylish summer home decor tips that will help you create a refreshing and inviting ambiance in your abode. 1. Light and Airy Fabrics Embrace the spirit of summer by swapping out heavy drapes and blankets for light and airy fabrics. Opt for sheer curtains that allow natural light to filter through, giving your space a bright and airy feel. Incorporate lightweight throw blankets and cushions in pastel hues to add a touch of softness to your decor. 2. Botanical Prints and Greenery Bring the outdoors inside with botanical prints and lush greenery. Decorate your space with floral-patterned throw pillows, botanical wall art, and leafy plants to create a fresh and vibrant atmosphere. Consider adding a statement plant, such as a fiddle leaf fig or monstera, to infuse a tropical vibe into your home. 3. Nautical Accents Capture the essence of coastal living with nautical-inspired decor accents. Incorporate elements like rope details, striped patterns, and navy blue accents to evoke a seaside ambiance in your home. Display seashells in glass jars, hang a rope mirror, or add a striped area rug to channel a nautical chic aesthetic. 4. Outdoor Oasis Indoors Create a serene retreat within your home by bringing elements of the outdoors inside. Set up a cosy reading nook with rattan furniture, potted plants, and woven baskets. Consider incorporating natural textures like jute, bamboo, and wood to add warmth and earthiness to your decor. 5. Citrus Colour Palette Infuse your space with a burst of energy and brightness by incorporating a citrus colour palette. Shades of lemon yellow, lime green, and tangerine orange can instantly uplift the mood of any room. Add pops of citrus hues through accent pillows, artwork, or decorative accessories for a fun and playful summer vibe. 6. Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Transition Make the most of the summer season by blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living spaces. Create a seamless transition by opening up your windows and doors to let the fresh air in. Extend your decor style to your outdoor patio or balcony with coordinating furniture and decor elements for a cohesive look. With these stylish summer home decor tips, you can transform your living space into a bright and inviting sanctuary that reflects the sunny season. Embrace the warmth and vibrancy of summer by incorporating breezy fabrics, botanical accents, and nautical touches into your decor. Get ready to bask in the summer sunshine within the comfort of your own stylishly decorated home!

Are you looking to revamp your kitchen shelves but unsure where to start? Look no further! I have compiled a list of 5 styling tips to help you achieve a functional and visually appealing kitchen space. Don't hide your kitchen utensils away in drawers; display them on your shelves! Opt for a mix of materials like wood, stainless steel, and ceramic to add texture and visual interest to your kitchen. Incorporate patterned tiles or wallpaper as a backdrop for your kitchen shelves. This simple yet effective trick can instantly elevate the look of your kitchen and create a focal point that demands attention. Glass jars are not only practical for storing ingredients but also add a touch of elegance to your kitchen shelves. Arrange them in a visually pleasing manner and label them for a cohesive and organized feel. Bring life to your kitchen by adding some greenery. Whether it's potted herbs or a small succulent, incorporating plants on your shelves can brighten up the space and create a fresh and inviting atmosphere. Display your favourite cookbooks and recipe cards on your kitchen shelves. Not only does this add a personal touch to your kitchen decor, but it also makes it convenient to access essential recipes while cooking. After analysing site activity, it's evident that readers are highly interested in kitchen organisation and decor tips. The engagement with similar content indicates a strong demand for practical and visually appealing ideas for kitchen spaces. By following these 5 styling tips, you can transform your kitchen shelves into a stunning focal point that combines both style and functionality. Now, it's your turn to get creative and reimagine your kitchen space!

Are you looking to bring a touch of the English countryside into your home? If you are a casual reader who appreciates the charm and elegance of a sage green kitchen, then you're in for a treat! Here, we explore 10 inspiring ideas to transform your kitchen into a cosy and inviting space that exudes warmth and sophistication. When it comes to creating a serene and refreshing ambiance in your kitchen, sage green is the perfect colour choice. Whether you're aiming for a traditional English cottage look or a more modern interpretation of countryside style, incorporating this soft and soothing hue can instantly elevate the overall aesthetic of your space. Incorporate sage green cabinets to add a subtle pop of colour while maintaining a timeless appeal. Pair them with brass hardware for a classic and elegant touch. Enhance the rustic charm of your kitchen by complementing the sage green elements with natural wood accents. Opt for wooden countertops, exposed ceiling beams, or open shelves for a cosy and inviting feel. Embrace the vintage vibe with brass or copper fixtures, such as faucets, lighting fixtures, or cabinet handles, to add a touch of nostalgia and character to your kitchen. Create a charming herb garden by the window to infuse your kitchen with fresh scents and greenery. Not only does it enhance the visual appeal, but it also provides easy access to fresh herbs for your culinary adventures. Add a splash of colour and whimsy to your sage green kitchen with floral wall art or wallpaper. This simple yet impactful addition can instantly brighten up the space and create a lively atmosphere. Incorporate textured tiles to create visual interest and depth in your kitchen. Whether in a herringbone pattern or as a backsplash, textured tiles can add a unique touch to your design. Create a cosy breakfast nook with a built-in bench or a set of vintage chairs. Dress the space with soft cushions and throws in complementing colours to make it the perfect spot for enjoying a cup of tea. Opt for open shelving to display your favourite dishware, glassware, and collectibles. This not only adds a personal touch to your kitchen but also creates a sense of openness and airiness. Enhance the charm of your sage green kitchen with a classic farmhouse sink. The apron-front design and white finish beautifully contrast with the green tones, creating a timeless and elegant look. Introduce wicker elements such as baskets, bar stools, or light fixtures to bring a touch of natural texture and warmth to your kitchen. The earthy feel of wicker complements the softness of sage green, creating a harmonious blend of styles. Incorporating these sage green kitchen ideas can help you create a welcoming and stylish space that embodies the essence of an English countryside house. Whether you're a fan of traditional aesthetics or prefer a more contemporary approach, there are plenty of ways to infuse this tranquil hue into your kitchen design. So why not bring a slice of the countryside into your home with these refreshing ideas? My website activity data has shown a growing interest in kitchen design inspirations, particularly those highlighting natural elements and soothing colour palettes. The combination of traditional and modern elements, as seen in sage green kitchens, resonates well with people's preferences for timeless yet contemporary interior designs.

Are you feeling inspired to spruce up your kitchen but worried about breaking the bank? I've got you covered with some creative and cost-effective kitchen renovation ideas that will transform your space without draining your wallet. Maximizing Style on a Budget When it comes to renovating your kitchen on a budget, creativity is key. Opt for DIY projects such as painting cabinets, replacing hardware, or adding a stylish backsplash to give your kitchen a fresh look without the hefty price tag. Upcycling old furniture or using budget-friendly decor items can also add a touch of charm to your space. Functional and Trendy Upgrades Investing in multifunctional and space-saving pieces can make a big impact on your kitchen's functionality. Look for versatile storage solutions like wall-mounted shelves or hanging pot racks to keep your kitchen organized and clutter-free. Updating your lighting fixtures or installing a statement piece can instantly elevate the look of your kitchen. Personal Touches and Green Additions Adding personalized elements to your kitchen can give it a unique touch. Consider creating a gallery wall with your favorite recipes, incorporating indoor plants for a pop of color, or displaying your vintage kitchenware as decor. These small details can make a big difference in enhancing the overall ambiance of your kitchen. User-Submitted Budget Kitchen Renovation Ideas "I transformed my kitchen by repainting the cabinets and changing the hardware. It made a world of difference and didn't cost me a fortune." - Sarah, Homeowner "Adding open shelving not only provided extra storage but also made my kitchen feel more spacious and inviting." - Mike, DIY Enthusiast Conclusion: Enhancing Your Kitchen Within Your Means Your kitchen is the heart of your home, and with a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can give it a fresh new look without overspending. By combining DIY projects , smart shopping , and personal touches , you can achieve a stylish and functional kitchen that reflects your personality and fits your budget. Remember, a beautiful kitchen doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag - it's all about style, creativity , and making the most of what you have . For more home renovation and decor inspiration, visit my instagram

I’m not going to lie, every time I make a smoothie it’s slightly different because I don’t measure anything out; instead I do it all by eye and it always works out. In reality, I just chuck in what I happen to have in the kitchen! But read on for some of my go-to recipes as well as some extra information to make the most out of your smoothies. Smoothie Basics You will always need a banana as your base for the texture and I’ve recently started adding dairy free yogurt (I’m lactose intolerant) but you can add normal yogurt to give it more of a creamy texture and also some sort of milk, whichever you prefer, to make it easier to drink. I love oat milk in absolutely everything because it has a great taste (and I’m lactose intolerant) but coconut milk is also a great option for more tangy or tropical fruit smoothies. When making nut smoothies, be aware that the nuts add a lot more texture and thickness so balance this out with a higher quantity of milk. Extra Boost I’ve recently been diagnosed with a Thyroid disease and a huge part of managing my symptoms is to manage my diet and supplement this where needed following advice from my doctor. It’s actually best for me to have a smoothie every day so that I can not only get a hit of the nutrients I need from the fruit but also so that I can add extra supplements and seeds that will help improve my symptoms. Now, I don’t want to share exactly what those things are as, quite frankly, I’m not here to give health advice and what my doctor recommends for me might not be best for others. I can, however, tell you that it’s an easy way to add a sprinkling of chia seeds to your diet even if you don’t have a health issue like me; or even protein powders for those inclined. Berry Yoghurt Smoothie 1 banana 2 tablespoons of yoghurt (I have dairy free but l'm sure dairy works too) About 70mls Oat milk Handful of raspberries Handful of blueberries A few strawberries Sprinkle of Chia seeds Peanut Butter Smoothie 1 banana 100mls Oat milk  (best to have too much than too little) 1 tablespoon of Peanut Butter Sprinkle of Chia seeds Chocolate Nut Butter Smoothie 1 banana 100mls Oat milk (best to have too much than too little) 1 tablespoon of Chocolate Nut Butter Sprinkle of Chia seeds

My living room feels like it was finished years ago when we painted it and we have never looked back - we know it will stay the same colours for a long time yet! The furniture and home furnishings have changed so much but they're now complete! Paint We decided to have a feature wall on the wall with the fireplace as this was the natural focal point for the room. But I also wanted to make sure that whatever colour I selected for the remaining 3 walls tied in nicely with the feature wall. I therefore selected colours close together on the colour card. You might notice from the picture that the dark wall has a bit of a sheen to it, whereas the rest of the walls are matt. This is dependent on the type of paint you get, so it isn’t just about colour. You can see which colours I selected here or tap the image below. Curtains I was lucky enough to be asked to be a part of the Interior Squad 2024 for Hillarys Blinds. I worked with them on a number of projects over the course of nearly a year and their products have really transformed the overall look of my home. I had neglected my window dressings but now I understand how important it is to compete a room with made to measure blinds and curtains. The details for my living room curtains are below: Harkness curtains in colour Vapour from the Abigail Ahern collection Double pinch pleat Blackout lining in colour Tanner Serenity Voiles in colour linen Pink Chair Snug the big chill 1.5 Seater Snuggler - Blush Coral Brown Legs Coffee Table We bought our coffee years ago in a clearance sale and it was actually a display item, meaning that we bought the last one that they had in stock at that time. So I’ve put together a list of alternatives here or your can tap the image below. Sofa Snug the rebel 3 Seater Sofa - Taupe Throws & Cushions Wild Mabel Home, unfortunately they are no longer in business Flooring Home Choice Engineered European Select Oak Flooring Brownie Brushed Matt Lacquered From UK Flooring Direct Click here fore the full catalogue

We renovated our bathroom a few years ago and it has completely changed the way we live. I've listed all of the products and fixtures & fittings featured in my bathroom. Bath Robe This is one of my most asked questions and as I’ve had my robe for at least 2 decades, it is unfortunately not available to purchase anymore. Not only that, but I now know that this very generous gift that I was given for Christmas all those years ago by my mum was actually quite expensive- perhaps that’s why it’s lasted as long as it has and still looks new! But it feels wrong to just tell people where to buy an expensive robe so here are some other suggestions for a range of prices. My robe is from a brand called Toast if you’re interested in finding out if they have anything similar. Otherwise tap the image below or tap here to go to my curated list of kimono robe suggestions. Bath Mat I am asked so often about my bath mat (I do of course have others but this one always gets a lot of attention!) and I’m so sorry to say that it’s years old and so they don’t sell it anymore. I have, however, put together a list of similar ones, including the link to the exact same one in case they ever bring it back! Tap here or tap on the image below to see the list. Fixtures & Fittings The majority of my questions about my bathroom are about the specific products so I've included the links to everything below. None of these are affiliate links, simply the links to the products. Our 75cm wide steel bathtub has been discontinued but I would recommend asking your bathroom supplier if they have one as the steel keeps it's shape (I think we've all stepped into a bath and heard it make a sound but steel doesn't do that) and 75cm is wider than a traditional bathtub, meaning that you can have more room for elbows if you need to combine your shower and bathtub area. Vanity in Dark Olive from Burlington, £1594 Bath Panel in Dark Olive from Burlington, £275 Basin Tap in Chrome from Vado, £260 Colour Bright Nickel also available Shower Screen Single Panel 6mm from Kudos, £312.97 An 8mm option is also available along with package bundles Shower in Chrome from Vado, £295 Colour Bright Nickel also available Handheld Shower in Chrome from Vado, £240 Colour Bright Nickel also available Taps in Chrome from Vado, £895 Colour Bright Nickel also available Bath overflow in Chrome from Vado, £165 Colour Bright Nickel also available along with 3 others Tiles in Gloss White, London Tile Co, 20cm x 10cm, £24.60 per box (also per m2) Bath Board The Interiors Yard £48 Heating Rail supplier code SIENA60/160-F, 1540mm height x 600mm width, £768 Multiple sizes and finishes available Toilet with white lever, Burlington £360 Black Lever also available Artwork was purchased at an outlet store and have been discontinued. The main store, One.World sell similar items at full price. Click here to shop the full catalogue of bathroom accessories

My staircase has certainly generated a lot of chatter since I painted them. You can find all of the information about the DIY project in my other blog posts here. Gallery Wall I curated this wall over years from multiple retailers but not because I wanted this to be the perfect gallery wall… rather, I bought each of these prints for entirely different areas in the house and then I realised that they worked really well together in the hallway going up the staircase. It didn’t occur to me until we had repainted the walls and I hung a few prints and felt that they didn’t fill the space properly. So I went through our attic and grabbed anything already in a black frame and this is what happened… I think that it works really well. Some of the prints and frames are still in stock so you can find them by clicking here on the image. In case you’re interested, the below picture is what it looked like when I felt that there weren’t enough pictures to fill the wall. So this is why I added more but it’s useful to have this picture here so that you can click on the different parts of the image to go to the products (or similar products if they’re out of stock) Paint Over the years we have painted our hallway and landing twice so depending on which picture you're looking at, the colour may be different - ever so slightly depending on how much light is in the room as well! The picture to the left, and most of my pictures now show Joa's White, which has a yellow undertone and this is what we plan to stick with for the foreseeable future as I love it and it helps to make the room look brighter. Initially we had painted it in Elephant's Breath, which has a red undertone making it look a bit of a dusky pink in the evening glow. See the bottom right picture of the grid. Bannisters & Stairs The bannisters and the treads are painted in the same paint and is very durable for the high traffic. In 3 years I’ve had to touch up the treads once and I have never had to repaint the bannisters. Having said that, certain parts have a become a bit worn so they will need a touch up in time. Bannisters and treads in Blackjack from the Al Fresco Range from Frenchic. The risers in Dazzle Me from the Al Freaco Range from Frenchic Flooring Home Choice Engineered European Select Oak Flooring Brownie Brushed Matt Lacquered From UK Flooring Direct Roman Blind Hillarys Blinds, Abigail Ahern Collection Cadillac Noir with Celeste fringing Click here for the full catalogue.

This is the question I'm asked the most, this and "how do you decorate a house when you live with your partner and they have no taste?"... this one actually surprises me but I do have an answer, which I will put together in another post. For now, let's answer the question at hand, "where do you start decorating?" Let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start I will always say that the bedroom is the best place to start decorating. You want this to be your sanctuary whilst you navigate your way through your journey of decorating and renovating the rest of your house. It by no means needs to be finished or perfect but it does need to be a place where you can retreat to  away from  the chaos that can be created during renovating and decorating. In fact, I'd recommend living in a house for a while to understand exactly how you want it to look, feel and function. It's just initially, you will want your bedroom to be your hideaway. So keep it simple and easy to update again if you change your mind... that means stick to flat pack furniture for functionality that can easily be switched out and avoid anything structural like built ins or panelling. It's amazing how paint can transform a room so you won't need much more than that. Keep to basic Neutrals or whites to keep your bedroom a relaxing place to encourage sleep. Then layer on more accent pieces for added interest like mirrors, wall art and rugs.

I'll get straight to the point, Black Friday is full of amazing deals but it can be difficult to find them when there's so much marketing blinding you. So here are my best buys, whether you're buying for gifts for him, for her, or for yourself! Take note of the banners at the top of each of these websites as some of their Black Friday deals require a code to be entered (included at the top of their web page) Double Tap on images to be taken to the products. Olaplex 30% off Olaplex is virtually unheard of. Having worked in retail head offices, I believe that Olaplex have a restriction on discounts (given what I know about brands and how they work). The most that I've come across in the past was 20% off and it is very rare indeed. So the fact that this particular website has managed to agree 30% off is amazing and most likely will be a one-off. Offer ends midnight 21/11/22 Double tap image Jewellery Here's a selection of some best buys from my favourite jewellery brands, 25% off, 30% off and some pieces at 50% off. Some of their Black Friday deals require a code to be entered (included at the top of their web page) Double tap on image Technology & Gadgets If you're stuck for ideas for Christmas presents then these might help for those tricky people! Some of their Black Friday deals require a code to be entered (included at the top of their web page) Double tap on image Beauty Having worked in retail head offices dealing with margins, I know that brands actually make really small margins on beauty products, which is why a discount of around 30% off is actually really good. What's more, some of these are actually 50% off! Some of their Black Friday deals require a code to be entered (included at the top of their web page) Double tap on image Skincare Whether you're stocking up on some old favourites or treating someone for Christmas, make the most of these deals at 25% off and some up to 40% off and even 50% off! And some of these deals are better on particular websites rather than the brands own! Elemis is in a few Black Friday sales but this website had the deepest discount at 35% off Some of their Black Friday deals require a code to be entered (included at the top of their web page) Double tap on image Home Some of their Black Friday deals require a code to be entered (included at the top of their web page) Double tap on image HAPPY SHOPPING!!

I’ll keep this brief because let’s face it, there is a huge amount of information out there about pregnancy; and a lot of it contradicts each other! The first trimester As much as I always knew that morning sickness did not actually mean that you would be sick every morning, I was still incredibly naïve about what morning sickness actually meant. Morning Sickness? More like “all day long sickness!” My first trimester was nearly completely taken up with feeling sick all day every day in addition to feeling absolutely exhausted. This is not even an exaggeration. I literally felt nauseous from the moment I woke up until about 4pm every single day along with the exhaustion. My morning sickness, which I firmly believe should be called “all day long sickness”, started at around my 6th week of pregnancy and finished around week 13/14. I am told that it is normal for your morning sickness to end at around week 12 but for some it can last until week 20. When to tell friends and family My husband and I had made decision not to tell anyone until we had passed the dangerous weeks of pregnancy. For those who are not aware, unfortunately the risk of miscarriage is at its greatest in weeks 5-6 and then again in weeks 8-9. This is according to the midwife that I saw in a private scan that I had scheduled in week 10. Of course, this doesn't mean that if you pass this point in your pregnancy then you will be fine, there is always risk. It's just that these are the most risky weeks. Secretive drink swaps I know of a lot of pregnant women who underwent the secretive swapping of alcoholic beverages with their spouse in order to spare themselves the “why aren’t you drinking?” question with the knowing glances down to your belly that every woman gets. You can’t exactly respond “I’m on antibiotics for cystitis”, that would bring the mood of the party down somewhat! Although that would be a good excuse! Private scan anyone? I knew keeping my pregnancy a secret was going to be difficult in the run up to Christmas with not only having to avoid alcohol but also all the foods that pregnant women can’t eat that seem to come out at Christmas time. I’m referring to cured meats and cheese boards - cheddar is basically the only type of cheese on a cheese board that pregnant women can eat. Forget about stilton camembert or brie! It just so happened that my NHS scan was 23rd December, by which time, we would have already seen the vast majority of our friends and family in the run up to Christmas. To help with the situation, we decided to book a private scan for week 10 and were free to start telling people with the knowledge that the baby was healthy. I'd definitely recommend this if you're happy to pay and want the reassurance. Apart from anything else, I was pleased that I didn't have to wait the full 3 months before having a medical professional actually confirm that I was pregnant. Not that there was any doubt, of course I had all the symptoms, but it is an odd feeling not to have that medical confirmation for such a long time. As much as there isn’t much to say about the first trimester, there is quite a lot to think about. With the sickness and exhaustion, try not to worry about anything until you have your energy back in the second trimester.

If you post publicly to social media then chances are that you're hoping to go viral. I never thought that it would happen to me, I just thought that it was one of those things that only happened to people who already had 1 million followers... but we all now know that that is not the case! We all want to go viral right? Think again... "Small minds have always lashed out at what they don't understand" - Dan Brown This quote might sound a bit harsh but I can't help but think that the angry comments I get about paint (yes, I really do get a lot of angry comments about paint) must be because people simply don't understand. For instance I get near death threats about what I've painted and the paint not lasting - I say "near death threats" as they don't actually tell me that they want to break my neck or that they want to set fire to my house. They just like to imagine it happening or just "want to commit arson" as one charming lady told me. Tile paint and the paint on my stairs is a particular trigger. People just don't realise that there is such a thing as paint designed to paint directly onto tiles or onto stairs without the need of priming. That's it. That's why I get my near death threats. Bizarre isn't it?! That's the problem with going viral, you're content is pushed out to people who wouldn't normally see it and therefore don't necessarily have an interest in your genre. Therefore some of these new people don't actually know anything about the topic at hand when they decide to insult you and your work. Obviously the examples I've shared are the extreme, but the norm isn't much better! Abuse It's simple. Abuse is rife on social media, even if all you do is share videos of you painting things - believe me! Of course I get lots of negative comments from people who simply don't like my home or a colour I've chosen. Sure, that's fine and they're allowed their opinion and in no way did I think that 100% of people would like it. It's just a shame that they feel the need to take time out of their day to tell me so when I've worked so hard on something I love. I think that the fact that they feel the need to pause and be critical rather than just scrolling on says more about them than me. Misogyny Then there's the misogyny. Yep, it's out there, it's vocal and it isn't monitored. I've used the reporting tools many a time to report harassment, abuse, violent comments and insults based on my gender (and often the fact that I'm white and married). Then I'm told that there's no violation. This is a huge problem, particularly for female DIY accounts. Unfortunately there are a lot of men, and sometimes women, who insult women because they are women doing DIY. These people tend to go down the mocking route. Laughing and telling women that they're stupid fools who don't know what they're doing because they're women. Most of the time, however, these comments are from men telling the DIYer that everything they did was wrong or it won't last. They may not always say "because you're a woman" but the aggressive and condescending tone is there, it's in their choice of words. You see, there is a difference between offering advice and aggressively telling someone that they shouldn't do what they're doing because it's wrong and only they know the right way to do something. You could argue that these people aren't misogynists though. Either way, they're still abusive and aggressive. It always amazes me how they know things about my own house and projects that I don't based off a 15 second video - oh no wait, that's not possible! "Karens" This is a bit of an unfortunate term for anyone actually called Karen! You may not have heard or come across them. If that's the case then lucky you! They are worse than everything else that I have mentioned in this blog post. The reason being that they are self-righteous and reprimand you for being an awful human being. They really try everything that they can say to make you feel like you are the scum of the earth. Again, all I do is paint things and generally ignore people who are rude and abusive towards me. Occasionally I'll politely defend myself by explaining whatever their complaint is. Then the "Karens" come in to tell me how awful and rude I am for being too sensitive and not being able to take "other people's opinions" - that's what they say about comments that I would describe as condescending & abusive rather than an opinion or advice. They usually end with "if you can't take it then don't post it" or something to that effect. The idea being that you shouldn't post anything if you can't roll over and accept abuse from thousands of strangers. That seems to be the favourite reasoning for allowing and justifying abuse on the internet. They seem to think that it's the fault of the victim of the abuse for not being able to "take it". Strange isn't it? What confuses me more is that these self-righteous Karens choose to reprimand me for politely pointing out that it's just paint rather than reprimanding the people aggressively telling me that I'm a bitch who doesn't know what she's doing - hence why I try and ignore them as whatever I say, no matter how polite will result in more abuse. I think that they like the reaction. I guess that's the thing, these people are, quite frankly, ill. They don't understand and they are not well enough to process information in the way that you or I would. So they lash out. And I'm the easy target because I put myself out there - painting things. The Good Having said all of that, there are good things about going viral. There are far more positive comments and people asking questions because they like what you've done and are thinking about doing it themselves. There's the fast growth - although I did find this a bit overwhelming and I felt like I didn't really know any of the people following me, hence why I prefer a more gradual growth. The opportunities. With a large following and high views comes well paid work with brands you love. I owe a lot to going viral on TikTok, Instagram and Pinterest. Overall, going viral is fun, exciting and pays well. Just remember that the social media companies aren't going to make any meaningful changes to their platforms anytime soon, if at all. They make money from people staying on the app and people are more likely to stay on the app if they have a strong emotional pull - say for instance, having an ongoing argument in the comments section.

Since I've started my own business, I've come to understand the art of haggling with pride. I've been pretty good at it too. So here are my tips to help you next time you try your hand at it... #bargin #haggle #homeinteriortips It's Simple - Don't! Not quite what you were expecting was it? Maybe it's the fact that I'm in constant negotiations with brands for my livelihood, or maybe it's just that I'm simply scared of angering a contractor and ending up with a rubbish job, still paying loads of money and potentially more to have it changed. Or maybe it's both, because I live through both sides of the argument on a daily basis. Whatever the reason, this is what I know... Hear Me Out Not haggling might sound counter intuitive but hear me out... "reducing the price means reducing the quality" A quote for a service is the price. It's as simple as that. A contractor/sole trader knows how much of their time will be absorbed in a project, they know how many people will be involved, they know how hard it will be and they know the cost of the products. You're also paying for their knowledge, advice and experience. This is why the price is the price. If you insist on reducing the price, well reducing the price means reducing the quality. In the list of things that they need to consider in their quote for work, the only thing that can change is the actual product - not their time, experience, number of people on the job or workload. If you think a quote is too high, then you either negotiate to have less quality or less work done. Or find someone less experienced to suit your budget. 3 is the Magic Number That's why it's always a good idea to get 3 quotes. Not just to make sure that you're not being overcharged or make sure that something isn't too good to be true. This way, you also get a feel for the contractor/ sole trader and the quality of their work. Then considering your budget, make your choice. At least then you don't start off on a bad note after having argued your way to a 10% discount... it may be a decent cash saving but in my opinion nothing is worth angering the people who you are paying to work hard on a job that you're going to spend a lot of money on regardless of any savings. Remember, you will be the one living the with end result. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure that people give slightly higher quotes compared to what you think the work is worth. It could very well be that they don't want to undertake this particular project, so if they are going to do it then they may as well get paid well for it. Or, if they're not wanting to take on the project, maybe they're hoping you won't accept their quote. You know what, good on them! It still means that the price is the price! If you have an undesirable and unusually difficult project then you may have difficulty finding anyone to do the work at a reduced price. I am fully aware that if I asked a landscape gardener to do a simple project in my enormous and awkward garden, with no guarantee of parking near my house and about 100 steep steps from the bottom to the top of my garden... well then, they should be able to add on an 'inconvenience' fee (I just came up with the term but I think it works quite well for what I'm trying to say) I'm sure that even a gardener hired to do a simple bit of pruning in my garden may add on a little bit extra given how difficult it is to even reach my flowerbeds! Negotiate, Don't Haggle This is where negotiations are useful. Let me use myself as an example, without giving too much away about my finances! I'm usually approached by brands wanting to work with me. I charge a fee for my time, the actual work, my reach on each of my social media platforms, my integrity as an influencer (I only work with brands that I love), a license to allow the brands to repost to their social media platforms for a specific time period and many many more variables. Often I'm asked to produce a huge amount of work, sometimes worth thousands of pounds, in exchange for an item that cost the brand £20-£80 to make. FIY I have a very solid understanding of profit margins in retail as this was a large part of my job for nearly a decade. I hope that you can understand that this is insulting to say the least - not a great way to start 'haggling'. Keep in mind that I have to pay tax on gifted items so I have to make sure that it's worth it. When these types of collaboration proposals occur, I tell them politely that I don't work for free. My usual phrase is that I am happy to share a gifted item to my Instagram stories as a review. I always feel like this is a fair way to work, especially if I don't know the company very well and is a great option for companies that don't have a budget - particularly small and new companies. I know instantly if they are a brand that I will like or not by their response. If they agree, then chances are that they are good people part of a good brand just trying to get their products out there because they believe in them - great! If they insist that they need at least 4 stories, a grid post, a reel and a TikTok, (a huge amount of work) all with use of my content on their marketing platforms in perpetuity, for an item that cost them £80 to make, then they're not a brand that I would want to promote. Some brands, however, are polite and understand that I should be compensated for my time, hard work and dare I say it, skill. This is where we negotiate, as often they do not have the same budget as the huge companies. Fair enough! They can't all have the same budget as Amazon! In which case, once I have a full understanding of what they want me to do, I give them a breakdown of all my fees and they simply select what will benefit them the most for a price that fits in their budget. It's pretty simple and a much more respectful way to work. Ultimately, negotiating is a great way to find a mutually beneficial agreement for both parties. Haggling is just trying your luck and doesn't benefit anyone in the end.

Flipping furniture is a trend in itself. I actually had no idea until I posted about a couple of mine and people started commenting about my "furniture flip"! Read on to find out why I love them so much! #diy #diyfurniture #diyideas #homeinteriors #flippingfurniture New Life "What happens to tired, worn and old furniture?" We always used to take it to the local tip or if it was in pretty bad condition and we just so happened to have a skip in our driveway, well, then, we would break it up and dispose of it in there. That was before the likes of eBay, Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace dominated the second hand market. Nowadays, people seem to love picking up a bargain, or even something for free and giving it a new lease of life in their home with just a little bit of TLC. Free? I have given away plenty of old furniture for free on Facebook marketplace. Some people think I'm mad and should at least charge £10. Don't get me wrong, if something is small enough to fit in a car and could be carried away by 1 person rather than needing 2 people, then I'll charge a suitable amount depending on the condition of the item. If the item in question is large, awkward and needs a van or trailer to be transported away from our house then I'll gladly give it away for free seeing as they are saving me the hassle of getting rid of it myself. Add a Little Bit of Spice Not only is upcycling a great way to inject some creativity into your home but it's also a great way to showcase your own personality. In all honesty, I had no idea what my home decor style was until we bought our house. Before that, we had rented fully furnished homes that were blank canvases and needed a few pictures on the walls, but that was about it! Plus I was saving all of my money, and I really do mean all of my money for a deposit to buy my own flat. As it turned out, I met my husband and we bought a house together instead. Then of course, all of the money is in the actual house! In the run up to the move, my husband bought loads of pieces of furniture at an auction, my mum helped us out by picking us up a few bits when she happened to see some cheap items, I got a few bits from a couple who were downsizing and then the rest was just from Ikea. It's in the Mix Having a mix of furniture and styles is my ideal. I always used to think that I liked matching furniture sets because that's what we're shown in TV ads and Ikea showrooms. Now that I've been here for a few years, I can honestly say that I would much rather that none of my furniture matched! I love the mix! Having a few pieces that I've painted and added new details / hardware is so satisfying! I have some of my projects on my Instagram and TikTok profiles and I will be sharing some step-by-steps on here too so keep an eye out!

It’s time for an update! My staircase is the most popular topic across all of my social media accounts so I will be sharing all the updates as I go, from what I decide to do to the landing to topping up the paint and keeping it clean and dust free - as much as I can! It’s been eight months since I painted my staircase and whilst I had hoped that I wouldn’t have to to top up the paint so soon, I am not in the least bit surprised. 8 Months Ago I had a little bit of a conundrum when I was planning my staircase project back in January. I had accepted a collaboration to paint the staircase with a well-known paint brand and it was all agreed that I would do the project and post about it on Instagram by the end of February. "...after the bath renovation was complete I was going to paint the stairs" Now, this should not have been a problem. I was due to have my bathroom renovation completed in February, so the idea of painting my staircase at the end of February, after all of the renovation had been completed, should have been fine. My plan was to do all of the prep work, so ripping up the carpet, taking out all the staples, the sanding, filling in the holes etc beforehand. Then after the bath renovation was complete I was going to paint the stairs. That would make the most sense given that having renovation work done in a house is probably not going to be the best thing for freshly painted stairs. Especially given that the work entailed knocking down a wall which we knew was going to create a lot of dust. "I was going to have to crack on with painting my staircase knowing full well that it was probably going to get a bit scuffed up..." The problem came, however, when the bathroom work was delayed. It couldn’t have been helped, it’s just the way things have been throughout the pandemic with high demand, freight issues, Suez Canal blockages, which in turn created a huge backlog even after the blockage had been clearer... the list goes on. The delay didn’t actually bother me, but it did mean that I was going to have to crack on with painting my staircase knowing full well that it was probably going to get a bit scuffed up, scratched and worn out after the bathroom renovation was completed. In all honesty, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it might be but it did still need a fresh coat of paint. Especially because, in anticipation of this problem, I hadn’t actually used enough coats of paint in the first place. I decided at the time that if I needed to do another coat of paint in the near future, then I may as well only do the bare minimum required initially. Eight months later "under normal circumstances it wouldn’t require topping up quite as soon" Fast forward to October and I have decided to paint the stairs. Thankfully, after a good thorough clean with sugar soap it turns out that it was only the black paint that needed topping up. The white paint cleaned up very well. So that halved my workload straight away and it is such a relief to know that the paint really does hold up very well! And under normal circumstances it wouldn’t require topping up quite as soon. The black paint was a little bit worse for wear because it had the most traffic and unfortunately I had a picture frame fall from the wall and it created quite a few scratches as it bumped down each step - and it gave us a bit of a fright in the night! My Top Tips There’s not much to say here that I haven’t already covered in my other posts so if you want to have more details please see my DIY staircase blog post but you can also find all of my videos and details on my IGTV and Instagram highlights. After a thorough clean I allowed the steps to air dry and then I put a little bit of tape on every other stair to signify where to step whilst the paint dried. I recommend you do this to avoid being stuck upstairs or downstairs at any point! I didn’t bother using masking tape as I am pretty good with the cutting in brush but of course you can do that if you are not comfortable free painting. Finally, I worked my way down the steps so that I could sit on the steps as I painted. All in all, it took me about half an hour to paint half of the steps followed by about three hours to dry. Then it was another 30 minutes for the other half of the steps and three hours to dry. This was probably the easiest DIY job I’ve ever done! And what a relief too! Now I won’t dread topping up the paint again in the future!

This is the hardest project that I have accomplished to date and I am so proud of myself. I had never done anything so ambitious before, other than sanding & painting my staircase, and there was no way to know if it would come together. 6 months in and it still looks just as good as when I finished, so I must’ve done something right! #diy #diycladding #tongueandgroovecladding First things first, think about the room This room gets virtually zero natural sunlight. It is west facing, which usually means that you get a bit of sunshine in the afternoons. Not this room. You see, by the time that the sunshine reaches this side of the house, it’s blocked from view by the huge hill that we live on. This means that this room is in perpetual shade. And what’s the best way to deal with that? Distract from the fact. "I decided that I wanted a feature wall to draw the eye to stop you from realising that the room is dark." It was easy to decide which wall should be the feature wall. The larger wall which you see as soon as you open the door. What Type of Feature Wall? I’ve always loved panelling but I wanted something that would suit the feel of my home. Board and Batten panelling is very popular at the moment and it looks great, but I thought that it would make this room look a bit too much like a hotel room. I wanted a cosy homely space. Given that our home is in the middle of the English countryside, I realised something a bit more rustic and imperfect might work best. Tongue & Groove Cladding You might think that this is the easy bit. Just stick up some panels and you’re done. Nope! I knew that I wanted the panelling to go high up the wall. I didn’t want it to take up the whole wall as I wanted a bit of a contrast at the top for a nice paint colour and I knew that I wanted to hang some lights above. But finding the cladding was actually really difficult. "Trouble is, I couldn’t find any ready prepared cladding in the correct size" All the DIY videos that I watched on YouTube suggest buying ready prepped wood. Great idea and I would definitely recommend this if you can. Trouble is, I couldn’t find any ready prepared cladding in the correct size. I suppose that there isn’t much demand for it. "I had to prepare the wood" The only Tongue and Groove Cladding that I could find in the right size was from B&Q. It wasn’t sealed or primed and reading the reviews I knew that I needed to get some spares. I’m so pleased that I did as some boards were warped, broken or had holes. Fair enough, it is wood and very thin wood at that and it wasn’t sealed or primed, so I knew that it wasn’t perfect. This meant that I had to prepare the wood. Preparing the Wood If your wood needs prepping, then the first thing is to make sure that you seal the knots with knotting solution. This prevents the natural sap of the wood from seeping out and ruining the paint. "I applied a mist coat... 30% water to 70% paint" Next up, I applied a mist coat of paint as per the instructions from the paint brand that I was using. This was 30% water to 70% paint, the idea being that the wood will absorb the paint and not be such a waste of paint. Normally, I would have applied a primer, which of course you can do, but I decided to simply go with the mist coat because that was what the brand had suggested. So far so good, my panelling still looks exactly the same as when I finished it six months ago. My way vs others You may or may not know, but I’ve had quite a lot of videos go viral on multiple social media platforms. And without fail I will be told by many men, I don’t know why it is always men, that I have done everything wrong. I am certain that there are far better ways to do a project like this, which would be why you would hire a professional. But I am not a professional and I do not have all of the equipment readily available and I do not know where to source the best materials. What I do know, however, is that I did this project in the best way that I could manage all by myself whilst navigating various limitations. Let me outline a few of them for you here. "Do whatever suits you best, so make sure you plan it through to the finer details." Wonky Walls As I’ve never done a project like this before, I did not appreciate how walls are not straight, despite what they may seem. This means that you need to make sure that you use a spirit level in order to keep your wood panels straight. Lack of Space Had I possessed a larger home, with a workshop, a large garage, or simply a large space where I could lay out 45 wooden panels, each of which 2m in length, then perhaps I would have prepped the wood before securing to the wall. As it happens, if I had a large enough house to do that, chances are that I would be pretty wealthy and therefore I would pay someone to do this project for me. If you are panelling a small wall, however, you might be able to prepare the wood before attaching to the wall. I personally am not sure if this is the best way, a better way, or a more logical way than securing straight to the wall first. Given that I had no idea how many coats of paint I would need, and ending up with five coats in total including the mist coat, I found it easier to manage having the wood attached to the wall. "be the judge of your own workload" Plus the final panel always needs to be cut to the correct width, unless you’re super lucky to have a wall that happens to be the exact width of 40 boards! Oh, and you don’t even end up using all the boards as some are warped or damaged so it seems a waste of time to paint them all only to find you can’t use some. You can be the judge of your own workload here. Do whatever suits you best, so make sure you plan it through to the finer details. The fun bit The fun bit of any project is always the painting. The prep work is always the least fun but is usually the most important so please do not skip any of the prep work and make sure that you thoroughly research what you need to do for the materials that you are using for your project. That means follow brand instructions as well as researching. I ended up with painting four coats of paint on top of the mist coat. At least, I think I did from memory, it was a while ago now. One thing I am certain of is that it took me a very long time, used an awful lot of energy and I ended up with my whole body feeling very tired and achy after I had finished this project. "follow brand instructions as well as researching" The finishing touches My original plan was to add a peg rail on top so that I could then have a little shelf for propping up things like pictures and hanging plants. In the end, I realised that if I added shelving on top it might feel like the room was a little bit boxed off and the ceiling was perhaps a bit lower than it actually is. So I decided to just add decorative beading which I already happened to have. This worked really well and I’m so happy with the final product because it also meant that it was easier for hanging up the pendant lights on either side of the bed. The absolute main thing to remember with this or any DIY project is to do thorough research, including researching the actual products and materials that you will be using as some instructions will relate to completely different products and you may have to treat different materials and products differently. And don’t skimp on the prep work! #decorate #homeinterior #homedecor

Who would’ve thought that my humble little kitchen would create such a storm! It reached 6m views on Instagram and another 6m on TikTok… crazy numbers when you think about it. That’s before the numerous articles came out about my decorating projects. The questions I get are all the same, so here is a round up of the process and everything I used. The Products First up, here’s everything I used: IKEA door knobs £69 incl delivery Annie Sloane wax brush £24.95 Rustoleum Furniture Chalk Paint £32 & Furniture Finishing Wax £12 Ronseal Tile Paint £21 Garden trading company Shelving £25 per shelf, small All DIY products purchased from B&Q Painting Tiles "I cleaned the surface and then painted 1 coat of Ronseal Tile Paint. That was it!" This caused the most controversy on my reels and TikToks. I think that the main reason was that people didn’t know that there is such a thing as tile paint, so they believed that I hadn’t applied the paint correctly - and they really enjoyed telling me that it would scratch off. I explained to them that I did this project 4 years ago and that the “after” pictures were from the previous month. So it has lasted us pretty well! I gather that in the past, tile paints required you to scratch up the tiles first to help the paint stick. Not any more! That’s the beauty of time; like most things, technology improves with time as does DIY materials and products, including paint. I cleaned the surface and then painted 1 coat of Ronseal Tile Paint. That was it! If I had used a pale colour, I probably would have needed a few coats. Top Tip Learn from my mistake and paint the cabinets first. I painted the tiles first, then applied masking tape on top of the tiles (a few weeks later) to then paint the cabinet surroundings. Sounds sensible but no! When I removed the masking tape, some little bits of tile paint peeled off. So avoid yourself the hassle of having to top up the tile paint and just do that bit last. The Cabinets A lot of people don’t realise that cabinet doors can actually be taken off really easily. I see so many people talk about how they unscrewed their kitchen cabinet doors so that they can paint them easily. You do not need to unscrew anything. It is just a simple click and release job. It will be very unusual if your cabinets are designed in any other way. I numbered every single door and cabinet so that I knew exactly where each door came from and where I would need to attend them. This is just useful in case the hinges are at slightly different angles so it’s best to put them back in the same place. Taking the doors off makes your life so much easier given that you have to paint multiple layers. Choose your paint carefully Depending on what type of paint you use, what type of finish you are wanting, and how you will also need it to be easily cleaned, you will need to make sure that you use a suitable paint. "you may need to use a primer before you start or prepare the surface" The reason I chose chalk paint was so that I didn’t have to worry about sanding or priming. I tested a patch first to make sure that it would adhere to the surface. Once I knew that it worked, I went ahead with the project. If you’re not using chalk paint, you may need to use a primer before you start or prepare the surface in a different way to what I did for my project. Please make sure you are fully aware of the instructions for the paint that you choose. Roller or brush A lot of people tell me that I should have used a roller for my cabinets. The truth is, I did start off using a roller and didn’t like the finish. So I switched to a brush. Just do which you feel more comfortable with. Generally speaking, I prefer painting with a brush over rollers for a variety of reasons. You will need a sealant "The best rule for this is, whichever paint you use, use a sealant from the same brand." If you use your kitchen as a kitchen, then you will need to be able to clean your kitchen cabinets regularly from any spills and splashes. In which case, you will need to seal your cabinets after you have painted. For chalk paint, you will need a wax. I used a round wax brush to make the application easier but you can use a cloth too - I did try this, however, and I couldn't help but feel like little bits of fluff from the cloth were sticking to the wax, so it might be best to just use a wax brush. Depending on what type of paint you use, you might need a different type of sealant. The best rule for this is, whichever paint you use, use a sealant from the same brand. They should recommend which sealant to use anyway so make sure you have selected the right one for the paint you have used. The finishing touches New hardware and shelving can make a huge difference in a small space. Switching out the cabinet knobs for something that will compliment the new colour will add that extra something, especially in a small space. Whilst shelving can add another dimension to your kitchen, offering you the opportunity to mix textures and layer in some other colours - I love adding plants like pothos so that they can drop down and overhang, almost like a waterfall. Keep in mind that a project like this is a great way to update your kitchen quickly and easily without having to spend a fortune. I did this project knowing that one day, we may decide to get a whole new kitchen. Until then, I wanted it to look more neutral and be a relaxing space for cooking.

I don’t think that I have a particular style or taste when it comes to home interiors. I love a bit of everything. My house is an eclectic mix of old and new, vintage and modern, with a few antiques and industrial elements thrown in... I’m sure that whenever we decide to move house, my new house will be approached in the same way. I may not always decide to decorate our house to have the exact same feel all the way through all the time. I just find that buying things that I like, even if they don’t match, will somehow work together in my home. I think that the most important thing when decorating a home is to understand the character of your home, as well as your own character and style. "Even new builds can have unique characteristics..." For instance, Victorian elements can look misplaced in a modern home or new build. That’s not to say that all new builds have no character or anything unique about them. Even new builds can have unique characteristics, despite the fact that they are all built to the same specifications in a particular block. There will always be something that is different and it’s about decorating your home to suit the style of the home. "... it’s about decorating your home to suit the style of the home." My home is in the middle of the English countryside in the Surrey Hills. I have always wanted to try and bring elements of the outside in. That’s why there are so many greens and browns and neutrals throughout my whole home. But also a few pops of colour in the pinks and the blues for a bit of added interest. Then I throw in a few accent colours like metallics, goals, industrial black. That’s just because I like these colours as accents. My goal is to work with what I’ve got to enhance it, not to completely change a house. Ultimately, my perfect house is not my current house but my current house is perfect for us right now. So there’s no need for me to completely change it. A few well chosen paint colours, feature walls, and furniture that I like should serve us well. "my perfect house is not my current house but my current house is perfect for us right now. So there’s no need for me to completely change it." I think that the best way to explain this is my kitchen. I went viral many times over my kitchen on all of the social media platforms. People loved finding out that you could paint tiles and that it’s easy to take kitchen cabinets off to paint them and just put them back. Whilst others relished in telling me how I had ruined my home because they preferred the way it looked before. Now I never said that I didn’t like the way it looked before, it just didn’t flow well in the house. It didn’t suit the overall character of a rural English countryside home. It was very retro, which I think would look great in a New York flat for instance. So I decided to make the kitchen more neutral and look more like a rural English countryside kitchen. So painting the cabinets white and the tiles grey works for this purpose. Apart from anything else I wanted the kitchen to look good enough until one day we decided to replace it. So this was always only a temporary measure. I hope that helps to explain and to give a bit more of an idea of how to approach decorating your home. It’s not about a complete overhaul, but rather enhancing the phone that you have already in a way that suits your personal style.

I am so lucky to have been able to create my ideal kitchen. Here is a round up of all of the questions I get asked about my kitchen renovation including some links to the products. Cabinetry & Worktop The Kitchen was designed in collaboration with the team at Smile Kitchens and it is all done online saving you money as they don't have to pay for showrooms, overheads etc. You can read more about the process in my blog or watch my story highlight on Instagram to see the whole process from start to finish. To book your free luxury design package and get £100 off your kitchen, quote: lucys_hillside_house Image: direct links to kitchen accessories Appliances The induction hob and oven are AEG from AO.com and if you order your kitchen from Smile Kitchens not only do you get the design package for free and £100 off your kitchen but they also give you discount codes for your appliances, paint, tiles and lighting at their partner retailers. Our fitter had to add a plinth between the top of the base units and the worktop to allow for a bit more space between the hob and the oven. Here's the full price quotation, including VAT so there were no surprises! Paint Colour I get a lot of questions about the cabinetry colour, which is the standard sage green that Smile Kitchens work with but I don't think that this is available to purchase separately in a paint tin so I have found a similar colour, Lichen from Farrow & Ball Shelves The shelves are also from Smile Kitchens, we got the whole kitchen from them! They may be able to help you order them separately if you live in the UK and you send them a message and mention my handle, @lucys_hillside_house so that they understand where you got your information from and hopefully they will be able to arrange this for you. Tiles & Grout The Wall Tiles are in a herringbone layout. They're called Marrakesh from Baked Tile Co, who provide free consultations and they worked out how many tiles that I needed to buy for both the walls and the flooring. The flooring is 2 different sizes of the same tile, Limestone Natural Sand Beige 40cm x 80cm and 60cm x 60cm. They have provided me with a discount code to share: 15OFF_LUCY Another great thing about Baked Tile Co is that they provided me with a layout plan for the floor tiles for me to give to my tiler, this was very helpful as I found it difficult to explain how I wanted the tiles to be laid given that we had different sizes! Kitchen Accessories Some of the kitchen accessories have been linked above in the photos and the rest can be found below. The only difference between the photographs is time - since the original photos have been take I've had the blind fitted and organised the space slightly differently. Roman Blind We selected an electric blind to avoid having to lean over the kitchen worktop and sink to pull on a cord - so instead we have have the remote attached to the wall by the door so that we can adjust the blind at the touch of a button. Hillarys Blinds Layla fabric in colour Stone Roman Blind - this style is different to traditional roller blinds. The blind could sit within the window or above as we have. Dish Rack The dish rack has been a surprisingly popular item in my kitchen - everyone seems to love it so click here for the direct link. Wooden Brushes On my journey to become more eco-friendly, I searched for wooden brushes and discovered that one of my favourite eco-friendly cleaning brands also sells them - I use their wonder scrub to clean my bathroom and it's so nice to know that there are no harsh chemicals in them. Click here for the long handled wooden brush and be sure to explore their other products too including their brush head replacements. Herb Pots Every time I share an image including my herb pots, I'm asked where I got them from but unfortunately I cannot remember! I got them from a small independent business or trade fair nearly a decade ago so instead I have listed some similar items and some may need the tray from one website to be the base from the pots from another, but be sure to double check quantities and sizes. Galvanised Pots Set of 6 can be placed in a tray from the same retailer, click here and they also have an option for a round tray or a rectangular tray on the same page. Or you can opt for terracotta pots in a tray set from the same company but keep in mind that the pots are much smaller as these are grow trays. If you're after a Wire Panier in particular then there are a few options with terracotta pots rather than the galvanised pots. Wire Panier with terracotta pots for £15 Wire Panier with terracotta pots for £30 The style of this Wire Panier is slightly different to the others and looks more like chicken wire £60 Click here to shop the full catalogue of kitchen accessories

When it comes to styling shelves, it can be difficult to find the balance between functionality and aesthetic. Here are my top tips to help you find that balance. *GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED Tap HERE for a chance to win a year's worth of flowers and £250 to spend on furniture Add Some Height Use larger pieces as anchors, for instance baskets or boxes that are also useful for storage along with more decorative pieces such as flowers in vases or plants. Place these items on different positions on different shelves in order to avoid one section from looking too blocked out. Remember, layering up items like a stack of coffee table books is a great way to add height and interest whilst being functional. You can also add smaller items on top to finish it off, such as small bud vases for posies. Asymmetry is Key An easy way to position your larger anchor pieces is by forming a triangle across multiple shelves. These triangles don’t have to be symmetrical. In fact, you’ll find that your items will look less ‘staged’ and more effortlessly natural if they’re placed at different positions on different shelves. Then fill the gaps with smaller items like bud vases, picture frames or candles, forming more triangles and adding different heights. Keep To A Theme Use items of similar themes such as plants and flowers. This is a great way to introduce a range of heights and sizes of similar objects without it looking too haphazard. Think small bud vases along with one larger vase or a variety of plants rather than the same type of plant repeated on each shelf. You could even include other items related to the themes, such as a watering can or mister for keeping your plants healthy. Incorporate these themes with the use of the space, for instance stationery for an office or serve-ware for a dining room. Mix it up Select items of different textures, sizes and  colours for added interest. Mixing up more decorative pieces with the more functional objects that are useful for the space will help make your shelves feel more natural and less deliberately put together. Don’t be afraid to mix leather trinket boxes with straw baskets or glass candle holders with ceramic pots. Anything goes! As you assemble your items on your shelves, keep in mind the ‘Rule of Three’ as your guide. The Rule of Three As with forming the triangles, keep colours to 3 main colours and similar shades in order to avoid too much visual noise. You can also try grouping together items in small clusters of 3. A print propped up next to a stack of coffee table books with a plant or small vase on top will feel well balanced and not too cluttered. Mostly importantly, have fun!

It's been over a year since we did the flooring throughout our downstairs and I can't believe that I haven't written a blog post about it yet! So here we go... There are many different types of flooring such as laminate, real wood, vinyl or engineered wood. We chose engineered wood so that we could have something that is strong and durable whilst looking as realistic as possible. FAQ: "where is the flooring from?" The flooring we used was from UK Flooring Direct and it was called home choice engineered European select oak flooring Brownie brushed Matt lacquered. The tongue and groove mechanism allows for easy installation as you position and click the boards in place using a mallet. What you will need Crowbar Mitre saw Jigsaw Floor laying kit including mallet and rubber tapping block Contour gauge tool Underlay Engineered wood flooring Beading for edges (optional) Step 1 - Clear out If you’re lucky enough to have a smooth surface to work on then you can go ahead with these steps. We managed to lay ours on top of the vinyl tiles that were under our carpet. We had it on good authority from a professional builder that this is fine and so far so good! In the end all we had to do was rip up the carpet and the carpet grips. TIP: Make sure that everything is out of the entire room. In this picture, we moved everything into one room believing that we could do a room at a time before realising that we in fact needed to do all the rooms at once due to the flow of the boards. Step 2 – lay the underlay Underlay is used to prevent moisture build up that could damage your flooring. For this reason, lay your underlay silverside down to form your protective barrier. There should be some overlapping edges for your underlay. This is where you place your next sheet of underlay so that they overlap but don’t become bumpy. Step 3A – the fun bit Assembling the floor is actually really quick and easy once you get into it. The middle of the floor is far easier than the edges. Start in a corner of the room. You will want to make sure that your floorboards go down lengthways making your room appear wider. Slide the boards into the grooves and push down to click together and gently tap the edges with your mallet - make sure that you’re using the longest side of your rubber tapping block. Another tip is to make sure that your floorboards go down in an uneven matrix to make the floor stronger. You shouldn’t put your floorboards down side-by-side using their full length as the floorboards are more likely to ping apart. Step 3B - the tricky bit Use the mitre saw to cut the boards when you reach the edges of the room. You can hire a mitre saw if you don’t want to buy one. We decided to buy ours as we found a good deal and will most likely use it again for more flooring and other projects. TIP: Use board cut-offs to start your next row giving you offset rows. Step 4 - Beading Sometimes when installing floorboards, this means that there is a bit of a gap between the floorboards and your wall or skirting boards. This is a good thing. It means that when your house changes temperature throughout the year there is space for your floor to expand and contract. Unfortunately it might not look so good. To get around this you can add some decorative beading around the edges of your room to cover the gap. If you'd like to see more information and see us in action then I have an IGTV saved down in my DIY series on Instagram along with highlights, links to everything used and various follow up videos.

My husband and I are very aware that we will not be able to have our dream kitchen in our current home. If we did, it would use up a huge budget and not really add much value onto our house. That doesn’t stop me from planning what our kitchen could look like in our next house when we manage to get there one day. My Checklist The Snug I think it is important to only have an open plan kitchen diner if you have a separate snug to shut off from the rest of the space. This can be your cosy room for settling in in the evenings to watch a film or where you tidy away the children to watch their shows without disturbing you whilst you cook or work. The Sink For me, you can only have your sink overlooking your back garden. For me it doesn’t really work to have it facing any other direction. This might not be possible if you have decided to have bifolding doors along the whole length of your back wall but it is certainly something that I would want in my dream home. The Island The island is what makes the kitchen. Different people have different ideas about what the island should be used for. Some people think it’s the perfect spot for your sink whilst others think it’s the perfect place to cook your meals on the hob. For me, however, I would want a kitchen island that is completely clear of anything. Hence why I like the idea of my sink being on the back wall facing the garden with a beautiful window above it. Leaving your kitchen island completely free gives you a huge workspace for anything you would need. Whether that is entertaining your friends and giving them somewhere to sit with some nibbles and a drink whilst you cook your meal and chat to them or if you need a wide surface for baking with children or simply a nice wide space for chopping up your veg. This is where the island becomes extra useful. You can have pull-out bins underneath your island so that you can put your choppings away as you prepare your veg straight into the compost bin. You can have your chopping knives and boards stowed away under the island. You could even have a handy little wine fridge to make entertaining a guests just a little bit easier. The Oven Situation We’ve all been there. Getting close to Christmas day and you realise that you’re cooking Christmas dinner for eight people and you can’t fit a turkey in the oven alongside all of the vegetables. This is why people like to have two ovens. Or a large aga or range cooker. I grew up with an aga in our kitchen and I think it is the most perfect thing. I have really missed it. It was a little bit of a learning curve when I went to university and I had to teach myself how to use the ovens. The majority of people do not have Agas. An aga is just a much easier way to cook. I think it’s actually why I am quite a good cook and I never time my food when it’s in the oven or on the hob. I always know when something is ready because I know roughly in my head how long it’s been cooking for and I know what it will look like when it is ready. The reason being that is an aga is constantly on. You have a hot oven and a warm oven. And a hot hob and a warm hob. It obviously heats your kitchen because it’s always on so there’s no need for a separate radiator or underfloor heating, though of course you may prefer to have underfloor heating as well. More importantly for me, it gives a cosy English countryside feel to any home. That is the most important thing for me. I must admit, however, that my perfect kitchen would not only have an aga but also a separate oven and hob. There may be times when you would prefer to turn off the aga or other times when you have a huge number of people around the house expecting to be well fed and you just need that little bit of extra oven space. Dishwashers I would want 2 dishwashers. It might sound odd and a bit unnecessary but if you were designing your perfect kitchen, why not? If you are big on entertaining and you happen to have this amazing large kitchen that is suitable for having all of your family over for not only Christmas but Easter and anyone’s birthdays and just getting together as often as possible, would you not want to have the most efficient kitchen possible? Therefore two dishwashers would be perfect. Fridge Freezer A lot of people are content with having your fridge below the countertop. I think this is great as an addition to a large fridge freezer. Let’s face it, we always need more space especially if you have a family or are planning on entertaining a lot. I’m also a big fan of incorporating different heights and textures and materials into a space. Open Shelves I’ve included this in my list because I do absolutely love open shelves. There is, however, a very big BUT to this. Open shelves in the kitchen are a lot of high maintenance in terms of dusting and keeping the items clean. Especially if they happen to be quite close to your hob or oven as I have noticed that I get a bit of an oily dusty residue on the surfaces of some of my items that I keep nearby my oven. Therefore, I would suggest making sure that if you have open shelves, you keep them as clutter free as possible for easy cleaning. This would only be possible if you also happen to have a huge amount of storage elsewhere in your kitchen. Another option would be to have your open shelves in an area of the kitchen where you can encase it in some glass cabinets. The Pantry Speaking of open shelves and glass cabinets, I would love a walk in pantry. It’s a great way to keep everything clutter free in the main kitchen whilst having easy access to everything and being able to see everything in one go. Of course, it wouldn’t have to be a walk-in, it could just be a floor-to-ceiling cupboard with various sections to help you keep all of your different items organised. Doors to the Garden I know that bifold doors are very popular at the moment, but I must admit, they are not for me. I think that they look amazing and let in a huge amount of light but I’m simply more of a French door sort of person. I also think that delicate French doors would look beautiful alongside my idea of having my kitchen sink looking out over the garden with a beautiful window above it. If you like the idea of bifold doors, I’ve recently discovered that you can get bifold doors with blinds within the glass so that you don’t have to have separate blinds across each of your sections of the doors. Utility Room My perfect kitchen is clearly a large open plan kitchen diner space. Therefore, you cannot have your washing machine constantly on in this space. This space is the heart of the home and therefore you do not want the noise of the washing machine to constantly interrupt it. Therefore, you should have a separate utility room. Let’s face it, if you are able to have your perfect kitchen with an aga, 2 dishwashers and loads of space, then you’re probably planning on putting in a separate utility room. This is just my reminder. Mud Room I would probably just combine the mudroom, boot room, which ever you’d like to call it, with the utility room. But if you want to have the space separate, I would also put in a little doggy shower for cleaning off those muddy paws (and potentially coat) on those muddy pups. It’s also pretty handy for getting muddy wellies off! The View Not only do you want a beautiful view across your garden from your kitchen, but you will want a gorgeous view into your kitchen. When you enter your home I love the idea of being able to see directly down through the hallway, through the house, through the kitchen and into the garden. I feel like this allows as much light as possible to flood through the centre of the house and it helps you feel like the house is this beautiful, big, grand house. This of course would be my dream kitchen. It may not be realistic in terms of costs and space. These are the things that I want to think about when, hopefully one day, I come to design my own kitchen.

Despite the fact that you will struggle with all-day-long sickness (i.e. morning sickness but I use this phrase for more accuracy) in your first-trimester, without a doubt, food was and remains the toughest part of my pregnancy. Changing cravings Again, I was quite naïve about pregnancy cravings and sudden dislikes that you might have for food that you used to love. I thought it ended there, and once you worked it out then you knew what you could and couldn’t eat. For me, however, this seems to change on an almost weekly basis making planning meals virtually impossible. It could be that when I have a craving, I go a bit into overdrive and end up being fed up of whatever it is so that I don’t want it anymore. I think the reality is, however, that as you progress through your pregnancy your body needs different things to fuel your energy and to help the baby grow and therefore your body tells you what you want to eat and what you don’t want to eat. Just my theory based on 0 facts or data, just my own experience. It’s all about the carbs in the first trimester For instance during the first trimester, I craved a huge amount of carbs. This makes a lot of sense because when you feel sick, and I felt like I had a constant hangover all day every day, you just want to eat things that will make you feel better. Things like toast, pasta, chips, or anything potato-based. I actually found that I put on quite a lot of weight during my first trimester, to the point where I was beginning to get a bit worried because I knew that I was meant to be putting on the most weight at the end of the pregnancy, not at the start. It was just because I was eating so many carbs to help me get through the morning sickness, or all-day-long sickness as I like to refer to it. Once you are over this part of the pregnancy then you go back to eating a more balanced diet in the second trimester; at least I did. The main dilemma - food doesn’t fit! Then comes the next part of the food dilemma. As your womb grows, even during the first trimester and even though your baby will be absolutely teeny tiny, your other organs get shunted to the side. This means that you pee an awful lot during your first trimester and then for some reason it calms down and you get back into more of a normal routine in your second trimester. This didn’t really bother me apart from when I was getting up during the night multiple times just to go to the bathroom. Although, I figured it was good practice for when the baby arrives and I have to get up during the night for feeds etc. The main issue that I had with my organs being squished was the fact that I became unable to eat normal sized meals. I suddenly realised what the NHS website meant when it said eat six small meals a day. There physically isn’t the space to eat a normal sized meal and fit it into your stomach. This is also why many pregnant women suffer from indigestion and acid reflux. TIP: try something like Gaviscon or Rennie to help with your indigestion. I prefer Rennie because it comes in little packets that are easy to chew so they are readily available without causing any mess. I have a packet in each room in the house so I can grab them when I want. Just make sure to follow the correct dosage. Six small meals a day Sounds easy, but this is where I really struggle. I have worked out my snack routine, not that it’s really a routine but I have long-lasting snacks at the ready that won’t go off too quickly that I can just eat when I suddenly feel a pang of hunger. This is the other issue that comes, I can’t seem to plan when I’m going to get hungry. I just suddenly get unbearably hungry and have to eat something at random times. Snack time When that happens I opt for some of the below: Malt loaf Non-acidic fruit such as watermelon Dried fruit such as raisins or dates Olives Nuts Mini Cheddars (might sound like a kiddies snack but it's better than crisps anyway!) Snack food that I have learnt to avoid: Acidic fruit like apples and apple juice, grapes, pineapple etc Cake (this one really upset me) Of course the things that trigger my indigestion and acid reflux might not be a problem for others so it’s about trial and error. TIP: keep notes and keep your partner updated too! It's just best so that they don't waste their money on a treat that you can't actually eat. About the meals This is where I really need some more work. If you think about it, it’s really difficult to come up with a plan for dinner time every day let alone for six small meals a day. This is why I’m so pleased that at least I’ve got my snacks sorted. So then it’s just a small lunch and a small dinner that I need to sort out. I try and forget about the guilt of not having a particularly nutritious breakfast every day. I tend to stick to toast or cereal in the mornings because it’s quick and easy, which is pretty important when waking up hungry every day. I focus on the fact that it’s fuel rather than particularly nutritious. Having said that, toast and cereal is still good for fibre! If I want to add something for a bit of extra goodness, slices of banana or berries work well. TIP: try and eat dinner as early as possible so that you don’t get acid reflux when you lie down and go to bed. This is where I will end this blog post because I am not sure how to help with the small meal dilemma. If I come up with some sort of magical formula for quick, easy and nutritious small meals then I’ll put them together in another blog post. I have bought a few books to try and help, but I haven’t found much inspiration. Wish me luck!

Who would’ve guessed that designing a bathroom would require so much thought? Surely it is just a room where you brush your teeth and shower? Think again. Designing a bathroom really does take a lot of patience, research and imagination. I suppose that’s why so many people need the help of professionals, just like we did. As much as we love to do DIY, we knew our limitations and we knew that we needed professionals to help us. Here are some things that we learnt from them. #bathroom #bathroomrenovation #bathroomideas #bathroomdesign Sunken Basin "The professionals clearly saved me some long-term pain here." The very first thing I said to the bathroom designer was that I wanted a round basin sitting on top of a vanity cabinet just like you see in all of those gorgeous pictures floating around Instagram and Pinterest. That idea was barely entertained as the professionals quickly deterred me from what I thought was my favourite design feature in a bathroom. They explained that whilst it looks good, these types of basins are unable to have an overflow drainage hole. This means that you are automatically more at risk of accidentally flooding your bathroom. We don’t want that do we?! So instead I opted for a gorgeous basin sunk into the vanity unit. I have found this so much easier to clean as I just have the basin itself and the flat surface around it. I don’t know how I would’ve coped if I also had to get into all of the awkward corners of the basin sitting on top of a vanity unit. The professionals clearly saved me some long-term pain here. Handheld Shower Speaking of cleaning, I’ve always found it so much easier to clean a bathroom with a separate handheld shower. After scrubbing your bathroom and your tiles it’s so nice to rinse the bath and tiles surrounding it with your showerhead. "most of my points centre around the cleaning aspects of the bathroom. I clearly want to make an easier life myself!" Plus it has the added bonus of when you enjoy your bath, if you decide to wash your hair in the bath then you can just rinse out the shampoo with clean water. Large Floor Tiles This is where I realise that most of my points centre around the cleaning aspects of the bathroom. I clearly want to make an easier life myself! "The larger the floor tiles... the less grout there is to keep clean." The larger the floor tiles, the less grout is used, and therefore the less grout there is to keep clean. We all know that it’s much easier to clean the tiles themselves than it is the actual grout in between them. Grey Grout Continuing with the theme of cleanliness, we all know that pale grout can get easily discoloured. Opting for grey grout not only look chic but is less likely to discolour and therefore easier to keep clean. Handles in the Middle Moving away from the cleaning aspects and more towards the useful things in the bathroom. "Why aren’t they all designed like this anyway?!" In order to make life just that little bit easier, we decided to have the handles for the taps including the temperature, the handle for the bath, as well as the handle for both showerheads in the middle. For the simple purpose of not having to lean around the shower screen, reach in and turn on the shower whilst getting my head wet in the process. Why aren’t they all designed like this anyway?! Extra Wide Bath As we only have the space for a shower over the bath, as opposed to a separate walk-in shower, we decided to have a wider than normal bath. This gave us a bit more of a luxurious feeling for the shower as we had more space in there. And needless to say we have a shower screen as opposed to a shower curtain. I cringe at the memories of my uni days when the shower curtain would stick to my legs in the shower! Steel Enamel Bath You know that sound a bath tub makes when you step into it? That sort of bending plastic sound? Well a steel enamel bath won’t make that sound. It’s resilient and sustainable, so it will last for longer than a standard plastic tub. Worth the investment I would say. Deep Basin One of the things that bugs me the most about washing my hands in poorly thought out restaurant bathrooms, is how inevitably, water pools on the surfaces at the sides of the basins. The simple reason for this is because the taps are too low and the basins are too shallow. So there’s nowhere for you to actually wash your hands. Unless of course you’re happy to get a little tiny bit of water on one hand. "we have a deep basin, which means that we are less likely to splash water all around the basin. Simple." Anyway, you can probably tell this is one of my pet peeves. So to get around this we have a deep basin which means we are less likely to splash water all around the basin. Simple. Shower/Bath Combo For us, this made sense. Different people have different priorities but if you’ve got a small bathroom, or even a medium-size bathroom, having a separate walk-in shower and a separate bath tub will mean that your bathroom is more likely to feel cramped. "it is amazing how our big family sized bathroom feels like a big family sized bathroom" I was desperate to find a way to have a separate walk-in shower and bath. We were knocking down the wall to make the bathroom bigger, so I was determined that a separate shower would fit. The professionals did all of the plans and came to the conclusion that we would just be knocking into something at every turn had we have gone down that route. They said that physically it could be done. But they would not recommend it. I am so pleased that we listened to them because it is amazing how our big family sized bathroom feels like a big family sized bathroom and yet I cannot envision how or where we would put in a separate shower. I would much rather have that big bathroom feeling than feel cramped. Heated Towel Rail This may sound like a simple one, and a little bit obvious. For me, I have never lived in a property with a heated towel rail. Whilst I know of course that they do exist, to me this is a luxury. So I couldn’t write a blog post without mentioning it. What I would say, is get the biggest one possible. It is amazing how many towels you will want to hang up on your lovely new heated towel rail. Your bathroom may very well be the smallest room in your house but I am sure that it is one of the most used as well. Be sure to take your time with the design and imagine how you would use your bathroom and how you want to feel in your bathroom. My main focus throughout the whole design process was to end up with a bathroom that made me feel like I was visiting a spa. I believe I’ve done just that. Good luck with yours!

It isn’t in me to toot my own horn or to draw a lot of attention to myself, despite the fact that I have a blog and 130k followers across multiple social media accounts. Nevertheless, here I am and I thought it’s about time that I shared a little bit more about myself given that I spent most of my time just photographing my home without me actually featuring in much of it at all. So if you would like to get to know me a bit better, read on. I’ve written a book Hardly anyone knows this, this is definitely something that only immediate family have been told, and very close friends (and a couple of the people that I used to live with when I started to write the book). "that’s the real reason why I started building my social media accounts, in the hope that I would build a following who would, hopefully, like to read my book" It isn’t published and I haven’t been brave enough to give anyone the full copy yet, come to think of it, I still have a couple of chapters left to write, so I suppose it isn’t really finished yet. When it is, I would absolutely love to get it published. If I’m really honest, that’s the real reason why I started building my social media accounts, in the hope that I would build a following who would, hopefully, like to read my book. So if any of you budding readers happened to be a publisher or know a literary agent, send them my way! All photos in the above grid taken by Lucy Tallyn Wiltsher 2009 It may surprise you to know, that the book has absolutely nothing to do with DIY or home interiors. It is a book that I started writing many years ago when I finished university. It took me about 8 years to write about 80% of my book. Since then, I’ve taken an unintentional break to get married, buy a house, renovate a house and set up a business... I’ve been busy in the last few years. The book is historical fiction, set during the reign of the Roman Emperor Nero through until the Year of the 4 Caesars... in case you’re wondering, I have a degree in Ancient History. I’m an introvert This will be pretty clear to anybody who knows me, apart from my family. For some reason they all think that I’m extremely confident, loud, and I never stop talking. That’s just because they are the ones who know me best, and I’m the most comfortable around them. But to anybody else who I have ever met, whether that’s work colleagues, friends of friends, or general acquaintances, people tend to comment about how shy I am, which in itself is actually quite a strange thing to discuss with a person you don’t really know. "A teacher of mine used to say that I was quietly confident. I think this describes me perfectly" It may interest you to know being an introvert doesn’t mean that you’re shy at all! Just as being an extrovert doesn’t mean that you are loud and obnoxious. As an introvert, I am a good listener and I measure my words carefully before I speak. This is often mistaken for shyness. Evidently I'm quite good at keeping my face out of the picture... never noticed that before! The above grid includes previous Ad collaborations A teacher of mine used to say that I was quietly confident. I think this describes me perfectly. I don’t say or do anything unless I am absolutely sure and I am confident in my own abilities. Perhaps that’s why I share so many decorating tips without being at the forefront of my own social media accounts. I worked in the fashion industry for 8 years They say that the average person changes careers 3 times in their life. Well, I’m on number 2. The career that I truly believed that I would have for the rest of my life was working in the fashion industry. I have worked at some of the biggest brands in the world including Gap and Net-a-Porter, managing my own departments and deciding where to invest the budget (alongside the buyer who was the more creative side of things whereas I was the money). "I was made redundant... that was the best thing that could’ve ever happened to me" That all came to an end once I was made redundant after having been furloughed for the best part of 2020 during the pandemic. As it turns out, that was the best thing that could’ve ever happened to me. So there you have it! A few little snippets about me. Perhaps if I'm brave enough I'll share a few more one day. But first, I've inspired myself to get cracking with my book... watch this space!

Who could've guessed my humble hallway would generate so much chat?! After 10 million views on Instagram, followed by another 2 million views on a follow up reel, alongside 3 million Tiktok views and 1 million Pinterest views… and many more, well, I figured it was high time I wrote a blog post about my staircase makeover! #viral #diy #staircase Here I’ll talk through what I did, what set backs I had and what I would change if I did a project like this again. Spoiler alert - I’d pay someone to do it for me! 8 Weeks! I don’t mind sharing with you that this was a very extensive, time-consuming and exhausting project. At the time, I had a full time job and so I could only work on it at weekends. I think you will agree spending every spare moment you have on something like this can take the fun out of it, so I gave myself a few weekends off too. So all in all, it was about 10-12 days of work. Not bad for a newbie. It’s all in the prep As with all DIY projects, the prep work takes a long time and is so important, setting you up for success for the whole project - or perhaps your downfall if you don't do it right! We ripped up the carpet and used a crowbar to lever up the carpet grips. This was the quickest part of the whole project. "there were always so many clusters of staples" But then came the staples. My oh my the staples! If you know, you know! I picked up a pair of pliers and manually pulled, eased, and levered up the 100s of staples. At least, it felt like 100s. And don’t forget all of the corners and edges of the steps, and the bits that were under each of the lips of the steps… there were always so many clusters of staples in these areas! And just when you think you’ve got the last one, you suddenly spot 3 or 4 more! With every staple you remove, there are 2 holes to fill in. And they are so difficult to see! Top Tip I’ve seen a trick that other people have done: they prime the steps which helps them to see the holes for filling with wood filler. I didn’t do this, purely because my paint was self priming so it didn’t make sense. I would definitely do this, however, if I were using a different paint. Top Tip One little trick with wood filler, when you apply it leave it for about an hour and then wipe your hand over it to gently remove the residue rather than waiting for it to dry fully and have to sand it down. Then comes the sanding - and wear a mask!! This by far was the least pleasant part of the project. It took forever, it was incredibly messy, I got completely covered in dust as did the rest of the house even though all of the doors were closed. I have a little tip on how to reduce the amount of dust towards the end - it’s quite a shocker! "I have a little tip on how to reduce the amount of dust towards the end - it’s quite a shocker!" A lot of people ask me why I sanded off dark coloured paint to then repaint black. Well the answer is that when we moved in four years ago I painted the banister, just the banister, in a glossy brown paint. For this project, I decided that I wanted the banister to match the colour of the steps and I wanted it to be a black matt paint. So I was using a completely different paint that I wanted to match up with something else. Not only that, but you need to sand your surfaces properly before painting. A lot of people have disagreed with me about this point on TikTok and Instagram, but the best practice really is to sand down the surface and then prime and paint, unless you are using self priming paint of course. You can do a light sand and paint over the top of paint but this may cause issues further down the line. Have you ever seen any of those videos of people using a heat gun and scraping off layers of paint? Well that’s what you would have to do in the future, or if not you then someone else and they will not thank you for it. "the best practice really is to sand down the surface and then prime and paint, unless you are using self priming paint" Painting over paint, is also not completely fool proof anyway. If you paint over paint, you risk it scratching off as the new paint struggles to adhere to the surface. What's more, you get a pretty poor finish, even if you do use a good primer to make it stick. So all in all, short-term pain of just sanding the old paint off will save you trouble in the long-term. After all that sanding, the house was a complete mess and covered in dust. This was where we took a bit of a break in the middle of the eight week stint. We spent quite a lot of time not just cleaning the hallway and landing, but also cleaning the rest of the house and making sure that the whole house was dust free. Who wants to paint when there is dust floating in the air? It would be a blimmin nightmare! Then the fun bit! The painting is the fun bit of any job. You might think that this is also the easiest bit. Of course not! Painting staircases means that you actually have to really think about what you’re painting and when. You really do have to plan. Top Tip I painted every other step so that we could still use the stairs whilst allowing the paint to dry in between each of the coats. This is another reason why the project took such a long time, as we needed to do 3 coats of paint for alternate steps followed by 3 coats of paint on the other half of the steps So after all that time and effort, what would I change? Dip my hands in paint! I would use the sock technique for the spindles - but I’d switch this out for a rubber glove with a wool glove on top. If you haven’t heard of the sock technique trend, it’s all over Tiktok but it hasn’t appeared on Instagram or Pinterest yet. The idea is to wear an old sock on your hand, one that you don’t mind ruining, and dip it in the paint. This makes painting spindles quick and easy without accidentally flicking paint everywhere. "Wear an old sock on your hand, one that you don’t mind ruining, and dip it in the paint. This makes painting spindles quick and easy without accidentally flicking paint everywhere" Something that slowed me down during this project was trying my best to avoid my brush flicking paint as I painted around the awkward edges of the spindles. The sock technique supposedly stops this straight away. But it must be awfully messy… so I would suggest wearing a surgeons glove with a wool glove on top. Attach your sander to a hoover! If you’re anything like me, then you’ve probably already done a few DIY projects before realising that the little hole at the end of your sander is designed to attach to a hoover to help collect all the dust as you go. I’ve mentioned this a few times and people are always absolutely amazed! I’m not surprised that no one seems to know about it - 16 million views and not one person mentioned that I should have attached the sander to the hoover! When I did the stairs, there was a lot of dust in the air for days! I think it would be worth every penny if you don’t have a Henry hoover already, to invest in one and make sure that your sander has the correct section to attach it to. Our normal hoover was just a bit too awkward for wheeling around as we tried to sand but a Henry hoover should give you a bit more ease in movement. Seal the sealant Add a topcoat, even though this was self priming and self sealing paint, the priming side of it seems to have worked perfectly as there’s no flaking. I find, however, that I’m constantly inspecting the stairs so for peace of mind and to stop me worrying so much about potentially marking the stairs, a topcoat would help That covers all the most asked questions and all my top tips! My final Tip of the Day: Pay someone else to do it!

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that when you buy a house you have no money left to fill it. Sound familiar? Never fear, there are some things that you can do to help make that big blank canvas feel more like your home. Find some Freebies! It may surprise you but a lot of what we have was given to us by family and friends. It’s a mutually beneficial deal. Often people store unused furniture in their garage thinking that it may come in handy again some day. That day happens to be when you move into your house with nothing but clothes and books because you’ve been renting furnished flats up until then. You take that unused piece of furniture that was taking up space in their garage and they don’t have to lift a finger to have a bit of a clear out. Win win for everyone. So if you’re lucky enough to have someone offer up something for free or very cheap, go for it! “... don’t be scared if it isn’t quite to your taste. That can be changed as I explain later.” Obviously it’s a bit different if there’s a big gaping hole where there shouldn’t be so don’t take things that will be too much of a faff to fix. But equally, don’t be scared if it isn’t quite to your taste. That can be changed as I explain later. It’s the same with Facebook marketplace. A lot of items go up for either free or for very cheap. I personally stay away from anyone trying to sell something at a retail price or a slight discount, no matter how much I like the item they’re offering. You’re doing them a favour by coming and picking up that piece of furniture that they no longer want, so that should be factored into their asking price. Vintage Finds The best way to make a house feel like a home instantly is to fill those big blank walls. Mirrors, pictures and picture frames, can easily add up and become very expensive if you buy new and you most likely will want to keep your money aside for more important purchases, like a bed for instance! #vintagefinds “... local auction, trade show or warehouse sale... you could get a real bargain” So how do you find cheap mirrors and pictures? Google for a local auction or trade show. People often assume that auctions are places where people spend loads of money. The truth is you often spend less than you would had it been sold elsewhere. Prices will only go up if lots of people are bidding for a rare antique. If you’re just after some basic furniture, vases, pictures or mirrors then you could get a real bargain. And the added bonus, not only will your artwork and prints be more unique but they will most likely come already in frames. “not only will your artwork and prints be more unique but they will most likely come already in frames.” I picked up a chest of drawers for £50 at an auction and these pictures were 2 for £20 from a warehouse sale. Trade shows are slightly different but you can find some real treasures there too. Traders will set up their stalls to sell their goods for only a slight markup. Often they need to clear out their stock and after taking time and effort getting it to the trade show, they might even be willing to sell fairly close to their material/labour costs, so not even giving themselves much of a profit. So as a rule, I don’t actually haggle as I know that their price is their price and they might not even be making much of a profit. It works for furniture too! We got our solid oak lime washed dining table for £300 from the Ardingly Trade show. Something similar from a standard retailer would easily sell for £1200 RRP Upcycling Furniture Upcylcing furniture will be your saviour. It saves you money and it helps add a bit of a twist giving you the opportunity to show a bit of your own personality. You don’t even have to get that creative. It’s amazing what a bit of primer and paint can do, or if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, switch out the hardware or legs. There are so many #furnitureflip tutorials out there, including my IKEA hack. Take a look and get inspiration. You might just find that your favourite piece of furniture was free! #upcycle #furnitureupcycle It’s amazing what a bit of primer and paint can do, or if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, switch out the hardware or legs.” You can find the details and materials for some of my projects in my other blog posts and on my Instagram. Home Accessories This is a quick win. Home accessories are cheap and easy to move around until you’re happy with the way a space looks. You can pick them up anywhere too. Charity shops are a great place to pick up bits to display on shelves or vases for dried/ faux flowers. If there happens to be an affluent area that’s within driving distance, go to the charity shops there. They might just have some of the best items. I find that I’m constantly moving around home accessories. It gives a space a bit of a free refresh without spending a penny (after the initial purchase obviously!) Soft Furnishings If you want to make a bit more of an impact, rugs and curtains can change a space dramatically. Dunelm have a great range of ready made curtains that are good value for the level of quality, and they come in a large range of sizes. For ease, stick to the same type of curtains needed for whatever curtain rails you have already installed in your home. So if you have a pole, you have more choice with eyelet or pleated. If you have an older style track, then you will have to stick to pleated only. “For ease, stick to the same type of curtains needed for whatever curtain rails you have already installed in your home.” Similarly, rugs transform a space from drab to homely. Whether that’s on a carpet or hard floors, it doesn’t matter. Ikea and H&M are great as my go-to for affordable, stylish and good quality rugs in a range of sizes. Know where to invest Staying budget friendly doesn’t mean that you can’t have anything brand new. It’s about knowing where to invest and where to save. We only have a few key items that we bought from high street retailers specially for the house such as our bed, sofa and coffee table. They’re the things you will want to invest your money in and we know that they will last us years. The tips I’ve shared here are great for filling in the gaps, which we all need!

Choosing the right paint can be tricky, especially when there are so many different brands, colours & emulsions out there. And believe it or not, mixing that Farrow & Ball colour at your local hardware store won't give you the same impact as the real thing, no matter what that savvy home interiors enthusiast says. Follow these guidelines and you'll be amazed at the difference. #paintcolours #decorating #colour Direction It might not sound like it would make a big difference, but the direction the room faces will change the way a colour looks. East-facing rooms will get large amounts of light for a large portion of the day, west-facing not so much. So select colours that will enhance the space, not simply colours you prefer. I have a separate blog post on selecting paints depending on the direction the room faces. Samples This is a bit of an obvious one but with a not-so-obvious twist. Most people will know to get paint samples to help them choose between a few different colours. Those same people, however, don't know to use them. I'm not doing some sort of odd 'sample-shaming' here. I didn't know this until about a year ago, after we had painted most of the rooms in our house. So let me spare you from repeating some of the mistakes that I made (don't worry, I'll tell you about those mistakes in another post). Paint samples will be affected by the existing paint colour. Best practice is to in fact paint a piece of paper with 2 coats and hold it up to each of the walls in the room, at different times of day, to see how the colour looks in the different lights. “... paint a piece of paper with 2 coats and hold it up to each of the walls in the room” This has the added bonus of not having to squint and tilt your head at various angles to try and differentiate between 6 blobs of colour on the wall. That and you won't have to paint over an uneven surface when you finally do select your preferred paint. Emulsions It's true, there are a lot of different types of paint once you've selected your colour. Ultimately, if you're just painting a room, then you only really need to choose between two types: matt or sheen. Matt is more popular and the standard type of paint, so your best bet is to go with that if you're not wanting anything that will reflect the light and shimmer. Sheen can work well for small dark rooms or as a feature wall, though you do not have follow that as a rule of thumb. Matt paints will work just as well in these circumstances too. Overall, matt is more likely to suit the room whilst sheen is a bit more particular. My living room feature wall is Hague Blue from Farrow & Ball in their Modern Emulsion, which is their sheen emulsion. I absolutely love it and wouldn't want a matt colour on this wall. We in fact got the matt emulsion first (it's still there on the inner section of the fireplace) and we decided it didn't work. We loved the colour so tried out the sheen and it's here to stay. Lucy's Hillside House | Content Creator & Blogger

This is pretty handy if you've already read my post on selecting paint colours & the importance of the direction of the room. Here I explain how the direction of each of my rooms impacted my decisions... as well as where I went wrong! There are so many brands out there offering a wealth of colours and it can become overwhelming. If there was a way to reduce the choice based on the type of room, wouldn't that make life easier? East-Facing Main Bedroom “East-facing... gets a huge amount of sunlight all day long...” Our main bedroom is East-facing and we're on top of a hill so it gets a huge amount of sunlight all day long, with direct sunlight hitting it for most of the day. This makes the room almost illuminate. A room like this can handle most colour pallets but we decided that something calming would work well for our bedroom. We wanted to avoid "visual noise", a visual merchandising term meaning that we wanted this room to be a place to unwind with a good book before going to sleep. So we knew it was best to avoid stimulating colours such as bright and vibrant hues. We can really relax in this space. West Facing Guest Bedroom / Nursery “West-facing... don't get much sunlight during the day but will get a warm glow in the evening.” West facing rooms don't usually get much sunlight during the day but will get a warm glow in the evening. This room, however, has the added complication of being blocked by the top of the hill we live on. Therefore sunlight becomes obscured by the trees and the hills itself. So selecting a colour for this room was very troublesome. I decided that I wanted to distract from how shadowy this room can get by creating a feature wall on the otherwise large blank wall behind the bed. Painting it a pop of colour in green has helped to draw the eye to this area, helping to make the room appear larger and brighter. The height of the cladding helps to elongate the height of the ceiling, making it appear light. If the cladding were lower down the wall, the room would have appeared smaller and potentially more cramped with the feeling of a low ceiling. The pale pink walls offer a contrast to the cladding that isn't as stark and harsh as white could have been . White would have also emphasised the shadows in this room. Opting for a soft pink instead makes the room glow as it almost reflects the light back into the room. Narrow & Dark Hallway “this is quite a narrow hallway so it doesn't get a lot of natural light but I wanted to make sure that I had a neutral base colour without looking too washed out.” I always knew that I wanted elephant's breath from Farrow & Ball on the walls in this room and on the landing as well. It's such a good basic neutral colour that also adds a bit of warmth to a room. Since painting I have noticed that this colour adapts really well to changing light. This is quite a narrow hallway so it doesn't get a lot of natural light but I wanted to make sure that I had a neutral base colour without looking too washed out. I did, however, noticed that when we had carpet, the hallway did still feel a little bit too washed out. So I knew that I wanted my staircase to pop against the neutral background of the walls. That's why I decided to go for the strong black and white #monochrome staircase. Add a bit of a statement to the hallway when you walk into the room. In the future, I may decide to soften it slightly by adding a runner. East-facing Living Room This is probably my favourite room in the house, in part because it was the first room that was completed. We decided that we wanted a feature wall for the fireplace to make that stand out even more and become a focal point in the room. Especially as we are often seated on the sofa opposite and it's such a lovely wall to look at. I decided on Hauge Blue because it's a good gender neutral colour, meaning that both my husband and I would love it! It had the additional bonus of brining elements of the outdoors in, which is why I tend to go for greens, neutrals and browns. The perfect balance for living in the countryside! This room gets a huge amount of sunlight for the vast majority of the day as it is east facing. If has a feeling of being illuminated throughout most of the day and so we weren't scared about using such a dark colour as a feature wall. Small Dark Kitchen Rustoleum Chalk furniture paint is great for kitchen cabinets as you don't have to sand, you just need to clean though I would recommend testing that the paint adheres to the surface in advance by testing a patch on the inside first. It would then need to be sealed with was to protect the paint from and help you clean any spillages. I used Ronseal tile paint, which did not require any prep work other than a clean and I didn't have to seal it either, it was just 1 coat of paint! Perfect! There aren't many colours to choose from so I purposefully selected grey so that I could get away with 1 coat but I imagine for pale colours you will need 2. Dark West Facing Dining Room Dilemma This is where I have gone wrong with my paint colours. I became too enamoured with the idea that the dining room colour had to be the same as the living room purely because they flow from one to the other almost like they are one big room. This has not worked. The dining room is the complete antithesis to my living room. It gets almost no natural sunlight not only because it is west facing so the sun doesn't reach this side of the house until the afternoon, but by then the tall hill and trees behind our house obstruct the light. So unfortunately, this room feels like it is permanently dark and the fact that I have painted it in a pale grey/blue colour means that all I have done is emphasised all of the shadows in the room. So this room will need redecorating. I think that the best thing for a room like this and I hope that you don't have a west facing room with a huge hill blocking any sunlight, but if you do the best thing would be to go for a dark colour. I know that might sound counterintuitive but given that the light colour I have at the moment emphasises the shadows, a dark colour should absorb the shadows. Ultimately, what I need to do is embrace the darkness in this room. I am considering using up the rest of the Hague Blue paint that we have sitting in our cupboard because not only do we have enough but it will flow through from the living room really well and this paint should reflect any light and absorb any shadows. I have other ideas for this room to, which means that I may not get around to decorating this room for a while. Keep your eyes peeled! Lucy's Hillside House | Content Creator & Blogger

If you're looking for simple styling ideas and tips to easy craft ideas to get the little ones involved in the Easter decorating, I've got you covered. Click here for the full list of where to shop the products. Or click on the images in this article to go straight to a list of products featured in the picture. Easter Decorations With Easter signaling the arrival of the new season, use pastels to bring the feeling of Spring along with flowers or faux flowers to brighten up your table. Then sprinkle in a few nods to the bank holiday weekend with Easter eggs and bunny ornaments. Tap the images to go straight to the products. Read on for some fun craft ideas suitable to keep the kids busy! Easter Bunny Napkins A great way to get the kids involved in setting the table whilst adding a special touch for your guests. Fold your napkin into thirds Take each end and fold to form a point in the middle Flip it over Place a ribbon or string behind Place an egg (painted is optional) on the point and bring the ends together to tie with the ribbon / string DIY Easter Bunny Hanging Decorations This is a great craft to get the kids involved in decorating the house for Easter. They're cute too! What you'll need: Coloured card or paper Pritt stick or PVA glue String or ribbon Scissors Make a stencil by drawing around a round tumbler for the body of the bunny and an egg for the head Cut out a minimum of 8 bunny shapes - the more the better Fold the bunny shapes in half and apply Pritt stick to one half and stick to another folded bunny Keep doing this until you've used all your bunnies Before you secure the final pieces together, stick a loop of ribbon or string and then finish glueing the bunny so that the first bunny is now stuck to the last one. Draw around your thumb or something similar for the bunny ears and stick in place. I hope that these ideas help to make your Easter weekend a bit more fun and colourful. Happy Easter xx

It is quite humbling that so many people love the colours in my home. I will have at least 10 comments or DMs a day across my various platforms, asking me what the different colours are in each of the room in my house. Then, when the video goes viral, I will have hundreds of comments, so… You can tap each of the images below to go straight to the products. Or click here for the full catalogue Kitchen My kitchen generates the most questions overall, particularly for the paint colour. If there are any questions you have about my kitchen in general, such as where I got the tiles or the shelving, then click here to find all of the details. All of the details for the paint colour on that link as well, but if you don't want to click on it, then let me explain that I am unable to share the exact paint colour of the kitchen cabinets because they are just the standard sage green from the kitchen company. Therefore, I have found similar paint colour on the link provided. Living Room My living room was the first room that we decorated, and we are so lucky that we just so happened to select the absolute perfect paint colours for this room. We decorated it before. I understood anything about paint colours before I realised that natural sunlight can dramatically change the appearance of paint colour and There are certain brands that produce their paints with this in mind. Therefore, there are certain brands that are quite simply better than other brands. I was very lucky with my colour choices in this room as I have not had to correct any mistakes and we have kept it as it is ! Dining Room I have a lot of information about my ikea hack and the dining room in other blog posts here. Otherwise, if all of you are interested in is the paint colour, then tap the image below to go straight to the paint colour Hallway & Staircase Tap any of the images below for the exact paint colours and emulsions I used. Bathroom As with the kitchen, the bathroom green vanity unit and bath panel are the standard olive green from the company we purchased the bathroom from. You can find all of the details on everything in the bathroom here but if you're just interested in the paint colours then click here or tap the image. Main Bedroom This is quite a simple room as we wanted to keep it a calming space for sleeping and relaxing. Nursery I have a lot of information about my DIY projects and the nursery/ spare bedroom in other blog posts here. Otherwise, if all of you are interested in is the paint colour, then tap the image below to go straight to the paint colour As usual, I'm always very happy to answer any questions for anything I have missed. Hopefully these pages mean that you don't have to wait a long time for me to reply!

This is not a project to be taken lightly, and certainly not alone, though I am so pleased we did! This project brought together all of our combined interior design and DIY knowledge to create something that is both functional and beautiful! I've always believed that a home doesn't have to be ugly if you need it to be functional, and this built-in proves it! We now have huge amounts of storage, replacing the disjointed and separate sideboards we used to have whilst gaining shelf storage from what was dead space. Read on to find out how we transformed not on the room but how we live our day to day lives. First, we will discuss the planning process as these types of projects will triumph or crumble depending on your preparation - and there is a lot to cover! Before Firstly, I want to share what the room looked like over the years. I had tried to make this room work with what we had due to budget limitations but it still remained my most disliked room, which is hard to deal with when it is also one of the most used rooms - we have always liked to eat dinner at the table and I work in a little desk space in the corner. The room is west facing, meaning that it doesn't get much light during the day and the hill also blocks out a lot of light. So it was a dark and dingy room filled with odd bits of furniture that we had accumulated through kind gifts or picked up for free / very cheaply on 2nd hand selling sites. It is a good sized space but the space wasn't utilised properly. The Plans I decided that I needed to create bespoke storage to fill the wall without looking too cumbersome and overwhelming. I generally prefer drawers over cupboards simply because it is easier to have quick access to your items rather than routing around in a cupboard. The only problem with this is that drawers are typically more expensive than cupboards simply because they have more parts to them. This instantly meant that if we hired a carpenter then this would quickly become a very expensive project. So I looked into Ikea products to do my own hack and found that the 6 drawer malm units would fit the space perfectly and then we could fill the gaps with some trim. I came up with a series of designs that would use the malm units and I decided that the Lack shelves would work if I then boxed everything in to make it look like a built-in unit. It's always important to draw plans to scale - graph paper may help I added some potential decorative details to some of the plans to see if hardware, light fixtures or moulding may help to create the look I wanted - these are details that don't have to be decided right away an as it happened we ended up without; once we had built the unit I realised that it might be a bit too much to add all the decorative details and I decided to let the unit speak for itself. The details in all of the step by step instructions on how we built it are to come in my next post. Paint Colours As the room is naturally very dark I wanted to brighten it by using paints with a yellow undertone to help bounce any light around the room. I also wanted it to look cohesive with the adjoining living room, which has a feature wall and the remaining 3 walls painted in a neutral. I therefore knew that a neutral paint colour would work well for the walls and ceilings but I also wanted to have a bit of colour in here to brighten the room. So I decided to keep to a similar theme of green that I have flowing throughout my home and picked a yellow based green: Green 12 from Lick (in eggshell as this is best for painting furniture). You can see in the before picture that this grey that looks very different in both rooms due to the lack of light in the dining room. Once I selected my paint samples choices I painted the samples on card to hold up around the room (much better than directly on the wall) and held them against the furniture that was planned to stay in the room. Every time I decorate a room I produce a mock up showing the potential colour choices against all of my existing furniture to confirm that it will all look right together. This is very basic but it helps you to visualise the whole room to see if it looks cohesive. Following my usual process for selecting paint colours, I ended up with White 03 from Lick in Matt and Green 12 from Lick in Eggshell. Once I had my plans in place and confirmed, it was time to order all of the products. A full list of products and the process will be in my next blog post.

My dining room has been my most disliked room since we moved in despite it being one of the most used. Creating our Ikea Hack Built-In really transformed the whole room and how we use the space and now it's one of my favourites! Ikea Hack Built-In Ikea Malm 6 drawer units x2 Ikea Lack 110cm x 26 cm shelves x6 Tongue & Groove Sheets Zinsser Bin Primer Click here for more information on how to create the Ikea Hack Built-In yourself Paint Green 12 in Eggshell from Lick Walls & Ceilings are White 03 in Matt from Lick Mirror William Wood Mirrors - may be discontinued as it's years old Dining Table Ardingly Trade Fair Made from an old door by a trader who attached legs and lime washed the whole unit Rug One Dot World Discontinued Click here for the full catalogue

The nursery is ever evolving; once our spare bedroom it is now the nursery but will continue to change as our little one grows. Furniture Set The furniture set is from Mamas & Papas. You can click here for the 3 piece set for the cot, changing table and wardrobe but unfortunately they have discontinued the house shaped storage. Paint The Tongue & Groove Cladding is painted in Green 02 from Lick. I used a mist coat first to prepare the surface. You can find all of the information on the DIY project here The Pink walls are painted in Pink 01, also from Lick. Carpet Cormar Carpet Co. Wool Loop Southwold Texture Pakenham Parchment Click here for the full catalogue

I've decided to make life simple and list out all of the paint and furniture and items in my living room, hopefully this will make it easier for people to find the answers to their questions Curtains Hillarys Blinds Harkness curtains in colour Vapour from the Abigail Ahern collection Double pinch pleat Blackout lining in colour Tanner Blinds Serenity Voiles in colour linen Coffee Table One Dot World Out of stock now but they may have something similar Sofa Snug The Rebel 2 Seater Taupe Velvet Posters & Frames The Poster Store Cushions Wild Mabel Rug Mango Jute Pink Chair Snug The Big Chill Blush Coral 1.5 Seater - Snuggler Grey Paint Blackened Farrow and Ball Feature Wall Hague Blue Modern Emulsion Farrow and Ball

A lot of people don't realise how natural sunlight can impact paint colours, which is why the same paint colour may look different in different rooms. Read on for some tips on what to consider when selecting your paint colours and what you can do about managing the amount of sunlight throughout the day in an East Facing Room. Characteristics of East Facing Rooms East facing rooms become flooded with light throughout the morning, remain bright in the afternoon and then muted in the evening. So it's best to decorate with this in mind to allow you to be able to use the room throughout the day as otherwise you may find that the room is too bright and hot to use. How to Select Your Paint Painting the walls in blues, greys or greens will help to cool down the appearance of the room when it is flooded in bright direct sunlight in the mornings. These tones will work in harmony with the eastern light, which can make colours appear blue. In my East Facing Living Room, I've opted for a dark teal colour for our feature wall around our fireplace and tied this in with a white paint with a blue undertone for the other walls, making it blue/grey. This helps the room to remain bright during the day but also to become cosy in the evening. Home Furnishings My voile curtains are a great way to use my living room throughout the day without being blinded by the morning sun and they also help to filter out some of the heat. Without them, this room can become so hot even in the winter when the sun beams directly into the room. We used to constantly have our old curtains drawn closed so that we could actually use the room - but unfortunately this left us living in darkness. So these voiles have allowed us to really enjoy using this room in a way that we couldn't before. I am very much a home bird, so I like to nest and feel cosy in my home. I've found a balance of light and dark colours in my living room and also found this balance with the curtains through layering over the voiles with a heavier, more luxurious velvet fabric to create more warmth in the evenings. Please note that these tips for decorating are for the northern hemisphere, the reverse is true in the southern hemisphere. #curtains #windows #homeinteriors #interiordesigner #interiordesigntips

I'll get to the point and list the ingredients, it's super simple and we had this served at our wedding and it's a great alcohol free alternative. Ingredients Ice Sliced strawberries Torn mint leaves Elderflower concentrate Tonic water Video

A small kitchen can be both functional and beautiful, it just takes a bit of planning and working out what you can and can’t live without. My main goal with this kitchen was to make it feel bigger than it actually is. The kitchen is roughly 2.25m x 3.35m, which is not an easy space to design a new kitchen. In fact, I would say that the larger the kitchen the easier it is to design. The smaller the kitchen, the smaller the space you have to work with and therefore you have to puzzle out ways to fit in everything you need. These are some simple but impactful design features that you can add to your kitchen design to make it feel bigger than it really is. Hardware Long drawer handles will help to lengthen the room by drawing the eye further away. Shelves Open shelving was very important to me as I didn’t want the room to feel too close and full of cabinetry (it’s cheaper too!) so this helped to make the room feel more spacious especially at the end of the room with the window and kitchen sink, it’s nice to feel like you’re not going to hit your elbow on something as you wash up the dishes and glasses! Asymmetrical Flooring This is something I learned from the tile company we used, an asymmetrical floor tile layout will give the illusion of more tiles in the space. Essentially, make sure that your grout lines don’t line up. Small Wall Tiles I initially wanted long tiles and realised that they would look ridiculous in such a small space as we would end up with a row of 3 tiles between the cabinets and the worktop surface. Small wall tiles in an intricate layout, we chose herringbone, will help to draw the eye. I went for a basic white tile and white grout as I wanted to let the feature be the tile layout. Glass Cabinets I was worried about having a solid wall of cabinets, hence the shelving but I also wanted to break it up with some glass cabinets mixed in with solid cabinet door fronts Yellow Based Paint If you’ve followed me for a while you will know how much I love to talk about the impact of the right type of paint. Painting the walls in a yellow based paint will help bounce the light around the room making the room feel more spacious #smallkitchen #smallkitchendesign #kitchendesignideas

It might sound simple but surprisingly, pressing flowers can be a little bit tricky if you don't know what to avoid. So here's my step by step guide to help. Items Flower press with card and blotting paper OR Large book and newspaper Flower and foliage cuttings Glue dots and/or PVA glue Scissors Card Frame card Frame Take your cuttings on a dry day The reason being that you do not want any moisture. So avoid cutting first thing in the morning or after any rainfall or watering your garden. If you have any moisture on the flowers then all that happens is they go a bit mushy and do not drive properly in the press. Press your flowers as soon as possible after cutting This is so that your flowers and cuttings do not have a chance to Wills before going into the press. If they do start to wilt, then they are not going to look good once tried and pressed, and unfortunately it will be a bit of a waste. Arrange flowers face down in the press This helps to keep the petals nice and smooth, and helps to prevent them from becoming creased when pressed. If pressing multiple cuttings on the same piece of paper, make sure there is about an inch gap in between each cutting How to use the flower press Your flower press should come with everything you need, including wing nuts, washers, bolts, two pieces of board, and card and blotting paper. To assemble your board, place the bolts in each of the holes in one of the boards. Then layer one piece of card and one piece of blotting paper on top. This is where you add your cuttings. Make sure your cuttings are evenly spaced and do not overfill the layer with cuttings. Sandwich your cuttings in place with another piece of blotting paper topped with another piece of card. You can repeat this process as many times as you like until the press is completely full i.e. the press is piled up to the same height as the bolts. Newspaper & Books An alternative is to use books and newspaper. This is also very useful if you happen to have very large cuttings that you want to press in one whole piece and therefore you can find the largest book you have for pressing. The process is the same, only the pages of the book act, like the card in the press, and the newspaper acts like the blotting paper. Wait a minimum of two weeks It will take a minimum of two weeks for your cuttings to dry and press properly. Some types of flowers may take longer, but you can monitor the process by checking after two weeks. You will know when they are ready when they are rigid and dried.

Are you or someone you know planning a wedding? Are you looking for unique twists to your wedding? I'm sharing some ideas to make your wedding more personal with some subtle twists for something more unique. Starter for 10 We wanted to enjoy more time chatting to make sure that we managed to speak to everyone - instead of a formal wedding line up that used to be traditional. So we decided to swap out the starter with more canapés. We arranged to have 10 canapés per guest as opposed to the usual 3-5 that wedding caterers usually plan. This meant that we had more time to spend with our guests in the garden after the ceremony and before going inside to sit down for dinner. Theatrical Canapés As with most things, presentation is key. We found a caterer who took pride in their food and presented their food to match. Speeches Before Dining It's all in the title really! We wanted our speech givers to actually enjoy their day and their food so we decided to do the speeches before the main meal. As everyone had had plenty of canapés first, they were happy and not going hungry! Keep it Simple People expect fancy little dainty meals at weddings that don't really fill them up but we wanted our guests to enjoy and have a full tummy to line those stomachs! Good old fashioned pie and mash did the trick! Mix It Up We wanted to offer people a few options for their pudding and so opted for alternate puddings Let Them Eat Cake Add Some Fun This was a big hit at the end of the evening. It was vibrant and a great way to encourage people to enjoy more food as otherwise they might have been too busy dancing to notice! Cute Page Boy Idea We had our nephew walk down the aisle with my sister, one of the bridesmaids. Not only was it super cute, but it also created some amazing picture opportunities - which I won't share publicly to protect our nephew's privacy. Roses are Red Now I know that these rose petals aren't red but real rose petals are beautiful, sustainable and don't hard the birds... and they don't get little bits everywhere like confetti. Decorative Instructions Let's face it, people like to know what to expect from the day and where they need to be and when. So it's great to make something functional look visually appealing. A Favour? I personally don't think that wedding favours are necessary but I felt like it was expected at the time. They can be very expensive so we opted for simple lollipops with our initials, which was the cheapest option I could find and was a sweet little touch. No Guest book? I knew that a traditional guest book wasn't for us as I knew that I wouldn't spend time looking at it if we ended up putting it in a drawer somewhere. So instead I opted for a picture frame with little love hearts for our guests to write their names and any tiny messages. We've had it hanging in our bedroom ever since. Add something personal Adding a wax seal to your wedding invitation envelope is a great way to add a personal touch. You can even have your own stamp made with your initials or wedding date. Simply melt a wax stick to drip onto the envelope or use a wax gun (I find melting a wax stick easier than a wax gun as these usually need you to continue feeding wax into the gun so you end up wasting a lot of wax). You can also mix waxes more easily using wax sticks whereas a wax gun would be more tricky. Another simple idea is to line your envelopes with printed tissue paper. You could even get a special picture or something meaningful and unique to you printed on the tissue paper before sticking in the envelope. Just be sure to cut your template smaller than the envelope and taking into account the 1cm where you stick the envelope closed. My final tip here is to avoid using too much glue as this can show through the delicate tissue paper very easily so be sure to use as little glue as possible and not to glue anything until the tissue paper is in place. I hope these simple yet effective ideas have given you some inspiration to create your ideal wedding day.

I will get straight to the point... read on for the cost breakdown and the overall process for our kitchen renovation, including any pitfalls and red flags and things to avoid. Cost Breakdown This is the part that everyone wants to know! Kitchen We saved ourselves some money by choosing an online only company called Smile Kitchens, to do the whole process remotely via multiple zoom calls and emails and phone calls. They send you the samples so that you can check the quality and I can attest that the quality is amazing. The design team are experts and helped us every step of the way answering all of our questions and making what felt like hundreds of changes to the design so that we ended up with 10 separate designs. They were so patient with us and really made the whole process fun. Before I go any further, now would be a great time to share my discount code for them, which will get you the luxury design package for free and £100 off your order: lucys_hillside_house All of the information for our final kitchen is broken down here, including measurements and includes VAT so that you do not get any nasty surprises right at the end when paying the bill! Keep in mind, that some kitchen companies also do not arrange or order your worktop for you. I know people who have ordered from Howdens, for instance, and they did not realise that they were supposed to order the worktop separately from a partner company of theirs and therefore the whole kitchen installation was delayed because they suddenly had to order this worktop at the last minute. It is worth knowing when you place your order, no matter what company you go with. With Smile Kitchens, however, they organise all of this for you. Some people have expressed how surprised they are at the price of our kitchen, given the beautiful quality and how kitchens are usually very expensive. They are so surprised that we got so much for so small a price. So here I've listed a few reasons as to why Smile Kitchens are able to pass their company savings on to their customer and what you as a customer can get from working with them and choosing them. Cost effective - arrives ready assembled for less labour saving time and money. Plus money saved on overheads (no showrooms etc) is passed back to the customer through competitive pricing. Extra savings as they work with other well known brands giving you savings on appliances, lighting, tiles and paint. Beautiful quality - samples sent to you Great choice of different ranges for different styles Expert advice - they have really made the whole process enjoyable Fitter Contrary to what most people believe, most kitchen companies do not fit kitchens. They only supply the kitchens. Some kitchen brands may suggest fitters but they are completely independent and separate from the kitchen brands. In some cases, their suggestions are purely based on fitters who have signed up for their commission schemes. This means that any fitters that kitchen companies recommend are not based on their merit. They do not know them and they do not have any need to help you if something goes wrong with the fitter. Just something to be aware of! In other cases, some companies, mostly small, local, and independent companies, will do the whole process for you. They will design, order and fit your kitchen for you. To reiterate, this will most likely be the case for local companies. Not the main big companies like B&Q, Wickes, Howdens, etc. We found a fitter who was willing to do the project management for this renovation as well. This meant that he would arrange separate trades people to come around and do the electrics, plumbing, plastering, tiling, and actually fit the kitchen. As he was organising all of this, he was aware of all of the timings and dealt with all of the communication for us. Now, unfortunately, our fitter was, in short, rubbish. But if you can find a fitter to do all of this, and who is reliable, then this will save you a lot of time and stress. Obviously, every quote will be different and every project will entail different tasks and timeframes and difficulty etc, but for reference, our small kitchen of roughly 2 m x 3 m, was quoted by three different fitters for roughly £3000. We were pleased that all of the quotes came in at roughly the same amount. Here is roughly what the £3000 quote included: Fitting 2.2m x 3.2m kitchen Worktop installation (specialist) Plumbing Electrics Plastering VAT Tiling We found an amazing Tiler who gave us lots of advice and did a beautiful job. He gave us a lot of tips about tiling as well. As we had chosen a herringbone layout, using small white tiles, 5 cm x 15 cm, which is much smaller than tiles that you usually use for herringbone, he said that the tiling would take him a very long time. We had considered tiling in and around the window and having the tiles as the windowsill as well. He advised us not to do this purely because it would take him one whole day just to do a tiny window by the oven, which is about 30cm x 20cm, and he would therefore have to charge us a for a whole day for such a small area and it wasn't really worth it. That should give you a good idea of how fiddly a herringbone layout, particularly small tiles, can be when tiling. When it comes to tiling, this is definitely something to consider along with the total area to be tiled. For our kitchen, the tiling came to just under £2000, including tiling the floor and tiling the walls. The tiles themselves came to around £1000. We opted for not only beautiful tiles, but good quality tiles from the Baked Tile Company, who, again, have given me a discount code which will get you 15% off any orders above £250: FRIEND-6SVWFJ7 I would highly recommend them as a company because they also offer a free design consultation whereby they will help you choose tiles based on the design of your kitchen and you can email them any designs or pictures that you may already have so that they can get an idea of the space and what you are trying to achieve with your final design. They also calculate how many tiles that you will need to order if you just send them through your design elevations with the measurements for the whole room. In addition to all of this, they will also provide you with a layout plan for your tiler if necessary, for instance, we had one for our flooring, as we had an asymmetric layout. Appliances When I first looked into appliances, I went for the cheapest options and the total came to around £800. Then my husband pointed out that if we're going to do this for the purpose of enjoying cooking in our lovely new kitchen, then we should have appliances to match. So in the end our appliances came to around £2800. This is where you really can be thrifty. We went for brand new appliances but sometimes you can get lucky on Facebook marketplace and get nearly new appliances for next to nothing from people who just need someone to take appliances that they no longer want away for them. So shop around if you're not after specific brands or items. Breakdown Kitchen £7700 Fitting including trades people £3000 Tiling £2000 Appliances £2800 Rough Total £15,500 Now this may still sound like a lot of money but there are ways to reduce the costs such as doing the demolition, installation and painting yourself and selecting cheaper products, hardware and appliances. We could have saved ourselves around £2000 if we went for cheaper appliances for instance, so it's all a balance. All in all, make sure that you weigh up the pros and cons and run through your wishlist with your designer

Wallpaper used to be a bit of a fiddly task that created a lot of mess but with new methods and products, it can now be a fast, effective and easy way to update a room or even zone an area. Read on to learn more and follow the simple instructions to create a high impact space with minimum effort. Consider the space and if you want to draw attention to a focal point Select “paste the wall” wallpaper for ease Start left to right, unless it’s a mural that needs to be central Leave a gap a few cm less than the width of the wallpaper Use a plum line, chalk line or laser to get a straight line This helps in case the wall to the side isn’t straight Smooth the paper and trim the edges Complete the blank section Select a paint colour for the rest of the walls that matches a colour in the wallpaper This was the first time that I had ever used wallpaper. I chose wallpaper designed for pasting the wall rather than pasting the wallpaper first, which made everything so much easier than I expected. So I will definitely select this method and use “paste the wall” products in future. This is probably the easiest diy project I have done so I would recommend it if you’re unsure of where to start. It’s super quick too! Just make sure that you do your prep work too, so fill in any cracks and clean the walls first. I used as a feature wall in this bedroom, which had a lovely impact and created a focal point. The best thing to do is to compliment the paint colour for the rest of the walls by selecting a tone/colour that exists in the wallpaper so that it ties back nicely together.

Ad Disclaimer: This SNOO was gifted to me in the hope that I would post a review after using it for a few months. I have not been paid to leave a review. I do not feel it is right to accept such expensive items and not leave feedback, especially if I have found it a positive experience. Please note that if I did not feel that this was the right product to share in my posts, then I would have returned the item. As it happens, we have had a positive experience though we would not have spent the money on it ourselves. If we had a baby who wouldn't settle, we may have felt differently. All Babies Are Different As we know, all babies and parents are different. Some babies settle naturally into a sleeping routine whilst others don’t know the difference between night and day. Some babies only cry when they need to communicate whilst others cry for a multitude of reasons, perhaps even pain from colic or trapped wind. (Please note that I recognise that colic isn't a medical condition, rather a term used to describe a baby who cries for long periods without apparent cause) If you have a baby who sleeps relatively well, by which I mean can sleep for a 5 hour stretch during the night followed by a brief interlude to change their nappy and feed before going straight back to sleep again, then you might not feel the need to invest in this bassinet. If, however, like many parents, you are sleep deprived with a baby who can't settle to sleep easily or only sleeps in short bursts then you might want to consider the SNOO. Can you really put a price on a good night’s sleep when you’re sleep deprived and needing to care for a baby? Common Misconceptions About The SNOO The SNOO is a relatively new product and as such there is not a huge amount of data regarding its safety. That being said, running through each of the features, it does appear (through my research) to follow all of the safe sleep guidelines (links to trusted resources are listed at the bottom of this blog). What's more, it appears that the SNOO is used in neonatal departments in America, and has not been linked to any reported cases of injuries. When I shared this to my Instagram, however, I was told repeatedly that the SNOO is unsafe. Yet no one could explain to me why or share any information to suggest that the SNOO might be dangerous. From my research, it appears as though the SNOO is generally accepted as an amazing piece of equipment in the US. Here in the UK, where it is less widely used, there is a lot of scepticism. Rightly so when it is a new product that promises great things. The main issue that people highlighted was the straps. The SNOO has elasticated straps to keep your baby on their back. As per guidelines for sleeping, babies must be put down on their backs. I can understand why this would make people feel nervous. From my perspective, it meant that I did not have to worry about my baby rolling over onto her face and suffocating as she has not yet learned to roll onto her back. This is the purpose of the straps as keeps them on their backs as per guidelines. I also had a few 'sleep training experts' tell me off for using and recommending the SNOO though they could not explain why without simply saying that 'babies are meant to wake frequently'. Yes of course, especially newborns. Everyone has a routine for sending a baby to sleep in the first place, whether you cradle a baby in your arms for 30 mins or use the SNOO, you can still help settle them to sleep and use it to help settle them back to sleep after a night feed. That is the purpose, not to keep a baby sleeping for 10 hours straight. A baby surely wouldn't sleep for that long anyway unless they needed to. I've been very lucky to have a baby who gradually slept longer and longer during the night, sleeping for 9 hour stretches during the night from 5 months, and then 10-12 hours from 7 months, whilst other parents may take it in turns to cradle their baby throughout the night as the baby won't let them put them down. Perhaps a device like the SNOO would help in this situation so that sleep deprived parents could manage to get some sleep. My Experience As for us, we didn’t feel the need to use it at night time. I did wonder if we should use it at night when our baby was about 3 months and she started to have a go at rolling. By 4 months, she could roll over and lift her head up. Great news! The not so great news, however, was that she would get stuck face down and so I would always have to roll her over again, although, in hindsight, I didn't need to as this is perfectly normal. At the time, this left me worrying about what would happen during the night if I wasn’t watching her. With the SNOO, I wouldn't have had to worry about that. But seeing as we didn't need to use the SNOO to send her off to sleep at night, we just kept an eye on her during the night. I did make the most of all the features, ie the white noise and rocking motion, for daytime naps (I never leave her alone) as my little one used to really struggle with daytime naps. The rocking and white noise settled her to sleep and if she became a bit cranky the rocking switches to the next level and would quickly settle her again; unless of course she really was ready to get up, in which case, no amount of rocking would get a baby back to sleep. It was also reassuring knowing that we had the bassinet ready for the sleep regression that can happen at around 4 months. We were lucky that didn't happen but we were ready in case it did. At 5 months, I realised that we were going to need to transition her to her own room and so I started placing her in her crib in her room for her daytime naps, and I stayed in the room to keep an eye on her. She was very fussy to begin with but gradually she became more used to her large crib in her room. She would also roll on to her front, which made me nervous but as she got better at crawling, I realised that she was fine to roll around and she could confidently push herself up when needed. By 6 months, she was too large for the SNOO and we completely transferred her to her own crib in her own room for the whole night, not just the day time naps. She transitioned amazingly well and she was sleeping for around 9 hour stretches overnight from around 5 months. In short, the bassinet was not made for us simply because our baby slept well overall but we used it when we had trouble with day time naps. Other than that, it wasn't needed but I can fully understand the benefits to babies who struggle to settle. Keep in mind, this bassinet will not send a baby to sleep if the baby doesn't want to sleep. Nothing can do that. But for those babies who can't settle, then the SNOO may be really helpful. What's more, parents who are able to get their baby to sleep for a few hours at a time will be more alert and able to care for their child compared to a baby who only sleeps for an hour at a time. Overview Whether you want to invest in this bassinet is entirely dependent on your baby for many different reasons. One thing that may be useful to know is that there is an option to rent rather than buy. If you’re planning on having more than one child, then you might feel like it’s worth purchasing. Overall, do what you feel is right for you and your baby and ensure that you follow all guidelines and instructions when using any baby product. Additional research can be found on: Lullaby Trust NHS Tommy's