I have two sets of friends each with four children – yes that is eight offspring between them.  These youngsters are all similar ages and the elest pairs of each are finisbing uni this year and the next set down strt their final years etc.  so we will have the excitement of several young folkContinue Reading When The Empty Nest Starts Refilling Again

It’s quite wonderful how a change of colour palette and one or two new soft furnishing updates can really make a room feel completely new and fresh.  The last few years have been rather drab for my liking.  Maybe it has something to do with the economic woes of this country and most of theContinue Reading Changing Up A Colourful Gear Raises Spirits

When you help out at a historic house, whatever size or importance, there will always be one person who shows their enthusiasm more than others in a group.  I was working with a chap who spreads his favours far and wide.  He belongs to the two major heritage fund raising charities as a steward andContinue Reading Volunteer One Upmanship Takes A Grip

There’s a nice small heritage property that I have recently taken to volunteering at.  Not huge in terms of rooms to wander round.  None of this green bedroom, yellow drawing room nonsense that bores in the bigger houses.  My little wonder is only from the early 1730s, replacing a larger tudor built manorial pile.  althoughContinue Reading Keeping Stately Home Ticking Rather Than Kicking

Time for collecting up the paint sample pots and fabric swatches always seems to fall between the search for perfect mothering sunday gifts and the search for the best value easter eggs.  This time of year is so invigorating and life affirming.  We have just sat through a seriously grim January and February, then thinkingContinue Reading Get Decorating To Kick Winter Blues Into Touch

I often look round my rather empty, spacious executive detached house and think I ought to have the kitchen remodelled and maybe do something about the small bathroom.  These ideas have been welling up every few months for some time.  Usually when I have family over and realise what a daft design my kitchen is,Continue Reading Remodelling Kitchen & Bathroom Needs Action

I have been the owner and resident of this house since early 2000s and when it was brand new, everything was so exciting – the smell of a brand new home when you move in is irreplaceable.  This one had luscious heavy grade carpet throughout – this being one of the sales incentives, if weContinue Reading Refit Needed To Bring Back Modern Living

I have taken to looking at lots and lots of magazine on a new online gizmo that I saw advertised.  I cannot believe how fantastic this idea is – so many publications in front of my very eyes.  There seems to be a limit of 6 months back issues available per magazine, but even so,Continue Reading Inspiration From Homestyle Magazines Really Counts

I had my whole house decorated completely throughout from top to bottom a couple of years ago.  A friend in cyprus has made friends with the most obliging and useful painter and decorator.  When she said he was coming over to the UK to visit family and do one or two favours for them, IContinue Reading Livin-In Decorator Was An Inspired Choice