Lockdown Confessions

As I sorted the edge pieces from the middle bits for my latest jigsaw puzzle, it dawned on me that I have been keeping a secret, these past few years.

Interiors | Pine table makeover

Anyone else find themselves drawn to happy, zoning-out activities like painting, crochet and jigsaw puzzles right now? With lockdown in full force, my favourite thing to do these past couple of weeks has been working on an old, nineties, orange pine table. Read on for some before and after shots, detailing how this chalk paint makeover happened and exactly how quick and easy it was to achieve.

Interiors | Retro bathroom basins & sinks

Instagram is a dangerous app. For a while now, sponsored posts have been popping up on my feed and our house feed. The algorithm has me all figured out, especially when it comes to bathrooms. The first time I saw this Smithfield Basin from Claybrook Studio, I was smitten.

Interiors | Crittall-style steel windows and doors buyers guide

If you've been anywhere near Pinterest or Instagram recently, you'll know that the number one must-have design feature right now is the Crittall-style steel door. Where we all once wanted a giant bi-fold or sliding door, with as much glass as possible for the most unobstructed view, glazing bars have become fashionable once again.

House Renovation 2020 has begun!

A couple of months ago, we exchanged on our new house in Bristol. But we didn't move in. The house we bought is uninhabitable. It has no central heating or gas supply. It's a proper doer-upper. And today, the builders have begun!

Some thoughts on the 2019 General Election results

'Voting is your values in action' - I read that quote last Thursday and felt optimistic that we were on the cusp of a shift towards something more in keeping with my values. I thought the pendulum had swung as far to the right as it could, and we were heading back in the other direction. Waking up on Friday morning I felt angry, fearful and sad, but mainly incredulous. How can people have voted for hate, for greed, for a manifesto that is not in their interests? And in such numbers?

9 Ways To Stay Warm Without Putting On The Central Heating

Toast House & Home Winter collection

We’re part-way into November, the mercury is in single figures, and us freelance work-from-homers are feeling the chill. I have my own ways of keeping the heating off while remaining alive through the winter months, and I thought it might be worth sharing my tips here.