Like many clients, I had to be smart about where to save and where to splurge. I invested in key pieces that I absolutely love. In my daughter’s bedroom, I used a beautifully bold Décor Barbares fabric on her chair and in my son’s room, I upholstered another chair in a joyful Ottoline fabric. My hope is they’ll take these with them one day - pieces filled with love and memory.

For the curtains, I chose affordable plains, checks and stripes - stretching the budget while still creating a cohesive look. Thoughtful design doesn’t need to cost the earth, it just needs heart.

Practicality was essential - I needed fabrics that could withstand the realities of family life while still offering a timeless, classic feel. I played with colour, trims, and details to give everything a personal, layered touch. The goal was to create a colourful, lived-in home that felt warm, relaxed and uniquely ours - creating a space that truly works for us as a family.

I wanted it to feel instantly welcoming - from the moment someone walks through the front door. I want them to feel at ease, uplifted by colour and greeted by comfort. Every detail was considered: a place to sit, somewhere to hang your coat, even a corner to curl up with a book with some tribal cushions and fabric. It’s a lived-in space designed with intention.

In other rooms, I let my imagination run wild. I chose a chartreuse green (a colour you won’t find on Pinterest boards) to spark creativity and cast lasting memories for my children. I wanted a home that was ours, not a copy of someone else’s. A home that transcends trends and would stand the test of time.

Then there’s the drawing room, our "no toys allowed" zone. It’s a grown-up space where we can enjoy a quiet moment (or a loud one if we want!!), away from the chaos of family life. A room to pour a glass of wine, unwind and let our hair down. And a perfect place to collect all of my favourite vintage textiles together: using kanthas and suzanis on the sofas and ottoman, filling seats with feather cushions made from the wonderful fabric I collect on my travels, and creating a warm glow with the gathered sari lampshades.

It’s safe to say this project has no end date! Much to my husband’s frustration, I am always decorating or rejigging things….it’s just in my nature. Our home evolves constantly and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I am always adding new pieces to the walls, especially when I find new vintage suzanis that just finish a room perfectly!

One of the best things about this house is that we didn’t have to do major work - it already had great bones. We simply added a couple of showers and built a stud wall in a room that had doors at either end, dividing it into two smaller bedrooms for the children. Small changes with a big impact.

Styling-wise, I wanted the home to feel like a living portfolio, a space where I could play with ideas and showcase our creativity. I experimented with different styles of curtains, blinds and upholstery, adding personality through ruffles, trims and fabric choices. The blind in my daughter’s room, with its playful ruffle, still makes me smile.

The biggest challenge? Time. I made all the soft furnishings and upholstery myself - when I was a one man band, while still working on other client projects. It was a labour of love and a real juggling act but in many ways, this home project catapulted my business forward. It became a visual calling card, landed me in a magazine and helped establish my brand. I’ll always be grateful for it.

If I had to pick a favourite space, it would be our bedroom……hands down. It’s by far the largest room upstairs and I spend a lot of time there. I really went all out: a down topper on the mattress, feather duvet and pillows - my husband says it’s like sleeping on a cloud. I’d genuinely choose it over a five-star hotel any day.  I used calming greens in all my favourite fabrics, layered with a suzani throw for extra texture and charm. We added a bed canopy for that soft touch of luxury and finished the space with a Moroccan rug and sheepskin hide underfoot for comfort. It’s my absolute haven, a space that brings me peace and joy every single day.