We love beautifully crafted built-in joinery where it suits, but freestanding pieces bring character and flexibility. In a guest bedroom, a lovely antique linen press often feels more interesting - and can be more cost-effective - than a standard built-in wardrobe. Plus, you can take it with you if you move. The same goes for kitchens. Not every inch needs to be built-in; mix in dressers, draper’s tables, or buffets in worn characterful patinas and wood tones to complement painted finishes and add personality.
If you find a good collection, making them into cushions or window treatments is a cost-effective way to create a layered look. We’re particularly fond of old needlepoint cushions and French monogram linen hand towels - both excellent value second hand and perfect for bringing a natural element to a guest bathroom.
If you see a painting, antique or cushion that speaks to you, worry about where to put it later. Filling your home with pieces you love is never a bad idea, we always love a house with a bit of collected character, and not everything has to match.
Many new frames can feel too shiny or overly modern, especially when aiming for a more traditional or worn-in look. Keep an eye out while browsing your favourite antiques arcade or junk shop, they’re often hiding in plain sight, overlooked because they’re housing a dodgy photo or print and do look at the frame itself. A not-so-lovely painting might be sitting in a beautifully aged frame in an auction. It’s a great way to snag a bargain and you can always swap in something you love, commission a piece, or add a slip mount. We often buy things just for the frame!
There are plenty of colours to choose from, and the bright white your plumber reaches for by default may not give you the look you’re after. Always compare grout samples against your tile and wall colours and make sure your choice is included in the spec. And wherever possible, keep those grout lines tight!
When updating areas of the home that are short on natural light, it’s often the first thing we look to improve. Glazed doors and decorative fanlights can work wonders in darker corridors, helping to bounce light through the space. Don’t forget wall lights and picture lights either, especially useful in tighter spots where floor or table lamps won’t work.
It’s your house - you want to walk in after a long day and feel calm and at ease. Try to resist the urge to ask every visitor, neighbour, or even the postman for their opinion on paint samples or fabric swatches. Instead, tune in to what feels right for you. If you want a second opinion, ask a professional or someone whose style you truly trust and admire… and tune out the rest.
Interiors are like paintings - everyone has their own take and preference. We’d even suggest stepping back from Instagram now and then. A flood of trends and ideas can be overwhelming and unhelpful. When working on new projects we try to avoid too much social media and instead return to favourite books or inspiration from our travels, things that feel lasting and personal, not fleeting.
While task lighting has its place, too many can make a room feel cold and uninviting. Certain builders and kitchen companies tend to go a bit heavy on them, but we usually suggest dialling things back a little to make the space feel more welcoming. Do use table lamps to create a warm, ambient feel. They add softness and flexibility throughout the day and year, all without complicated or costly installations.
It's tempting to fix every uneven ceiling or floorboard, but these signs of age reflect the home's history. They show how the house has evolved through generations. Rather than erase these details, embrace them - they give the home its unique story and character.
We don’t limit ourselves to paintings. We’re always on the lookout for interesting artefacts, textile fragments, embroideries, flags, sketches, old signs, and sculptures. We trust our instincts and don’t take things too seriously. Having fun with the pieces is a big part of what we do. Sourcing these finds, whether through rabbit hole internet searches, online auctions, French markets, junk shops, or visits to favourite dealers, is a real joy and something we spend much of our free time doing. The best advice? Buy what you love. Collect pieces on your travels so they carry extra meaning. Not everything needs to be a show stopper. Mixing sizes, textures, and styles creates the most interesting effect.
If you’ve got little ones - two- or four-legged - we’re not big fans of formal rooms that are off-limits to them. In reality, these spaces often go unused, and trying to keep muddy paws or sticky fingers out just adds stress. A home should be for living in and enjoying.
While the kids are small, be practical: now might not be the time for expensive rugs or pale linens. Distressed furniture, busy patterns, and loose covers you can dry-clean are your friends. We’ve also become quite fond of using outdoor performance fabrics in high-traffic areas — they’re brilliantly scrubbable and much softer than they used to be. And for naughty doggies we swear by our steam carpet vacuum cleaner. It works a treat on upholstery too.
It can transform the atmosphere in newer spaces or rooms that feel a bit flat. Elements like panelling, well-proportioned architraves, cornices and generous skirting boards help anchor a space and give it a sense of permanence. Keep it simple, but don’t skip the detail - it adds depth, interest, and a more finished feel.
