The beauty of chalk paint is that you don’t have to do any prep work. There are a number of different finishes you could apply to your piece so just go layer by layer and decide what you’re happy with as you go. You can use sandpaper or steel wool to create a more distressed look. I sanded some corners and a few of the details. It is up to you how much and where you want to add this. I have used this method on several items of furniture, including: a wardrobe, a sideboard, a corner cabinet, six chairs, a dining table, a console table, nest of tables and a fire surround. I went through a mad shabby chic phase! This look is versatile though. You can use it on any type of furniture and you can mix up the colours to suit.

The original ‘washstand’ was popular throughout the 18th century. It consisted of a wooden cupboard or set of drawers with a stone countertop. A ceramic wash basin and water pitcher sat on top and you would fill these with water when you needed to wash or shave. Nowadays, we have the luxury of plumbing, but this makes the fusion of old and new slightly more complicated. I will talk you through how I turned a bargain antique chest of drawers into a bathroom vanity unit.

We have a huge bedroom in our home so I wanted to add a creative space for myself and a studio area for Graeme’s music. The big empty wall, directly opposite the window, was just screaming for attention. So, I decided to create floor-to-ceiling shelves with a built-in desk. I knew I wanted to use reclaimed scaffolding boards and industrial pipe. I’ve used these materials several times before and they’re inexpensive and easy to work with.

We decorated the flat with the intention of staying for a long time. We also wanted to create a balance between modern living and a respect to the original features of the interior. The stained glass, fireplaces, cornicing and cast iron range were the focal points in each room, with everything else being designed around making those things sing

Before, there were no defined spaces. So, the plan was to create a specific purpose for each room, utilising the space as efficiently as possible. Although the apartment is small, it has all the essentials for modern living. This was the concept for the whole design. I kept the décor consistent throughout the flat. Blues and yellows with a mid-century modern vibe.

When Graeme and I decided to move in together we vowed not to buy the first place we viewed, but lo and behold, it happened! As soon as we walked through the door, we fell in love with the place. The purple kitchen, grim bathroom and the smell of dampness didn’t put us off. The apartment hadn’t been lived in for over a year and the renovation seemed never-ending but we eventually created a home that we can still enjoy to this day.

The kitchen has evolved over the years, it has become a natural gathering place, the hub of every party, a place to eat and cook and dance in. When I first started designing, kitchens were my least favourite space to design. When I realised the range of options and significance that kitchens have on our wellbeing, the functionality of day-to-day life and the ease of living, kitchens quickly became my favourite space to design!

If you can’t afford to replace your radiators then accessories are a great way to draw attention away from the dated radiator and focus instead on the beautiful details. It's a minor feature but it makes such an impact. It is also an easy way to make your radiators look either traditional or contemporary, depending on which look you’re trying to achieve.

Halloween is my Christmas! Growing up, the Halloween party was always at my house and I made sure my parents were sent on a weekend trip for the occasion. My dad’s OCD wouldn’t cope with all the decorations. I take a ‘go hard or go home’ approach and since 2020 is a write off, I thought I’d get my Halloween fix by re-living 2019’s celebration. I hosted a murder mystery dinner at home, including a three course meal, decorations and costumes.