Words come and go. But they also move along. A recent discussion with a client made me realise how interiors are full of them. We have our own set of acronyms and jargon, our own set of 'verbs' and 'nouns' and word associations. But as acronyms become words and words become names it gets very confusing, and it effects how we communicate. When communicating about what you want or need in a space, it's really essential to say what you mean.
Read moreReturn, only if you yearn
Have you ever seen something you've absolutely loved? Then walk away. I've been applying the 'yearn' principle for many years, and it seems others do too. What is interesting though, is that I struggle to remember what some of these items were months later. What felt like a case of life and death purchase, has now completely slipped me by. I've learnt I'm part of a No to FOMO movement. Who knew? Are you?
Read moreToilets - Location Location Location
Before the turn of the 20th century many didn't have a bathroom. Many didn't even have an indoor toilet. Since then the modern bathroom has evolved from being an innovation for the elite into a universal domestic fixture. What's interesting is how the location of the toilet has evolved. What was once all alone down the garden has moved and multiplied. The key question is, where will they go next?
Read moreHow Much Design is Enough?
Whilst designing my own brand new kitchen I stumbled up on a design quandry. When to stop. This kitchen isn't my first ever kitchen. I've moved into rentals and owned two other homes, all having ready to use kitchens. Ones that I hadn't designed or planned. Yet I don't remember anything bad about these kitchens. It made me question just how much detail do you really need to consider when you're designing from scratch. What is, or when is it, enough?
Read moreInterior Turnover - Are we at risk of losing memory cues?
Over the last few weeks I've grown to realise how much everyday household items and spaces play a huge role in creating memories. As we alter and update our interior so regularly do we risk loosing the opportunity to create memories?
Read moreDo We Take Interiors Too Seriously?
After a recent trip to the roller rink, I've been wondering if adults are too serious too often. Do interiors fall into the 'serious' category and should they? Why are we so afraid to stand out and have a bit of a laugh by giving something different a go? As I have pondered seriousness in relation to interiors and our homes, I realised that I could be potentially thinking, and now writing, myself out of work! Gulp. Read on....
Read moreAgonising Decisions Be Gone →
I know procrastination makes me very efficient. If you leave, or give, yourself a minimal amount of time to undertake a task, you will get it done. The same can be applied to decision making. Yes there's a lot of choices out there, but making a decision doesn't need to be hard. You can make quick, yet great, decisions. The problem is the word "Right" that keeps popping up. What is right?
Read morePester Power - Teaching Positive Purchasing Habits
For me one of the worst things about school holidays is having to take the kids to the shops and the pestering that comes with it. You know the "Mum! MUM! MUUUUUM!!! Can I have....." But one year on from launching the Opp Shop Challenge for my kids, the penny is finally starting to drop.
Read moreThe Difference Between a Cat and a Couch →
The annual trip to the Vet made me question why we spend money to fix something over just writing it off.
Read moreNew Technologies - Moving Towards Smart Homes →
Automating the home isn't anything new. It's been going on for decades. With every invention or advancement, we claw some time and ease our living. How much of your time is saved with the appliances? How is it going to be saved in the future.
Read moreNew Technologies - 3D Printing Homewares →
You can't ignore technology. It's everywhere. And more importantly it's changing the way we do every single thing. Probably exponentially. The rise of 3D printing is affecting interior design and it's set to pick up pace in the future.
Read moreFaking it - Before your very eyes →
I've been thinking about 'faking it' in terms of the Interior Design & Decorating sector. I see it everywhere in a multitude of ways. This blog touches on faking it in the media and how we are effected by what we see.
Read moreFaking it - The Rise of Replicas
The interior decorating sector is faking it big style. Faking it in the media, faking it with materials and faking it with replicas. This looks at the rise of the replica and discussed the effects on the industry & the planet. Is it OK to fake it?
Read moreFaking It - Is it OK?
Kick off a "Faking It" series, this blog looks at faking materials, lining and fabrics within interiors. Materials that are pretending to be another material are everywhere. But is it OK to Fake it?
Read moreForced Design Eras - Design Styles to the Rescue - A Loop! →
By following interior fashions you are instantly caught in a trap of needing to update your space(s) as fashions fade. But theres always been an interior fashion, or style, so to speak, for centuries. So why is it a problem now? Is it a problem? If so, what's the answer?
Read moreSimply too much stuff! →
An embarrassing story about my owns child ability to live in grot. This blogs flits over the impact this has on her and us as a family. Each room in the house is part of a bigger picture. It ended happily. But do you think it was long term?
Read moreTunnel Vision →
In the words of my architect "People find materials boring. But on a journey through the Burnley Tunnel I could think of nothing else. Did the Head Engineers have the best credentials on this vast project and had he chosen the best material for the job? Did I make it out the other side?
Read moreThe Smallest Room in the house..... →
You are a target audience in your own home. The toilet or washroom might be the smallest room in the house, but it's the one that has most of your undivided attention. Oh No!
Read moreInterior Decorating - An oxymoron
Interior decorating couldn’t be any easier right now. It couldn’t be any harder either. It’s a quandary. It’s an oxymoron.
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