I have to admit a clear-out and reorganisation at Blog HQ was a bit overdue. There were piles of old paperwork, samples and props from years of interior styling and writing for the UK press and brands. The idea of creating more of a multi-functional space that would incorporate a serene ‘room of one’s own’ was taking hold. Think Victorian day-bed for swooning after a marathon morning at the laptop. Or at least another spare bed for guests. So this summer when the temperatures were sky high, I set about transforming the smallest room in the house. And the design strategy? Well, let’s just say that it was what is now being dubbed a ‘High-Low’ approach …
Continue reading “‘High-Low’ interior design”Category: Interior design
Mottisfont National Trust house and garden
The location in Hampshire with the beautiful river Test running through it, the gardens and the ancient trees is the first thing that makes you understand why Mottisfont evolved from a priory in 1201 to a country house 800 years later. It attracted society hostess and arts patron, Maud Russell (1891-1982) and her husband to buy it in 1934. Maud surrounded herself with a group of bohemian artists and authors, many of whom had been dubbed the “Bright Young Things” in the interwar years. Maud commissioned the society artist Rex Whistler to decorate the drawing room with tromp l’oeil. This is such a poignant room not only for its beauty but because Rex Whistler completed it just before he died during active service in 1944.
Continue reading “Mottisfont National Trust house and garden”White Door Brocante at West Green House gardens 23 April 2026
After what has seemed like one of the wettest, light-deprived winters on record, the next White Door Brocante at West Green House gardens on Thursday 23rd April 2026 in North Hampshire promises once again to weave its Spring magic. I am looking forward to seeing a fresh crop of expertly curated vintage and antiques against the backdrop of an English manor house garden.
Continue reading “White Door Brocante at West Green House gardens 23 April 2026”Old school style isn’t just for Christmas
It really couldn’t be a better Christmas present with which to end the blog year! British heritage and humour are back on the ‘old school’ timetable. And this year, there is even more to enjoy, thanks to some brilliant home-grown talent and a host of exciting new ‘col-abs’. From Scottish baronial style to the influence of old school tailoring, the blog discovers there are some crackers that aren’t just for Christmas.
Continue reading “Old school style isn’t just for Christmas”Close-ups from London Design Social
Last night, a dinner took place in Chelsea between US and UK/Europe luxury interiors, textile and fabric brands before a two-day, US-organised London Design Social pop-up, sponsored by Farrow & Ball at Chelsea Town Hall in London. By all accounts entente at the dinner (and really not at all surprising!) was extremely cordiale in the world of interiors. And as for interior journalists and the interior design community, the colour palettes, designs and styling ideas on display today have been more than a little inspiring. Here are just a few design and people close-ups of what caught my eye today …
Continue reading “Close-ups from London Design Social”Heritage style with a twist
Heritage interior style with its old school sustainable approach to interiors is a perennial favourite here at blog HQ. At its core, it encompasses an appreciation of traditional craftsmanship and design history. Not only am I drawn to the work of some top interior designers who do this look so well but also by some new ingredients that are giving it a 21st-century twist.
Continue reading “Heritage style with a twist”Crathes Castle in the Scottish Highlands
Welcome to 16th century Crathes Castle in Aberdeenshire. If you are curious about the heritage of Scottish tower houses, passionate about topiary and painted ceilings inspired by the Renaissance, you won’t be disappointed. My anticipation for coming across something special at Crathes was piqued further when an American tourist commented that the gardens at Crathes Castle “were way better” than the gardens he had just visited at *Balmoral.
Continue reading “Crathes Castle in the Scottish Highlands”Cornish coastal style
A spring tide brings an early promise of summer and with it, a sea spray of Cornish coastal style. If you have read my blog before, you will know that it’s this time of year when the blog becomes powerless to the tidal charms of coastal interior design. With inspiration from textile and interior designers, from 20th century artists and from quirky landmark architecture, the blog has succumbed once again to the beauty of the British coastline …
Continue reading “Cornish coastal style”The White Door Brocante at West Green House Gardens, 24 April 2025
There are all sorts of ways to source vintage and antiques. But making a day of it in the walled garden of an 18th century manor house has to be one of the most enjoyable ways to go shopping. Elise McGreevy-Harris’ next White Door Brocante will be taking place on Thursday 24 April 2025 in the romantic wisteria-clad greenhouses and orchard at West Green House Gardens in North Hampshire. Spring should be in full swing by then – just the ticket for a good day out!
Continue reading “The White Door Brocante at West Green House Gardens, 24 April 2025”Fisher London’s new antique shop
What an uplifting way to start the New Year, with a visit to Hilary Fisher’s new antiques shop in Bloomsbury. From the pavement, you cannot fail to appreciate its elegant columned window or be energised by its tangerine orange backdrop. The effect is both stylishly confident and inviting. No need for expensive agency rebrands here. Fisher London, with its striking brand colours and ‘uncommonly good antiques’ tagline, has got this. And I can’t wait to share with you, what’s in store …
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