‘High-Low’ interior design

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” →

Secret garden follies

In an unpredictable world, what better escape room to retreat to this summer than the whimsy of an off-grid garden folly? Whilst they lack (by design) the practicality of a garden office, follies offer a most welcome and decorative escape from the everyday. A beautiful garden structure with no other purpose than to delight, a folly might just be the aesthetic we need in 2026.

Continue reading “Secret garden follies” →

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” →

Town and country life in Reading

Reading isn’t just the Berkshire town that has missed out (4 times) on being awarded city status. Renowned for its annual music festival and IT industry, Reading was where Oscar Wilde was famously incarcerated but is perhaps less well known for its new film studios and connection to King Henry I? It is as a desirable place to live though that is maybe what makes Reading one of the UK’s best-kept secrets.

Continue reading “Town and country life in Reading” →

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” →

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 …

Continue reading “Fisher London’s new antique shop” →

Interior design directions 2025

A very Happy New Year to you. I hope you had a restful and peaceful Christmas. As is the blog’s tradition, this is the day that I share patterns of interior design directions that have caught my eye for 2025. This year, heritage design, along with bucolic evocations of the countryside, are top stories for interiors. From designer high street collaborations to independent designers and a burgeoning wealth of influential vintage and antique dealers, 2025 is shaping up nicely.

Continue reading “Interior design directions 2025” →

Vintage Christmas decorating ideas 2024

There’s still just about enough time left to decorate before Christmas! From wallpapering or at least using some leftover pieces for wrapping presents to selecting a piece of gorgeous interiors fabric for a tablecloth. To inspire you, here are some vintage Christmas decorating ideas from Christmas present, but also a few favourites from this blog’s Christmas past.

Continue reading “Vintage Christmas decorating ideas 2024” →