Do exactly what you want to do
Don’t worry about fashion or about what anyone else might think.
Do play with scale
If the architectural mouldings are not original we tend to beef up what might have existed, and we do the same with furniture. Size matters.
If you're using a decorator…
…take their advice.
Don’t use Instagram as your sole source of inspiration
If you’re stuck for what to do, get offline and take a day on your own to wander around galleries or walk in the country.
Always light a room from the ground up
We rarely use spot lights and ALWAYS allow for candles, particularly in bathrooms.
Do experiment with different strengths of the same colour
I often use half strength of a wall colour on the mouldings and ceiling…or… the other way around
Do be sentimental…
…especially when it comes to family furniture or hideous trinkets.
Do scour charity shops
They're great places to find vintage decorating books and magazines.
Do make clever use of mirrors
I love putting open bookcases against sheet mirror walls in dark rooms for unexpected sparkles and glimpses.
Don't use glass-topped dining tables
I'm phobic about them. I don’t like the sound of them or seeing my friends' knees, even if they are nice knees.
Do always buy something old that speaks to you
You don’t need another pair of sneakers, you’ve got too many clothes already.
Don’t EVER put loudspeakers in the ceiling…
Full stop.
