So first of all, I must apologise for the radio silence around here for the last week. I was hit by a nasty bug that pretty much just wiped me out for the best part of a week. I’m still not well, mind you, but at least I am out of bed and mostly functioning like a human being again. I will say, however, I’m super behind on pretty much everything so apologies if you’ve emailed or sent me a message on social media lately and I haven’t responded. I’m still working through my emails but on social, I tried to get through as many as I could but there were literally hundreds and hundreds of notifications and I simply couldn’t get through them all. If I’ve missed something important, please just use my contact form above and I’ll try to get back to you! An unplanned week off has just thrown my whole schedule out of wack so apologies for that. 

Speaking of out of wack schedules, I realise early February is probably far too late to do a little roundup for 2017. But nonetheless, I was hoping you’d allow me to do a little look back anyway. I’ve been quite focussed on what I have in my home lately. This is clearly due to the fact that at some point soon, we’ll be packing it all up and moving it to a new location. For those wondering, nope, we haven’t moved yet. I will address this in a future post (I have a feeling a lot of my readers abroad are totally confused by why it’s all taking so long while many of my UK readers will be more familiar with the process) but for now, let’s just say we are playing the waiting game. Lots and lots of waiting. Hopefully soon though.

Anyway, back to the subject at hand – I was thinking of all the things I ended up getting rid of both when we decluttered the house and also when we did a huge clearout of our loft space. I had so many items that I no longer loved, that just didn’t suit my style at all anymore or that simply no longer spoke to me. Many of the items I ended up giving away (in fact, I have another pile in my office that needs to be dropped off for charity) but there have been plenty of items that I continue to love hard.

vintage chest of drawers in black bedroom with gallery wall

Vintage chest of drawers? Coming with us.

When I announced we were moving, I had quite a lot of messages saying to me, ‘Oh it’s a shame you’ll have to leave all your lighting behind when you move!’ or ‘The people who buy your home are going to love [insert name of major piece of furniture here] when you move!’ and all I can think is, ‘Girl, that stuff is coming with me! There’s no way I’d leave that!’ After all, the house is being sold – not all the furniture within it. I’ve also had people ask if we were just going to sell everything inside the house and start from scratch. While this sounds like a rather lovely idea, erm… dudes. I’m not rich here. As nice as that idea sounds, I can’t afford to take a hit like that just letting everything in my house go and having to buy everything all over again straight away. Do you have any idea how expensive Stamp Duty is?! So, yeah, sorry. That’s not happening!

kitchen with gold sink and tap

Kitchen fixtures and fittings like the gold sink and tap? Yes, that’s all staying.

We will indeed be taking almost everything with us when we go. I mean, we’re not ripping out the kitchen or anything but lighting, furniture, accessories – I’m absolutely going to re-use these things in the new home if I can. I’ve been spending quite a lot of time looking at measurements and trying to decide which furniture will work best in which room. The nice thing is, a lot of my stuff flows together fairly well so mixing and matching will definitely happen. I don’t intend to just plonk up a room in its entirety and place it in the next house as is so hopefully, with a change in context, items will feel and look a little different. At least that’s the plan!

So I wanted to talk about some of the purchases or gifts I received over the last year for my home that I absolutely love. The items that I can’t wait to move into the next house and continue to enjoy. It was hard to put this list together because I get a lot of items for my home over the course of the year but these are my top 5.

The Vintage 70s Glass & Brass Shelving Unit

1970s vintage brass and glass shelving unit

Oh, how I love this piece. It was a gift from the lovely Nadia of Preciously Me after I’d been looking for one like this for years. Yes, years. That’s how hard they are to come by (well, at least if you don’t want to spend £5k on one) and so I could hardly believe my luck when Nadia said she didn’t really need it anymore in her own home and asked if I’d like it for my own.

Brass and Glass Shelving Unit

For now, it lives in my office, however, when we move, I’d love to see it in a room where it gets a bit more of a starring role. I’m thinking perhaps the future living room may be a more appropriate spot for it.

The Ziggy Sideboard from Swoon Editions

Ziggy Gold Sideboard from Swoon Editions

I hesitated to order this one for the Glam Cave. Not only was it pretty pricey, the waiting time for it was months (I think I placed my order in April and it finally arrived the tail end of August) but my goodness, was the wait worthwhile. It really added such a touch of glamour to this space and the glow that those beautiful gold doors give takes this whole space to the next level.

Gold Swoon Editions Ziggy Sideboard with Made chair

As we won’t have a snug when we first move in (we will have an unfinished cellar but that will be a project that’s probably at least a few years’ away), then I think it’ll probably be best placed once again in the living room. I’d love to see it really shine in one of the main rooms in our home.

The Domino Mirror Tray by Sweet Pea & Willow

coffee table styling with black and white tray

This was sent as a PR gift from Sweetpea & Willow and honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more beautiful tray in all of my life. I was utterly gobsmacked when I unwrapped this one because I don’t know if a brand has ever got my style quite so bang on as they did when I was sent this beauty. It’s been used in both the dining room as well as the living room – currently, it’s right at home on my coffee table – and while I don’t know exactly where it’ll end up when we move, it’s one that will likely be the first of the accessories to be unpacked.

black gold and white tray with vintage glasses

It’s such a versatile piece and while it’s not exactly cheap and cheerful, a piece like this is absolutely guaranteed to be a talking point in any room. It’s incredibly heavy and beautifully designed and in my eyes, the kind of investment piece you’ll love for years to come.

The Portside Outdoor Sofa from West Elm

garden patio design with grey sofa and gold accents

This was part of a collaboration I did with West Elm on our back garden makeover but we got so much enjoyable use out of this over the warmer months. It didn’t really matter whether the sun was in or out – if it was dry and the temperatures were moderately warm, this outdoor sofa became our chosen spot to hang out after the working day with a cold beer. It is so incredibly comfortable and totally changed the way (and amount) we used our outdoor space. Sadly, it’s not currently in stock but keep an eye out in the next few months as they add back their Garden Furniture.

West Elm Garden Furniture

I would not have considered previously investing in good quality outdoor furniture in the past, simply because I thought it wouldn’t get enough use with our rainy climate, but we really did get so much enjoyment out of having this. Of course, it’s coming with us and I can’t wait to set it up in a sunny spot in our new back garden.

My Bespoke Marble and Brass Dining Room Table

dining room table with brass base and marble top

And finally, after endless searching, I decided I simply couldn’t find what I wanted in terms of a dining room table. And so – not for the first time – I decided to go bespoke. The table base was commissioned from Refunk’d and the marble top was provided by Andy Thornton. I couldn’t be happier with the finished result. It really is my dream table. The chairs, on the other hand, I’ve now had for many years so perhaps it’s time for a change there? I suppose we’ll have to wait and see!

It’s funny that nearly all the items I chose are from my three always-used and always-loved neutrals: black, white and gold. There’s definitely a reoccurring theme here. With a new house to look forward to and rooms to fill, I imagine there will be a few more purchases when we finally get in there.

In the meantime, are there any favourites from what I chose today? And I’d love to know – what were your top purchases or gift for your home last year?


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Swoon Worthy
vintage chest of drawers in black bedroom with gallery wall
kitchen with gold sink and tap
1970s vintage brass and glass shelving unit
Brass and Glass Shelving Unit
Ziggy Gold Sideboard from Swoon Editions
Gold Swoon Editions Ziggy Sideboard with Made chair
coffee table styling with black and white tray
black gold and white tray with vintage glasses
garden patio design with grey sofa and gold accents
West Elm Garden Furniture
dining room table with brass base and marble top
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Ad (Press Sample) There are few kitchen products that are considered absolute classics but there is one that I have lusted after for YEARS and that is the utterly iconic @lecreusetuk large casserole pot. 🤩

For nearly a century, Le Creuset has been trusted for its superior performance, lasting quality and iconic design and the enamelled cast iron allows incredible versatility - not only can you use it with just about any heat source (from induction, glass, electric etc), you can also do everything from stir-fry to slow cooking to baking a cake in it and more. 

So, imagine my delight when Le Creuset got in touch to ask if I'd like to shoot their brand new colourway 🍑 Pêche 🍑 in my kitchen. I mean, there couldn't be a more perfect colour match with that juicy coral shade which if you've followed my account for any length of time, you'll know is one of my all-time favourites (not to mention that beautiful soft gold knob! 😍). The matching petite casserole dish and mugs are the perfect companions but you could easily mix and match this colourway with Le Creuset's other designs (Might I suggest the Sea Salt, a soft blue-green which would be gorgeous with Pêche). This new juicy summer shade is currently available exclusively at Le Creuset Official. I'd love to know which colourway is your favourite in the range?

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My little neglected makeup/dressing room has had a glow up 🥰

#swoonworthy #beforeandafter #dressingroom #makeupvanity #closetgoals
My new rug can't compete with that belly.

Rug is from @laredoute_uk (not an ad) not that anyone cares 😅

#kitchendesign
I've really loved making these pretty reusable Christmas crackers! I'm still in the process of finding cute bits for filling them but they'll definitely be a centrepiece for my table this year!🎄💕

Suggestions for what to fill them with coming soon!

(By the way, I'm not a skilled seamstress so I'm sure my techniques can be improved but just sharing what worked for me 🤗😅)

Let me know if this is something you'd try? ❤️

#swoonworthy #christmasdecor #christmascraft #diychristmas #diycrafts #easysewingproject
On 22 October 2022, I married my best friend! I can't believe it's been a whole year (and one day) I've been calling @2nilup my husband 🥰 We've been together for 15 years now and I simply can't and wouldn't want to imagine my life without him ❤️ 

#youandmeagainsttheworld #2222 

Photography: @violajayphotography 
Flowers: @primroseavenuefloral 
Dress: @camillawithlove
DIY REFILLABLE CHRISTMAS CRACKERS 🎄🎉

I've been thinking about making refillable crackers for so many years now - I just hate the waste the disposal ones create! So I'm so excited I've finally gotten around to starting this project!

I will be sharing more details on how to make them as well as ideas for what to fill them with too so stay tuned for more but in the meantime, what do you think? 

#swoonworthy #diychristmas #christmasdecor #christmascraft #easysewingproject #sustainableliving #ecofriendlyliving
Just wanted to introduce my latest plant baby in my dining room 🪴

It's from @botanique_shrewsbury and it's a Peparomia (I am probably pronouncing it wrong, I keep wanting to say
GUEST BEDROOM REVEAL 🌟

I decided on a whim, 2 weeks before we were expecting visiting family, that our guest bedroom was in desperate need of a refresh.

Well there's nothing like an impending deadline to light a 🔥 under my 🍑 and I managed to clear out the clutter, repaint the woodwork, ceilings and walls and hang wallpaper as well as restyle the room in one week 😅 (Meisha was zero help 😼)

I'm calling it Boho Vintage Victorian Grandma 😆

This wasn't sponsored in any way but the wallpaper and bedding is from @lauraashleyuk and the paint is @earthbornpaints Peach Baby - everything else I already had!

What do you think of the new look? ❤️

#bedroombeforeandafter #guestroom
#bedroommakeover
#beforeandafter
#bedroomdecor #cottagecore #vintagestyle #victorianhouse #ihavethisthingwithpink #bengalsofinstagram
🔥JOIN US ROUND THE FIRE PIT! 🔥

ad | One of my favorite things to do in summer is sit around the fire pit in the evenings with a cold beer 🍻 There's just something incredibly relaxing watching those flames and embers crackle, warming yourself up and taking the edge off falling temperatures as the sun sets!

Thanks to @homefireuk they've made the whole process incredibly easy and enjoyable with their Handy Firepit Bundle which include 2 bags of kindling, 2 bags of natural firestarters and 3 large bags of kiln-dried logs 🪵 for a really great price! 

No more standing around waiting for things to light properly or billowing smoke from wet wood, everything burns beautifully! ☺️ We literally sat around this for hours as the logs last so long, long after the sun set, just chatting and enjoying ourselves! 🥰🍻🔥

Do you love a good firepit in the summer?

#homefire #readytoburn #smokelessbyhomefire #heartofyourhome #logsbyhomefire #summerideas #firepit #gardenideas
San Sebastian photo dump - just a tiny selection 😄

We have had such a fabulous holiday to Basque Country - our first 4 days spent in the beautiful city of San Sebastian, land of pintxos, stunning architecture and some damn good wine.

#sansebastian #travelgram #photodump
A little kitchen reshuffle today so I thought I'd share 🥰

It's been 4 years since we created this space and it's still one of my favourites ♥️

#kitchendesign #kitchendecor #kitcheninspiration #kitchenideas #openshelvingkitchen #kitchenstyling
Ad 🩷 Before and after Deck makeover! 🩷

This little decked patio was looking worse for wear after a wet winter but @frenchicpaint came to the rescue with their beautiful Dusty Blush Alfresco Paint, perfect for all your outdoor projects!

The deck has been a few colours over the past few years but this is definitely the most fun and gives the whole space such a tropical vibe - even in Shrewsbury! 🏝️ 🦩🍹😄

The paint has incredible coverage and was so nice to use - I loved the tools they provided too, especially the oval brush which got into all the nooks and crannies easily!

Let me know what you think of the new colour! 

#frenchicpaint #beforeandafter #deckmakeover #gardeninspiration #gardeninspo #outdoorproject
So on a whim I decided to paint the bedroom pink yesterday 😅🩷

This room has been neglected for so long as I've wanted to fully redecorate for about 3 years now but there are always other bigger priorities or a lack of time/energy/money so I keep putting it off 🙃🙃🙃 (tell me I'm not the only one) but happily this didn't cost a penny as I used what I already had although it did take me the best part of a day!

I went through my paint stash and found that I had extra @coatpaints Percy from when I did the living room early last year -- well I'm not one to let something this good go to waste (honestly this paint is absolutely wonderful to work with and has amazing coverage) and my goodness it's just so pretty in here 🥰 I also moved my pink curtains from my office into here and the whole room just glows!

I might actually be able to live with the mural a little longer until the room gets the attention it deserves! Let me know if you like the change ♥️

*For those who are wondering, it used to be white walls and I had grey curtains! 😅

#swoonworthy #bedroomdecor #bedroommakeover #bedroomdesign #pinkpinkpink #pinkinteriors
A little photo dump from my recent living room shoot because I still love to dig into the details of a still photo 😄💕

#swoonworthy #swoonworthyscents #livingroominspo #livingroomdesign #photodump
ad How to De-stress at Home in 6 Simple Steps 😊

April has been #stressawarenessmonth and so I've teamed up with the wonderful @frenchbedroom to share a few simple tips in creating a cosy sanctuary at home!

One of my favourite ways to add a feeling of comfort and relaxation is with glorious touchable textures and the stunning Mulberry Silk ruffled cushion from French Bedroom not only looks spectacular but feels incredible too! Pairing this with other feel-good fabrics will add depth to your design and will beg you to sink in and unwind 😍

French Bedroom are also now stocking my own home fragrance brand @swoonworthyscents candles, adding another element of calm with scent to your home. I chose No 02 Sunday Morning for my living room with rejuvenating Jasmine and refreshing pine and lemon notes 🥰

Check out my latest blog post for more tips on creating a relaxing sanctuary in your home via the link in my bio!

#swoonworthy #swoonworthyscents #frenchbedroom #livingroominspo #livingroomdesign #calming #aesthetic #cottagecoreaesthetic
Who needs pancakes when you can have Lemon Drizzle Cake with Lemoncello glaze?! 😉🍋

I've had such a craving for this cake for a while so figured I'd make it today! This is a recipe from @bbcgoodfood and it's rather gorgeous 🥰

#baking #lemondrizzle #lemoncake #bakewithlove #shrovetuesday
Are you lucky enough to be owned by a cat? 🐈🐾

#bengallove #bengalsofinstagram #bengalcat #bengal #catsofinstagram #catlife
Finally managed to get the gallery wall completed in our hallway!

I couldn't have been happier with @violajayphotography capturing our little intimate wedding in October and knew as soon as I saw the photos I had to print them for our home! I admit, I've never been one to hang photos but it's probably because all we ever had after 14 years together was selfies 😂🤷🏽‍♀️ I'm so pleased we finally have some lovely shots of us together 🥰

Do you have photos of you/your partner/your family up around your home?? 🤔

#gallerywall #autumnwedding #hallwaydesign #hallwayinspo
✨These little vintage copper pans needed some TLC! ✨

After searching for a while for vintage copper pans, I found these on eBay - they looked quite grim on the ad but I knew they could be shined up nicely! A little @barkeepersfriend later (not an ad!) and I'm loving how they look in my kitchen 🥰

Let me know if you like the new addition ❤️

#kitcheninspo #kitchendesign #vintagestyle #kitchenstyling
Oh hey living room, nice to have you back ☺️

I always feel very ready to remove the excess of Christmas decor pretty much as soon as the 26th arrives but I've been later than usual this Twixmas as we've both been unwell the last couple weeks 🤦🏽‍♀️ Nevertheless, I've managed to get things packed away and I styled this little faux arrangement today for my coffee table so ya know, small victories 😄🙌🏽

#livingroom #livingroominspo #fauxflowers #coffeetabledecor