I hear it all the time.

I think it’s in the top three things people say to me about their home.

I don’t want to live in a show home.

I know what they mean. They want to feel as though they actually live there.

They want it to be a family home with personality.

I’ve said it myself

“You know, I know it’s not a show home, you have to live here.”

But, and I’m going to be honest here, I don’t mean that.

Yikes, I said it

Hello!

I know it’s been a little while but truth be told I’ve actually been quite busy.

Yes, I’ve been working on several client projects, but I’ve also been a little bit busy taking time for myself.

In Spain.

Ole, indeed.

Round about February time, in the cold depths of winter, my partner and I decided that it was time to embark upon a Spanish adventure and cross our fingers for a little bit of April sunshine. Failing that at least we’d have enough tapas and vermouth around us to make up for it.

We decided on a 2-week break along Spain’s northern coast and to optimise our flight path home, we’d spend a few days in Barcelona. Which meant, in total, 4 locations and 4 hotels.

Now, I know you’re not supposed to go away for the hotel - it’s not the point of the trip.

But it kind of is.

Something I discuss often is the idea that if you feel confident with your design style, with the colours you like, and the elements that are pleasing to your eye, you’ll feel comfortable and settled at home. You won’t have any of those annoying niggles and little things you’d want to change. You’ll finally be able to relax.

I still don’t disagree with this, but in thinking about design in this way, I’ve not left much room for exploration.

We know that over time fashions and trends change. We see it in clothes, interiors, music and art. Trends come and go. It’s ok to follow them, it’s perfectly fine to ignore them.

But if you choose not to follow the trends, even if you choose to pick a style you love and stick to it, you still need to allow yourself some wiggle room.

A couple of months ago, my other half and I were taking a stroll through the wooded area of Roundhay Park. It was a beautiful spring day and despite the birds and squirrels bustling around, it felt calm and peaceful.

We rounded a corner and came across a den.

I’m going to be honest with you.

I think you’re getting overwhelmed with your re-design and re-decorating because you’re not trusting your choices. You’re overthinking and everything is taking forever to do.

When you first get that design inspiration, it’s exciting and you’re so ready for it.

This week, I played a game of Would You Rather with my Instagram followers.

And man, you lot love to give me your opinion. It was great, I really enjoyed hearing your ideas and insights.

So if you’re not following my socials (er, why aren’t you?) then you’ll wonder what it was I asked.

Do you remember the emergency table?

Do you still have one?

Do you know what I’m talking about?

I’m talking about Christmas Day when the whole family gathers to celebrate and of course, the usual 4-seater dining table isn’t going to fit everyone around it.

So out comes the emergency table, tacked on to the end of the 4-seater and reserved exclusively for wallpapering (because it’s a pasting table) or large family events.

BYOC (Bring Your Own Chair) is also encouraged.

It was chaotic, but it was fun, wasn’t it?

I bet you’ve heard it all before…

‘Your interiors should have lots of texture’ - and rightly so, it adds interest and warmth and makes it feel less like a clinic and more like a home.

And so out come the cushions and the blankets and it’s lovely and cosy. But adding texture is more than that.

Here’s 3 ways to do it, without spending a penny…