I began my blog at the end of February 2013. At the time I was craving an escape from real life; a way to live out my dreams of being immersed in beautiful interiors day and night and having the time and freedom to explore my creative side. The blog became my new much needed hobby (I have never had one) and this outlet for my passion for design was totally consuming. I would come home from work, sit at the computer and before I knew it four hours had passed me by. I was hooked.
I built up a bank of posts during 2012 but didn’t have the guts to publish any of it because it wasn’t ‘perfect’ and it didn’t look as good as the professional blogs that teams of people contribute to. I wanted the perfect theme, the perfect photographs, the perfect content. That was until one evening a friend came round and told me I was being ridiculous and it didn’t matter what anyone else thought: the fact that I had loved putting the posts together was the important part.
When I finally built up the courage to publish the blog I had absolutely no idea what to expect. Yes, the initial rush of enthusiasm from my friends and family was lovely and I was deeply flattered and yes, when people I didn’t know started to make contact, sharing and commenting I couldn’t quite believe it. But, the reason I have kept at it and developed my blog is not what others think but because I have a new sense of challenge that I had lost in other areas of my life.
I originally thought I wanted to start a blog so I could collect and share my interior design ideas. However, it has become so much more than that for me. I’ve found something that I love doing just for sake of doing it. I’m not driven by money, promotion, deadlines or working towards an ultimate goal – I work on my blog for about eight hours of the week just because it makes me happy. I’ve never experienced that before and this feeling has made me see my life very differently as I’ve realised, at the age of 33, that it is possible to want to achieve something because of the means, not just the end, or even in spite of the end.
I think it is this realisation that has enabled me to throw caution to the wind and dare to expect that I can achieve some of the amazing things I have done in the last ten months connected to my blog. My 2013 highlights have been:
1) Working with my dear friend and photographer Katharine Peachey whose beautiful film photographs have added to my blog beyond measure.
Katharine’s wonderful vintage cottage.
2) Doing two guest blogs for Liberty.
Liberty advent calendar bunting.
3) Interviewing designers Lisa Levis and Double Merrick.
Home of Lisa Levis.
Home of Merrick Angle.
4) Being nominated as Blog of the Month by Sew Magazine.
5) Having my flat photographed for an interiors magazine, Style at Home (more on this in my next post).
6) Taking craft classes and courses at the Amazings, Sew Over It and Crafts Bee.
My Liberty cot tidy has been my most popular post this year.
7) Doing a tutorial for craft magazine, Homemade With Love.
8) Learning to sew.
9) Discovering so many talented designers, crafters and bloggers through the Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram communities.
10) Can I add getting our puppy as number 10 even though it’s got nothing to do with blogging?! He has been such a joy this year.
I’m very excited about the coming year and seeing how my blog develops and changes over time. There are a few very exciting things on the horizon to look forward to: My first blogging conference, Blogtacular, another craft class to learn how to screen print (such a thoughtful Christmas present from my bro-in-law), a project with The New Craft Society and I’m hopefully teaming up with Katharine Peachey again to contribute a home tour to 91 Magazine – eeep!
I really hope you’ve enjoyed my blog over the last year – I can’t wait to see what 2014 has in store. Happy new year to you all!
Katy x
So many amazing achievements in under a year- I’m sure 2014 is going to be even better! Looking forward to seeing your flat in Style at Home, that is so exciting! Yours is one of my favourite interiors blogs, so I can’t wait to see what the next year has in store 🙂
Thank you so much, Rachael. I love your blog too – thanks for all the support in 2013 x
I love your blog, and am looking forward to your posts during 2014, particularly as I move into a new house this Friday and will be looking for ideas! I already have a lovely sun catcher to hang up thanks to your post about stained glass at Crafts Bee…
That’s so great that you did the class. Would love to see your sun catcher! Happy new year x
What a year it’s been! You were born to do this, Katy; your blog is brilliant and you have such a fantastic eye it will take you down many interesting roads this year, I’m sure. Thank you for sharing your clever ways and for allowing me to expand my own love of interiors!Here’s to Apartment Apothecary in 2014!
You’re the best, KP x
What a wonderful post! Katy, your blog is fabulous and if I could have a blog as fabulous as yours one day I’d be very happy. Good on you for taking the time to celebrate your achievements in the last year – it’s important to recognise those great moments. Plus, the photo of Otto is just adorable. Looking forward to seeing what 2014 has in store! Leanne x
Ah, thanks Leanne. Your support in 2013 was amazing! x
What a thoughtful and beautifully written reflection on an amazing first year of the blog. You’ve achieved so much! Can’t wait to see what 2014 has in store…
Xx
Thanks Sag x
Bloody marvellous year and bloody well done. Am uber impressed and uber proud. Your eye for detail is simply amazing and keep up the good work (that goes for you too Katharine!)xxx ps Otto definitely should make the list. I approve of that! xx
Thanks for sharing so many of my pst this year, Najette x
Hello from a new visitor to your blog! I’ve just finished reading about your apartment in Style at Home magazine and love the looks you have created. Well done!
Thanks so much, Erica, and welcome! Glad you like the magazine feauture – just popped over to your blog and love your quilts! 🙂
Thank goodness for that friend – now we can all enjoy your beautiful blog. Congratulations on achieving so much – and all the space of a year. And thanks for sharing the photo of your puppy – absolutely adorable! Here’s to 2014.
Thank you, Helen! Such a lovely comment xx