Casa e Jardim interview

I was very excited last week when an interview I did was published in Brazilian Homes and Garden magazine, Case e Jardim. I had to take up to date photographs of my home for the article (although, I really need to improve my photography skills!) and I wanted to share some of those with you today, as well as some of the questions and answers that feature in the magazine. If you can read Portuguese you can see the whole interview here.

How can you turn a house into “home sweet home”?

To make a house a home it is all about the personal touches you add whether they be photographs, postcards, one off pieces of furniture, ornaments or collections from your travels. When each item has a story and a memory it makes your home feel so much more interesting and alive. I hate generic furniture as it leaves a home feeling cold and impersonal.

What time of day do you feel most inspired?

I’m definitely a morning person as I have the most energy then and I love the morning light. When I know that I have the whole day ahead of me and lots of time, I want to create more. I never work or make things in the evening without the light, which is why I always prefer the summer and the long days.

Does your partner, Jules, likes to decorate the house too? Do you have a similar style or does it cause problems between you?

Jules hates decorating. He loves to build and create things, especially woodwork, but when I tell him we need to paint the flat or paint the floor or put up shelves he hates it and tries to avoid it at all costs until I nag him for long enough! His style is completely different to mine: if he had his way our home would be filled with enormous TV’s, computers, speakers and gadgets with wires all over the place. He is much more focused on function rather than beauty.

Tell us five tips to decorate without much money:

1. Paint your floors instead of spending a fortune on new carpet or floorboards.
2. Learn to sew and make your own cushions, curtains and even bedlinen – it will save you an absolute fortune!
3. Bring old furniture back to life with paint, wallpaper or just new door knobs.
4. Go to your favourite furniture shop, get inspired and get an idea of what you like. Then go away and try and find a cheaper version on eBay, in a charity shop or at a flea market.
5. Don’t rush when you decorate and make the wrong decision at this will cost you twice as much to correct. Take your time, live in the space for a while to figure out exactly want you want and need.

What is your dream house?

We dream about building our own house one day near the sea. It would be very simple, wooden house with large windows as lots of light makes me happy. I would have a huge open-plan living room and kitchen and it would have to open out onto a garden, as I miss not having a proper garden living in London.

Until then, I want to buy a Victorian terraced house in London as I adore the period features such as the tiled hallway floors, fireplaces, ceiling roses, sash windows and original floorboards. I think all furniture looks so much more beautiful in a period home.

What’s your favorite place in your house and why?

My favourite place in my flat is my home office. I have made it white, bright and light, filled with my craft supplies and a large work table. I love spending long afternoons in here sewing or crafting with the radio on in the background. It is such a relaxing, peaceful room.

This week, I am very excited to announce that I have been nominated for an Interior Blog Award for the Best DIY Blog! However, I need your votes to be shortlisted so if you have two seconds to spare (it really does only take two seconds!) please do pop over and vote for me here. Thank you! x