Back in May I wrote the unintentional first part of this blog series on faking it interior design. I say unintentional because I wasn’t originally going to expand on it. Then I was asked by the lovely people at The Bath Magazine to write a full feature on the topic and part II was born.…

We’re very lucky to have a huge array of interiors retailers here in Bath. From high street favourites House of Fraser, OKA and India Jane to charming independents like Verve Living, Found and Graham and Green. And that’s really only the start of it, because we’ve got many wonderful antique and vintage shops too. If you…

The dining table is a multi-tasking hero. It doesn’t just look good: it endures meal times with the kids, board game nights, homework tantrums, rowdy dinner parties, counselling sessions and more. You need a dining table that works for your family, in your space. Here are five of some of the most versatile tables available…

During a recent IKEA trip I spotted a beautifully arranged and perfectly lit bar cabinet. It was filled with colourful vintage glassware and quirky cocktail-making accessories and it made me want to host a Mad Men style soiree. In lieu of throwing a big party, I’m writing this blog post; a brief round-up of some…

Image: Clair Strong Interior Design I don’t want to get too ahead of myself here, what with Britain’s propensity for unpredictable weather, but I think it’s safe to say summer is here. My mind always turns to outdoor spaces at this time of year (check out a couple of past blog posts on this theme…

A place for well-thumbed tomes, vinyl collections, art work, plants and objects of interest; is there a more versatile piece of furniture than the humble bookcase? It’s a staple in most homes, and has been since the Roman times when it was considered the height of fashion to have a personal library. In celebration of…

Image: Clair Strong Interior Design We would all love to have the time and money for a complete kitchen makeover as soon as we move into a new house. But most of us just have to live with what’s already there, especially when there are more pressing matters to attend to. (Like that avocado coloured…

Image: Clair Strong Interior Design Christmas can be expensive. With food, drink, gifts and decorations, it’s easy to get carried away. This year, I’ve made a vow to spend less and enjoy more. After all ‘tis the season to be jolly, not broke. Fortunately, there are lots of inexpensive ways to fully embrace the spirit…

Image: Clair Strong Interior Design So your sofa is looking a bit tired; the covers are faded and the edges tatty. Or you’re bored of it and fancy a refresh. It’s tempting to just go out and buy a new one, but if the structure of your old sofa is sound, there’s no need. Here…

Image: Clair Strong Interior Design Autumn has arrived and I’m in hibernation mode. After a summer spent outdoors, autumn has many of us returning home again. This means cosy nights in front of the fire, spending more time over hearty meals and just generally battening down the hatches for winter. For me, that means making…