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.