I’m excited to bring you the first in a new series on The Mad House today. When I asked you what you wanted from the blog a few of you said that you would like to see other voices from time to time to bring a change of pace. I have already started with my…
In the YOUR HOUSE category I have included some of the most common decorating queries I have received over the years. But I’m delighted to announce that I have now set up a dedicated interior design consultancy called MAD ABOUT YOUR HOUSE. Whether it’s tracking down a specific item or talking through ideas for a…
As you may have noticed recent posts have been edging slightly away from grey and towards navy and I note, from the comments I receive (many more on Twitter) that lots of you are going in that direction too. The other day, I published a post about a silver and grey rug (in leather since…
At a barbecue recently I was asked about painting the floorboards in a hall where the planks continued into the sitting room. We decided that this might be tricky as it would necessitate painting a straight line across the boards to create an artificial ending point. And then I remembered an idea I had…
Sam contacted mad about the house to ask about wallpapering her bathroom. But she didn’t want just any old wallpaper… Q: What do you think about maybe using the Brooklyn tile wallpaper for our main bathroom ceiling? At £219 a pop it feels a bit risky. Is it true that using some kinda varnish over the…
We’re all familiar with the concept of the Ikea hack, a design phenomenon that is even supported by the store itself, but until now it has been mainly about DIY versions. I know people who have repainted their doors, or even had new ones made and spray painted. I bought the cupboards but sourced my…
Zoe contacted Mad About The House to ask for help with choosing a new kitchen that wouldn’t cost the earth: Q: We are trying to refurbish the house and I am desperately in need of some advice and inspiration. We are in need of a new kitchen and, having done the rounds, are staggered by…
It is the most fashionable paint colour of the moment and, if my blog analysis is to be believed, the most commonly researched shade on the colour wheel. But grey can be hard to get right and does need a bit of careful planning as our cool Northern light can make some grey tones too icy…
A few of you have been asking about carpet recently, so I thought it was time to take the plunge and investigate what’s out there so you don’t have to. Carpet has suffered from a rather poor image in recent years but it’s coming back into favour now. After all it’s warm, natural and soft…
Sam contacted Mad About The House to ask about concrete flooring. Q: What do you think about polished concrete flooring? I am struggling with a funky idea for my (small) kitchen floor and was interested to know if concrete is something you had come across – it sounds like it could be an inexpensive option…