Welcome to My New House

Mad About The House has moved

It’s been a big year at The Mad House. Not content with moving in real life I’ve also decided to up-sticks in the virtual world as well. And now that I’ve moved in, unpacked the boxes and hung the curtains I’m so excited to welcome you in. It may look a little different from the old place but it took a long time to find and I’m absolutely convinced this is a better home for all of us.

Now, for long term readers and followers I should say that the blog will not be closing. It will still be a noticeboard for news and events but most of my writing will now be over here.

The blog has been a wonderful home for 11 years but I live there alone; I want a family around me. I want to join a community again. Substack not only offers me a community of writers but it also offers you, dear readers, a really great place to hang out where you can do so much more than just read my words - although clearly that’s a big part of it.

In this village, you can not only read posts, but we can start conversations, called Threads, where we can discuss things together. There is also a Chat function - think of it as a private WhatsApp group where I can take you with me behind the scenes or just show you a fabulous lamp I’ve spotted. On Instagram there’s a risk that either that story won’t be shown to you or you won’t get to it within the 24 hours before it self deletes.

And, talking of Instagram; over the years I have grown increasingly uncomfortable with the performative aspect of social media. She who shouts loudest will be heard. I’m not a shouter. I’m a writer. I don’t think in video. I don’t want to be constantly thinking up new ways to beat the algorithm. Or even get it to notice me. That game may help me reach more people but my message is lost. I want to help people make the best of their homes, find their style and understand, not only the vital role that our surroundings play in our mental health and wellbeing, but what we can do to improve that on our own. I also want to speak when I have something to say and not because I need to make a noise to stop myself from disappearing.

So while I’m not leaving Instagram – like everyone else I love the scroll – I am moving to the peace and quiet of Substack. A place that looks, to me at least, like a giant community of people sharing their words and thoughts, encouraging each other and shouting each other out for good work.

WHO AM I?

You can find out more about me on the About page but in short I’ve been a journalist for more than half my life. I trained as a news reporter and began writing for the national press in 1995. When my elder son was born in 2001 I went freelance and started writing about interior design and property - my passion. I launched my blog in 2012. Now that I’ve moved here I will be using these pages to share everything I’ve learned in that time, including five house renovations and an ongoing project in Italy. I will open up my source books and give you advice and tips on planning rooms, how to find your style and anything else you want to know.

HOW IT WORKS

There will be two free posts a month - every other Monday.

For paid subscribers there will be a weekly post every Wednesday so that’s

• Four posts a month (in addition to the two free ones)

• These will include pieces on where to shop, what to buy, how to style your home and details of great design destinations as well as interior design news, renovation and decorating advice. It’s my not so little black book of design.

• You will also have full access to the best of my archive which I have moved over here – including things like “What to Buy if you Rent, 15 Interior Design Rules to Live By, How to Find Your Interior Design Style,  and What to Buy if I know I am going to Renovate.

• Access to a monthly drop-in design clinic where you can ask me questions and we can chat all things interiors. If you are unable to attend I will email the recording to you afterwards.

• First look at the finished house in Italy and behind the scenes of the renovation.

• First invites to the interior design retreats I will be running there next year.

But, just for November, all six posts will be free so we can get to know each other.

THERE’S MORE

In addition to paid membership I’m also offering a limited number of Founding Member places. In addition to all the content you will also be able to book a 45 minute one-to-one design consultation with me to discuss your renovation whether it’s a single room, a whole house or which sofa you should buy. It’s up to you to use the time how you wish. After we have spoken I will send you a personalised signed copy of whichever my books suits you best. This price for this is £350.

I’m so excited for all these new ways to connect and share knowledge. I hope you will want to join me in my new home and your contributions will help pay for the upkeep.

It’s time. I’m ready. Are you coming?