Why it's important to take your time over design decisions

The Sunday 5 - from the interiors at Tribe to mulling over paint choices, here are some things I've been loving/thinking about this week

Over the last week, I’ve been a little more focused on writing than interior design work, as I’ve been trying to get lots of commissions wrapped up ahead of Mum and George’s wedding next weekend. I’ll be down south for a week and I’m looking forward to having a little more time (and energy) to catch up with friends and family.

I’ve been working hard and running hard, so definitely need to chill and recharge tonight, which never comes easily. I’ve broken this week’s newsletter into a ‘Sunday 5’ structure so I don’t just ramble on as I’m feeling in a pretty rambly mood (hello, autumn phase of my cycle🍂).

Hope you had restful weekends and are feeling ready to take on a new week. We’ve got this.

1. Glimpses of spring

There is no doubt about it, spring has nearly sprung – the sunshine and blue skies have been glorious, and it’s as though we’re all remembering what the sun on our skin feels like. It’s no longer getting dark at 4 pm, and in one month, the clocks go back. We are officially out of the woods.

I’ve actually written a lot about spring cleaning over the last week or two and ended up inspiring myself to do some proper cleaning. Now I’ve started, I can’t stop – I’m constantly wiping down the bathroom mirrors and sink, noticing grime where I never noticed it before, and trying to keep everything sparkling clean rather than wait for it to fall into chaos.

In the past, I’ve definitely overcomplicated cleaning in my head and made it more overwhelming than it is by thinking I’ve got to clean, tidy, and maybe declutter at the same time. Making piles of clutter to deal with later and then actually blitzing the space with a nice-smelling surface spray has been surprisingly freeing. It never takes as long as you think and boy does a shiny clean home feel nice.

2. Hillsborough Parkrun

Getting out and running (or walking) also provides a chance to notice the seasons changing and feel a bit more connected to nature. Recently I did a PB run at Rother Valley and tried Hillsborough Parkrun for the first time. Weekly track sessions are definitely helping me to shave down my times and now that I can see the improvements happening, I really want to keep it going. There was a point running around Hillsborough Park when I looked over my shoulder and saw a long, colourful stream of people running behind me, and it made me realise I’d come really far. When I used to go to the Finsbury Parkruns in London just after covid, I’d always be at the back, slightly indignant and wondering why I wasn’t getting any faster, but at that time I just wasn’t running enough or as part of a club, which makes all the difference.

3. Celebrating ourselves a little bit more

It’s easy to measure progress when it comes to fitness, whether it be average paces, PBs, or being able to lift heavier weights. But it’s much harder to notice how far you have come in your life more broadly. And I think we often find it hard to celebrate ourselves – for the progress we are making. Maybe it’s slightly more of a female thing, maybe not, but the moment looking back at Parkrun made me think I should celebrate myself for what I’m doing to build a life that feels calmer, more fulfilling, and more me. Over the past couple of years, I’ve rearranged the furniture of my life a lot, moving house and city, leaving friends, my job, and so on, all the while trying to listen to what I wanted.

4. The interiors at Tribe

The first time I walked into Tribe, I was really struck by the interior design in there because it felt so confident and unapologetic. It’s the kind of design that has the power to make a brand’s identity stronger. Black paint everywhere and dark lighting makes you feel less like everyone’s looking at you on the treadmill. Industrial materials, like exposed brick, concrete, and steel, feel fitting in a place you’re going to for an intense workout, and of course in Sheffield, the city of steel. There’s a blackboard for updates about upcoming events, velvet green armchairs for anyone waiting around, loads of exposed bulbs hanging from the ceiling as you enter, and a wall of Polaroid photographs of everyone who’s ever come to Tribe. Even the toilets are entirely black – Tribe’s interior design is cohesive and makes you want to be part of it.

5. Taking time over design choices

There aren’t any big living room project updates to share this week because paint decisions are taking a little longer than we thought, and it’s important to get it right. I’m always wanting to keep projects moving, keep pushing on and making steps forward, but actually, sometimes it’s good to pause. Anyone who has gone back and forth over paint samples to the point overwhelm, I hear you, and I would also say that if you’re going for something that feels bold, remember that the colour will recede a little into the background once the room comes together. It might feel scary when the room is empty, but once you have the soft furnishings, shelving, artwork, lighting etc. it’s going to feel quite different.

That’s all folks, hopefully not too rambly. Here are a few things I’ve written recently if you have a particularly long Monday morning commute:

Living room layout rules for Woman & Home - I really enjoyed writing this, so check that out, can’t promise it won’t make you rearrange your whole living room. 

How to create a sense of arrival when you walk straight into your living room - for anyone in a classic Victorian terraced house that has no hallway.

How to make living room shelves look less cluttered - because let’s face it, they usually do look a little ‘busy’ on the eye

Thanks for reading, let me know if you prefer this layout!