My Favourite Reads - The books that inspire my designs

I'm often asked where I draw my inspiration from. The honest answer is that it comes from many places, books being just one source. Below are three of my current favourite books, each very different, helping me percolate my ideas and inspiration. I also feel like they give you a little bit of an insight into me and the things that I consider when creating designs.

This first book is The Little Book of Colour, by Karen Hallier.  I love the size. I think I have something about A5 size; it is almost a pocket book, bursting with insightful information.

This book covers everything colour-related, including the psychology, colour in relationships, across cultures, how we can wear colour, and of course colour in interior design.

The second book is one picked up from a tiny little antiques shop in Stroud a few years ago, that sadly no longer exists. I enjoyed visiting it and talking to the owners during those weird semi-lockdown COVID days, when we didn't know who we could mingle with from one week to the next. The book is called Thrifty Chic by Liz Bowens and Alexander Campbell. It really speaks to my love for being resourceful and making do. Things used to be better; well, so don't believe that new is always better. It certainly isn't unique. I enjoy the challenge of using antiques and repurposing items, adapting them and using them in conjunction with more contemporary designs, so that the design still feels like it is harmonious

I'm spoiled for choice living around Stroud and the Five Valleys for places full of items with a history. One of my favourite pastimes is visiting Emporiums and junk shops looking at the preloved items, wondering about their past lives, and how I can blend them into my design schemes.

My dream would be to have an orangery - think mini-Kew Gardens, a space where I could hide among the plants to daydream. So my last book, with its beautiful images of biophilic rooms, is called Wild at Home: How to style and care for beautiful plants, by Hilton Carter. It's both inspirational and practical, providing advice on choosing houseplants, caring for them, and weaving them into the fabric of the house to support and enhance well-being and contemplation.

Kate helps homeowners (and renters) create homes that are both functional and pleasing on the eye. Her practical, creative approach means her clients get what they need from a home, as well as having a space they love.