I had many jobs working on TV show sets in the wardrobe and props departments. Once I finished with my degree I travelled the world, which allowed me to experience different textiles, interiors, fashion and really a sense of diverse culture. I then moved to the Middle East where I taught Secondary and University level Art at the American International School. This allowed my love of Art History to be enhanced even more, which also influenced my love of Interiors and Fashion.  My final move was here in the UK, and I knew after all my travels and knowledge I had experienced, my love of Interiors was now my main devotion and priority, so I went back to school and got another Degree in Interior Design….leading the way to eventually starting ASH & SKY.

With all my travels, I’d say this has definitely influenced my eclectic sense of design and style. I love vintage furniture and accessories (ex: my grandmothers cut crystal decanters, Antique hand carved Omani house front door I have used as a coffee table and now a stunning wall hanging, vintage jewellery which I have a soft spot for, & Industrial and Nordic calm ) I like to mix my styles with modern elements.

 It is always best to invest in neutral large pieces that can adapt over the years  with your accessories, mood, and season. Style is always changing. It is easier to change a vase, or a pillow than a large sofa.  In the winter I bring out fur cushions, throws, white pompoms hanging from my ceiling. In the summer I will introduce more of a colour palette – say a soft and hot pink with greys for example.  I love candles and this can add a pop of colour too. I will try to add a reflective element into my schemes to add that sight sense of glamour. Even if you have a Bohemian style, add a brushed silver footstool or gold/bronze accents.

Remember to allow your style to be adaptable throughout the year. Choose your favourite colour or the colour that is in vogue at the moment and accessorise.

I have 2 children and my son asked me to design a room for him that allowed him to transition into his teens, so again my love of vintage steered me into the Industrial feel (with a extra large star, which reminded me of an old shop sign, this is from MADE.com) It is a room he can add to over time. The paint colour was Myland’s Leadenhall. There are so many shades of grey and this one was perfect for this particular room and light.  The vintage locker style cabinet was influenced by American school lockers I grew up with, so I had to put these in his room. Very teenage. They are from a company called KARE. Purchased through Taylor Jane, Reigate. The vintage school desk was purchased on Ebay. I go to lots of vintage fairs, Ardingley, Kempton and car boot sales. I am always sourcing new items to put into my Interiors for myself or clients. I knew I wanted a vintage school desk but couldn’t find one that wasn’t outrageously expensive or the wrong size, then started looking at eBay. The desk was in a state so we sanded it down, restained it and sprayed the legs with automobile paint. It turned out stunning. The iconic stool is from the designer Tolix.

My daughter’s room evolved when she was very young. I wanted a room that would take her into early teens and was adaptable by adding layers and accessories. I got the vintage mirrors one at a  time at car-boot sales, or passing vintage shops while out sourcing other pieces of furniture for clients. I will always scan and find items wherever I go. Painting  the furniture a bold dark colour that compliments the theme is a statement. It can always be repainted years later if you change your style, to be ever adapting. I sourced the fabric from America, designers Anna Maria Horner and Michael Miller. I lined the curtains and wardrobe panels with contrasting fabric the complimented the scheme.