The swing was made to be long enough to seat both my children, who use it most days as they look out onto the garden. Guests are aprehensive at first but in no time at all they too get into the swing of things. It is my way of showing this is a house to be enjoyed and one in which children are welcome always.

The kitchen sofa is where we indulge in the sunday papers and latte.

We love sharing this kitchen and having the children lend a hand.

Cherised possessions should be enjoyed and not hidden away. These butterfly cut outs, made by my husband for my birthday bring a smile to my face everday.

The hall is more than a utilitarian space and ours provides the perfect place for this large mirror which reflects the living and kitchen, bringing both together. Favorite cd's, pictures and a piano make it a space to gather and share, rather then simply pass through.

Our bedroom and bathroom are one, simply devided by space. The shelves are filled with favorite night time reading and treasured mementos.

The headboard is covered with a velvet bedcover that I have stapled to the back of the base as is the valance. I change both with the seasons. Light linen or voile in the summer and silk or velvet in the winter. It is an easy update and transforms the look of the room.

My son's room has a little hatch in the ceiling above his bunk; from here he climbs into the loft, which has been converted into his playden.

My daughter just turned 8 but the pink stage is very much alive and I love that there is some colour here.

The childrens bathroom is given colour with the Rug Company's needlepoint. I brought this to celebrate my first book deal.