Louise Richardson

A reader in Rotorua asked me if I had any ideas for re-styling her conservatory to make it smart, yet cosy for winter. I suggested cane blinds, calico covers and lots of wicker. But it got me thinking about how much I'd like a conservatory or sunroom myself. our deck's spectacular, but we don't use it much in winter and I've begun plotting ways to make it more useful all year round.

When it comes to decorating, colour is the greatest tool of all to express our personalities and help create a mood that's unique to our own homes. Whether you choose lights, brights, darks or neutrals, colour serves many purposes. It can lighten a room, add drama, or promote peaceful living. I find bold colours invigorating and they seem to fit well with my personality, but there are no rights or wrongs, so follow your heart.

Planning a new kitchen is lots of fun, but there are some serious decisions involved in choosing a style and materials that will stand the test of time, yet won't date. When my husband and I did ours, we faced the challenge of a tricky L-shaped space and managed to come up with some excellent solutions. Whatever your particular hurdles, there's an ideal kitchen out there for everyone, so read on for some useful ideas.

I know a bit about decorating and homeware, but sometimes even my house doesn’t seem right. It might be a mantelpiece display that looks clumsy, or a colour that isn’t working. If you ever need advice or want to share a great find or tip, don’t hesitate to get in touch – maybe we can […]

I can still remember my childhood bedroom with its pretty pink wallpaper and fairytale four-poster bed. Later, in my teens, I transformed it into a sanctuary with huge lime green flowers on the wall, trailing indoor plants and even a tank with goldfish. Whatever theme you and your child choose, it's important to let them be involved in the room's creation.