On the holidays, I...

Our main focus over the holidays was to renovate our beloved 1940s kitchen. It has been on the 'to-do' list for so long and by the time Christmas rolled around we were both thoroughly sick of its dim, tired appearance. It was last painted at least forty years ago, by my grandfather. So while it was perhaps not the most exciting way to spend time off, it was time well spent. One of my aims this year is to simplify, simplify, simplify and I think part of that is very much one's surroundings. Walls therefore are a simple, soothing white and cream (except for our new retro red clock!), a work-table has been repainted white (from a dingy brown) and I am trying hard to resist the urge to cram back in all the stuff that we took out. The window-sill is a case in point. Up until very recently every square inch of it was covered with my Chinese teapot collection and my group of Babushka dolls. The dolls may make a comeback but for now there is just two glass jugs and lots of space and light.

There is still some detailing to do, but so far I love it.