Country interior design by MJ

Since starting Country Interior Design by MJ back in February, one of my main priorities was to build an interior design portfolio.  The main thing new clients ask is to see your previous work.  I liken it to the Chicken and Egg scenario.  Without a portfolio then how can you demonstrate your interior design expertise? Without clients how can you build your portfolio in the first instance? I took it upon myself to create my own interior design showroom by way of redesigning a caravan as a mobile showroom.  Challenge overcome!! I have since made over two Caravans, one in an Art Deco interior design influence and one in Country Core style. I was delighted with the results, then I took it upon myself to photograph the finished results.  My only disappointment was, that the photos looked amateur at best and I wanted to have images that demonstrated my passion and ID expertise and I quickly realized I needed a photographer that not only took professional photos, but ...

This is your stylish Christmas gift guide for him or her, that your home will love. If I'm honest,  a gift for your home could be a huge turn off, especially if it's a vacuum cleaner or a new microwave. For some they may love this, but I'm very much of the gift for the person first & it will add to your home aesthetic and decor as a result of the kind gift.  As a child of the 70s & 80s, I'd love nothing more than to reach out for the Argos Catalogue to help with my Santas list.  With this in mind  here's a few gift ideas that could help you on your Christmas shopping trip from your local Argos store. Plus they are in partnership with Habitat, so you know it's going to have a quality range of gifts. How about using this for your Secret Santa? HIS 1, Roberts Revival Uno Radio:£134.99 2, Table Football by Menkind: £20 3, Celestron Telescope: £299.99 4, Hisense laser projector: £1,099 5, Gaming Accessories(Chairs & desks): Ranging from £15-£179.99 6, Pro...

In my previous career in Social Housing, I was Head of Communities, Support and Care. I had a number of Supported living schemes and Extracare units that came within my remit. Ultimately, people in in Communities that are reaching retirement or have changing physical or cognitive needs, should be considered future proofing their homes should they decide to remain there independently.  My biggest dream is to self build a home in Cornwall, yes I know it's a dream many people have, I have gone one step further and I've even drawn out the plans & floor layout which includes elements of future planning by installing a home lift.  As part of my research, I discovered a supplier of Home elevators, which is just one of the many out there, but one I felt would bring a contemporary & modern look: Pollock Home Lifts  https://pollockhomelifts.co.uk Do go take a look at my previous blog on Designing for Dementia, I'm not saying this could be something you'll experience thank...

Best way to show trends for Christmas decorations is through visuals, which you can find on my Socials: Facebook and Instagram.  I appreciate to all my regular blog readers you may also like to read my predictions for this Christmas and beyond, in the written form.  1: Bows in all sizes and materials will continue to be a popular choice, whether that's on your tree or on the exterior of your home.  It's like the present or gift that keeps giving.  2, Use of Tartan Fabrics, Ribbon tree decorations to tree skirts, tablecloths & Napkins, the feel of elegance that a Tartan fabric can bring just oozes opulence. And if you're feeling inspired you could take a trip up North for Hogmanay? 3, Larger than life: Be it giant sized tree cones or stacked lifestyle presents, nothing says more is more than Larger than lift Christmas decorations.  I liken it to the film; The Borrowers,  It's whimsical to image living in a world where your sitting next to a gigantic Chri...

I'm absolutely thrilled that Decorex London returns next week.  Are you going to be visiting? If so do let me know & we could arrange a meet.  Of course if you have worked in this industry for a number of years, this event will be a definite "go to", in your interior design calendar already.  For Country Interior Design by MJ, this is the first time we will be going along & I'm super excited about it.   Of course, as well as the amazing exhibitors there, my main purpose for attending is to gain knowledge from the phenomenal ID Speakers. For  insightful sessions exploring the trends, techniques and ideas defining exceptional design. I've been researching the line up of incredible speakers & topics and I thought I'd share with you a easy; go to of sessions I think will be of interest to you & that you can gain maximum learning from. So much to choose from, so I'd recommend you go look on the website once registered to reserve your seat be...

If you're looking to take a trip to New York any time soon, then I'd highly recommend taking a read of a book called: 111 Museums in New York by Wendy Lubovich.  Visiting museums is a great source of inspiration when it comes to interior design influences. Here's my top ten Museums to visit to help you make your sympathetic interior design style with a New York feel.  1, 101 Spring Street- visual capsule of iconic sculptor; Donald Judd. It's a perfect time capsule of 1970s NY. 2, Bronx museum of the Arts- This museum reflects the diverse people who live there. 3, Brooklyn Art Library- floor to ceiling shelving of sketchbooks filled with design inspiration  4, Brooklyn Historical Society- my favourite type of Museum to visit right in the midst of charming brownstone buildings.  5, Coney Island Museum- Bright colours it's a people's playground  6, The Met Breuer- Brauhaus Architecture  7, Museum of Arts and Design- Housing an atmosphere of discovery  8, ...