It’s an exhaustive business this ‘re-imagining’ gig, thanks to an Interior Decorator with an imagination that enthralls, thrills, strikes fear in my heart and exhausts my brain in equal measure. While I need a story board, a project plan and a timeline, James prefers to decorate ‘organically’. What does that even mean? I’ll let you know if I survive. But let’s talk about opinions…

My posse are reassuring, at the same time clamoring for a sneak peak; work mates are wanting my bleating about my half finished house to end; financial advisor has issued a dire warning that I’ll be working full time ’till 70 if I hope to keep my retired self in the manner to which I’ve become accustomed; and a few are querying why I’m even bothering to redecorate what they consider a perfectly ok home in the first place.

And then an ever so subtle jibe: ‘Oh yes – she’s replacing all her furniture, re-decorating her whole house and taking an overseas trip all in one year!’ A parent shouldering hefty and extensive fees associated with a child’s education and dancing passion – I get it. Am I offended? Not at all for I know the final outcome for her and her family will be worth a thousand renovations. Do I care? Absolutely not…well maybe just a little. Feel the need to justify? Hmmm. Perception versus reality is a tough nut to crack.

But this I will say – given we spend a good deal of our lives in our homes we want that space to be visually stimulating yet cosy enough to still our busy minds, a haven in which to recuperate and regenerate and, just like us, it too needs the occasional reenergizing. As for travel – how wonderful our opportunity to expand those minds to all the cultural experiences the world has to offer thanks to increasingly competitive air fares making global travel that much more accessible? And if that’s your gig, why not? It is mine.

Stay tuned for the next exciting episode as the renovations conclude or the holiday gets underway – which ever comes first! Just one thing though – James if you are reading this, please, please leave me sufficient to buy an airport coffee?
PS – image is not my house 

 Whereas the studio in Monterosso had only one small avenue of natural light and fresh air, making for a musty, dark abode but saved by the spectacular view from its tiny terrace, this one if full of light and fresh air. Elegant in its simplicity, comfortable and soothing to the soul. Its the white. A white that conjures up visions of crisp white Greek villas against a deep Mediterranean backdrop. Only this one’s on the Italian Riviera.

Whitewashed ceiling and walls, white tiles, white furnishings, a splash of blue for kitchen cabinetry, simple calico swaths of fabric against the vibrant forest green of the shutters for curtains.

An old fishing boat oar of red white and blue draped across one wall, a hark to village origins. Bed linen of crisp white, cool to sun kissed skins, with just a touch of subtle dusky floral. A bathroom lined in small tiles of the same shutter green blended with a soft cream and thoughtful lighting.

But what takes it from ‘yeah so’ to ‘wow factor’ is the quality of the linens. Huge waffle weave bath sheets (yes we love our toweling but these wrap easily and dry fast!). Bed linen of brightest white and maximum thread count, essential for screaming ‘luxury’. And all finished with just a linger of Durance White Camellia pillow spray and a few strategically placed tea candles (my own little essentials). ‘Sono le cose semplici che contano’ It’s the simplest things that count.