I think I found my Mojo again!
We’ve just wrapped two large 18-month build projects, finished a run of show home fit-outs, and completed a whopper of an interior design package for a large London multi-unit development. This month has finally given me room to breathe. There’s still snagging (there’s always snagging), but the pace has been human again, and I’d forgotten how much I needed that.
In the studio
Project Esher is in its final stretch. The stair runner went in this month, and we’re now onto my favourite stage: styling, accessories, extra artwork. These layers are the last details that connect the final dots.
Project Moor Park, in Buckinghamshire, has reached the finish line too, with the last of the long-lead items finally arriving after months of waiting. And we finally installed the last show apartment in East London, and just our luck, it was 32° for the 2 install days.
In other news, Project Gerrards Cross has officially kicked off. We’ve been waiting months for planning, with some resident bats throwing a spanner in the works, but everything is moving in the right direction. It’s an triple-storey extension and full renovation; the house’s footprint is around 7,000 square feet, (BIG BOY!) and is one I’m especially excited about. The bones are beautiful, the clients have given us the reins, and we’ve had the opportunity to reimagine every corner of the house. We want to celebrate its original character while introducing timeless, modern elements throughout. Every room has been thoughtfully considered, from the layout right down to the smallest details. This is going to be a beaut to watch unfold.
Away from projects, we’ve also had the headspace to invest back into the studio itself. More content, more marketing, more House L Notes. It’s nice to finally have the time to build and work the business, rather than just trying to keep up with it.
We visited WOW!house, swooned around antique markets, and caught up with our suppliers. Those days away from the desk, that’s not on site, tackling every problem bullet fired at us is what every designer (and person) needs to think freely and help grow. It’s amazing how quickly fresh ideas appear when you give your head spac
Life lately
It’s something we all know, but we rarely take our own advice (we tend to do that). Creative work needs quiet.
When every hour feels like a battlefield, there’s no room for new ideas. This month gave me that space back, and with it came a notebook full of ideas, plans for the studio and a renewed excitement for everything we’re building. And perfect timing too, as we’re about to celebrate 6 years of Lydia Allen Interiors.
Outside work, I’ve been making the most of this everlasting sunshine. Long evenings, weekends with family and friends, and remembering that summer is supposed to be enjoyed. We only get so many of them. If we’re lucky, around 80 in a lifetime. That feels far too few to spend them all indoors looking at a screen. And, with so much happening around the world, it’s also been a reminder not to take those ordinary moments for granted.
I also went to BST Hyde Park to see Pitbull and became part of a Guinness World Record, joining more than 22,000 people wearing bald caps. I’m utterly convinced that man could cure the world.
Things I’m loving
I have been on an Etsy rollercoaster over the years. For some time, it felt like everyone was selling the same thing, but it now feels like it has found its feet again. Once you wade through the s***, you can find some beautiful, crafted pieces again. My saved folder is getting slightly out of hand, so I’ve done the responsible thing and shared it with you instead.
I’ve also become obsessed with all things whimsy. It’s not a style I’d naturally associate with myself. But at the moment, anything that feels romantic, cutesy, and girly has my attention. I know this is just a summer romance. Maybe it’s the sunshine, the flowers, the endless blue skies, or the fact my wedding anniversary is just around the corner. I’ll be back to rich colours and moodier interiors shortly, but for now let’s just be a girl.
On my list
A couple of places I haven’t made it to yet, but added to the endless list of places to visit before 2027
Vesper - Exmouth Market; The interiors, the atmosphere, and the Vesper Martini has my name written all over it.
Sarns - Margate; A ridiculous looking sandwich shop. It’s the sort of place that justifies driving two hours for lunch.
Looking ahead
August is looking like a good one. We’ll photograph Project Esher and Project Moor Park. After living and breathing these homes for the best part of two years, I can’t wait to share them. Like every good project, they’ve challenged us, and taught us a lot.
It’s also a packed social calendar, the kind that, a few months ago, would have sent me into a panic, knowing I didn’t have the headspace for it. Now I can’t wait to embrace it, enjoy the summer, remember what actually matters, and try, as ever, to keep the balance right.
This weekend I am escaping to the Cotswolds for a few days, then heading straight to the Lake District, my happy place. I’m so passionate about it that if anyone tells me they’re going for the first time, I almost feel personally responsible for making sure they have the best trip possible. And will forcefully send them a “MUST DO” list of restaurants, walks, shops, pubs and places to stay.
If there’s one thing I’m reminding myself this summer, it’s that a beautiful life is very much like a beautiful home. It’s built slowly, shaped by the people, places and memories we collect along the way.
See you in August.
Lydia x