Homelife SS22_Digital | Page 61

FULL OF HEART AND HISTORY

“ My favourite newer piece of furniture is our Chadwick sofa . I love how the green brings in the view of the rolling hills we have outside our window . I ’ m so pleased with the quality , it feels like an antique of the future .”

A HOME TAKES TIME
Five years after they moved in , Steph explains progress on their house has been slow . Understandably so , with two small girls and taking on every job themselves . “ It ’ s been a learning curve but practice makes perfect and we ’ ve gained so much knowledge for future projects . It ’ s been hard to make considered choices because we don ’ t have much time to think and to plan so every decision has been a quick one ! I know corners have been cut in some places where we ’ ve rushed to finish a project quicker .”
And yet , following their renovation journey on Steph ’ s popular Instagram account , @ stephgowla , gives an authentic and reassuring glimpse of reality . A home does take time and it can ’ t be completed overnight . By tackling their renovation over a number of years , rather than months , it ’ s had a positive effect on the way Steph buys furniture too . “ We recently had a sorting out session and it scared me as we wanted to get rid of furniture that we only bought two years ago . Mostly because it was cheaper and it hadn ’ t lasted . I really consider every single item now and before it comes into the house , I ask myself , ‘ Would I be happy to keep this forever ? Is it useful ?’
“ It ’ s more important than ever for us all to be more considered and sustainable in our purchases by choosing quality , timeless furniture . ‘ Buy once , buy well ’ rather than buying twice ( or even more ).
“ One of my favourite pieces of furniture in the house is a large antique pine sideboard that sits in our living room . It came from my grandmother ’ s antiques and gift shop and was used to display the most wonderful array of beautiful soaps , candles and various smellies . It will be cherished forever by us .
“ A newer favourite is our Cotswold Company Chadwick sofa in the beautiful green velvet . It really adds that British country style and I love how the green brings in the view of the rolling hills we have outside our window . I ’ m so pleased with the quality , it feels like an antique of the future .
“ Now most of the work has been done in the house , I can really consider and plan the finishing touches the cottage is lacking – those things that make a house a home . I ’ m looking forward to adding more colour and pattern to our all-neutral home and things like looking for the perfect side table to set down a cuppa and adding more wall art . I can ’ t believe what a difference things like art make in helping a house feel like a home .”
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