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THE PARLOUR ESSAYS
The Parlour Essays are short observational pieces on colour, interiors and their place in history and society. They examine the choices of material, function, or ornament that shaped domestic life.
The focus is on the ordinary as much as the grand, on details that reveal larger patterns. Read together, they offer a view of design as part of society.
FEATURED ESSAYS
DO'S AND DON'TS OF PERIOD HOMES PART 4
A short code of conduct for old houses. PART 4 - THE MODERN THINGS. This essay concerns the modern necessary aspects of older houses, such as televisions, security systems and the dreaded cables.
DO'S AND DON'TS OF PERIOD HOMES PART 3
A short code of conduct for old houses. PART 3 - THE TACTILE THINGS. This essay concerns the tacticle and touchable aspects of older houses, such as handles, switches and fabrics.
DO'S AND DON'TS OF PERIOD HOMES PART 2
A short code of conduct for old houses. PART 2 - THE CREATIVE THINGS. This essay concerns the creative and very enjoyable aspects of older houses, such as colour, pattern and textures.
DO'S AND DON'TS OF PERIOD HOMES PART 1
A short code of conduct for old houses. PART 1 - THE BIG THINGS. This essay concerns the big items of thinking for older houses, what to consider and what to investigate.
2026 TRENDS THAT WORK FOR OLD HOUSESĀ
2026 Trends that work in old houses. Trends come and go but in 2026 the trend-gods smile on period properties. Pattern, colour and natural materials take centre stage.
WHAT MAKES A GREAT HOME?
Home Truths: Personality, Light and a Plan. A trinity that will serve you well when making your home a great place to live. This is an extended version of a feature published in the 2026 April edition of Round & About magazine.
THE COLOURED COMPASS
A Guide to Colour for All Aspects
COLOUR FOR A NORTH-FACING ROOM
The Colour Compass: Part I.
Lean into the light. North-facing rooms require careful handling, very different from other aspects. The light is cool and even, and the colours need to carry warmth without any help.
COLOUR FOR AN EAST-FACING ROOM
The Colour Compass: Part II.
East greets the sunrise. With brightness in the morning and softness in the afternoon, east-facing rooms can handle vibrancy and cheerfulness.
COLOUR FOR A SOUTH-FACING ROOM
The Colour Compass: Part III. The light in south-facing rooms is the best gift a house can get. They are the super models of light. But with strong light, comes great responsibility.
COLOUR FOR A WEST-FACING ROOM
The Colour Compass: Part IV.
Dinner by the fire. Mercurial and changeable, the light in west-facing rooms needs warmth in the mornings and radiance in the evenings.
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DO'S AND DON'TS OF PERIOD HOMES PART 4
A short code of conduct for old houses. PART 4 - THE MODERN THINGS. This essay concerns the modern necessary aspects of older houses, such as televisions, security systems and the dreaded cables.
DO'S AND DON'TS OF PERIOD HOMES PART 3
A short code of conduct for old houses. PART 3 - THE TACTILE THINGS. This essay concerns the tacticle and touchable aspects of older houses, such as handles, switches and fabrics.
DO'S AND DON'TS OF PERIOD HOMES PART 2
A short code of conduct for old houses. PART 2 - THE CREATIVE THINGS. This essay concerns the creative and very enjoyable aspects of older houses, such as colour, pattern and textures.
DO'S AND DON'TS OF PERIOD HOMES PART 1
A short code of conduct for old houses. PART 1 - THE BIG THINGS. This essay concerns the big items of thinking for older houses, what to consider and what to investigate.
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