Then may I recommend the junk-shop-slash-salvage-yard, and local institution, Aladdin’s Cave? It’s the most extraordinary place, where the ever-expanding stock is increasingly displayed on the ceiling above your head.

Health and safety, anyone? And it’s not just chairs. It’s fireplaces and wardrobes and Victorian garden edging and sinks. There’s even a front bit with nice light fittings where the indomitable women who run it always have a fire going, even in July. One of them delivered a sideboard to my house and wrestled it from van to living room while I dithered on the sidelines. Amazing. It’s a real Lewisham landmark. Have you been?

Bedroom stories

I rented flats from the age of 17 until I was 3o. Living in – and trying to personalise – eight bedrooms in total. So Olivia Howitt’s blog, What’s In Your Bedroom, stirs memories. Her subjects are often in flatshares, where their bedrooms are the only place for a bit of personal expression. To be honest, […]

Zig and zag

Is there anything that doesn’t, currently, look chicer with zig-zag stripes on? Special edition Artek 60 stool by Mads Norgaard from The Lollipop Shoppe. Crying out to have a cup of coffee put on it.

My desk: Andrea Bates

Andrea Bates worked in the interiors industry for 14 years, buying for Heals, Jamie Oliver and others. Then, in Autumn 2011, she set up her online shop and consultancy, Future & Found. ‘The bricks and mortar shop followed in March 2012 and I’ve never looked back,’ she says. Today, we’re delighted to gain behind-the-scenes access to Andrea’s desk… Where is your desk? With true […]

Bathroom ideas part 1

So after sharing my bathroom shame earlier in the week, I’ve been looking around for inspiration for what to do with it. As previously mentioned I haven’t much to spend – I don’t plan on moving anything around for example. I have a load of white brick tiles that Jill gave me, sitting under a […]