R L Sumner

We can learn such a lot from tv lifestyle programmes.    There are many now on constant loop discharging pockets of advice from how to buy a property at auction – for absolutely rock bottom prices and how to refurbish them to such a degree that we could make a fortuneRead More →

Styling a home is such a personal thing.  I know couples who are constantly at war over the things in their house.  One pair, down the road are always bickering – he likes it very minimalist, no fussy ornaments, plain curtains, in fact, he’d just have blinds or shutters ifRead More →

I was looking for decorating ideas to liven up two spare bedrooms.  They have a rather bland ivory silk on the walls, which in itself is not bad, it does reflect the sunlight well, as my decorator said it would; the toning curtains and honey coloured carpet just make eachRead More →

You can often tell the age group of a householder by the choice of furnishing and decorating themes when  you visit.  This is certainly true of some of my social groups that I help support.  There’s the local quaintly named forget me not club that was started after the firstRead More →

When we need to decorate the interiors of houses, there are things we should do first before we even think about rushing for paint and brushes.  Take a look at each room you plan to work on.  Stand in the doorway and cast a slow eye from left to rightRead More →

After returning from some longer than usual travels this year, I felt very able to look around at my generously spacious family dwelling and plan a campaign of decor for the next year or so.  It’s the sort of house that does need a plan too.  When my decorator lastRead More →

All our homes these days either have gas or electric hobs as their main cooking option.  There are now numerous different types of hob top to choose from for your kitchen.  Here, we explain the main pros and cons for each. Ceramic:  these generate heat just below the surface whichRead More →

I have been watching a series of homestyle programmes imported from canada and north america.  The difference in our styles is definitely due to the geography here and there.  Most of the properties I see on the tv show reflect the psace available around them.  Although there are milions ofRead More →

I was leafing through a very old copy of a country living magazine over the weekend.  There are quite a few from the 1930s, 40s and 50s in a house that I volunteer at.  At one time the property was very famous for the socialite lady tenant who managed toRead More →

I was watching one of the many property programmes the other evening – waiting for a crime thriller to start . . . .  The property in question had been bought ‘sight unseen’ at an auction.  This is a definite no-no as far as the programme makers and professionals areRead More →