Catherine

Living in France a couple of times, I am asked if shabby chic is still OK to use for interior design. The answer is - let's drop the shabby and focus on the chic but it depends what your definition is of this trend. There seem to be a range of answers within this style and it continues to be updated. French greys, soft neutral pallets with linen as a feature and chalk-painted wooden furniture with a bit of a distressed look to add age and texture. Recycled furniture, preferably 40s or mid-century and painted in soft colours including

It spans a range of styles from classic Art Deco sharp, metallic brutalist squares to Art Nouveau floral arts and crafts and I am instantly attracted to its chic Parisian mode. My preference is for the short period that sits in between the hard lines and ornate curves which shouts luxury but doesn't overdo it. The style works with modern and old and is best with the soft curves of wooden panelled furniture. Art Deco was the start of the interest in Asian and Egyptian decor so don't ignore a Chinese cabinet you can update to look Belle Epoque.

An architect friend gave me a key piece of advice; think if you are about to buy or rent - can you live with the bathroom and the kitchen? These are the two most expensive rooms to renovate. If it requires plumbing or electricity and you don't have the money, walk away. These incur major labour costs and, more often than not, you will discover other issues behind such as a leaking sink - our current apartment -or a totally live electrical box in my first house! If you have an unlimited budget, lucky you but this post is

The famous British interior designer, William Morris, stated, “If you want a golden rule that will fit everything, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” I grew up in houses full of stuff. Having travelled and lived in different cultures, countries and cities, my parents amassed an adhoc collection of original African masks and beads, English china including Toby jugs and mixed it with other collections such as Italian ruby red glassware. And they continue to collect. My mother has a Welsh dresser absolutely full

Christian Dior stated that,"white is pure and simple and matches with everything'. There are apparently over 1000 different shades of white from what our French painter called 'l'hopital blanc' to warm ivory tones and various tints and hints of blue, grey and pink. White is generally seen as symbolising purity, cleanliness and serenity. However; it can add a sterile and cold feel to a space leaving it stark and depressing. The featured photograph is from Neptune, a wonderful interior supply store that uses a warm ivory white against soft beiges and taupes with great effect.   What Shade of