Catherine

There is one word that starts a New York conversation - 'storage'. It is still the city I have lived in that really gets it and has come up with a range of wardrobe, packing and lock-up solutions. Other cities need it as well as many of us live in smaller spaces whilst living in a shopping world that entices us with stuff. There is a reason that tiny houses are popular and books on minimalism are constantly being highlighted. Check out the Container Store, Bed, Bath & Beyond and Home Depot in the USA or if you are

A young friend was missing her home. She was only in Berlin for a year and wasn't allowed to paint, knock a nail in the wall or make any apartment changes. She said she was feeling depressed wondering what she could do and it wasn't a particularly attractive space with a tiny separate kitchen and bathroom and a room for dining, living and sleeping. Always a challenge. I once lived for eight months in a shabby - not chic, small French apartment and understood how our living space impacts on our feelings. First Steps We discussed her taste, colours

Philippe Starck once said, "If you are depressed, you put some bright yellow in and suddenly you are happy." I wasn't feeling depressed but wanted to add a touch of summer to our bedroom. I have realised for a long time that there is a whole market there for a good bedlinen designer! The choice is limited to hotel white, stripes or flowers. Not easy for a couple to choose and avoid looking too gender specific. I have run the gamut of hotel chic blanc, Chinese intense silks and have recently gone for an Art Deco look. A bedroom is

This is the second of the expensive rooms, the bathroom being the other one. As with the bathroom, careful planning is required, you won't regret it! If you are ripping out the old kitchen and starting afresh, then you have a chance to search for whitegoods, fixtures and the whole look. If you are partially renovating, work out what you are prepared to keep and what you are really want to spend money on. That seems to be obvious however, I have seen people's budget blow out without proper research and planning especially around the classic triangle of the

This is one of the two most expensive rooms to renovate, the kitchen being the other. Space, lighting and functionality need to be carefully planned and balanced. It is a room with the potential for costly mistakes. Plan where the major areas are going to be, what lighting you will use, how to ventilate the room and even heat it. There are plenty of websites on how to renovate a bathroom yourself - I advise against it if possible. Let's focus on some basics first: How do you want to use the bathroom -  is it the main or