DESIGN DECISIONS:
WHAT I CHOSE AND WHY
Every home is shaped by hundreds of decisions. Here, I share some of the choices I've made in my own home, why I made them, and whether I'd make the same decision again.
Why I Kept My Island Cooktop-Free
Many kitchen designs place the cooktop in the island, but I preferred to keep the entire surface free for preparation, serving, and entertaining. I like keeping hot pans, steam, and cooking mess away from where family and friends naturally gather with a glass of wine. With people often sitting or standing around the island, it is a safer and more practical choice.
Would I do it again?
Every time. It suits the way we live and entertain.
Why I Chose Pocket Doors Over Open Plan Living
When we renovated our home, we kept the original pocket doors rather than creating a fully open-plan layout. As well as being an architectural feature, they gave us the flexibility to open the rooms up or create separation when needed. Years later, they've proven far more useful than a permanently open layout would have been.
Would I do it again?
Absolutely. They're one of my favourite features in the house.
Why I Chose Dark Wall Colours
I've used dark wall colours in several rooms and still love the atmosphere they create. They can make a room feel dramatic, cocooning, and full of character. What I've learned, though, is that dark paint doesn't always age as gracefully as lighter colours. Scuffs, fading, and touch-ups tend to be more noticeable, and if you ever decide to go lighter again, repainting can be a real headache.
Would I do it again?
Yes, but only in the right room.
Why I Chose Bold Wallpaper
I've never been afraid of a bold wallpaper. A striking pattern can transform a room and add personality in a way that paint rarely can. The downside is that even the wallpapers you love can start to feel familiar after a few years. Unlike paint, they're not always easy to change when you're ready for something new.
Would I do it again?
Only with peel-and-stick wallpaper. Changing your mind is much easier.
Why I Chose Ceramic Countertops
Butcher block was everywhere when we renovated our kitchen, but I wanted a surface that could handle real life without constant maintenance. Eight years later, choosing ceramic remains one of the best renovation decisions I've made.
Would I do it again?
Without hesitation.
Why I Built My Kitchen Around An Australian Fridge
When we renovated our kitchen, we designed it around our existing Australian fridge. The appliance was still in perfect working order, so replacing it felt unnecessary. What I didn't realise was that Australian fridge sizes don't translate well to the European market, making replacement far more complicated than it should be.
Would I do it again?
No. I'd plan for replacement, not just today.
Why I Chose Outdoor Rugs
Outdoor rugs can instantly make a terrace or patio feel more finished and inviting, which is exactly why I got one. I still love the look, but living in the Netherlands means dealing with rain, fallen leaves, mud, and the occasional green tinge. They require more maintenance than most people expect.
Would I do it again?
It depends. In a covered outdoor space, absolutely. In an exposed garden, probably not.
Why I Chose Black Bathroom Tapware
When we renovated our bathroom, black tapware felt fresh, modern, and a little different. I loved it for years, but over time I found myself drawn to warmer finishes. It also aged less gracefully than I'd hoped, showing wear more readily than traditional finishes. In the end, I replaced it.
Would I do it again?
It depends. If I planned to refresh the room with changing trends, yes. If not, I'd choose a warmer finish.
Why I Chose A Built-In Media Wall
I never liked the idea of a television being the first thing you notice in a room. A built-in media wall helped it blend into the background while creating space for art, books, plants, and vintage finds. Instead of a television wall, it became a display wall that just happens to include a television.
Would I do it again?
Absolutely. It made the room feel far more personal.
Why I Added Plissé Blinds To My Skylight
The skylight floods the room with natural light, which is wonderful until summer arrives. Without a blind, the room quickly overheats. Adding a plissé blind helped keep temperatures under control while still allowing us to enjoy the light when we want it.
Would I do it again?
Yes, but I'd connect it to a wall switch rather than rely on a remote control.
