For this interview we're lucky to have Laura Thomas with us, sharing what makes her house a home. If you haven't yet checked out Laura's IG feed yet, do! It's a beautiful collection from a self confessed interiors enthusiast. She's an avid DIY-er, and a lover of plants, people and textures. Laura has lived in North Yorkshire for over 15 years and has been renovating a Victorian terraced house with her husband for the last 3, determined to keep the character and essence of the property whilst bringing their own style into play. She’s passionate about conscious living, social justice, and creating spaces that welcome.
Here's what Laura has to say, we're sure you'll love it as much as we did ...
What makes you proud of your home?
The amount of time and effort we’ve poured in to make it what it is today. Our goal was to restore the foundations, and let our style blend with the original period features without it losing its essence - and we wanted to do as much of it as we could ourselves. There’s just something about DIY for me that gives you a sense of achievement and often more considered choices, which ultimately pay off in the long run.
What one home essential could you not live without?
Our wood burning stove. Hands down. It was one of the first changes we made to the house and we were lucky enough to uncover the original brick lining when we knocked through, which makes it all the more special. There’s nothing quite like coming back to a roaring fire after a cold walk. It brings so much to the ambience of a room too - just add a glass of red and a good book and I’m all set for the evening (as are the cats!).
What item are you most proud of in your home and why?
I think I’d have to say our green regency sideboard. It’s a secondhand piece (I always love being able to give something a new home!) with the most beautiful curves and gives me yet another surface to style. Did I mention that it’s green?!
Are there parts of your home you see differently now that you're spending more time there?
Oh, for sure. Working from home has meant that I’ve been able to see the rooms throughout the day and understand a bit more of how the light works within each one. The bathroom is now our plant A&E - it’s got gorgeous indirect light all through the day and seems to just keep the temperature constant, as well as being humid after a shower. Any struggling plants now have a stint in there for a few days and they’re back to their former thriving selves!
Have you come across any great eco-friendly home products that you'd recommend?
I’m a big advocate of reducing waste and using natural products where I can in my home. I love my wooden kitchen brushes from Nåde Store London (beautiful and practical!) and we also use ‘Who Gives A Crap?’ bamboo toilet paper, which is great for being kinder to the environment as well as giving 50% of profits to charity - something that is always important to us. Another great switch for us was our laundry detergent - we now use Soap Nuts instead of traditional detergent. They’re completely natural and last for so long too!
What makes a house a home to you?
Creating a space that you can both energise and relax in, and that welcomes people where they’re at - whether they’ve come to laugh, cry or anything in between! I like to think a house is truly a home when anyone feels relaxed to be themselves.
If you don't already follow Laura on IG, you can find her at @houseofthomas.period. If you're looking for house proud inspiration (as we always are) it's the perfect feed!
Don't forget to let me know what makes me proud of your home in the comments below!
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