I recently read an interview with interiors stylist and consultant Cate St Hill, where she explores Japandi – a concept that merges complementary Japanese and Scandinavian design principles, going beyond interior trends to focus on creating a calm sanctuary at home.
This idea resonates deeply with The Small Home’s ethos: that our homes impact our overall wellbeing and can make us feel better. What we crave is of course personal to us, and it makes sense that our interior styles should reflect these needs.
I was reminded of this when I was recently invited into the beautiful home of Ana and Adrian Williams. I was struck by how personal their space felt – a true reflection of their life together. Their home spoke of their travels, passions and, ultimately, their love for each other.
It made me reflect on what truly makes a home feel special. I’ve never been drawn to magazine-perfect ‘showroom homes’ – those paint-by-numbers spaces built around trends, curated by interior designers and filled with objects that could belong anywhere, to anyone.
Instead, I’m always drawn to homes with personality – places with an eclectic mix of meaningful things that reflect the people who live there. Artwork collected over the years, objects found or handed down through family – these are the things that give a home its soul.
You can learn so much about someone through their home – you can see their daily rituals in the details: plants lovingly tended, candles waiting to be lit, books left out ready to be picked up.
Ana and Adrian's home is brimming with their interests – from the shelves of books to the photographs on the walls. There’s a comfort and softness in every nook, as warm as their hospitality. You feel immediately welcome – they’re not in a rush for you to leave. They want to hear your story, which feels particularly generous in a world that often prioritises speed and efficiency.
From the moment you walk in, it’s clear they are keen readers. I loved how they’ve created their favourite reading spots in places flooded with natural light, offering the best views of their garden or the trees in the square outside.
It reminded me that designing a home for life is about so much more than paint palettes and soft furnishings. It’s about thinking carefully about how you live – and creating a space filled with things you love, that make you feel happy and relaxed.
My takeaways from this beautiful home:
– Use your favourite spots – those places that get the best morning or evening light. Make them feel special. Leave a candle and some matches. Stack the books you’re excited to read. Make it part of your daily ritual to spend time there.
– Put down the interior design books and look at what you already have. Let your collected treasures take centre stage – the artwork, the shells from holidays, the photographs. These are the things that will make you feel grounded and content – far more than a perfectly styled space ever could.
– Finally, comfort. Let your home radiate warmth – through tactile surfaces that invite you to sink in, and through the way you welcome people in. Forget the washing up or the crumbs on the floor. Focus on sharing your space and your time.
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