Welcome to Stylish Home Secrets
Our story starts in 2010. That year, my husband and I, temporarily lost leave of our senses. We bought an old stately home, complete with ballroom and chapel, which needed let’s say, some tender loving care.
I can say that now looking back with rose coloured spectacles, but what I really mean is, it needed significant restoration, complete renovation and a shed load of cash, love, vision and skills - not to mention a hefty dollop of blood, sweat and tears - to bring its joy and beauty back.
And that put simply, was my mission. To bring it back to life. And a beautiful one at that.
I can say that now looking back with rose coloured spectacles, but what I really mean is, it needed significant restoration, complete renovation and a shed load of cash, love, vision and skills - not to mention a hefty dollop of blood, sweat and tears - to bring its joy and beauty back.
And that put simply, was my mission. To bring it back to life. And a beautiful one at that.
As you can imagine we had a tight budget and we had to prioritise the stuff you can’t see but desperately need - making it water proof, plumbing, electrics, fire safety, heating, lighting, archeological surveys and so on, which in a grade two star listed building of such scale is no mean feat. After that, the cash had to go on restoration of floors, coving, paintwork, windows which left, well very little for interior schemes, materials, and decoration.
As you can imagine we had a tight budget and we had to prioritise the stuff you can’t see but desperately need - making it water proof, plumbing, electrics, fire safety, heating, lighting, archeological surveys and so on, which in a grade two star listed building of such scale is no mean feat. After that, the cash had to go on restoration of floors, coving, paintwork, windows which left, well very little for interior schemes, materials, and decoration.
From false ceilings and bare rafters emerged a beautiful re-imagined domed space - perfect for photographs.
From false ceilings and bare rafters emerged a beautiful re-imagined domed space - perfect for photographs.
But where there’s a will, there’s a way or should I say, my resolute stubbornness not to give up or compromise on my vision of beautiful won out. I made mistakes but I also learned so much about creating a super stylish interior that is perfectly right for the style or period of a house or a specific room type. And that functionality does not need to compromise beauty. Nor does cost.
But where there’s a will, there’s a way or should I say, my resolute stubbornness not to give up or compromise on my vision of beautiful won out. I made mistakes but I also learned so much about creating a super stylish interior that is perfectly right for the style or period of a house or a specific room type. And that functionality does not need to compromise beauty. Nor does cost.
Simple refined schemes to last the test of time.
Can you believe this chapel was a squash court?
And yes, we did re-use the squash court floor for reasons of economy …..
We removed the white and yellow lines though first (well after a couple of games of squash!). It had to be done!
Simple refined schemes to last the test of time.
Can you believe this chapel was a squash court?
And yes, we did re-use the squash court floor for reasons of economy …..
We removed the white and yellow lines though first (well after a couple of games of squash!). It had to be done!
It’s often about careful curation of pieces, blending the old and the new, being brave, re-using and changing up looks through considered design (and trial and error) and creating cohesive, balanced schemes with texture, layered lighting and a personality that reflects those who use the space.
It’s often about careful curation of pieces, blending the old and the new, being brave, re-using and changing up looks through considered design (and trial and error) and creating cohesive, balanced schemes with texture, layered lighting and a personality that reflects those who use the space.
So Stylish Home Secrets, and specifically this website, grew out of my passion for creating homes with personality and style and a refusal to believe that style and beautiful, joyful homes should come at the compromise of practicality and sustainability.
My furniture at the VIP area of the 2024 Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair
After several years of being asked to undertake commissions, and being quizzed on where I sourced things, what paint colours and fabrics I used, I decided it was time!
Time to launch my own range of interiors products that would deliver on style, practicality and personality whilst delivering on my principles of environment.
Committed to sustainability, not only have pieces been carefully sourced and focus given to sustainable woods and recycled and up cycled furniture and textiles, but through advice and tips, the aim is for customers to love their existing schemes through the addition of carefully
considered new pieces, styling their own homes and creating cohesive schemes rather than simply sourcing whole new ranges.
In the second phase of our website, a pre loved section will also feature unique and one off pre loved pieces.
With a helpful blog, styling tips, advice and ideas, my vision is not just about products but ensuring people can live beautifully and create their perfect sense of home.
Ultimately, through well chosen, design led furniture and practical pieces for modern living, it aims to create personal, stylish and joyful homes. It’s about giving customers a recipe for living beautifully.
Shona Harper-Wilkes
Founder