A year on Substack: Let's catch up
Or if you're new around here, let me walk you around
It’s my Substack birthday. The Home I Made turns one.
How did we get here? In January 2023, I was contemplating my next step. I’d quit my job as editor of an interiors magazine, the end of maternity leave beckoned and I wanted a creative outlet – a route back to writing in a way.
I’d dabbled in sharing some bits of my home on that other little platform beginning with I but I didn’t get much out of it, if I’m honest. I don’t mean in a ‘stats’ sense because I never really got round to caring much about that. More in the way that it felt a bit vane, superfluous and, well, forced. Plus, since the premise of The Home I Made is around the fact that most people’s houses (mine included, I hope you’ve gathered that by now) are a work in progress, never completely tidy, there’s always something to do and there’s hardly ever enough money to do everything you really want, I needed somewhere to be more real.
I’m immensely flattered that you lovely readers have chosen to add The Home I Made to your inboxes – whether you’re one of those who has been here since the start or are just discovering. So thank you. Genuinely, every time I’m alerted to a new subscriber, comment, share or whatever, it makes me smile.
If you are new to The Home I Made Substack, here are some of my most-read and personal favourite entries. I figure this is as good a place to start as any. Enjoy…
The story of my work so far…
I achieved my dream job…and then quit. Here's why
True story: during the interview for what would be my first job on a magazine, my future editor in chief asked ‘where do you see yourself in 10 years?’. One of those interview questions to which you never really know what to answer correctly. You want to strike the right balance between seeming keen, committed and ambit…
What my house is really like…
What's your house like? I'll tell if you will (with voiceover)
‘What’s your house like?’ – it’s a question I have asked many a proud homeowner, and I cannot tell you how many times I have been asked it too. I guess it comes with the territory of working in the homes and interiors publishing world. A bit like a ‘what time are you on ‘til’ for a taxi driver or a ‘what’s your favourite dish’ to a chef, maybe. There’s …
And audio versions for when you’re on the go…
My house, told by me
I get it. You don’t always have the time to sit and read a newsletter in its entirety. I’m the same, if I’m honest with you. I have many tabs open and emails starred with newsletters, features and blogs that I’ll get round to reading. Sometimes life just gets in the way, doesn’t it?
A little project on a budget…
How I transformed the downstairs loo for under £250
“I need a project,” I said, five months after having a baby. I know, I’m rolling my eyes at past me too. Having just about scraped through a hellish sleep regression (the dreaded four month one if you’re wondering), sleep deprived me obviously believed she had the energy, time and brain space to take on a room in the house to do up. “I’ll do the downsta…
The first of The Edit…
The Edit #1: The outdoor living edition
Well, thank Helios for this weather, right? I had my doubts that summer would actually make its appearance this year, I tell you, but after a week of glorious rays, I have well and truly got that summer feeling* (*touches wood, crosses fingers and toes, checks forecast for the umpteeth time). I’ve spent as much time outdoors this week and, of course, ma…
Still haven’t lived down that black ceiling…
Decorating mistakes I’ve made (and will now admit to)
Admitting when you’re wrong…I’ve been trying to come up with a comparison to sum up how that feels. Perhaps a bit like a trip to the dentist – you know you should but it’s not the most pleasant, you don’t look forward to it, but once you’ve been you usually do feel better that it’s over and done.
Where it all really started…
10 interior styling hacks I learned while renting
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Have your say…
Help me decorate: my bedroom
After a bit of a decorating break, we are back at it. Plans had been to sort out the spare bedroom, but you know what, it was actually time to be a bit ‘selfish’ about this home makeover malarky. Yes, sure, it’s all for us because, well, it’s our home. But is there any other room aside from your bedroom that is truly, really
And one more for luck…
I bought a jumpsuit!
Remember when you’d be taken shopping before the start of a new term at school? I’d usually be carted off to Clarks around mid August for new ‘proper’ shoes and make a stop at Woolworths for a new pencil case and, if I was lucky, the latest smelly gel pen and a pick-a-mix. Not only a necessity to get ready for back to school at the start of September, i…
Don’t forget you can get involved in House Chats too - see you over there.
Congratulations Lindsay on your 1st year anniversary 🤎