Have you ever walked through a gallery and seen a stunning piece of art, only to be left a little underwhelmed by the frame? As a fellow art lover and artist myself, I understand entirely. The frame is like a piece of furniture for your artwork; it should enhance the piece's beauty and resonate with the style of the room it will eventually call home.

For the last few years, the focus of my open studio during the Bucks Art Weeks event has been art and interior design. Why? Because, for me, these two things are inseparable. A well-curated home that feels genuinely lived-in should be a haven. Sure, functionality is essential, but so are the finer aspects contributing to your well-being. This is where art comes in.

Finding inspiration can feel daunting as winter blues linger and the world outside turns grey. But fear not, creative thinker, dive into a visual feast from the comfort of your own home with these 9 stunning art books. From gorgeous illustrations to captivating photography, these tomes will ignite your creative fire, fuel your artistic journey, and be the perfect eye-feasting experience.

Botanical paintings are a super way to bring the beauty of nature into your home decor. They can add a touch of elegance, sophistication, and tranquility to any room. From original paintings to fine art prints there’s a multitude of styles and subjects to suit every taste and budget. And one of the best ways to display your botanical paintings is to create a gallery wall.

Bubblegum pink, lichen, racing green and a touch of azure blue is the delicious colour recipe for a collection of show-stopping florals. They are a series of contemporary fine art paintings inspired by my own rose garden. The story of how they came to be is full of personal connection and the journey one painting took, to find its home in a new kitchen extension, is one of inspiration and commitment.

Do your paintings tell you stories as you walk past them on the wall?  I’m convinced mine do, I make a point of looking at them to make sure I fully understand their narrative.  Call me crazy, however if you love contemporary fine art, Mid-century modern, Scandinavian style and small moments of calm as much as I do read on.  These are my ingredients for homemaking and art is at the heart.