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What a view! Just love the setting of this enchanting farmhouse, nestling in the heart of picturesque East Sussex.

I was instantly drawn to this stunning autumnal image, captured by the creative homeowner last year, while we were looking at a selection of pre-renovation shots that she’d taken after the couple relocated from London.

Following many months of hard work, the couple and their children are, undoubtedly, living their rural dream in this charming eclectic home where, this week, both the photographer and I were made to feel more than welcome.

It’s been such a pleasure to write this feature that’s due to be published later in 2015. I can’t wait to show you inside…

Feeling refreshed and ready for the week ahead, following a fabulous Sunday afternoon stroll at West Wittering on a sunny day! Buying props, photo-shoot, styling, writing features, liaising with magazines and, whatever else lies ahead this week, just bring it on! 🙂

Just a quick line to say a big thank you to the mystery person who left a pretty primrose on my doorstep. I have no idea who carried out the random act of kindness but the gesture definitely made my day. If it was someone I know on Facebook or Twitter, I really do hope you read this message.

Around this time of year, I can’t resist buying a few fresh flowers to bring a little touch of spring into our home. When it’s bitterly cold outside, they’re a lovely reminder that warmer, longer days are just around the corner.

With a huge bunch of daffs in the kitchen, tulips in the hall and now the primrose carefully placed in a vase in the living room, our house is beginning to resemble a flower shop but I’m very touched by the primrose and the fact that someone has taken the time and trouble to buy, wrap and deliver it.

I’m a firm believer in random acts of kindness…I feel it’s the little things in life that make the world go round. The only problem is that it can be tricky to know just who to thank…perhaps I’ll just start mentioning the word ‘primrose’ to everyone I meet and see what happens! 🙂

If you’re thinking of revamping your kitchen, check out Sally and Geoff Marling’s feature in this month’s Real Homes magazine (Feb 2015) for inspiration.

When this genial couple decided to extend their home in Kent, they knew exactly who would help them source and design a sleek, contemporary kitchen that would be practical and have plenty of wow factor.

Sally says: “Our friend Sarah Reeve-Daly, who runs Alon Interiors near Aylesford in Kent, was brilliant. She came up with super ideas and was passionate about our project.”

With Geoff running his own building company, Marling Building Services, and Alon Interiors on board, there was no doubt that the project was going to be a runaway success. The pair are absolutely thrilled with their stylish, high-quality kitchen that’s added a whole new dimension to their very welcoming family home.

If you’ve also got a great tale to tell about your own kitchen transformation and would like it featured in a magazine, drop me a line at mail@janetmcmeekin.co.uk or call 01243 792379.

For further information about Alon Interiors, view www.aloninteriors.co.uk or call 01732 843900.

For more details about Marling Building Services, view www.marlingbuilding.co.uk or ring 01732 851641.

Photograph courtesy of Bruce Hemming.

Happy new year to you. Such an exciting 2015 ahead.

One of the highlights of my festive break was a visit to the National Open Art Exhibition at Chichester’s Minerva Theatre where the eclectic range of work on display was amazing. It was extremely difficult to choose a personal favourite, however, I felt that this beautiful oil painting just had the edge.

My working year has already started with a wonderful shoot at a truly delightful Georgian home near Guildford in Surrey. Unfortunately, since it was a festive shoot, it’s going to be a while before you see the house in all its glory but I can tell you that it will definitely be worth the wait since it is absolutely fabulous. 🙂

Very best wishes for the festive season. Hope you have a wonderful time. 🙂

Just received this cheery Christmas card from one of my neighbours. The snowy dog-walking scene is by artist Louise Rawlings whose work I greatly admire. Louise’s seasonal card is now taking pride of place in the hall beside a quick thrown-together festive arrangement in a hurriedly-polished copper vase that’s just been unearthed from the loft. 🙂

Love the directions for tomorrow’s interview at a cosy cottage near Hever Castle – the childhood home of Anne Boleyn – located in leafy Kent.

Apparently I’ll be following the same carriage route that Henry VIII rode on his way to visit Anne. How romantic is that?

I’ve been eyeing up Hever Castle & Gardens, since spotting it on The Apprentice television show a few weeks ago. It looks like such a wonderful place to visit – isn’t Henry VIII’s bedchamber (pictured below) just fabulous?

Unfortunately, I’ll be dashing off to another home in Sussex after the interview but I’m definitely going to put Hever Castle on my list of places to visit in 2015.

Just loved interviewing Jayne Ackerley, the bubbly owner of Tobias Interiors. I’m so thrilled that she’s over the moon with her nine-page spread in the current (January 2015) issue of Period Living magazine.

Jayne’s passion and enthusiasm for her gorgeous Georgian home in Workington, Cumbria, is contagious. From the moment she contacted me, I’d no doubt that our chat would be peppered with fabulous tales about how Jayne and her husband Anthony have injected their previously dowdy property with colour, plenty of personality and style.

This hard-working couple played a hands-on role in their project, tackling all sorts of jobs and riding the various ups and downs to create this delightful house that’s now a much-loved family home.

Having been on soft furnishing and upholstery courses to learn how to make curtains and blinds and reupholster pieces of furniture, Jayne has taken the next step, transferring her new-found skills to her business, Tobias Interiors, named after the couple’s son Toby.

Tobias Interiors brings together an eclectic mix of vintage homewares and handcrafted items, all sourced by the talented Jayne. Check it out online.

To find out more about Jayne’s dream home renovation, snap up a copy of Period Living and admire this wonderful home that’s been captured beautifully through the lens of photographer Jeremy Phillips.