August has been a little different around here.
I’ve taken some proper time off. Not “I’ll just answer this one email” time off, or “I’ll quickly pop into the studio” time off.
Actual time to stop.
To breathe.
To spend time with my family, get outside, notice what’s growing, walk the dog, and, most importantly, let my brain be quiet for a while.
I’ve never taken so much time off since starting my business in 2009 (apart from the maternity leave and even then I was still answering emails whilst in labour)
Running a small business can sometimes feel like you’re constantly looking ahead to the next thing. The next collection. The next order. The next deadline, and running the business with 2 small children has been a whole different ball game to the 13 years I ran the business without children. Things have had to slow down, my expectations on what I can achieve have shifted and I have needed to turn off.
And I’ve realised that sometimes you need to step away from all of that to come back feeling excited about it again.
So I’m heading back into the studio feeling refreshed, inspired and ready for the new season.
We spent a couple of weeks in Norfolk camping and getting away from it all, off-grid. There was little electricity or phone signal, so even if I went back on my decision to unplug, I couldn’t, and I realised that I really needed that for me and my family. A huge shout-out to Castle Wild Camping for the most wonderful stay; this was then followed by a festival called the Just So Festival in Cheshire, making memories with my two smalls. This is my first summer as a mum of 2, whilst not on maternity. The moments we’ve created over the last month have been extremely special and important to me.
It’s also made me realise, how I cannot be creative or design when stressed or under pressure. So many of my projects have been really hard since the kids have been born, because I’m creating in a designated period of time, instead of creating because I really need to.
A fresh start for your home
There’s something about the end of summer that makes me want to change things at home too.
Open the windows. Move things around. Bring a little more colour in. Start thinking about cosy evenings and the changing seasons.
And perhaps that’s why I love designing things for our homes so much.
A lampshade can completely change a corner of a room.
A few cushions can make a sofa feel new again.
If your home is feeling a little meh after the summer, perhaps it’s time for a little refresh too.
From British birds and wildflowers to leafy designs inspired by the countryside around me, everything is designed here in South Oxfordshire and made to bring a little more nature and colour into everyday life.
Here’s to a fresh start, a little more breathing space and finding inspiration in the everyday things around us.
Lorna x
P.S. I’m easing myself back into work rather than jumping straight back in at 100mph. It feels good. And I have a feeling there are some new ideas brewing…
