Home and Office

I spend the majority of my time in my house. It's not just the place where I eat, sleep and relax. I work here so it serves as my writing space, recipe development kitchen, photographic studio, crafting den and administration office. With so many things to fit into a small area I have to utilise every single bit of space and furniture.

My dining room table shown above is 11 years old but it was made to last. It took me ages to find the right one. I like furniture with a classic styling to them. We don't have a very big dining room so it is very handy that the middle comes out and it can be made smaller. I spend most of my time at this table. It overlooks my garden which is in full bloom at the moment and I can keep an eye on the kids, birds, cats and whatever other wildlife decides to visit! A table similar to mine is in the Sutcliffe Trafalgar range.

I have lots of books not just cookery books but still lots of books. I can't seem to say no when offered them and I'm always grateful for another when given as a present. There's no point in having books that are tucked away as you will never read or refer to them. I like this bookcase as it also has two handy drawers. In one drawer I keep my labelling machine and you never know when there will be a labelling emergency! I try not to put too many things on top as I often clear them off to take photographs. Where else though could I store my baking tins and cake stand? If you're looking for a bookcase with additional storage space take a look at the Bentley Designs range.

Sometimes when looking for furniture you have an idea in your head exactly what you want but you just can't seem to be able to find it. We knew we wanted more storage in our drawing room but couldn't find the right chest of drawers. Nothing was big enough or in the wood we wanted. After wandering into the bedroom section we found this – perfect! It hides away my sewing box, photographic and printer paper, scrapbooks and Easter decorations for the twigs. I think the delivery men were very glad they didn't have to carry it upstairs as it is very heavy! The Frank Hudson bedroom range has chests of drawers suitable for bedroom or lounge.

Do you have a piece of furniture in a different room it was originally intended to be used in? What is your most used piece of furniture?

Furniture suggestions available at Rodgers of York. Photograph from website.

This post is in collaboration with Rodgers of York. Credited photograph used with permission all other photographs and words my own.