Welcome to my home

Acharacterful old farmhouse would have been Holly Grundy’s ideal home, but when she and her partner Paul James began househunting, she had to prioritise head over heart. ‘I’m fascinated by older properties with a history, but with two small boys, my focus was on finding the right space and location first,’ she says. ‘This house was dark, tired, and certainly not my style, but it ticked those “practical” boxes.’

Three bedrooms, a roomy garden and the handy position close to family and school sealed the deal, but Holly wanted it to be more than a convenient, functional house, so she set to work brightening the place up. ‘I’ve developed a very distinctive, “American farmhouse” style,’ she says.

‘It started when I began following some American Instagrammers, and has evolved since then. It’s a simple look, with a restricted, neutral palette and lots of white. The homes I’m inspired by are old, with porches and shiplap walls, which I can’t have, but I can emulate other elements, like the natural wood, rustic furniture and worn, weathered surfaces.

‘I’ve been through vintage country and pared-back Scandi looks in the past, but I’m sticking to this one now. A lot of the statement pieces of furniture I have would work in a different scheme if I do ever want to ring the changes, though.

‘I love really quick, simple makes and find loads of ideas to copy in magazines and online. If I see something I like, I’ll just try to put it together myself,’ she says. ‘I don’t follow any pattern – I just do what looks right to me.’ See more of Holly’s home on Instagram, @theenglishfarmhouse.