Issue 02: May 2025

The month of quiet dreams coming true: from journal pages to filmed moments, and a little recognition along the way.

The bleeding hearts flowers (or inquisitive chickens if you saw my story) are out in full bloom, and our farmhouse has been full of grout, glue and wood grain. May has brought that lovely sense of momentum: the kind where the to-do list is still long, but things are definitely slotting into place. We’ve been balancing the big jobs with the pretty details, and the hallway is finally getting the love it deserves.

Progress Peek:

This month felt like things were finally coming together, and that our small steps are starting to look like something bigger. John worked his magic on the hallway, laying down the most beautiful patterned period tiles that instantly make the space feel more rooted in its Georgian bones, and he is now in the poor phase (for both of us) of complaining about panelling mitre joints. We’ve also finally created our YouTube channel after almost a year of saying we would, and if you can believe it, I’ve been nominated for numerous Ufurnish home awards, which is absolutely crazy to me!

Farmhouse Finds:

Palette pick: Cinnamon Slate by Benjamin Moore. This is a mix between plum and brown, and to be honest, I have no idea where I would put it, but I found it this week and fell in love. It reminds me of calm laundry rooms, or cosy living rooms, so maybe that’s the way to go?

A brand I’m loving: I recently discovered a shop in North Yorkshire called @simplydutch_ which I’m rather obsessed with. I spent an hour in there the other night until closing and ended up with a Victorian picture which has really added some more character to the kitchen. I’ll be going back this week with a bit more time to browse!

In The Details:

This month we had to tackle that mouldy corner that reared its ugly green head when I was stripping the wallpaper, which was the wall below the huge original stained-glass window in the hallway. After a bit of pulling plaster off walls (and a lot of groans of disgust from me), we traced the issue back to a little gap between the window and wall which needed filling to prevent the issue happening again. With that now getting the attention it rightly deserves, we turned our focus to something far more exciting: panelling. We’ve just begun installing traditional Georgian-style wall panelling in the hallway, which will be symmetrical, grand and beautiful in its details. It already feels like it’s giving the space its dignity back. Also, in typical Shanice-style, I started to get impatient and look at finishing touches – I found the most gorgeous decorative pediments which are those classic architectural details that crown the tops of doors in some period homes. I think they’ll go perfectly with our new internal doors which were very kindly gifted by Leader Doors. It’s all coming together folks!

To keep track of everything, from panelling plans to paint colours and pesky little problems like the window leak, I created a home journal to keep me sane (although it may be too late.) I spent a few days designing it and then a few more making it, and it’s given me a calm, practical space to organise ideas and renovations room by room. I’ve always loved stationery and it makes me feel like I have my life together (for once!) If anyone fancies taking a look, I created an Etsy store with the downloadable journal which is linked in my bio.

We’ve also officially launched our YouTube channel! We’ll be posting every Sunday (including today), sharing the behind the scenes chaos of restoring this house, which are probably the less than pretty bits you don’t always see on Instagram and Facebook. Expect paint, some panic and a lot of real life chat about what life is like here at the farmhouse. Check out the first video now if you fancy!

Photo of the Month:

Two things: Firstly, I can’t believe little old me has been nominated for numerous Ufurnish home award categories, including ‘Best Kitchen’ and ‘Best Interior Instagram’! Secondly, check out these £30 authentic French copper pans that I picked up from Facebook Marketplace. What a bargain buy!

Around The Farmhouse Table:

I asked you guys on my story, “What’s the first thing you do when you get home?”

Here’s what some of you said which spoke to me on the deepest of levels:

• “Whip that bra off at lightning speed!”
• “Stick the kettle on immediately and sit down to relax with a cup of tea.”
• “I put my leggings on and take my face off!”

Looking Ahead:

Next up: painting of absolutely everything in the hallway. Doors, woodwork, panelling, walls, you name it, we’re painting it. I will become at one with the paint with so much painting. I will become Shanice, the painter, the palette and the paint.

Until next month you beautiful bunch,

Shanice 🤍