Just off Mull is the isle of Ulva – or, according to the Viking’s who named it, ‘Wolf island’. It’s privately owned, has no tarmac roads and has a population of 16. So imagine my surprise to find this scene in the tiny church up the hill. 

Pink walls, mustard velvet and grey/blue upholstery – do you reckon the Rev buys Elle Deco?

In honour of the unknown brains behind this holy and on-trend decoration scheme, we’ve knocked up a little get the look for you today.

From the top, Farrow & Ball, Etsy / MarketBCo, Kirsten Hecktermann, Retrouvius, Etsy / Pinkelephantsretro, Save on Crafts (or try these at Habitat).

Tobermory & coastal arts

How cute is Tobermory? It’s the main town on Mull, famed for its coloured buildings and role as Balamory on CBeebies (catchiest theme tune ever). Tobermory was built as a fishing port in the 18th Century and has lots of nice independent fish restaurants (don’t tell Rick Stein), a few great pubs, a fish and chip van, […]

Buying art

I have lots of stuff on the walls, but mostly I would say it’s graphics, rather than art. Charlie Harper’s bird illustrations, a periodic table from a child’s encyclopaedia, an old map or an Indian safety poster – all of these grace the walls of my flat and I love them. But until now I’ve […]

A Margate project

For the last few years I have owned a flat on the Margate seafront, and rented it out. But now, to my surprise, for the next wee while I’m keeping it for myself, and doing it up. It’s very beautiful, if leaky and shabby, with two floors of wonderful sea views. Here is the normal […]

Restorative

Drove back from Scotland last night, ending a tour of Glasgow, Mull, Perthshire, Glasgow again.  I feel sad to have left, revived to have been. Does everyone have a particular type of landscape that stirs them the most? Mine  are the scenes that I learnt early on – sometimes slightly bleak, often with rain. Scenes […]