I trained at the Cardiff School of Journalism, graduating with a diploma in magazine journalism in 1995. From there I got my first job, as a sub at BBC Homes & Antiques magazine, where I also began writing features. I then worked as a sub at Elle for two years before moving to Livingetc, where I eventually became chief sub editor and also wrote a number of design and homes features. I left in 2001 to become a freelance writer.

I still write regularly for Livingetc and have written about houses and property for 25 Beautiful Homes, The Evening Standard, Elle Decoration, Eve, The Telegraph, BBC Good Homes and The Guardian Weekend magazine. I have written about parenting for Your Family, the NSPCC's practical parenting title, and contribute regularly to Country Living magazine.

I have written four books on interiors, the most recent being Home Design Ideas, which came out in autumn 2008. Click on the Books link (left) to find out more. Last year I co-wrote, with Jay Curtis, a humorous book about life with small children, called Can I Give Them Back Now? The Aargh To Zzzz Of Parenting, which was published in June 2009, by Square Peg/Random House.

I am married with two young children and live in Brighton.