A Tavola

Some exciting news, where I'm travelling, home decor that's caught my eye and why it's taking us 3 years (and counting) to buy a home

I thought I'd start writing a little bit more about what I'm loving right now, what I've got my eye on, and any news or updates from the colour studio - something a little more personal. I started writing on Substack not only to share inspiration and guidance within my work but also to share thoughts, feelings and be a bit more me. No jargon, no pretence, just me.

The name ‘A Tavola’ came about because the table has always been the heart of our home. It’s where I catch up with friends over good food, where Dario and I have some of our best conversations, and where we come together as a family - no distractions, no phones. For me, the table is a symbol of connection, of slowing down and where all the best conversations unfold. So what better name for something a little more personal…

On my mind

I’m going to dive right in and start with what's been consuming my mind recently...buying our first home. I live in Milan on the suburban outskirts and my partner and I have been looking for a house for three years. Yep, you read that right. And what I want to know is…is that normal?

I’m originally from the UK, and growing up, we moved house four times. Moving house is very normal for me, if not mandatory, and as a designer, it’s haunting me that I live in a white, fully furnished rental that I can’t change. But the property market and the culture around home ownership is a totally different beast here in Italy. It seems you buy a house and live in it forever (or at least for as long as possible).

We live on the outskirts of Milan - this isn’t the place to buy quaint Italian houses that you see on Instagram with wooden shutters for half of what you pay in the UK (sorry to crush your dolce vita dreams). Prices are shooting up in Milan, and we are slowly getting priced out of our sweet little town that I’ve grown to love.

Now don’t get me wrong, we’ve found some great apartments, and we’ve even put offers in…but we’ve also lost these homes from not being quick enough, putting too much trust in an estate agent or because the house itself wasn’t within the legal requirements (don’t ask). So what are we doing wrong? Are we being too picky? Are we restricting ourselves by staying in a particular place? Or are we just a little too hesitant…?

One of my fave little houses in Varenna on Lake Como

Some exciting news

I’m really excited to share something new: I’m now offering virtual career tours! Say whaaaat?! Bear with me…

I’ve partnered with Doll & Dollhouse, a platform that offers ‘virtual career tours’ for anyone curious about changing paths and becoming a colour consultant for interiors. Via video call, I’ll share behind-the-scenes insights, how to get started, the skills you’ll need, educational options, and what I’ve learned along the way.

I receive a lot of lovely messages from people wondering how I got into colour consulting and whether it might be a fit for them too. So I’m offering the chance to chat 1:1 - a relaxed, honest conversation where we can talk colour, careers, and any questions you might have.

I’m going to be totally honest, partnering with Dollhouse is a bit of an experiment. I’ve had the idea of offering career chats for a while (originally through a different platform), but with that on pause, this felt like the perfect chance to dive in and try it out.

So, if this sounds like something for you, you can book your virtual session with me today by clicking the button below!

Our travel plans

If you know me, you’ll know that travel is my passion, my hobby even! Dario and I actually met while travelling, and it’s something we’ve promised each other we’ll always make space for. We juggle work, save our pennies, and do our best to squeeze in at least one big trip a year.

This year we finally made it to India. It’s been at the top of my bucket list for over 10 years and it remains there as there is just SO much to see. We’re now planning our next winter trip and are leaning towards Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos. Have you been? I’d love to hear your tips or stories if you have - please send them my way.

Jaipur - the city of dreams

Home decor that’s caught my eye

Silver homeware. Now I have always been a big fan of silver jewellery. I’m no fashionista, but silver jewellery is a bit of me. It’s my armour, my style, and it’s something that has connected the women in my family for generations. My auntie used to design and make silver jewellery, and my mum, grandma and I have all dabbled in it for fun in our spare time.

Silver in interiors, however, has long been seen as a bit boring, a bit basic, and for the last few years, brass has firmly held the spotlight. BUT, my dear friends, that’s about to change.

When I talk about silver homeware, I mostly mean stainless steel - the silvery finish that’s sleek, modern, and far more environmentally friendly than chrome or nickel.

Stainless steel mirrors and chairs from Alcova, Milan Design Week

This year at Milan Design Week, I finally started to see silver. Not just here or there, but everywhere. This got me excited for many reasons. Numero uno, I love silver. Numero due, stainless steel is the more sustainable choice and numero tre, seeing silver on a big stage such as MDW, means that it reaches more eyes, more people, and consequently becomes more available and accessible to the everyday buyer.

My favourite pieces? Silver table lamps I spied on Pinterest and a stainless steel side table by Zara Home. What do you think? Is stainless steel for you?

That’s all for now, just a little catch-up from my side of the table. I’d really love for A Tavola to feel like an actual conversation, so if anything I’ve shared sparks a thought, a memory, or a recommendation (especially travel tips!), pop it in the comments. I’d love to hear from you. C x