Japaha!!!!

-Right-o then. Here we go......

I've always had a passion for colourful interiors - colour in general, the brighter the better. 

In my first house I went for it in a big way - I'd bought a 2 up/2 down Victorian workers' terraced house back in the 90's when Jocasta Innes and her use of paint techniques such as colour-washing was a big thing. 
I didn't have much money to spare - no chance of a new kitchen. I had to renovate and make good what was there already - and what was there was not that great - tatty old-fashioned units that dated from the 70's.
I cleaned the units up and painted them lime green, adding some bright blue and green resin handles. I colour-washed the walls in cobalt blue and hung some fabulous Designers Guild curtains - the overall effect was fantastic - really zingy. 

I knew then that colour has such an impact on the way you feel - I always loved cooking in that kitchen and never tired of the decor.

Fast forward to 2019. I'm renovating an early Edwardian property in Reading.
It was in a horrible state when I took it on - it had to be boarded up at one stage so that the sash windows could be refurbished. Fortunately my family live nearby so I had their lovely home to retreat to!
I put most of my things in storage and transferred the bare minimum to the house- the removal team were horrified - "you can't live here" they chorussed. It was filthy and shabby - dirty net curtains hanging in the windows and spiders everywhere. I must confess I was daunted.
Matters weren't helped by the fact I wasn't in the best state mentally in those days; I worked in Sales as an account manager for an American corporation which was under huge stress - their share price plummeting as they struggled to manage a move from manufacturing to being seen as a modern technology company. The job was very stressful and I did crack under the pressure - we parted ways in 2017 and here I am starting my new chapter.....which brings me to the Japaha of the title.

I'm studying interior design via the Interior Design Institute. I want to use my love of colour and style.
A wise man once said that if you do a job that you love then you'll never work a day in your life.
That is my aim.

Japaha comes from my name Jane Patricia Hards.