MyMulberryHouse Creator, Leah Lane, Shares Her Secrets For Countryside Living

How did you originally get into content creation?

I had the rare and fortunate experience of a good lockdown during COVID. I had just given birth to my second child, India, so I was on maternity leave and therefore didn’t have the pressures of working and looking after 2 kids full time. We got chickens, we built a veg garden, we made mud pies, we read under the shade of a tree. I know, it sounds twee, doesn’t it? But for the first time in my adult life, I slowed down, I enjoyed simple pleasures, I opened my eyes to what truly made me happy.

When my maternity ended, and the world started to move faster again, I wanted to hold on to that feeling of peace, surrounded by nature, so I started documenting our lives both inside and outside the house. I didn’t even know what instagram was, or a content creator for that matter. I just stumbled on a place where I could collate my photography or videography and have somewhere I could look back on “the best bits”.

What was an aspect you underestimated in the renovating/decorating process and why?

Ha, that it is never-ending. MH is at least 300 years old according to the weather vane but we’re pretty sure there was a dwelling there much earlier. As such, there is always something going wrong. That’s just old houses.

What’s your favourite room in the house and why?

I can’t honestly choose. We spend a lot of time in the snug and I loved creating the hidden TV in that room. I love the transformation of the attic rooms and most recently, I love the Tree House, where I am currently writing this.

What’s one interior lesson you’ve had to learn the hard way?

Tradesman v Artisan. We are slowly building a little black book of incredible people who value their trade and act as artisans, not just getting a job done. Incredibly creative carpenters, design-savvy electricians, bricklayers, plumbers, painters. The list is endless. We’ve had to re-do some work as we tried to do things quicker and cheaper at the beginning – it’s never the right decision.

For the first time in my adult life, I slowed down, I enjoyed simple pleasures, I opened my eyes to what truly made me happy.

Do you follow any rules/mantras when curating a space? If so, what are they?

I have been designing interiors for over two decades, and I love incorporating storytelling techniques to create spaces that are aesthetically pleasing, meaningful and engaging. Interior design is a personal narrative and a means to communicate your life journey, aspirations, and passion.

Interior design is a personal narrative and a means to communicate your life journey, aspirations, and passion.

In your opinion, what’s the most important feature in a room to invest in, and save on?

Save on anything antique/vintage. My mantra is you can always find it better (and cheaper) on eBay/marketplace/auction house/brocant. Splurge on flooring and fabrics.

How would you describe your sense of style?

Elegantly knackered. I love embracing eclecticism and enjoy making a house feel well lived in (and elegantly knackered). I also enjoy bringing colour, textures and pattern into the home.

I love embracing eclecticism and enjoy making a house feel well lived in (and elegantly knackered).

What made you decide to start your own brand?

A great many reasons. I wanted to create a digital home I had autonomy over,  continuing to expand on my personal unique style and frankly, validation. I think we’re all just winging it until we’re not, and the brand feels like it both cements my unique voice and space but also allows me to quell those voices of doubt we all have.

Tell a story, everyone has a unique story and as human beings we’re both nosy, inquisitive and emotionally charged.

Do you have any advice for people looking to do something similar?

Just be you. Tell a story, everyone has a unique story and as human beings we’re both nosy, inquisitive and emotionally charged. We want to turn the page of the book to see what happens next.

Aside from your own, what are 3 interior brands you rate and why?

Wow, so many but:

Robert Kime – timeless, effortlessly British style.

Max Rollit – antiques expert, come designer who has a distinctly rough around the edges style that appeals to me – They also make incredible modern furniture in the style of old, but made to last.

Tess Newall – Tess is a wonderful decorative artist and designer who sees the beauty of nature and designs wallpapers and murals (amongst other things) that transport a space into a different reality.

What’s an interior trend you’re loving right now?

Maximalism and colour drenching.

When you’re in London, what’s your go-to restaurant?

Anything with Asian Fusion or I also love Gordon’s. It’s the oldest wine bar in London, you get a hunk of bread and choose 3/4 cheese and that’s it. My kind of place.

I love embracing eclecticism and enjoy making a house feel well lived in (and elegantly knackered).