My girlfriend came over for a cup of tea – turns out she hasn’t been to our place since we put down the new flooring and painted the walls.

She walked around noticing this and that. She loved my photo wall. And admired my choice of frames. It’s always so nice to have someone notice the details of my work.

As we paced around, I was re-examining my house with fresh eyes – and I was rather amused. Our home doesn’t boast of super trendy interiors, expensive furniture and the latest entertainment systems. It’s got nice personal touches here and there, but most of it’s quite modest and eclectic.

I’m not saying we’re poor. I’m just not interested in creating a stylish designer house for my family and keeping up with the latest lifestyle magazines. All that lifestyle stuff just gets in the way of LIFE.

I got this photo frame idea from my aunty. She lives in an old, teeny tiny house in a rougher part of town. Yet every time I step through her front door, I’m struck with the most amazing and astonishing sense of warmth, security, happiness and love.

I can’t put my finger on how she did it – but I’m inspired – I want my home to have that effect on people too.