This cottage doesn’t always make sense. The wallpaper doesn’t quite meet the ceiling. The cabinet doors don’t fully align. The paint peels below the window, and the light fitting still hangs unfinished—wires exposed—waiting, like a sentence left unfinished. They’re part of the rhythm I live with and they remind me that comfort isn’t about control—it’s… Read More post four: the quirks of the cottage
Image Credit: Mesut çiçen via Unsplash Series Introduction In a world that often feels overstimulated and overcomplicated, the pursuit of calm is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Beginning on the 4th October, this six-part series explores how design can be a powerful tool for cultivating calm—not just in our homes and cities, but in… Read More designing for calm: a sensory approach to sustainable living
Before and after images rebuilding with filler Living with a fluctuating neurological condition and navigating neurodivergence means that decorating isn’t a straightforward task. It’s a layered process shaped by sensory thresholds and emotional pacing. I don’t decorate quickly. I decorate slowly, with care and consideration, because it’s important to me. The process isn’t just physical—it’s… Read More post three: decorating as emotional labour
One wall painted with help, one still waiting. These images show the pace I’m working at—and the care I’m trying to hold. Painting the main wall with my daughter was difficult. The smell of paint, the texture, and the physical effort were uncomfortable for me—but having her there made it easier. It was a moment… Read More post two: decorating when it’s hard
These two images show the painting before and after. Living with a fluctuating neurological, and mental health condition alongside navigating neurodivergence means that my creative practice doesn’t follow a predictable path or rhythm. I experience fatigue, pain, sensory overwhelm, and emotional shifts that shape how — and when — I can make, decorate, or even… Read More Post ONE: A QUIET RETURN
The challenges associated with dyslexia were first observed as early as the mid-1800s. However, it wasn’t until 1887 that Rudolf Berlin, an ophthalmologist in Stuttgart, Germany, coined the term “dyslexia.” Initially, as it was thought to be a form of ‘word blindness’, but over time, researchers discovered that dyslexia was not just about vision but… Read More Observations on Dyslexia: From Historical Recognition to Creative Potential
Sewing is an art that requires precision, patience, and fine motor skills. While many focus on the stitching process, one of the most challenging aspects of sewing is cutting fabric accurately. For those who are left-handed, have dyslexia, or dyspraxia, this fundamental step can present additional hurdles that often go unnoticed. The Left-Handed Struggle: Tools… Read More The Challenges of Cutting Fabric When Sewing: A Struggle for Left-handed Dyslexic, and Dyspraxic People
Living with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is incredibly frustrating, especially when episodes leave you questioning what’s happening in your body. Recently, I had an episode that left me homebound for a week, and it’s been a challenging and confusing experience. What Happened? The episode began with severe pain on my right side. At first, I… Read More Coping with the Frustrations of FND: My Recent Experience
I haven’t written a post about FND for a while and I want to keep the awareness going of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) which is a complex condition that affects the normal functioning of the nervous system and can lead to neurological symptoms which don’t have a clear structure or organic cause. Although the brain’s… Read More How Does Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) Cause Problems for People with the Condition?
Aromatherapy, the therapeutic use of essential oils derived from plants, has been valued for its ability to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance emotional well-being. This article explores how aromatherapy can offer unique benefits and help support people with various disabilities, by supporting physical comfort, emotional balance, and sensory stimulation. While aromatherapy is not a… Read More Aromatherapy for People with Disabilities: Enhancing Well-Being Through Scent
Rachel Bakewell 