My Houzz: At Home With... Ruth Matthews of Design Soda
Continuing our series visiting interiors bloggers at home, Ruth Matthews opens up her Victorian house in south London
Amanda Pollard
25 February 2018
Senior Editor at Houzz UK and Ireland. Journalist and editor specialising in interiors and architecture.
Senior Editor at Houzz UK and Ireland. Journalist and editor specialising in interiors... More
When interiors blogger Ruth Matthews and her husband bought their Victorian house in south London, they didn’t have time to be indecisive – house-hunting in one of the country’s most competitive areas meant they had to view the property with a number of other keen buyers and put their bid in fast.
“We didn’t get that warm, fuzzy feeling on viewing it because it felt a little like a house party where you were likely to miss the prize in pass the parcel!” Ruth says. Their bold move paid off, however, and, over the past two years, they’ve managed to turn their purchase into a beautiful, cosy family home.
“We didn’t get that warm, fuzzy feeling on viewing it because it felt a little like a house party where you were likely to miss the prize in pass the parcel!” Ruth says. Their bold move paid off, however, and, over the past two years, they’ve managed to turn their purchase into a beautiful, cosy family home.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here Ruth Matthews with her husband, Dan, who runs a bookshop, their son, Ted, 3, and Dinah the cat
Blog Design Soda
Property A Victorian house
Size Three bedrooms and one bathroom
Location Wallington, south London
Who lives here Ruth Matthews with her husband, Dan, who runs a bookshop, their son, Ted, 3, and Dinah the cat
Blog Design Soda
Property A Victorian house
Size Three bedrooms and one bathroom
Location Wallington, south London
What do we need to know about your blog?
Design Soda is a London-based design blog with a focus on colour, pattern and patina – I’m a huge hunter of vintage pieces. I post twice weekly, often on our continuing home renovation, the things I love, trends, styling and sometimes photography from my travels around London.
Walls painted in Slipper Satin; Setting Plaster, both Farrow & Ball. Black scissor-arm Frosini task light, Made.com. Marble display plate, CB2. Leaf-print tray (no longer available), MissPrint.
Design Soda is a London-based design blog with a focus on colour, pattern and patina – I’m a huge hunter of vintage pieces. I post twice weekly, often on our continuing home renovation, the things I love, trends, styling and sometimes photography from my travels around London.
Walls painted in Slipper Satin; Setting Plaster, both Farrow & Ball. Black scissor-arm Frosini task light, Made.com. Marble display plate, CB2. Leaf-print tray (no longer available), MissPrint.
What made you start blogging?
I started nearly four years ago while working full time, when we were a reasonably cool young couple with a new flat in a part of London that was about to become super-trendy. The flat was very tired, but our enthusiasm wasn’t.
I started the blog to chart our journey to creating a beautiful space on a tight budget. And, if I’m honest, I may also have started blogging in an attempt to stop boring my husband with design details that fascinated only me!
I started nearly four years ago while working full time, when we were a reasonably cool young couple with a new flat in a part of London that was about to become super-trendy. The flat was very tired, but our enthusiasm wasn’t.
I started the blog to chart our journey to creating a beautiful space on a tight budget. And, if I’m honest, I may also have started blogging in an attempt to stop boring my husband with design details that fascinated only me!
How long have you lived here and how did you and your house meet?
We’ve lived in this place for just over two years. We were house-hunting in one of the most in-demand areas in the country. We bid on 13 houses before we had an offer accepted, and some properties had more than 70 viewers during open days, so in all honesty we didn’t know very much about the property we’d bought until we moved in. Almost like a blind date, we only knew the surface facts and age of the house.
It’s not an ideal way to buy a property, but we knew it had high ceilings and some original features, and was structurally sound, so the gamble of buying in a competitive area paid off.
Study walls painted in Down Pipe, Farrow & Ball. Rocker chair, Amazon.
We’ve lived in this place for just over two years. We were house-hunting in one of the most in-demand areas in the country. We bid on 13 houses before we had an offer accepted, and some properties had more than 70 viewers during open days, so in all honesty we didn’t know very much about the property we’d bought until we moved in. Almost like a blind date, we only knew the surface facts and age of the house.
It’s not an ideal way to buy a property, but we knew it had high ceilings and some original features, and was structurally sound, so the gamble of buying in a competitive area paid off.
Study walls painted in Down Pipe, Farrow & Ball. Rocker chair, Amazon.
What was the house like when you first moved in?
It was in relatively good order. Many of the original features had been preserved and the previous owners had refurbished it about a decade earlier.
It was one of those homes that are technically in good order, but in which bold paint colours have been thrown around to stop it looking sterile – but quite unsuccessfully.
There were a few design issues, including a hideous porch, which stole the bay window, and a badly planned bathroom, which made appalling use of the compact space available.
1940s office desk, eBay. Fornasetti Riflesso wallpaper on desktop (no longer available), Cole & Son. Rug, Habitat. Green pouffe, Oyoy.
It was in relatively good order. Many of the original features had been preserved and the previous owners had refurbished it about a decade earlier.
It was one of those homes that are technically in good order, but in which bold paint colours have been thrown around to stop it looking sterile – but quite unsuccessfully.
There were a few design issues, including a hideous porch, which stole the bay window, and a badly planned bathroom, which made appalling use of the compact space available.
1940s office desk, eBay. Fornasetti Riflesso wallpaper on desktop (no longer available), Cole & Son. Rug, Habitat. Green pouffe, Oyoy.
What’s your favourite spot in the house and why?
Definitely the living room, always the living room! It’s the first room I decorate in a new home, as it’s the one downtime space that’s open to everybody. I am, by nature, very happy lounging, so it has a way of establishing itself as a priority.
Walls painted in Teresa’s Green, Farrow & Ball. Sofa, John Lewis. Pocket watch mirror (discontinued), Graham & Green. Grey storage basket, Cox & Cox.
Definitely the living room, always the living room! It’s the first room I decorate in a new home, as it’s the one downtime space that’s open to everybody. I am, by nature, very happy lounging, so it has a way of establishing itself as a priority.
Walls painted in Teresa’s Green, Farrow & Ball. Sofa, John Lewis. Pocket watch mirror (discontinued), Graham & Green. Grey storage basket, Cox & Cox.
What makes you happiest at home?
Two very opposite things. One is having friends over, as we’re a sociable unit and I love having my house filled with voices, laughter, sharing food and making memories.
Conversely, as our lifestyle is fairly hectic, I also really appreciate the moments of quiet time here – when I’m working on my own and everybody else is out, when my cat comes to sit on my lap while I type, and I notice how quiet this area can be. That feels like precious time to me.
Selection of cushions from Rowenna Mason, Natural History Museum, Fine Little Day, Cox & Cox, H&M Home, DAY Birger et Mikkelsen. Plates on the wall, Anthropologie and Natural History Museum.
Why plates not pictures are what you should hang on your walls
Two very opposite things. One is having friends over, as we’re a sociable unit and I love having my house filled with voices, laughter, sharing food and making memories.
Conversely, as our lifestyle is fairly hectic, I also really appreciate the moments of quiet time here – when I’m working on my own and everybody else is out, when my cat comes to sit on my lap while I type, and I notice how quiet this area can be. That feels like precious time to me.
Selection of cushions from Rowenna Mason, Natural History Museum, Fine Little Day, Cox & Cox, H&M Home, DAY Birger et Mikkelsen. Plates on the wall, Anthropologie and Natural History Museum.
Why plates not pictures are what you should hang on your walls
What’s your next big decorating project?
The house has been an evolving story over the past two years and we’re currently updating the living room. The only area left after that is the kitchen, which we really need to redesign, but as I’d like to extend into the side return, it will be an expensive project that will take time.
For the present, I’m concentrating on the garden. We’ve done some work landscaping, planting, painting fences and removing the asbestos shed, but I’d really like to finish it this year, to make it more sociable.
Cocktail room walls painted in Prussian, Zoffany. Scott sideboard, Swoon Editions. Sofa, Atkin & Thyme. Brass desk light, Schoolhouse Electric.
The house has been an evolving story over the past two years and we’re currently updating the living room. The only area left after that is the kitchen, which we really need to redesign, but as I’d like to extend into the side return, it will be an expensive project that will take time.
For the present, I’m concentrating on the garden. We’ve done some work landscaping, planting, painting fences and removing the asbestos shed, but I’d really like to finish it this year, to make it more sociable.
Cocktail room walls painted in Prussian, Zoffany. Scott sideboard, Swoon Editions. Sofa, Atkin & Thyme. Brass desk light, Schoolhouse Electric.
What’s your proudest DIY achievement?
Our current home has been relatively easy. The most laborious tasks have been sanding and painting the floors and wallpapering. I always find flooring a chore. In our previous home, the boards were so rotten that in one room we had to take them up and lay new ones.
I’m also pretty proud of all my woodchip removal in our previous home. As you may be able to guess, I’m most proud of the things that have required the most physical effort.
On the more fun side, I’m still super-pleased with our coffee table in the living room, which is made from an old pallet; we’re still using it six years later. I’m also really pleased with the geometric shapes I painted on the walls of the landing, and the palm print wallpaper I framed to create panels in the downstairs hallway.
Hall walls painted in Oval Room Blue, Farrow & Ball.
How detail-obsessed are you?
Our current home has been relatively easy. The most laborious tasks have been sanding and painting the floors and wallpapering. I always find flooring a chore. In our previous home, the boards were so rotten that in one room we had to take them up and lay new ones.
I’m also pretty proud of all my woodchip removal in our previous home. As you may be able to guess, I’m most proud of the things that have required the most physical effort.
On the more fun side, I’m still super-pleased with our coffee table in the living room, which is made from an old pallet; we’re still using it six years later. I’m also really pleased with the geometric shapes I painted on the walls of the landing, and the palm print wallpaper I framed to create panels in the downstairs hallway.
Hall walls painted in Oval Room Blue, Farrow & Ball.
How detail-obsessed are you?
What do you think is the next big interiors trend and why?
I think this year is going to be about confidence and comfort, earthier tones, blush pink – grown-up and toned down with a hint of dirt mixed in. I’m seeing lots of fresh designs that take inspiration from more rustic styles at the moment, a look I’m calling craft luxe. I reckon we’ll see a lot more of that this year. I think we’re looking for comfort.
I’ve also been talking about terrazzo for over a year now, so I’m sticking with that as a counterpoint to marble, which has dominated for so long. Terrazzo has the same beautiful irregularities. I love how colourful and chaotic its design sensibility is.
Bedroom walls painted in Ammonite, Farrow & Ball.
How can terrazzo give your home a style update?
I think this year is going to be about confidence and comfort, earthier tones, blush pink – grown-up and toned down with a hint of dirt mixed in. I’m seeing lots of fresh designs that take inspiration from more rustic styles at the moment, a look I’m calling craft luxe. I reckon we’ll see a lot more of that this year. I think we’re looking for comfort.
I’ve also been talking about terrazzo for over a year now, so I’m sticking with that as a counterpoint to marble, which has dominated for so long. Terrazzo has the same beautiful irregularities. I love how colourful and chaotic its design sensibility is.
Bedroom walls painted in Ammonite, Farrow & Ball.
How can terrazzo give your home a style update?
Do you have a design rule you live by?
I’m very instinctive with design and follow my gut when putting a room together, so I don’t really hold with absolute rules. I love to take influence from trends, but steer clear of creating anything that looks too contrived.
If there’s one thing I find difficult it’s patience, so I’ve had to learn to slow down and let things come together more naturally.
Check out the latest instalment in our real-life renovation diary
I’m very instinctive with design and follow my gut when putting a room together, so I don’t really hold with absolute rules. I love to take influence from trends, but steer clear of creating anything that looks too contrived.
If there’s one thing I find difficult it’s patience, so I’ve had to learn to slow down and let things come together more naturally.
Check out the latest instalment in our real-life renovation diary
What’s the first thing you do when you get up in the morning?
I’d love to say yoga or something incredibly mindful and worthy, but my alarm call is usually an exuberant three-year-old who wakes me ready to play discos or fire engines, or something else upbeat, so I don’t often get the slow and collected start I crave. If I did, I’d probably only be checking Instagram anyway!
I’d love to say yoga or something incredibly mindful and worthy, but my alarm call is usually an exuberant three-year-old who wakes me ready to play discos or fire engines, or something else upbeat, so I don’t often get the slow and collected start I crave. If I did, I’d probably only be checking Instagram anyway!
What do you love to do on Sunday afternoons?
Sunday is family time for us. I often work on Saturdays, finishing pieces I haven’t managed to squeeze in during the week, but Sundays are pretty sacrosanct and spent together as a trio.
We’re quite an outdoors family, so it’s pretty likely you’ll find me taking some kind of walk. My ideal Sunday afternoon would involve a walk around the grounds of a National Trust property (taking mental notes of the interior and architectural features I like as I go), followed by some hearty home-cooked food, a drink and good company.
Gable wallpaper, Farrow & Ball. Adventure rug, Oyoy.
Sunday is family time for us. I often work on Saturdays, finishing pieces I haven’t managed to squeeze in during the week, but Sundays are pretty sacrosanct and spent together as a trio.
We’re quite an outdoors family, so it’s pretty likely you’ll find me taking some kind of walk. My ideal Sunday afternoon would involve a walk around the grounds of a National Trust property (taking mental notes of the interior and architectural features I like as I go), followed by some hearty home-cooked food, a drink and good company.
Gable wallpaper, Farrow & Ball. Adventure rug, Oyoy.
What’s your key to a happy, healthy lifestyle? Do you have a mantra you live by?
I’m a firm believer in gratitude and try to appreciate the small achievements or moments of joy, so they don’t get lost among the day’s frustrations. I’m grateful for many things in life – it’s not perfect and I’m not at all smug about them, but noticing things and not taking the good parts for granted is the key for me.
I try to exercise regularly, and favour the outdoors for classes. We eat well most of the time, too, but appreciation is my true mantra.
Toddler bed, John Lewis. Duvet cover, Olli + Lime. Cloud cushion, Nobodinoz. Bookcase, Ikea (with painted doors).
I’m a firm believer in gratitude and try to appreciate the small achievements or moments of joy, so they don’t get lost among the day’s frustrations. I’m grateful for many things in life – it’s not perfect and I’m not at all smug about them, but noticing things and not taking the good parts for granted is the key for me.
I try to exercise regularly, and favour the outdoors for classes. We eat well most of the time, too, but appreciation is my true mantra.
Toddler bed, John Lewis. Duvet cover, Olli + Lime. Cloud cushion, Nobodinoz. Bookcase, Ikea (with painted doors).
Is there anything you couldn’t live without?
Too many things. My books, my phone, a well-stocked drinks trolley…
Cocktail trolley, Madam Stoltz.
Take a look at Ruth’s blog.
Tell us…
Are you a UK interiors blogger? Talk to us! If you’d like to submit your home for this series, please send details to ukeditor@houzz.com.
Too many things. My books, my phone, a well-stocked drinks trolley…
Cocktail trolley, Madam Stoltz.
Take a look at Ruth’s blog.
Tell us…
Are you a UK interiors blogger? Talk to us! If you’d like to submit your home for this series, please send details to ukeditor@houzz.com.
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I love everything about the house, except the one thing that the owner is most proud of - the slatted coffee table. I once had a boyfriend who had a slatted kitchen table. Pain in the backside - everything used to fall through it, crumbs on the floor, cups fell over. It was a nightmare! I noticed that this owner has a transparent board on hers. I can guess why. :)
I spotted a few bits from Graham & Green, which made me smile, as my interiors aesthetic can best be described as 'painted the walls in F&B then threw the entire contents of Graham & Green at it and kept what stuck'...!
Pretty and fresh in feel! I like its lived in, relaxed quality.