6 Slow Things: Micaela Sharp
I’m delighted to introduce our fourth guest.
Micaela Sharp is an interior designer, upholsterer, tv personality, author and content creator.
And lucky for me, she’s also a dear friend!
Yet another person in my life who I first connected with through Instagram, I had this very strong sense that I wanted to be friends with her!
Watch her videos on TikTok and follow her on Instagram here (if you don’t already), I can assure you in 2 minutes you’ll feel the same way!
Whilst we have many things in common (both Londoners living abroad, both pursuing slower lives in the countryside, both at the beginning of our farm living journeys, to name just a few), there are many more ways that our lives look different (the countries we live in, our relationship statuses, kids, numbers of animals – currently! I expect her to bring donkeys home any day now and so on).
Nevertheless, when I’m undecided about something or need some advice, Micaela is more often than not my first call. She gives the best advice, is the best cheerleader and also one of the funniest people I know!
A woman who really knows herself, is deeply grounded, curious, thoughtful and kind, I’m so excited to introduce you to Micaela through this series and for her to share her 6 Slow Things with you.
1. You’re finally renovating your Spanish farmhouse which has been a long time dream of yours. Congratulations! How have you chosen which spaces to prioritise and how are you approaching the project slowly?
After three years of looking for my dream place I am so excited to finally be in! I’ve been living in the house since April and had to prioritise the basics such as connecting my well with the house as it’s my only source of water; getting electricity etc. So that has been a journey and actually quite fun to learn as I go. I have some big plans for the house which perhaps don’t align with my current budget as I’ve had a few unexpected large costs. My plan was to start with the kitchen but as is customary with slow living, I’ve had to flow into Plan B which will be to start with the living room. Living in the house for a few months has allowed more ideas to swell which means now I have a very clear idea of how I currently use each space and how I can improve that
2. In the spaces that you’ve yet to renovate, what simple additions are you adding to these spaces in order to enjoy them as they are?
As I can’t renovate the kitchen just yet I’ve embraced more of a farmhouse style kitchen with free standing furniture. I’m reusing the cabinets that the previous owner left (although not installed) and added some new handles. For a few months I was washing up outside in the garden sink which I loved at first but gradually I broke one too many of my favourite glasses carrying things in and out so I’ve had the sink and tap installed inside now. That meant admitting to myself that the kitchen wasn’t going to be renovated as quickly as I had hoped but it’s also meant I’ve hung shelves, used old dining tables as extra worktops and restyled the space so that i love it as it is. For now!
3. Being self-employed and with so many avenues to what you do, how do you devote your energy to your various pursuits whilst also honouring your pursuit of a slower way of life?
This is such a great question and the truth is I’m very much still finding my slow ways. Slow to me doesn’t necessarily mean in terms of time it can mean more considered, curated and ethical. I’ve always been very lucky that the interior design clients who want to work with me have had a very similar ethos on sustainability and longevity in design so that’s been wonderful and allows me to work with suppliers and artisans who I admire. I love working with clients to design their homes and introduce materials which are healthier for our bodies and the planet. From time to time I also film TV shows and this is a little less in my control as to timeframes and materials used so I have to surrender there a little bit.
4. Do you have a daily ritual you turn to, to find calm?
At the moment it’s gardening. I am a complete novice - when I lived in London I had a small garden with some veggies growing in pots rather unsuccessfully! Now I have quite a lot of land with olive, carob, fig and almond trees. I’ve started planting some vegetables in a small patch near the house and watering them daily is a lovely lesson in patience. I’ve also planted more fruit trees which will be a test of my knowledge and ability but knowing the actions I take today will have an impact on the land for years to come is a great feeling.
5. Creating and making is a huge part of your professional life, do you have a craft that you reserve solely for your personal life?
Professionally upholstery and interior design have been my creative thing but I’ve always loved painting and drawing. For the last few years I was learning watercolours and now I’m getting into pastels. But I love to share this with people so I wouldn’t say its reserved for my personal life as I have been known to host creative retreats and also paint pieces for client homes. I’m truly grateful that I can do what I love and share it with people in so many ways.
6. What LES SIX piece would you most like to bring home?
Well I already have several of your dreamy baskets; both in wicker and wire and your oversized scrunchie which I wear everywhere at the moment. I am so in love with the tulipiere and also so excited to see your larger furniture items especially as vintage is much harder to come by in Spain.
As always, I’m inspired by Micaela and her 6 Slow Things and thankful for the opportunity to share them here with you, our community.
You can find more of Micaela’s work on her website here, her Modern Upholstery course with Create Academy, and find her beautiful book Modern Upholstery here.
Photo credit: Kate Berry @katebe_