A little

ABOUT ME

MEET YVETTE

It’s great to meet you.

Hey there, I’m Yvette, and let me tell you, my passion for interior design runs deep! It all started when I was just 10 years old, picking out wallpaper and curtains for my bedroom at JW Treadwells. Since then, interior design has been more than just a hobby—it’s been my obsession, shaping every aspect of my life up to this very moment!

In 2014, I stepped into a time capsule—a 1950s bungalow frozen in the past. It had sat empty for two years, untouched since the day the previous owner moved into a care home. His belongings were scattered about, as if he might return at any moment. Instantly captivated, I was torn between two options: tear it down or breathe new life into it.

Throughout the 9-month project, my husband James, our three dogs, and I called the construction site home. It was a challenging journey, especially since 70% of the old bungalow was demolished, leaving us without a roof, hot water, or heating. Despite the hardships, the end result made it all worthwhile. However, I’m not sure I’d sign up for it again!

My Story so far…

Born in Alvechurch in 1962

I was born in the Midlands, in a small village called Alvechurch, which is south of Birmingham and later I moved to Redditch.

I left school at 15 with no real qualifications, I had ‘Dyslexia’ and was ‘Bullied’ in High School, and I hated every single minute of it, and I still to this day have a problem with schools.

However, despite leaving school with no formal qualifications, I now run my own business and have done so for 19 years, and I am very knowledgeable. I would love to bump into the teachers who wrote ‘Yvette will never amount to much’!

THE move back to the UK

Living overseas undoubtedly brought a wealth of memories and perspectives, but there’s something uniquely special about returning home. The familiarity of the UK, especially after 22 years in Kent, holds a deep sense of belonging and community for me.

Reflecting on my journey, I find that my experiences abroad have enriched my life in Kent, bringing a broader worldview and a deeper appreciation for the nuances of my local culture. It’s a testament to the idea that home is not just a place, but a feeling of connection and belonging that evolves over time.

I’ve been lucky to live in the USA & Canada

In 1995, I met my husband, James, at the time he was working for Belfour Beatty Construction, and within two weeks of us buying our first home together he was sent to West Palm Beach, so I am my sons decided to join him there, we later lived in Old Saybrook Connecticut and Stratford, Ontario, Canada – we now live in Kent

Frequently asked questions

Get to know me…

Yes, I am a Mum to three grown sons and have four grandchildren

This is one question I get asked this question a lot… I was born in 1962, so the same age as Tom Cruise! All I can say is, that it must have been a good year as we are wearing well!

Lots of people get confused about how to say or spell my name!

So to pronounce it correctly it’s E vett, the Y is pronounced as an E and the last E is silent!

A lot of people get confused and pronounce it a Y vett E

This is often the question I find myself wondering when I look at other people’s homes on INSTAGRAM! In fact, I will often Google a person to find out what they do, or their husband does! 

But to answer the question about me, I own and run my own business as a website designer. It is a global business called Lemonade Design Co

Absolutely without a doubt, dogs. We have two West Highland Terriers and have had three, all of which have since died. Our favourite was Hamish – he was super cool and Canadian and he flew back with us to the UK!

Yes, during lockdown I took up painting, I love abstract art, and I sell my paintings. I also have a really proactive Instagram account, where I share my home.

In the home, I love neutral tones, but to wear I can carry off yellow and orange really well! It always surprises me that there is no orange in my brand!!

It has to be Canada… I keep hoping two of my sons will move there so I can go back!

However, I will say that we would NEVER have achieved what we have done had we stayed living in Canada… So I will be forever grateful for the opportunities that have presented themselves in England!

Chicago, the architecture is stunning! Although I also love Sydney Harbour Waterfront, it’s one view that will never leave my mind, and Melbourne is a pretty cool city as is Auckland and we were also in Christchurch NZ, before the Earthquake and that was also pretty amazing too…

I had a screen test to be a presenter on Changing Rooms! Oh, how I would have loved to go head to head with Lawrence Llewelyn-Bowen!

Never say never, but it’s unlikely, although given we are still going after 10 years, it might be cheaper to start again!!