Hygge at Home: Mulberry House
For the second episode of our Hygge at Home series, we stepped into the magical world of Leah Lane, where she shares how Mulberry House has become her sanctuary and what hygge means to her.
Could you share a little about your journey to Mulberry House and what drew you to life in the English countryside?
Ten years ago, we left London for the gentle hearth of the countryside, seeking not only space but the slow wonder that comes with rural living. Mulberry House became our sanctuary—a place where days unfold to the rhythm of nature and where our family can embrace the ordinary in magical ways, among chickens, ducks, and green fields.
What inspired you to start sharing your story on Instagram, and how did lockdown reshape your creativity?
I turned to Instagram after lockdown - not as a planned venture, but as a means to capture that extraordinary pause. It tethered me to this house, this earth, and instilled an appreciation for the simple joys we often overlook. My feed became an ongoing journal, reflecting happiness found in everyday rituals, from flocks of ducks on dewy lawns to tea by the Aga.
Your style is described as ‘ethereal yet grounded’. How would you define the aesthetic you’ve cultivated at Mulberry House?
My spaces are abundant yet comfortable, deeply rooted in the natural world and history. Each room is a tapestry of worn wood, dried botanicals, soft textiles, and cherished ceramics, a place for lingering and curiosity. It’s imperfection and authenticity, timeless English country rather than glossy stagecraft.
How do the concepts of hygge and nostalgia influence your approach to interiors and daily living?
Our life is effortlessly hygge: the feel of sheepskin on cold mornings, laughter by firelight, and rituals that make everyday moments extraordinary. It’s not an aesthetic I chased; it’s simply how life has always unfolded here, guided by tradition and the comforting rhythm of nature. Nostalgia is woven through stories, those inherited, imagined, and still being written.
Where do you discover the unique treasures and vintage finds that animate Mulberry House’s interiors?
Most are unearthed in antique shops and auctions, but I also delight in eBay’s and Facebook Marketplace’s hidden gems. I believe every piece with history brings depth. Each item, whether a battered jug or faded textile, carries the narrative of another life.
What wisdom do you have for those hoping to create happiness and authenticity in their own homes?
Joy resides in the simplest things: flowers in a jug, sunlight through dusty drapes, the warm touch of old timber. Let your spaces reflect everyday rituals and personal stories, not perfection. Happiness is born of appreciation, curiosity, and a little magic woven into the ordinary.
Finally, what do you hope others feel when they encounter Mulberry House; whether online or in person?
My hope is to offer inspiration and a gentle invitation to linger, pause, and find beauty in the present moment. Mulberry House is meant to be a place where the past whispers softly and where everyone is welcome to dream, discover, and take delight in a world that is more simple, sustainable, and joyful.