Jenny Oldaker
Jenny Oldaker is a Bristol-based freelance writer, who loves turning her hand to all kinds of subject matter but has a particular interest in travel, interiors and antiques – and anything to do with the natural world.
Recent articles by Jenny Oldaker
An old stone house renovation in France
The romantic Dordogne in south-west France proved the perfect backdrop for Jean Marc Durand’s renovation of an old stone house that is now just as charming as its dreamy locale. Photographs Elena Augier/CocoFeatures.com
13 heritage paint brands to shop in 2023
From carbon-neutral delivery to low VOCs and reduced ‘paint miles’, these heritage paint brands are helping to make the paint industry kinder to the planet
How to clean, polish and repair antique wood
Keep special pieces of furniture looking their best with our guide to caring for wood…
Buying guide: Antique Beds
Lending an air of romance to the bedroom, it’s easy to see why buying an antique bed is becoming ever-more popular
How to repair cornicing
A guide on repairing cornicing at home and when you should call in the experts...
Best poet's houses to visit around the UK for a holiday
Give your next staycation a literary slant with a holiday at the former home or estate of a famous poet. Here are some historic haunts that offer a uniquely inspiring break…
The best interior design workshops, courses and online tutorials
Top interior designers share their technical and creative expertise in these brilliant online and in-person courses on the art of interior design and how to design your home using stylish soft furnishings
How Claire renovated the hallway in her 19th-century home
Claire explains the process of transforming a cramped and dingy hallway and stairs into an elegant, light-filled space
How to renovate a Victorian home with maximalist interiors
Sara Austin relocated from London to the coast of Northern Ireland, where she is renovating her family’s Victorian home
A history of wool
Sustainable, natural and hugely versatile, wool has been keeping our homes cocoon-like for thousands of years, and this miraculous material is now inspiring a whole new raft of interest
How to renovate an Edwardian home
Eilidh Smith shares the renovation story of her Edwardian home near Edinburgh
Collecting bird prints
Antique ornithological illustrations offer an insight into a dynamic era in the exploration of nature. Jenny Oldaker considers their appeal for today’s collectors…
How to renovate a 17th century farmhouse
Laura Sutherland breathed fresh life into her ancient stone farmhouse with a comprehensive but sympathetic renovation…
A history of door knockers
As functional sculptures that sit between our home and the outside world, door knockers can be expressive, useful and beautiful – and they’ve been appreciated by homeowners for hundreds of years
How Laura renovated her ancient Hampshire cottage
Laura Dadswell, Director of Westland London, shares the ups and downs of renovating her ancient Hampshire cottage
Collecting Mordan pencils
Small, practical and exquisitely decorative, it’s little surprise that Mordan pencils remain popular today, and they can be remarkably affordable, too
Victorian renovation on a budget
Leanne Kilroy shares her favourite places to shop following the renovation of her terraced house and where to find the standout pieces in her own home
The history of antique copper and how to start your collection
Attractive, malleable and versatile, it’s little wonder that this warm metal has been a practical and decorative staple in our lives and homes since prehistoric times
Famous beds: 6 historical beds of note around the UK
Dotted around historic properties in the UK are some famous beds. Here are six famous beds to know about & a few you can see for yourself...
National bed month: a history of the bedroom
As the nights draw in, Jenny Oldaker takes us through a brief history of the bedroom...
How to get an antique valued
Whether you're thinking about selling, or simply want to choose the right insurance, having your antiques valued is a worthwhile pursuit
9 of the best museum shops for Valentine's Day presents
Find some beautifully unique gifts and trinkets with our round up of the best museum shops around England
Collecting biscuit tins
Biscuit tins represent a fascinating and accessible market for collectors. Jenny Oldaker explores their history and the innovative designs that have made them so desirable
The best spirits for the ultimate drinks trolley
Fill your drinks trolley ready for the festive season with our round up of the best spirits.