From as long ago as I can remember, I have always had an appreciation for beautiful interiors and a love of craft and creating. Having completed 2 weeks work experience with a Painter & Decorator, whilst still at school, I was convinced that was the career for me. Combining my love of being creative with creating beautiful interiors, led me to completing a five-year indentured apprenticeship. During my initial 3 years at college, I achieved both the City & Guilds Craft and Advanced Craft Certificates in Painting and Decorating, earning both top marks and various awards along the way. Following the successful completion of my apprenticeship, I had my children and swapped my overalls and tools for a desk job.

I returned to college from 1997-2001, whilst working as a Building Maintenance Surveyor for the local authority housing department, to complete a Btec HNC in Building Studies, prior to spending 11 ½ years working for Oxford University Estates Services, doing a similar role for the many functional estate buildings (labs, libraries, museums & teaching spaces etc). 

Having missed the hands-on creative processes, I completed a number of part-time courses over several years and learnt to make Soft Furnishings. I am currently an Associate Member of the AMUSF (Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers). 

I have worked in the building maintenance industry for over 30 years and finally decided to leave Oxford University in September 2019 to pursue a more creative and fulfilling career and start my own company.

Appleby Interiors was created to combine my various skills and to offer a bespoke service for those who may appreciate the ‘one point of contact /from concept to completion’ option.

No job is too small and I am happy to discuss any individual projects that you may have.