At Mash + Mint, we’re endlessly inspired by creatives who bring beauty and meaning into everyday spaces, and Emma, the force behind Home Nip and Tuck, does exactly that. Based in South West London, Emma is an interior designer, professional organiser, and advocate for mindful living.
After a life-changing accident reshaped her perspective, she began transforming homes into havens of calm and clarity, not just for herself, but for countless others. In this heartfelt interview, Emma shares her design philosophy, tips for functional yet stylish living, and how our surroundings can nurture our wellbeing in unexpected ways.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what led you to create Home Nip and Tuck?
I’m Emma, an interior designer, professional home organiser, and content creator based in South West London. I created Home Nip and Tuck out of a deep belief that our homes should be the antidote to stress, not the cause of it.
After surviving a traumatic accident in my twenties, I’ve lived with chronic pain ever since, and I quickly realised that my environment had a huge impact on my mental and emotional wellbeing. Over time, I transformed my own home into a sanctuary, not through perfection, but through intentional design, mindful decluttering, and soothing organisation. Home Nip and Tuck was born from my desire to help others do the same, especially busy people who feel overwhelmed and just want their home to feel like a soft place to land.
What inspired your passion for interiors, organisation, and editing spaces?
For me, interiors and organisation go hand-in-hand. It's all about how a space makes you feel. I've always been fascinated by the emotional connection we have with our homes. After years of managing my own health journey, I started to see that clutter wasn't just physical, it was emotional too. Editing spaces became my therapy. I found joy in creating calm, beautiful environments that supported everyday life without adding the mental load. That passion quickly evolved into a calling, one that now allows me to help others feel more in control, more supported, and more at peace in their own homes.
What do you love most about helping people transform their homes?
It's witnessing the shift. Not just the space, but in the person. When someone walks into a room that's no longer working against them, but supporting them, the stress softens. The overwhelm lifts. Whether it's through a small decluttering win or a full design overhaul, it's such a privilege to see someone breathe easier in their own home. That's why I do what I do. I truly believe that when we change our homes, we change our lives.
The Philosophy behind a mindful home
Do you believe our homes reflect our minds?
Without a doubt. Our homes often mirror what’s going on inside of us, the clutter, the chaos, the untouched piles in the corner, they all tell a story. When life feels overwhelming, our spaces can become the physical expression of that mental load. But the beautiful thing is, the opposite is also true: when we start to bring calm, order, and intention to our surroundings, we often find those same qualities emerging within us. Our homes are a powerful reflection of our inner world, and a tool to help us nurture it.
How can improving our physical surroundings impact our wellbeing or mental clarity?
Our environment plays a huge role in how we feel day to day. A cluttered, overstimulating space can trigger anxiety and make it harder to think clearly or unwind. But when a room is thoughtfully organised, when everything has a place and there’s breathing space, something shifts. It gives our nervous system permission to relax. You don’t need a perfect home, just one that supports your life, not drains it. Small physical changes can create huge emotional relief, especially when you’re carrying a lot mentally or emotionally.
What small home changes do you think can make a big difference to how we feel every day?
Start small, but start intentionally. A few powerful shifts I often recommend:
Create a calm drop zone at the front door so you're not greeted by chaos the moment you walk in.
Clear your bedside table. It's the last thing you see at night and the first thing in the morning.
Use soft lighting and calming scents to gently shift your mood without saying a word.
Give every item a home so you're not constantly hunting for things. It's like giving your mind a rest.
These little changes add up, and over time, they transform how your home feels, which ultimately changes how you feel in it.
Interior Design Services
How do you balance aesthetics with functionality in interior design?
A space can’t truly be beautiful if it doesn’t function well for the people living in it. I always start with how a room needs to work: how it’s used, who uses it, what daily pain points exist. Then I layer in the aesthetic, the textures, the colours, the pieces that bring joy. It’s about creating something that’s both calming to look at and easy to live in. I believe the most powerful designs are the ones that support your lifestyle and soothe your nervous system, not just your Instagram feed.
What current interior trends do you love, and which do you think are timeless?
I’m loving the rise of soft minimalism, natural materials, calming colour palettes, and intentional spaces that feel curated but not cluttered. It speaks to the idea of home as a sanctuary, which is at the heart of everything I do. As for timeless? Good lighting, layered textures, and functional storage never go out of style. Neither does thoughtful furniture placement that encourages flow and conversation. Trends will come and go, but a space that makes you feel good? That’s always in fashion.
Do you work with clients on single-room projects or full-house transformations?
Both! Some clients just need help bringing clarity and calm to one space that’s causing them stress, like a chaotic kitchen, a cluttered hallway, or a master bedroom that’s never felt restful. Others are ready to rethink their entire home and want a full transformation that aligns with a new season of life. Whether it’s one room or the whole house, I approach every project with the same goal: to create a home that feels like the softest place to land.
Storage Solutions & Organisation
What are your top three tips for better home storage without compromising on style?
Choose furniture that works double-duty. Think ottomans with hidden storage, beds with drawers, or benches that lift up. These pieces give you extra space and elevate the look of a room.
Use beautiful baskets and boxes. Not everything has to be hidden behind doors, open storage can look stunning when you use textures like rattan, linen, or wood to keep things tidy and cohesive.
Store vertically, not just horizontally. Floating shelves, wall hooks, and tall cabinets draw the eye up, save floor space, and can act as gorgeous styling opportunities when done thoughtfully.
How do you approach storage in homes where space is limited?
With a bit of creativity and a lot of intention! In smaller homes, every item needs to earn its place. I always start with a good declutter, then look for overlooked spots, under beds, behind doors, above wardrobes. I also prioritise pieces that are compact but clever, like slimline cabinets or nesting tables. And I love using mirrors and light colours to open up the feel of a space so it doesn’t feel cramped, even when storage is tucked into every corner.
How can storage be both functional and beautiful?
It’s all about the details. Use materials and finishes that complement the rest of your decor, whether that’s matte black handles, natural wood textures, or soft fabric boxes that match your colour scheme. Label things neatly (hello, embossed tags or handwritten labels!) and don’t underestimate the power of symmetry and balance. A well-styled shelf with useful storage and a few personal touches can be just as beautiful as any decorative piece, and it brings peace of mind too.
Editing Possessions & Reorganising
What are some gentle ways to start decluttering without feeling overwhelmed?
Start small and I really mean small. One drawer, one shelf, one surface. The goal isn't to overhaul your whole home in a day, it's to build momentum gently. I always recommend setting a timer for 10-15 minutes and focusing on just one area.
Ask yourself: Do I use this? Do I love it? Would I buy it again today?
Even just clearing out your bedside table or handbag can shift your energy. Gentle progress is still progress, and it's far more sustainable than diving in and burning out.
What’s the biggest mistake people make when trying to reorganise their home themselves?
Trying to organise before decluttering. It's so tempting to buy storage boxes and label makers before tackling what you actually need to keep, it just leads to well-labelled clutter! Decluttering first gives you clarity. You'll discover you often need far less storage than you thought, and the systems you do put in place will actually work for your life.
Also, many people aim for Pinterest perfection straight away but, your home isn't a showroom, it's a living space. Start with function, then build beauty around that.
Do you find that people feel emotionally lighter after editing their possessions?
Every single time. The physical shift is only half the story, the emotional release is where the magic happens. Letting go of items tied to guilt, overwhelm, or past versions of yourself is incredibly freeing. People often tell me they feel like they can breathe again, think more clearly, and enjoy their home in a way they hadn’t before. Decluttering is never just about the stuff, it’s about creating space for who you are now, and who you’re becoming.
Wardrobe Edits
How do you approach editing someone’s wardrobe?
With empathy, intention and zero judgement. A wardrobe is deeply personal, it holds memories, identity, and sometimes even a little guilt. So I always begin by creating a safe, supportive space where my client can reconnect with how they want to feel in their clothes.
Together, we go piece by piece, asking: Do I wear this? Does it fit and flatter? Does it reflect who I am now?
It's not about throwing everything out, it's about curating a collection that feels aligned with your current lifestyle, body and style goals. I want clients to open their wardrobe and feel a sense of calm, not chaos.
How can a curated wardrobe improve daily life or decision-making?
It removes the daily decision fatigue. When every piece in your wardrobe is something you love and feel good in, getting dressed becomes easy, even joyful. You stop second-guessing yourself, stop defaulting to the same tired outfits, and start showing up as the best version of you.
A curated wardrobe also saves time and space. Less rummaging, less laundry and more mental clarity. It's a small change that can ripple into your confidence, productivity, and even how you move through your day.
Kitchen Design & Organisation
What are the keys to a functional and organised kitchen?
Start with zoning, group items by activity: cooking, prepping, cleaning, snacking, etc. This makes the flow of the kitchen intuitive and effortless. Keep what you use daily within arm’s reach, and less-used items up high or in deeper storage.
The other key is decluttering regularly. Duplicates, unused gadgets, out-of-date food, they all create visual noise and steal your energy. A well-organised kitchen feels calm, spacious, and easy to maintain.
How do you design a kitchen that works both for cooking and everyday living?
It’s all about blending practicality with personality. The kitchen is often the heart of the home, a place to cook, gather, chat, and live. So I make sure it serves all those purposes. Think: durable surfaces, smart storage, and clever layout choices, paired with beautiful lighting, open shelving for styling, or a cosy nook where people naturally gravitate. A kitchen should feel just as good to be in as it is to cook in, functional yes, but also warm, welcoming, and you.
Do you have any favourite pantry organisation tricks or kitchen storage hacks?
Absolutely! A few of my favourites:
Use clear containers for dry goods so you can see what you have and avoid overbuying.
Label everything. It saves time, cuts down waste, and looks gorgeous.
Turntables (or lazy Susans) are brilliant for deep shelves or corners, especially for oils, sauces and condiments.
Zone your pantry by meal type (breakfast, baking, snacks, etc.) so everything has a home.
And don't forget adjustable shelf risers- they instantly double vertical space and keep items visible.
A well-ordered kitchen is such a gift. It saves time, reduces stress, and makes daily life flow more easily.
Toy Storage & Family-Friendly Organisation
What are your top tips for toy storage that children can easily use and maintain?
Make it simple and accessible. Low baskets, open shelves, and clear containers help children see and reach their toys without needing help. Just as importantly, put them away again.
Use picture labels or icons if your child isn't reading yet. It gives them visual cues and encourages independence.
Rotate toys regularly. Keep out only a small selection and store the rest. It keeps things fresh, reduces overwhelm, and makes tidying up quicker for everyone.
How can parents create play spaces that are fun but still feel calm and tidy?
Designate a specific zone for play, even if it's just a corner, and define it with a rug, shelving unit or soft seating. Contain the chaos with beautiful storage that complements your decor, like fabric baskets, wooden create, or soft-close drawers.
Choose a neutral base (walls, big furniture) and let the toys provide pops of colour, so the space feels joyful without becoming visually overstimulating.
And finally, build in "reset rituals". A five-minute tidy at the end of the day brings calm to the space and teaches valuable habits.
How do you balance children’s needs with adult aesthetics in home design?
By designing with both in mind from the start. Your home shouldn't feel like a toy shop exploded, but it also shouldn't feel off-limits to your children.
I love choosing multi-use furniture (like storage benches or coffee tables with drawers), soft finishes, and neutral tones with layers of natural textures, it's family-friendly and beautiful.
The secret is hidden function. Spaces that feel calm to adults but quietly support children's routines, creativity and comfort behind the scenes. When the whole family feels considered, the whole home works better.
Preparing Your Home for Sale
How can your services help maximise the selling potential of a property?
I help sellers present their home at its absolute best. Not just clean, but calm, spacious, and deeply appealing. Through a blend of decluttering, clever styling, and layout tweaks, I highlight the property's strengths and help potential buyers emotionally connect with the space.
It's not just about looking good, it's about making a home feel like a place where someone else can imagine their life unfolding. A well styled, organised home sells faster, often for more, and with far less stress.
What changes make the biggest impact when trying to sell a home quickly and effectively?
Declutter ruthlessly. Less truly is more when it comes to viewings, clean surfaces, pared-back accessories, and open space allow buyers to see the bones of the home clearly.
Neutralise and depersonalise. You want potential buyers to picture themselves in the space, so scale back personal photos and strong styles. Think warm, light, and inviting.
Elevate key areas. Kitchens, living rooms, and entryways are emotional decision points. Even small upgrades like fresh towels, a styled shelf or a pop of greenery can make a big impact.
Can home organisation influence how a property is perceived during viewings?
Absolutely! Clutter and disorganisation can instantly make a space feel smaller, less cared for and harder to imagine living in.
When cupboards and drawers are tidy, wardrobes aren't bursting, and everything feels intentional, buyers sense a home that's been loved and maintained. It creates an emotional trust in the space, even if they can't quite put their finger on why.
Organisation isn't just practical, it's psychological. A calm, ordered home makes a powerful first impression.
Moving Home without the stress
How can people make the moving process less overwhelming and more intentional?
Start early and begin with decluttering, not packing. Don't waste time and energy boxing up things you don't even want in your next chapter. Moving is the perfect opportunity to let go of what no longer serves you.
Then get intentional. Picture how you want your new home to feel. Use that vision to guide your decisions as you pack, plan and settle in.
And finally, break the process down to manageable chunks. Once cupboard at a time. One box at a time. That's how you protect your energy and sanity.
What’s your #1 tip for a stress-free moving day?
Pack a "first night" box, the essentials that'll get you through your first 24 hours without having to dig through boxes.
Include things like: Toiletries and medications, phone chargers, clean pyjamas and a change of clothes, snacks, tea bags, mugs, basic kitchenware and loo rools, bedsheets and towels.
Trust me, nothing feels better after a long move than knowing exactly where your toothbrush and kettle are.
Is moving home a good time to rethink your lifestyle and home habits?
Absolutely, its's a brilliant reset moment. You're already assessing your belongings, so use that momentum to ask yourself, what habits made life harder in the old space? what routines do I want to build in the new one? How can my home support the life I want now?
Moving isn't just a change of address, it's a change to design a lifestyle that's more aligned, more intentional, and far less stressful.
Final Thoughts & Advice
What’s your ultimate piece of advice for someone wanting to refresh their home this year?
Start by connecting with the feeling you want your home to give you, calm, energised, cosy, spacious and make that your focus. Choose one room (just one) and ask yourself: How can this space support me? Then, let go of what doesn't fit. Whether that's a coat of fresh paint, new storage, or something thoughtful styling. Little changes can make a world of difference.
But above all, remember that your home should be a sanctuary, not a showpiece. It's about how it makes you feel every day, not about keeping up with the trends.
Are there any daily habits or routines you recommend for keeping a space calm and ordered?
A few simple, daily habits go a long way:
Tidy for 10 minutes every day. Put things back in their place before you go to bed, even if it's just clearing the kitchen counter of fluffing the cushions.
Make your bed each morning. It sets the tone for the day and instantly makes the room feel more organised.
Create a "home for everything" routine. If you don't have a specific place for something, it'll end up cluttering up your home. Consistently put things back where they belong.
These small rituals will keep your home feeling calm and clutter-free.
How can someone begin their home transformation if they feel stuck or overwhelmed?
Start small. I always recommend focusing on one area at a time. Pick a drawer, a shelf, or a corner of a room, and let that be your first win.
When you declutter or redesign a small space, you get that immediate sense of accomplishment that can snowball into bigger changes.
Most importantly, don't aim for perfection. Go for progress. Every step forward, however small, is a step closer to the home you have been dreaming of.
What inspires you daily to keep creating beautiful, liveable spaces for others?
It's the transformation I see in people, not just their homes, but in themselves. There's a palpable shift when a space goes from cluttered and chaotic to calm and intentional. People feel lighter, clearer, and more in control.
Seeing that emotional and mental shift inspires me to keep creating spaces that support people, rather than drain them. The ripple effect of a well-designed, well-organised home is profound, and that's what keeps me passionate about this work every day.
Emma’s approach to interiors is a gentle reminder that our homes should support us, emotionally, physically, and practically. Whether you're decluttering a single shelf or rethinking your entire layout, her advice proves that meaningful change doesn’t require a massive overhaul. Sometimes, it’s the smallest shifts that bring the biggest peace. You can follow more of Emma’s work and wisdom at Home Nip and Tuck or connect with her on Instagram @homenipandtuck.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our interviews with creatives who are redefining what it means to live beautifully, mindfully, and intentionally right here at Mash + Mint.
Photography: https://www.emmagibsonphotography.co.uk/
