As part of our interview series ‘My Happy Home’, Sophie Hinchliffe (also known as Mrs Hinch) talks about the sentimental table that isn’t ‘cool enough’ for the trend and what she keeps in her junk drawer. Masu.
Mrs Hinch is a British social media influencer, author and cleaning enthusiast from Maldon, Essex.
Her journey to fame began in March 2018 when she started sharing clever cleaning tips, tidying tips, and organizational hacks on Instagram under the username @mrshinchhome. Her content quickly gained popularity and she now has over 5 million followers, captivated by her practical advice, which she affectionately calls “hinching.”
Due to her popularity on Instagram, she has appeared in numerous media outlets, including television interviews and magazine features. She has also published several best-selling books including: Hinch Yourself Happy and A small book of lists. Most recently, Mrs Hinch collaborated with: Not on the high street We are launching a carefully selected Mother’s Day collection.
Mrs Hinch lives with her husband Jamie and two sons Ronnie and Renee. They have one dog named Henry and her three alpacas named Roy, Rodney and Raymond.
What makes you happiest at home?
C: My children, family, and animals. They make my house feel like home. What is an empty house?
Please tell us about the house where you spent your childhood.
C: My childhood home was very cozy. It was a wonderful space that gave me a sense of security. When I was at school, I couldn’t wait to go home. I didn’t want to go out because I loved the comfort of home. I loved the smell of dinner cooking when I walked through the door, and my childhood bedroom. It was a very homely space.
My mother was always very proud. She wasn’t about making things perfect, but she always made sure it felt like home. She thought every house would feel that way, but it wasn’t until she received the keys to her first property that she realized she had to make the house feel like home. Ta.
We’ve spent the last few years renovating our home and plan to enjoy it in 2024. We feel like we’re at home right now, so we want to do everything we can to enjoy it. I love walking around the garden, organizing some cupboards, and cleaning and tidying up.
What is your favorite room in the house?
C: I think it’s the kitchen and utility room. We spend about 90 percent of our time there, enjoying tea, eating, and sitting at the table with our kids. I love our room as I have never had a utility room before. I store all my cleaning supplies and laundry there.
We’ve always lived in this small rural village, so we wanted to incorporate an outdoor feel when it came to the interior. The kitchen is very neutral. It’s similar to what my mother had. I definitely take inspiration from her mother, including her style and paint colors.
What can you find on your bedside table?
C: We have a lot of junk at the moment! Jamie snores like a beast, so he always wears earplugs. I also keep a notebook and pen there because I often wake up and need to write things down to get it out of his head. He also has a relaxing pillow spray and some boring “mommy stuff” like a dummy. We all have stuff stuck in our junk drawer at some point, right?
What is the best decorating advice you have ever received?
C: please take it easy. We often want to do things very quickly, especially when it comes to Instagram and people who want to follow all the latest trends. If you take your time, you will find your own style.Trends are fun, but decorating your home is important your style.Think about the colors you bring you Calmness and accessories that create it you Instead of choosing what others have, smile. I think we need to create our own trends.
I love that rural atmosphere. I can’t keep up with some trends because I’m not cool enough. For me, it’s about enjoying the simple things that come with life in the countryside, like wearing muddy rain boots and playing board games by the fire.
What’s the biggest bargain for your home?
C: It’s a cross between a sentimental piece and a bargain. My father always dreamed of having his own workshop, so when he bought this house, I ensured he would have his own workshop.
He has always been making furniture and has made many items, including dining tables, hallway consoles, shelves, and mirrors. He makes everything from upcycled wood and old pallets that we used when we renovated. His father took the time to make them from old wood, so they’re all a bargain. It’s my favorite item in the house.
What do you treasure most in your home? Why is it so special?
C: My most treasured possession is the dining table that my father made. It’s where we all come together on special occasions like Christmas, Mother’s Day, and Easter Sunday. It’s the perfect size so the whole family could gather together. Anyone sitting at the table should hear how he made it. He sees how much effort goes into making each item and appreciates his hard work. It’s so special when he finishes a project and we find a place for it in our house.
What would top your list of worst decorating trends?
C: I don’t think there is any wrong decoration. When you close the front door and are the only person in the house, you need to feel comfortable and relaxed. You probably won’t have bright purple or green walls, but you can’t go wrong with the decor.
Your home is your canvas – design it however you like. Everyone is different, and I think that’s what makes it fun. I’m quite picky when it comes to things at home. We’ve seen some crazy trends and none of them are wrong. I might not choose it myself!
Do you consider yourself green-fingered?
C: I hope so…I’m really trying! My mother has worked in a flower shop for over 20 years and she knows a lot about plants and flowers. she always helps me. She is trying hard but cannot keep the plant alive. Only me? Only one plant, purchased by the roots, managed to survive.
Since I can’t water real plants in every room, I have some artificial plants. I love looking at the greenery around my house. My mother and I often make potted plants together. I purchase my kit from a lovely small business called Hello Petal.
If you could spy around anyone’s house, who would it be and why?
C: I would love to take a peek into Buckingham Palace and see what goes on in its private rooms. I also love the idea of touring homes where older people live. Because there are so many stories to tell. It’s like when you go to Nan’s house, every decoration tells a story.
Mrs Hinch and Not on the High Street have joined forces to launch a carefully selected Mother’s Day collection. This collection features a selection of thoughtful gifts made just for moms to show them how special they are while supporting small businesses.discover the collection here.
neutral editing
Larson linen armchair cream
Orella natural print cotton cushion cover
20% off now
dash ruched tapered shade
Ed Stripe Floor Cushion Taupe
drift throw
Danica Rectangle Cushion Cover Natural
Senior digital writer, beautiful house and country life
Lisa Joyner is a senior digital writer at and is busy writing about home and interiors, pets, health and wellbeing, country news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she used to contribute to magazines and magazines. She studied at the University of Creative Arts, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in fashion journalism.