The former pop star lives in Hertfordshire with her husband, Martin
What the first thing you do when you walk through your front door?
I go into my kitchen, look at all my dogs and make a cup of tea. I'm a tea addict!
Where's your happy place?
My garden. And my bed.
What's your favourite shop to buy homeware from?
I like vintage. I like antiques shops. I love antiquing. And I also love interiors shops. There's a really nice one in Old Amersham called Su Chases. I like Zara Home, H&M Home and John Lewis… I buy stuff from everywhere, really. Fenwick sometimes has nice little bits and bobs and Neptune is a good all-rounder. But whenever I go abroad, I go to the South of France – I really love the homewares there. I'm always buying cutlery, plates and glasses.
Do you have a particular homeware addiction?
Maybe tablecloths. I think it's a connection to my mum. In our house, we always had Sunday tea, and it was the only day of the week my mum would put a tablecloth on the table. I got such a benefit from that, putting out a fresh tablecloth – it's like a duvet, isn't it?
Is there a domestic chore that you adore?
This is going to be odd. I dread ironing, but then when I start doing it, it's quite meditative. It really quietens my brain and I take it as a metaphor for ironing problems out. It makes me think when I iron. Even when I'm ironing Martin's things, I'm thinking about the intention of putting love into it. I don't like ironing, but when I'm doing it, there's a lot of bright emotions that go into it.
Do you try your hand at DIY?
We've done a lot of DIY. My dad was a builder and when I was 15, I worked for him as a labourer. I used to mix up cement, use the cement mixer, stack up his bricks. So I did lots of little bits and pieces. I do like a drill. I think a drill is a bit addictive, once you start looking round thinking, what can I drill? I like DIY, but I've also learnt it is much better to pay someone who's really good to do it!
What do you miss most about home when you're away?
Flowers and candles. I always have flowers, and scented candles. I can't wait to get home and put out a lovely vase of flowers and get the candles on. And tea!
In the hot seat
- Shoes on or off? Off.
- Eat at the table or on laps? At my kitchen island.
- Lighting – bright or moody? Moody.
- Quick shower or long bath? I'm more of a shower person.
- Colourful or neutral? Bit of both, really.
- Neat or creative chaos? Creative chaos.
- Music, radio, TV or quiet? They've all got their place. There's nothing better than singing along to music – it's healing and fun.
Check out and follow Shirlie's garden on Instagram @maisonnumber9.
