Mrs Hinch: 'My most treasured item is the dining table my dad made'
As part of our interview series, My Happy Home, Sophie Hinchliffe, aka Mrs Hinch, tells us about her sentimental dining table, not being 'cool enough' for trends, and what she keeps in her junk drawer.
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 tricks, tidying tips and organisational hacks on Instagram under the username @mrshinchhome. Her content quickly gained popularity, and she now has over five million followers who are drawn to her practical advice, which she affectionately refers to as 'Hinching'.
Her popularity on Instagram has led to numerous media appearances, including TV interviews and magazine features. She's also published several bestselling books including Hinch Yourself Happy and The Little Book of Lists. Most recently, Mrs Hinch has joined forces with Not On The High Street to launch a curated Mother's Day collection.
Mrs Hinch lives with her husband Jamie and their two young boys, Ronnie and Lennie. They have one dog, Henry, and three alpacas, Roy, Rodney and Raymond.
What makes you happiest at home?
SH: My kids, family, and the animals. They make my house feel like a home. What is a house with no one in it?
Tell us about your childhood home
SH: My childhood home was very cosy. It was a loving space that made me feel safe. When I was at school, I couldn't wait to get home. I never wanted to go out because I loved the comforts of home so much. I loved the smell of dinner cooking when I would come through the door, as well as my childhood bedroom – it was such a homely space.
My mum was always very houseproud. It wasn't about making things perfect, but she always made sure it felt like a home. I assumed every house felt that way, but it wasn't until we picked up the keys for our first property that I realised I had to make it feel like a home.
We've spent the past couple of years renovating the house, but 2024 will be about enjoying it. We are at that point where it feels like home and I want to do everything to make sure we enjoy it. I love pottering around in the garden, sorting out a few cupboards, and cleaning and tidying.
What is your favourite room in the house?
SH: I would say the kitchen and utility room. We spend around 90 per cent of our time in there, whether it's enjoying a cup of tea, having a meal, or sitting with the kids at the table. I've never had a utility room before so I love ours! I store all my cleaning supplies and laundry in there.
We've always lived in this little countryside village, so I really wanted to bring the outdoors in when it came to decor. The kitchen is very neutral. It's similar to what my mum had — I definitely get my inspiration from her, whether it is her style or paint colours.
What would we find in your bedside table?
SH: A load of junk at the moment! I've definitely got some earplugs in there because Jamie snores like a beast. I also keep my notebook and pen in there because I often wake up and have to write things down to get them out of my brain. I've also got a pillow spray to keep me relaxed, plus boring 'mum stuff' like dummies. We've all got that junk drawer full of stuff, haven't we?
What is the best decorating advice you have ever received?
SH: Take your time. We often want to do things really quickly, especially with Instagram and people wanting to follow all the latest trends. If you take your time, you'll find your own style. Trends are fun, but it's important to decorate your home with your style. Think about the colours that bring you calm and accessories that make you smile, instead of choosing what everyone else has. I think we should be making our own trends.
I love that country-style feel. 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 living in the countryside, such as muddy wellies or playing board games by the fire.
What is the biggest bargain in your home?
SH: It's a cross between a sentimental piece and a bargain. My dad always dreamt of having his own workshop, so when we bought this house, I ensured he could have one.
He is always making furniture and has made many items, including our dining table, hallway console, shelves and mirrors. He makes everything from upcycled wood or old palettes from when we renovated. They're all bargains because my dad has spent time making them from old wood – they're my favourite items around the home.
What is your most treasured possession at home? Why is it so special?
SH: My most treasured item is the dining table my dad made. It's where we all gather on special occasions, like Christmas Day, Mother's Day, or Easter Sunday. It's brought the family together because it's the perfect size. Anyone who sits at the table will have to listen to the story of how he made it. I've seen how much work goes into making each item and appreciate his hard work. It's so special when he has finished a project and we find its place in the home.
What would top your list for the worst decor trend?
SH: I don't think there is any decor that is wrong. When you close the front door and it's just you at home, you need to feel comfortable and relaxed. I probably wouldn't have bright purple or green walls, but there's no wrong decor.
Your home is your canvas — design it how you like. Everyone's different and I think that's what is fun. I'm quite nosy when it comes to homes. I've seen some crazy trends out there, but none that are wrong. I just might not choose them myself!
Would you describe yourself as green-fingered?
SH: I wish I was...I'm really trying! My mum has worked in a florist for over 20 years and knows a lot about plants and flowers. She always helps me. I try hard but I just fail to keep these plants alive. Is it just me? There's only one plant I've managed to keep alive, which I purchased as a root.
I have a few artificial houseplants because there's no way I can water real plants in every room. I do love to see greenery around the house though. My mum and I do a lot of potting together — we buy kits from a lovely small business called Hello Petal.
If you could have a snoop around anyone's house, whose would it be and why?
SH: I would love to snoop around Buckingham Palace to see what goes on in those private rooms. I also love the idea of looking around houses where the elderly live because they have so many stories to tell. It's like when you go to your nan's house and every ornament tells a story.
Mrs Hinch and Not On The High Street have joined forces to launch a curated Mother’s Day collection, featuring a heartfelt selection of gifts made just for mums to show how special they are, all while supporting small businesses. Discover the collection here.
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