Category: Features

In the Hot Seat with Kayleigh

Kayleigh Sherbourne

DIY Specialist
Title

Tell us your Frenchic story...

 

My Frenchic story begins right at the start of my journey as "Do It Yourself Mum." When I first launched my page, I was already familiar with Frenchic Paint. I had been following them on my personal account for a while, and I discovered them through Stacey Solomon—she was painting her bath in her old house, which led me to start following the brand.

 

Fast forward to January 2021, when I officially launched "Do It Yourself Mum" on Instagram. I didn't dive into painting projects until I was renovating my kitchen, which became my very first project using Frenchic Paint. My kitchen, which I still miss to this day, was in my old house and I went for an industrial style with exposed brick—just the way I loved it. For that project, I used the shade Smudge from the Frenchic Al Fresco range, and I still adore it.

 

Since then, I haven’t used any other paint for my upcycling projects. For the past four years, I've consistently relied on Frenchic because I truly believe it's the best paint out there—there's simply no paint that compares.

How would you describe your signature style? How has it evolved?

My signature style has evolved over time, and I’m not quite sure how to define it. Maybe contemporary? Modern with an industrial twist? It’s fairly neutral, but with a bold pop of colour.
 

How do you bring it to life?

Quite simply, I just jump straight in! If you overthink things, you end up procrastinating and never actually get started. 

I actually made that!

What does an average day look like to you?

There are two types of weekdays in my life—one when I have the kids and one when I don’t, as I co-parent them 50-50. On the days I have the kids, it starts with getting them ready and taking them to school, and then I come back home and grab a bite to eat. After that, I head to the studio and set everything up. Now that it's winter, I throw on a woolly hat and turn on the heating to warm up the studio for the day.

 

On an average upcycling day, I tackle about one project. I try not to do too much at once because my brain can’t handle it. Aren’t women supposed to be good at multitasking? Maybe I’m the exception!

It also depends on whether I need to pick up my youngest from school. If I do, I’ll pack up for the day before heading out. In the evening, I focus on tidying up, being there for the kids, cooking their dinner, and maybe editing the videos I filmed during the day.

 

On the days I don’t have the kids, I won’t lie—I find it hard to get out of bed when I don’t have the school run to do! The routine of the school run really helps me, otherwise if I get the option of an extra hour in bed, I’ll take it! On those days, I’m usually in the studio, often working a bit later since I don’t have to pick up the kids.

Before I had my studio at the bottom of the garden, I worked from inside the house. To be honest, I probably got more done back then, but my house was always a mess!

What about weekends and evenings?

One thing I really love is routine. Depending on whether I have the kids or not, I’ll relax at home, take them bowling, go out, or spend time with friends or family. Weekends tend to vary, except for football—that's the one constant, and we love it. 

Do you have a favourite room in the house?

Absolutely, I’m in it right now - my living room. It’s so cosy, and it feels amazing to be in. Every time I sit here, I think, "I’ve created everything in this room." Well, except for the sofas - I did draw the line there! But I’ve made the TV unit, the shelves, the coffee table, and of course, I’ve decorated the walls and upcycled the fireplace. Everything has been done by me, all using Frenchic Paint. The walls behind me are painted in Smoke Signal, and the trim is Whiter Than White (or Whitey White).

What’s the most memorable project you’ve done? 

The most memorable project I’ve done, without a doubt, is my youngest son Harry’s sliding wardrobe, made from IKEA Kallax units. It was an absolute beast of a project, but I get to look at it every single day and think, "I actually made that." The fact that he slides open the door to grab his clothes - everything is neatly hung up, visible to him - and on the other side, he has his toys and nice shelves, just makes it all look cool and personalised to him. It presented a few challenges, I won’t lie, but it was totally worth it, and the reaction I got from all of you was insane.  

If you're proud of it and feel that sense of accomplishment, that’s all that matters. 

What is the one tip or piece of advice that you'd give to first time painters or upcyclers?

My advice for anyone wanting to start upcycling is simple: just do it. You might talk yourself out of it, thinking you’re not good enough or don’t have the skills, but the key is to take that first step. That’s how I started. Looking back now, my first projects weren’t perfect, but they’ve shaped who I am today, and I learned along the way. If you’re upcycling for yourself, it doesn’t have to be perfect for anyone else - just perfect for you. If you're proud of it and feel that sense of accomplishment, that’s all that matters.

When it comes to new projects, where do you find your inspiration?

A lot of my inspiration comes from my own head. I could be drifting off to sleep, and suddenly an idea pops into my mind—next thing I know, I’m wide awake, planning. Or I’ll be driving, and an idea just hits me. Sometimes, I’ll get inspiration from Pinterest or other influencers who are doing something I find cool, and I’ll take that as a jumping-off point. I’m a creative person, not super academic, and that’s perfectly fine—everyone’s different. A lot of my ideas just come to me, which I know sounds a bit weird!

Who would be on your guest list for a dream dinner party? 

First up, Robin Williams. He will forever be my Peter Pan. My favourite movie growing up was Hook, and I probably watched it twice a day. I just think he would bring so much energy and humour to the table.


Second, Zac Efron - just to look into those beautiful blue eyes!

And third, it’s tough, but I’m going to choose the late Queen Elizabeth. My nan adored the Queen, and we used to call her "The Queen" because she was the queen of our family. I’d love to connect with that generation again. Honestly, if I could have my nan back, I would in a heartbeat.

What are your top three can't live without Frenchic shades?

Oh my goodness, picking just three is tough! But here’s what I feel right now.

First, Olivia. I colour-drenched my bedroom with it, and I have zero regrets. It’s amazing. I’ve also painted my kitchen cupboards in it, so it’s definitely number one - I can’t live without it.

Second, Salt of the Earth. It’s my go-to neutral. A beautiful beigey-grey, it just works for me, and I know a lot of my followers love it too. It’s a solid, versatile colour.

And for my third, Blackjack. I just love it. Paired with Browning Wax, it’s my favourite combo.

What’s your favourite film, your favourite meal, and your favourite book? 

My favourite film, as I’ve said earlier, is Hook. It holds so many memories from my childhood - the music, the characters, the adventure. It’s been my favourite since I was about two or three years old.

I’m not a huge reader, but my favourite book is a children’s one called Peace at Last by Jill Murphy. I loved it growing up, and now I love reading it to my boys - it was one of their favourites too. It brings back such happy memories.

As for my favourite meal, it’s a tie between steak and chips and lasagne - I just can’t choose. But honestly, I’m more of a chocolate girl, so if I had to pick a favourite meal, it would be a bar of chocolate, breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

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