We’re so excited that our very first interiors book, Homes for Living, is officially out in the wild. Written by our founder Jessica and her sister Rebecca, it’s a guide to creating a cozy, characterful home that reflects your personality and celebrates the beauty of a life well-lived.
To celebrate publication day, we caught up with Jess to chat about what inspired the book, the little things that make a house feel like home, and her current go-to recipe.
And don’t forget – the first 250 copies will be signed by Jess, and come with a limited-edition keepsake bookmark. We can’t wait to hear what you think!
Let’s start at the beginning – what was it like writing Homes for Living with your sister Rebecca? How did you approach it together, both practically and creatively?
It was such a fun process! I came to Rebecca with a list of essay ideas and a completed intro and she really ran with it. We would have calls after she had written first drafts of each essay to chat through what was and wasn’t working. I’m good with ideas but there is no doubt that she is the better writer. I’ve found time and time again, since starting Piglet, that recognizing and elevating the greatness in others is always the starting point for success.
Any why now – what made this feel like the right moment to bring the book out into the world?
In the last year or two it feels like we have gained real clarity on what makes the Piglet in Bed lifestyle so special. With so much turmoil in our collective experience outside of the home, it felt like the right time to hopefully bring a little calm and joy to our home lives.
When people read the book, what do you most hope they’ll take away from it?
Most importantly, I want people to feel excited about their home life. To feel joy in the little imperfections that come with living life fully and to shake off the pressure to look perfect.
The book is all about what turns a house into a home, and you’ve lived in lots of different places and countries over the years – what’s been the common thread that’s made each one feel like home to you?
Slippers, cheese and Countryfile.
Has your style at home changed much over time? How has it evolved as life has shifted?
Oh definitely! In my twenties, I leant a little more mid-century (didn’t we all?) but I’ve found a style that is much truer to who I am ever since I’ve embraced more of a cottage look.
You’re now living in the US with your husband Patrick and your two boys – what do you find yourself missing most about England?
Country walks that criss-cross through farms (I took public footpaths for granted before moving here), ending with lunch in a nice pub. I might start to cry if I think about this for too long!
I love how the book takes you through the home, room by room – do you have a favorite space, somewhere you always gravitate towards?
I will always hunt out the squishiest sofa!
Food and hosting are such a big part of the book too, with Sophie Wyburd’s recipes woven in – do you have a go-to dish you keep coming back to?
There’s a recipe in the book for a really tasty smoked eggplant dip. It’s super quick to make, and the pomegranate seeds give it a fun pop of color. I'm also obsessed with a slow-cooked chicken recipe at the moment. You season and brown chicken thighs in a pan and add in some roughly chopped onion until they are a bit translucent. Then I whack that in a slow cooker (but could go into a pot in a not too hot oven) with a mixture of marmalade, soy sauce, ginger and mustard and leave it for 5ish hours. All turns into a delicious sloppy mess. Great with mash.
That appreciation for good food extends outdoors as well, with a wonderful reflection on the lost art of picnicking. If you’re heading out for a picnic, what’s something you always pack?
Sausage rolls and scotch eggs. Plus a nice picnic blanket or tablecloth, and some comfy cushions if I’m going all out.
And finally, I loved the piece on eating in bed. You’re firmly in favor, so what would be your perfect breakfast in bed?
Eggs and soldiers please!
