About
Hi, I’m Jane.
If we were sitting together right now, you’d probably have a cup of tea, I’d have a Pepsi Max, because despite being very British, I don’t actually drink tea, and I’d be chatting about home décor while quietly wondering if there’s room for just one more cushion.
I’ve always loved making a house feel like home. Not perfect, not styled within an inch of its life, just warm, welcoming, and full of personality.
A fresh start
I moved to Australia in 2009 with my son, who was 12 at the time, following my divorce (first time around).
Over the years, we lived in quite a few rentals. You know the kind… beige walls, not much character, and not a lot to work with.
But that’s where something clicked.
I became very good at turning those blank, slightly uninspiring spaces into somewhere that felt like us. Cosy, layered, and full of little touches that made it feel like home.
I’m not an interior designer. I spent 40 years working as a nurse, but somewhere along the way, home styling became my superpower, or so my friends tell me.
A little piece of home
Being British and living in Australia for nearly 17 years now, there’s always been that gentle pull towards home.
The brands, the patterns, the nostalgia… those little things that make you stop and think, oh I remember that.
Whether you’re a fellow Brit living abroad or simply someone who loves that timeless British charm, there’s something special about surrounding yourself with pieces that feel familiar.
I found myself searching for items that captured that feeling, mixed with beautiful finds here in Australia. Things with character, charm, and a story behind them.
Ruby’s Home Store
Ruby’s Home Store was born from that idea, named after my granddaughter.
It’s a carefully curated collection of British and Australian homewares and gifts, chosen because I genuinely love them and would have them in my own home
Nothing is added just to fill a shelf. Every piece must earn its place.
Behind the scenes, my husband Stephen is my rock. He’s very Aussie, I’m very British, and sometimes it feels like we’re speaking completely different languages… but somehow it works.
He’s the calm to my ideas, the practical one to my “let’s just move everything around again” moments, and a big part of making this little business what it is.
The bit I didn’t expect
Very early on, something quite lovely started happening.
Customers weren’t just enjoying what they ordered, they were telling me how much they loved receiving it.
The wrapping, the little details, the care that went into every parcel. It felt like more than just a delivery, it felt like a gift.
And that got me thinking…
The Hometastic Box
What if that feeling could be created on purpose?
Not just a product, but a seasonal experience. A surprise. Something to look forward to.
And so, The Hometastic Box was born.
Each season, I handpick a small collection of home décor pieces that work beautifully together. Items you might not have chosen for yourself, but once you have them, you can’t imagine your home without them.
It’s for anyone who loves their home but doesn’t always have the time, or confidence, to pull everything together.
Or simply wants that little moment of joy when a box arrives at the door and feels like a treat.
What this is really about
At the heart of it, both Ruby’s Home Store and The Hometastic Box are about the same thing.
Helping you create a home that feels like yours.
Not showroom perfect. Not following trends for the sake of it.
Just a space that makes you feel comfortable, happy, and a little bit proud when you look around.
A heartfelt thank you
This business also holds a lot of meaning for me personally and is something I know my parents would have been incredibly proud of.
If you’ve found your way here, whether you’ve been with me from the beginning or you’re just discovering us, thank you.
Every order, every message, every kind word means more than you probably realise.
You’re not just supporting a small business, you’re supporting something built with a lot of love … and a slight cushion obsession.