Former art and photography teacher Ali Vaughan started Mucky Ducky as a project to earn extra cash while on maternity leave.

When she went back to work as head of department at Richard Rose Central, her business, at that time run only through a Facebook page, was busier than ever and Ali found herself working two jobs, as well as being a mother of two.

After a hectic year of being a teacher by day and a furniture restorer by night, Ali decided to put all her eggs in one basket and go for Mucky Ducky – named for her pet ducks and love of Beatrix Potter.

Despite her Corporation Road premises being flooded two weeks after opening, leaving her with no electricity and then just one functioning socket for months, the business is going from strength to strength.

Ali, 33, is originally from Portrush in Northern Ireland and came to Carlisle to study graphic design and photography at Cumbria Institute of the Arts (now UoC). She is married to Adam, also from Ireland , who works in IT. They live in Cumwhinton with their children Ella, eight, and Max, two. Here she shares her interior style.

1. Box of butterflies

It’s a funny thing – I’ve had to free about eight butterflies from this building since I’ve been here.

2. Deer skull

My house is an old 17th century cottage and I really like quirky things to go into it. I saved up and bought this deer skull and then was devastated when it didn’t fit on my chimney breast.

I brought it in here and now people keep asking about him, but I’m like ‘no’. I’m very attached to him.

When I bought it, it was on a wooden plaque. I didn’t like that because it’s a sporting trophy, so I removed it from the plaque so it is a thing of beauty.

3. Vintage china

I’ve lots of vintage china. I love it all mismatched and stacked up. I’ve got a dresser in my kitchen that I like to restyle and update with whatever my latest style or faze is.

I buy six different interiors magazines every month to keep up with current trends and as a source of inspiration.

I’m one of these people who rotates accessories. At the moment I love copper. I’m like a magpie – if I see a shiny thing I buy it. Some things make it here and some never make it out of my home.

4. Gilt frames

I have a real thing about gilt frames. I love putting something really ornate and fancy on a bare brick wall. I love framing something that other people don’t see or ignore. I have lots of them to draw people’s attention to the building, because it’s such a lovely building.

5. Jemima Puddle-Duck Jelly Mould

When I was little I wanted to Beatrix Potter because she lived in a quaint cottage and she was surrounded by animals. Jemima Puddleduck was my favourite. I stumbled across this at a carboot sale. It was one of those things that I picked up and couldn’t put down. I love ducks.

6. Bird's nest

It goes back to Beatrix Potter. I lived in Ireland and my parents brought me to the Lake District on holiday. Part of the treat was to go to the Beatrix Potter exhibition. I remember there being little families of mice eating their dinner in gaps in the wall. It’s just a bit of fun – I think you should always keep a bit of your childhood going.

* This article first appeared in Carlisle Living.