Turn Your Home Into Art: A Friendly Guide to Bespoke House Illustrations

Hello, I’m Matt Cockayne. I draw homes. Yours, your mum’s, the red-brick place with the nosy cat in the bay window. I take the bits you see every day—the wobbly lintels, the mismatched bricks, the climbing rose that finally made it to the gutter—and turn them into a proper keepsake. It’s art with heart, made by hand.

A perfect gift for yourself or loved ones.

What’s a home portrait?

It’s a hand-drawn portrait of your place. Like a family photo, but with chimneys. I draw the truth of it: the chips in the stone step, the way the sunlight hits your front door at tea time, the “wonky but ours” window that sticks when it’s windy. Those little quirks are the good stuff—they’re the memories.

• Bespoke House Illustration — price varies by size — each — choose options
• Framing add-on — price varies by frame — each — choose options
• Gift voucher — set your amount — each — choose options

Immerse yourself into the arty world where your everyday becomes extraordinary.

Finished commissions

Real examples of finished bespoke commissions—different homes and settings.

Styles, nice and simple

• Watercolour warmth
  Soft, subtle colours with a nostalgic glow. Great for that lived-in, homely feel.

• Classic line drawing
  Black ink, clean lines, tons of detail. Timeless and tidy—works in any room.

• Mixed media
  Crisp lines with gentle washes of colour. Your house, but with a little storybook sparkle.

Why the details matter

I once drew a tiny terrace with three different bricks around the bay window—each one a fix from a different decade. The owners loved that I kept it all in. Same with a 1930s semi where the upstairs sash sits just a smidge to the left. Those quirks aren’t mistakes—they’re the chapters of your home. That’s why I count the slate tiles, get the gate hinges right, and yes, if your dog always naps on the step, I’ll pop them in too (if you like).

What’s a kitchen without friends?

How it works

• Choose options
  Pick your size (A4 to A1) and style. Simple, no fuss.

• Send photos
  Front-on, side angles, and any close-ups you care about. A sunny day, a snowy day—send both if you’ve got them.

• I draw, we chat
  I’ll share progress so you can nudge the roses higher, swing the garden gate open, or keep the fairy lights in. We make it “just right” together.

• Safe arrival
  Packaged properly, ready to frame or gift. Check out, pop the kettle on, job done.

Where it sits best

• Hallway for the big welcome
• Living room for the chat starter
• Bedroom for the soft, cosy glow
• Gallery wall with family photos, pressed flowers, ticket stubs—your story, all in one place

Timing and care

Good art takes a minute. If you’re planning a surprise, especially near Christmas or Valentine’s, get in early. I use archival inks and papers so your piece keeps its look for years—something you’ll pass on with the stories that come with it.

Great for gifting

• Housewarming
• Moving away, but keeping home close
• Anniversaries and milestones
• Just because you love your place

Ready when you are

• Choose options
  Pick size and style to bring your home to life.

• Check out
  I’ll get in touch to collect photos and any special requests.

• Subscribe
  Want first dibs on new prints, studio updates, and “Kitchen Crew” antics? Pop your email in.

Visit www.matt-cockayne.co.uk to get started, or drop me a message if you want to chat through ideas. Immerse yourself into the arty world where your everyday becomes extraordinary.

Thanks for supporting independent art. I’ll look after your bricks and your stories.