Isolation Trends - Ways to Update Your Home Without Breaking The Bank

Hello! How are you? It’s been a while since I wrote anything here. First up I want to say I hope you and your family are as safe and well as can be in these times.

I’ve been thinking of what to write about during Isolation and how anyone can be interested in Interiors. But our homes are our sanctuaries at the moment and more than ever we need them to feel calming, nurturing and safe. And also places we want to be and hang out in.

So I have teamed up with a few fellow Insta pals to show you ways you can update your living spaces without breaking the bank and adding to the “non essential” shopping list. Hopefully this will inspire you to get creative - some are really easy, some require a bit of DIY and others might just leave you admiring them from the comfort of your sofa.

Hope you enjoy!

1. Rejigging Shelves

I probably sound like a broken record but one of the easiest things you can do to give a room a “fresh” feel is by rejigging your shelves, wall art, furniture arrangement. Anyone else used to constantly switch their bedrooms up as a child? I think that’s the sign of an Interior Stylist right there! Seriously though,rejigging a shelving unit can instantly change things up.

Start by stripping back all the objects and giving it a good clean. Then slowly start adding the items back on, change up the positioning and maybe try adding some new bits from elsewhere in the house. Take some things away or just simply mix up the order of the shelves. It will all help to trick the eye and the brain into believing it’s brand new and fresh.

I’ve included examples of my shelving units over the year and how certain things have stayed put, some bits were added in and others were just mixed up.

2. Create Your Own Artwork

Take inspiration from Jessica at The Middle Terrace who has rediscovered her love of painting art. She used leftover paint from the hallway revamp to create a gorgeous “red thread” linking the hallway to the dining room. Mixed in with other “shop bought” prints and photos, you could create something truly unique to your home. I’m definitely going to give it a go as soon as I can get my hands on some paper.

3. Support Your Local Artists or Frame Cards

There are some many local artists on Instagram and Etsy, selling handmade prints for really reasonable prices and some will even design bespoke ones for you. Another fab idea which I’ve written about before is framing cards. I love doing this - see the “Merci Beaucoup” card I bought especially to frame. I recently had a birthday and got many “topical” cards that I’m definitely going to frame to remind me of these times. I wrote a blog a few years ago with other cheap and easy ways to personalise your gallery walls which you can read about here.

Framing cards is the best way to update your gallery walls cheaply!

4. Paint Your Kitchen Cupboards

I recently had a kitchen revamp but I used a professional, partly because I’m lazy and partly because I’m no expert, but the lovely Kate from @copper.and.me has just completed it herself and it looks AMAZING! She used Lick Paints which are the newest paint company in town. Kate was particularly impressed with the handle and screw lid and the fact that it is self priming! It meant she only used 1/2 of a tin to cover the whole kitchen! It’s the perfect, cost effective way to switch up your kitchen! Head over to her feed to see more of how she did it here.

5. Plant, Plant, Plant

Looking after my plants is providing the perfect distraction when I get a bit anxious. I am definitely not green fingered so if I can keep them alive then so can you. Sunflower seeds, for example, are so easy to grow and can be kept on a sunny window even in the smallest of flats. Mine is currently thriving, having grown 10cm in 2 weeks. I was also gifted this cute little basil seedling by my Father-in-law for my birthday and I’m making it my mission to keep it going into a fully fledged plant. If you have more than enough then why not gift some to neighbours or those self isolating? I promise you it will cheer someone up.

6. DIY In Your Garden

Create a haven in your garden

It’s typical that as soon as lockdown hits we get the best weather of the year so far, but I have to admit it is making it much easier for me. I am enjoying working on my tan with a book in the garden most afternoons.

Alice from Simply The Nest however is the Queen of DIY and lockdown is no exception. She has just recently made her own outdoor seating area from items she already had in the house. Having thought about an L-shaped seating area for around 4 years, lockdown has given her the time to finally see the plans comes to life. Using a couple of old doors that were taking up space in the cellar, screws, paint and joist wood that were also left over from previous projects, she has created a zero-cost furniture item. Alice is fab at showing exactly how she completes DIY so head over to her page to see if anything else floats your boat!

7. Use Leftover Paint

We’ve all probably got tins and tins of leftover paint from old projects sitting in sheds, garages, or in my case - under the stairs. This is such a good time to dig them out and give some furniture pieces a revamp. That old wooden chair? The chest of drawers in the spare room? Or even plant pots. Anything’s fair game as long as you’ve got a paint brush. I painted this ikea step stool a while back and I still love it! Currently eyeing up my fireplace and some ikea shelves in the living room so I will report back!

Using left over paint to paint furniture items.

8. And Finally…If In Doubt…Bake!

Because we’ve not seen enough baking pictures and stories ;) Even the least skilled baker can make banana bread - trust me I’ve tried. And because of the flour shortage I uploaded my expertly made chocolate nest cakes that a five year old could probably do a better job of. But they filled my heart with joy and reminded me of my childhood so give it a go - you won’t regret eating them I promise!

Baking in isolation - Easter Nest Cakes

So there we have it! 8 ways to update your home in Isolation. Hopefully that has inspired you to get the paint brush, the drill or the duster out. Failing that, I hope it’s passed ten mins of boredom! I would love to see some of the bits you create so tag me in them! And also go check out all my lovely Insta pals, big thank you to them for allowing me to use their pictures!

Stay safe!

Getting Cosy for Autumn

In collaboration with Catherine Lansfield Bedding

Autumn is my favourite time of year - so much so we’re going to get married in Autumn next year! Aaargh! As I write this though, there has been an unusual warm weather front so everyone has been baking today! Typical! Nevertheless I’m hoping it’s just a fluke and it will go back to crisp mornings and chilly evenings where it’s perfectly acceptable not to go out on an evening and instead hunker down under a blanket. Here are my tips for “cosying” up a space.

Wedding Date Announcement

The Bedroom

My bed is one of my favourite places to be when the weather turns colder, I would go to bed as soon as it got dark if it was socially acceptable! When Catherine Lansfield got in touch and asked me to try their Stag bedding, I jumped at the chance to cosy up the bedroom with this gorgeous duvet set. It’s also a great piece for Christmas if you like to update your decor at this time.

Cosy bedroom decor

I added a Catherine Lansfield charcoal chunky knit throw and a sheepskin rug to add extra texture to the room and make it look really warm and inviting. Of course fairylights also help! You can create your own little sanctuary where you can curl up with a good book and a massive mug of coffee, tea or hot chocolate - whatever floats your boat!

The Living Room

Candles and pumpkins

Candles, candles, candles are the key here. Light them all and have them everywhere (obviously be really careful and never leave them unattended) but there’s nothing better than turn the “big light” off, switching on the lamp and lighting the candles. It creates a gorgeous cosy space with a lovely ambiance. Perfect for nights on the sofa under a blanket watching a film.

The Dining Room

Autumn pumpkins

Pumpkins. They are everywhere at this time of year. I’m not talking about the ones carved with triangles for eyes, although don’t get me wrong I love a good carving session - it brings back so many good childhood memories. But there are so many more amazing varieties out there these days that you can use them as a styling staple all through October. Create a gorgeous display in a fruit bowl or use them as props on shelves. The possibilities are endless. Shoutout to my favourite florist - The Flower Lounge for supplying me with the most beautiful mini white pumpkins.

Autumnal Dining Room Decor

The Kitchen

I’m just going to say one thing - Cake! Get baking, cooking, hosting dinner parties; whatever you can to spend time here all toasty whilst the weather rages outside. If cookings not your thing - there’s always deliveroo!

Kitchen And Cake

And lastly - Leopard Print

Leopard Print

You can’t escape it this year. It’s everywhere. I’ve always been a leopard print fan, Ben calls me the crazy leopard print lady. I once turned up to the airport wearing a leopard jumpsuit, leopard shoes and pulling a leopard suitcase. That’s what happens when I have to get up at the crack of dawn for an early flight!!!

Anyways I digress - but I just wanted to share this gorgeous scarf from Accessorize and think it’s the perfect Autumn accessory.

Cosy Cat

Have a lovely Autumn from me and Bojangles!

Interior Inspiration - Manchester

Whenever I get stuck on the creativity front - I always head out and try and find inspiration from my home city. There are gems everywhere you look and Manchester really is becoming a hot trendy place to be. Here's my top 10 (for now)...

No.1 Leaf On Portland Street

Leaf is rather unexpected as it sits along the huge row of Bruntwood buildings on Portland Street, in fact it wraps around an office building splitting into two spaces. This is a hidden gem that is not yet so well known so it's perfect for admiring the interiors and having enough room to wander. It used to be the old Cube Gallery that I frequented as a graduate so has a special place in my heart. There are so many gorgeous details here, it is sympathetic to it's history whilst being bang on trend and current, mixing the old with the new perfectly

No.2 The Lost & Found Knutsford 

Technically not Manchester but close enough and just 20 mins on the train. This place is absolutely gorgeous, every single detail has been thought of - from the floor to the stairways to the fabrics. Set in an old church, the high ceilings and arched windows are perfect for statement chandeliers and bold patterns. There's a sense of fun in the little touches - neon lights, colourful flowers and vintage propping that gives this space the edge.

No.3 The Refuge

Probably one of Manchester most Instagrammed spots - the Winter Garden is everything you'd want it to be and has probably been the source of inspiration for a few of Manchester's latest spots. From the monochrome tiles on the floor to the deep green velvet sofas, I adore everything about this space. The tree in the middle wrapped in fairy lights is a real showstopper, and the marble table tops and floral patterns work so perfectly together. Set in the Palace hotel, you really feel the grandeur of the past whilst being completely in the now. 

No.4 Chapter One Books

This was an unintential find one day wandering around the Northern Quarter but definietly one I'm glad I stumbled one. Chapter One Books is an independant bookshop/coffee shop in such a lovely space, it makes you want to stay here for hours. The decor is so eclectic with random bits of furniture used to display books, chairs for lounging and the most gorgeous green vintage reading lamps I have seen in a long time! It feels like stumbling into someone's very eccentric lounge but immediately feeling at home! 

No.5 The Refinery 

Nestled behind all the major tourist spots in Spinningfields, The Refinery sits quietly and unexpectedly. This is the ultimate "Hygge" and Scandi Chic spot in Manchester complete with fur throws and candles. The soft greys and warm yellows make this space the ultimate place for bottomless brunch with the girls or even somewhere you can take Mum and make her feel special. It also hasn't been tainted by the alchemist crowd so get there whilst it's still relatively unknown. Anywhere that offers blankets with a cocktail becomes my favourite place immediately. 

No.6 Grand Pacific 

For all the old school colonial glamour, head to Grand Pacific. It is glam and grand, with high ceilings and parquet floors, peacock chairs and huge palms. It is the perfect escape to have a cocktail or two and soak in the surroundings.

The toilets are also the stuff of dreams, starting my silly back & forth with a few fellow Instagrammers over great toilet designs. #ihavethisthingwithrestaurantloos may take off one day! 

No.7 Suri

This place is probably the most brand new of them all. It is everything that is on trend at the minute. I'm in love with the soft pinks and rose golds contrasting against the deep blues and black marbles. It screams luxury and you can tell the designers have really thought about creating an 'on trend' cool vibe. 

No.8 - Randall & Aubin

A newbie to Bridge Street, just off Deansgate - Randall & Aubin is the most stylish fish restaurant I have ever been in. Not only was the food delicious but the atmosphere was lovely. The space is very long and narrow with mainly big tables for groups and lots of sharing dishes, inviting you to get stuck in and really enjoy one another's company. There are a lot of patterned tiles everywhere with accents of brass to keep it classy. 

The toilets are something else too - pink, greens and that wallpaper is just amazing! So vibrant and fun yet also maintaining the level of luxury. 

No. 9 The Wonder Inn

The Wonder Inn is a magical place on the edge of the Northern Quarter, nestled in an derelict warehouse that Manchester is rich beyond belief with. It's a wellness centre dedicated to the community and houses a cafe, bar, yoga rooms and workshops. The low key styling of this space is just wonderful, who doesn't love fairy lights up against stripped walls with umbrellas hanging from the ceiling? The sense of history is fantastic with most of the original features remaining as well as peeling plaster and wonky ceilings! We stumbled on a Brass Band Gig here and it was absolutely epic. 

And finally...No.10 Alabamas 

The pancakes here alone are enough reason to visit but the decor is pretty amazing too. It's very American Eatery but with a David Hockney colour palette and will brighten up your day immediately. You might have to queue to get in but it is 100% worth the wait. The zebra wallpaper in the bathrooms is also well worth a nosey. I can't resist a Zebra theme! 

As I am writing this, there's at least 1 new place popping up on my radar everyday. Leaving the possibility open for a version 2 of this post - and also plenty of opportunities for me to go wandering, drink and eat!