Published Jan. 26th 2021
Available to view online at Better Living Magazine
Tuesday, 26 January 2021
Sunday, 10 January 2021
The DIY Crew
Interior design DIY on instagram with 'novice' and not so 'novice' designers has a compelling following. Whether you are looking for tips or you are just an avid follower who likes to see there progress: there is no denying that they have the interior junkies like myself hooked! Here is a collection of people you need to be following to see there amazing creations and the abilities that would put the trades to shame! Who says you need a massive budget when you can follow their lead and do it yourself and get that designer look for less.
Jayne is first on my list as she never seems to stop! Her design aesthetic is often monochromatic with an accent colour (like pale pink or teal). Every week she has a new unreal project or hack that she is working on in her stunning monochrome home. We are talking large scale designs like turning a room into an indoor jungle gym for her children with slides, a raised walkway and a HUGE ball-pit. What's great is she will talk you through her step by step on how to do a project via her new blog as well as in her insta stories. I promise it is all very compulsive. There is also an added bonus: Jayne loves a project and she often redecorates and pops her older items she doesn't require anymore on her instagram selling page. Jayne is deffo worth a follow for her un wavering DIY skills, her ability to knock out major projects super quickly and of course her fun and monochromatic designs.
Daniela is an interior designer who was the winner of season 4 The Great Interior Design Challenge and gives sneak peeks of her amazing creations for her clients BUT she is also an avid DIYer. From her 'crittall window' hack to her entire family room make-over just before Christmas which I was following super closely! She has a super high-end feel that mixes her designer pieces with cheaper more affordable items including up cycled or 'made' creations. She legit plastered a table to get the style she wanted! Her instagram is full of tips on how to achieve her aesthetic to her wardrobe choice (which are amazing BTW) and she also owns a shop - Unplanned Store.
Known online as Lust Living, Olivia is juggling interiors and lifestyle posting with being a new mummy. One of the major pieces that Olivia created was a console table/desk that is almost identical to a very high end expensive Ferm Living one for a FRACTION of the price. She documented the creation on her account and her blog and it sparked a flurry of people all achieving her look for less. It is on my 'to do list' when I ever get the motivation to create something. Her home in the last year has undergone a garage conversion and knocking through rooms to achieve a huge kitchen dining space. All very addictive following.
Hazel is a fellow Scot living in the UAE who has filled her home with amazing pieces she has 'hacked' - from simple painting of vases to creating furniture. She gives a blow by blow of how she achieved her super cool style, and its affordable which is the best part. I may add that in the UAE it is very unusual to perform any sort of DIY: most people get a handyman to do it for them. Her love of boho-luxe is everywhere, and she is renting (again the norm here) making it great following for fellow renters. Showing you how to make your house a home without losing your deposit!
All images belong to the designer/influcner listed and are from their instagram pages.
Saturday, 2 January 2021
Three Trends for 2021
I thought I would list three trends that I love for 2021. Let's face it, 2020 was HORRENDOUS so it's time to get your home ready for a new year and a new start with colour, some texture and a new trend.
TOP: Livingetc.com BOTTOM: Ikea & Homecentre
Navy Blue:
One of the colours for 2021 is navy blue. Navy blue sofas, textiles and accessories, flood you home with this watery hue. If you want to add just a pop of this colour, then a throw, a cushion or a picture frame is enough of a nod. Go bold with a velvet navy bed frame, or a statement armchair in the corner of your living space. Let this colour add some drama and keep the rest of the room neutral.
TOP: Pinterest BOTTOM: Left: Dubai Garden Centre Right: Wood Culture
Raw Wood:
A trend that has been making an appearance for a few seasons is raw food. Wood showing its lovely natural grain, it’s texture and uniqueness. Custom pieces can be made by a number of craftsmen including Wood Culture in Dubai or cheaper options from Ikea can be upcycled and ‘hacked’ to look expensive. Adding wood can add warmth to a space. A stool in a bathroom, a wooden dining chair at each end of the table or just add a wooden tray to the coffee table.
TOP: Pinterest BOTTOM: Graham Brown
Textured Walls:
This is a very exciting trend: textured walls. Chalky paints that show your brush strokes, wallpapers that add a texture, thick plaster all amazing for adding this trend. If you are in rented and can’t add this to your home, then there are lots of removeable wallpapers that add this effect without the commitment. Seen on Pinterest and Instagram this trend is having a moment, team this with the other trends in my guide and you have yourself a ‘gramable home’
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