Occupation
Full time carer, serial decorator and photographer.
When did your love of interiors start?
I have always loved DIY and up-cycling and I was driving my parents insane with constant repaints of furniture and making accessories out of random objects. Me and my husband then moved in to the rented home we are living in now, every wall was a nicotine stained magnolia hell. After sleeping 6 months on the floor, I decided to improvise and start making this house a home, so I started with finding key pieces like a bed and making it my own. The biggest change I have to face was how to camouflage my husband's disability adaptations into this small home, so they don’t become a feature. Here we are 12 years later living happily in our non magnolia home.
Describe your style in three words
Eclectic, rock & glam.
I would have to say my mum as she always taught me that life is too short to worry what other people might think or say, to live my life to the full and most importantly, to have fun – I apply all of these to my home.
Interiors wise my first inspiration that blew me away was your home Abigail – I think you have started a massive trend here making people not afraid to do what makes them happy in interiors; which in turn results in lots of amazing and hugely personal spaces that are popping up all over Instagram.
Yes and plenty of them. I believe in “if you don’t try you never know" and this resulted in my bathroom being painted by sponging on the walls 3 different shades off salmon and terracotta – it was a good idea at the time but looked horrible.
Which is your favourite room in your house and why?
My living room – over the years it has evolved so much and recently I have removed the 70’s style dado rail which has allowed me to use the wall to the max without any obstructions. Our living room is also a collection of things we all as a family love, from pops of pink that my daughter is obsessed with to framed vinyl covers from our favourite band. It is also space we as a family spend a lot of time in – be it socialising or spending a night in, in front of the TV.
You’re a big fan of dark interiors like me, has this always been your style?
No it was not. I started with very minimal, white walls – not by choice but by necessity at the time. We both moved in with a bag each full of clothes and it took us a few years to get used to the space, find some furniture and accessories and find a style that suits us both. White and minimal spaces can be beautiful but we much prefer a darker backdrop to our colourful accessories.
Who should we follow on Instagram?
There are so many talented people with equally as beautiful homes, but I am obsessed with:
@marciekdesigns - I adore the fact that Marcie's home is also done on a budget with bags of creativity.
@raspberry_flavoured_windows - Rachel's home is very gothic glam; I love the pops of gold and the fact that this fire cracker does also a lot of DIY herself.
Follow Pati here @patirobins