I’ve always been a homebody. I’ve lived in many different buildings – from the idyllic bungalow of my childhood to the tiny, modern flat of my early 20s – and each one has felt like a real home. When I’m settled, I love nothing more than curling up with a book and a blanket and whiling away afternoons in my own space. And if it happens to be raining outside, even better.
Rob and I moved into our first ‘proper house’ last week. It’s a towering, 4-storey Victorian terrace with spiral staircase, exposed beams and original oak doors. I’m in love. We’ve already added all the main stuff – sofa, beds, wardrobes (very important, that one) – but there’s still plenty of space to fill with treasure. And that’s where the Second Hand Home Challenge comes in.
Instead of rushing off to Ikea for every side table, lamp or mirror I decide I simply must have, I’ll scour charity shops, car boot sales and jumbles first. I’ll visit furniture warehouses, reclamation yards and auctions. I might even partake in a spot of skip diving, like my blogging inspiration Vix.
I want my house to have a story. Here’s how it’s looking so far…
the bedroom
The cushion on our bed has followed me to every house I’ve lived in. The throw was £11 from Primark.
The Chanel compacts were car boot sale finds, as was the brush. The jar and perfume atomiser were from charity shops and I picked up the silk scarf at a vintage fair.
This gilded gold mirror was £5.99 from a branch of St Gemma’s Hospice.
When I asked for sensible ways to store tights, lovely Alex said she kept hers rolled up in a vintage suitcase. Now I finally have the space to display this case I bought at a boot sale for £1 last year, I promptly stole her idea.
The doors are one of my favourite things about the house. They’re just beautiful, even if some of them (one being the bathroom door, unfortunately) don’t quite shut properly.
the living room
When the stove is lit, I can sit for hours watching the flames flicker. The candelabra and silver candlesticks are from charity shops and the oak mirror used to hang on the wall at my mum’s.
We needed somewhere to store logs for the stove and when I saw this wicker basket in a charity shop I knew it’d be perfect. It was expensive for second hand at £14.99, but similar styles sell for £45 on the high street.
I love yellow flowers. The glass jug was 50p from a boot sale and the china teacup is part of a set I picked up for £2.99 in a charity shop.
I couldn’t resist this ‘Home Sweet Home’ cushion when I saw it in Matalan. Not second hand, but still pretty and only £12, so I think it’s allowed. The owl was a present from a friend and the old fashioned phone was an amazing boot sale find at just £1.
the kitchen
Uncluttered worktops just aren’t my thing. From Cath Kidston mugs to some traditional-style scales picked up at TK Maxx and lots of Le Creuset bought by family – I love having things out on display.
Cake tins and a clock.
And finally, a spotty apron I snatched (well, nearly) from a volunteer’s hands as it went out on display – £1.99, St Gemma’s Hospice.
Next on the list is a coffee table – I’ll be hitting a furniture warehouse next week to hunt one down.
Will you be trying the Second Hand Home Challenge?
