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  • Jan 14, 2025
  • 5 min read

Ah, here we are again—a return to my ongoing demonstration of questionable interior design skills. Thankfully, for everyone’s sake, this isn’t my day job. My only goal? To create gloriously chaotic room schemes with no rhyme or reason, save for one guiding principle: every piece must come in at £500 or less.


I did stray over budget once or twice, but I trust you’ll forgive my indiscretions. The chosen pieces offer exceptional value for money and easily earn their place in these room schemes.


Drawing Room


This, my friends, was going to be our sitting room, but sadly, due to the ongoing trouble finding a delight of a sofa for under £500, I had to make do with this rather austere 19th-century Danish two-seater. So instead this room is now a Drawing Room, no sitting soft here.


I have a few favourite pieces. The art is a mixture of Foster & Gan and Eggs Casino, all of which I felt worked well together. A nod to Ben Nicholson is always needed, and I can and rarely resist the humble woodcut. I also have to tilt my head to Modants, whose selection of floor lamps is really rather good. I can not believe anyone would rather hit up a Soho Home, etc, than buy one of these beauties from Modants. Last but by no means least, Clive Rogers is such an excellent source for vintage and antique textiles. I find his website a treasure trove of mailable marvels.


Drawing Room

Vintage living room with red sofa, striped pillow, white chair, art on walls, red patterned curtain, and fireplace with sculptures. Cozy ambiance.
Drawing Room

Clockwise from the wall hanging -



Bathroom


Has anyone seriously used the term shabby chic in the past decade? Likely not—and understandably so. It had its heyday, commandeering more design real estate than it perhaps merited. That said, I must confess: those '90s and early '00s bathrooms were the seed for this one. The design began with the chair, and everything else fell into place. Apologies if this resurrects design ghosts you’d firmly laid to rest, but I have to admit, there’s something deeply comforting about a honeyed bathroom (Vintage on the Vine was the picture perfect source for this bathroom). Perfumed pinks, a touch of the frilly and familiar... it doesn’t scrub me the wrong way. In fact, I rather like the idea of sinking into my tub, enveloped in just a hint of shabby nostalgia.


A few things to note, I adore that cabinet - I would be a very happy camper if it was in my life, particualry if it was in my bathroom. Also I have to admit the bathroom sconces aren't antiques - I know its a cop out, but one I hope you will enjoy. I thought they were really smart, and from what I can tell they are made in England so I feel they deserve their moment.


Bathroom

Vintage bathroom decor: floral armchair, clawfoot tub, rustic cabinet, chandelier, landscape painting, mirrored sconces, white sink.
Bathroom

Clockwise from the chandelier


Nursery


So, this whole scheme started with the caned cot—a completely ridiculous choice, given that it’s well over the £500 budget. But what can I say? I thought it was marvellous, and perhaps you, dear reader, will forgive this extravagant overspend. Perhaps you’ll see it through my eyes and understand just how special this piece is. Even with its £620 price tag, it brings a glorious sense of character to the room—and, dare I say, to you as well.


Other than that, I must admit I wasn’t entirely confident about what a child might want in their first bedroom. My best guesses? A child’s Orkney chair, a few 1950s wooden toys, and, naturally, a Memphis-style lamp. As for the rug—well, it doesn’t have to hang on the wall. I just thought it illustrated its excellent colours rather well in this instance.


Nursery

Vintage furniture and toys in a room; red armchair, patterned rug, wooden crib, and posters. A red lamp on a dresser, creating a cosy vibe.
Nursery

Clockwise From The Model of a Boat Hull







 
 
 

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