A house confidently styled with art and colour, @agi_at_59 shares her tips and inspirations...
When did your love for interiors begin and what inspires you?
I’ve always been a bit obsessed with interiors. Since I can remember I was rearranging furniture in my room and creating 'art pieces' to put up on the walls. I was also the one responsible for all the Christmas decorations and table styling for all the occasions when I lived at home.
In terms of inspiration I have to say Instagram is an endless source of amazing inspo.
When did you start your interiors focused instagram account and did you expect to get such a following?
I started my account 2.5 years ago.
I was a stay at home mum with two very young children and it was basically something to keep me sane. I wasn’t sure at first whether to go with interiors, food or lifestyle content so there’s a bit of everything there if you look at my first pictures. I had no idea how it all worked (sometimes I still feel like I have no clue!) and never in a million years did I think pictures of our small terraced house will appear to such a big audience!
What style interior would you say you are going for?
I think life is too short to stick to just one style. I cherry pick from different aesthetics, all the elements that appeal to me and try to create spaces that are functional but also reflect our personalities. If I have to define my style I would say eclectic, fun and comfortable.
How has your interior design style changed over the years and do you ever get the urge to start again with a blank canvas?
Aw I would love a blank canvas to start again or at least few additional rooms to put all my design ideas into reality - naturally my style has change a lot over the years and it keeps changing constantly.
What do your family and friends think of your bold style?
I always have my hubby's blessing when decorating. I discuss my ideas with him before going ahead with any changes and I'm very lucky as we are usually on the same page. Our friends love my style, they are always shocked how much has changed since they last visited...
A Bold and Beautiful Home
Your home is full of colour and eccentric design - what advice would you give to those wanting to colour-wild but don't quite dare?
I would say just go for it! What’s the worst that could happen? You can always paint it back to how it was. The best option is to start with just one wall. Then live with it for a week or two to see how it looks in different lighting and how you feel about it.
Or if painting the walls is just too scary add colour through accessories such as cushions, throws, curtains, funky ornaments or vases.
What do you look for when seeking new additions for the home?
It’s going to sound like a cliché but the wow factor I just have to love it straight away and that’s the only condition really
Which rooms do you think work best for a gallery wall?
I believe there’s no such thing as a bad room for a gallery wall. You can create a little art display everywhere in the house. As long as you chose prints that go well with the rest of the décor it will look fab! The best example is my kitchen gallery wall. It’s only a small wall space in my tiny galley kitchen but it always gets a lot of love on IG
How many art works would you say you have at home?
Way too many - probably about 120 prints all over the house and I keep getting new ones - I think it's time for a bigger house!
Do you have a plan when it comes to styling your home, or do you just roll with it?
No I’m not a mood board kind of person, I usually start with one key piece for the space and then just build the rest of the décor around it. I’m very fussy when it comes to furniture and accessories. I know it might look like our house is just filled with random stuff but I choose everything very carefully.
What is your favourite room to dress and why?
I think it will have to be our downstairs living room/dining room space. It has a few different zones and it allows me to go crazy with styling.
What interior trends do you foresee in 2020 and will you be following?
I think the natural colours and materials will really triumph next year. All the earthy tones including strong terracotta shades as well as cane furniture and natural wood in interiors are definitely right up my street so I’m sure I’ll smuggle more of them into our house soon.
What are your favourite fellow interior accounts you think everyone should know about?
Aw there so many amazing accounts that inspire me on a daily basis! But if I have to chose just a few it would have to be:
What’s your motto for life?
This is our happily ever after. There’s no point waiting for a bigger house/ better job/ slimmer body/etc. You gotta enjoy life here and now, make the most of your circumstances.
