Why am I the Home and Garden editor?
Home improvement and interior design have always been a passion of mine. As a teenager, you could find me on Sims 4 spending an embarrassing amount of time designing homes rather than playing the game. I’m also mad about home improvement TV shows and simply cannot resist jumping on new trends like painting arches and abstract shapes on my walls to create a bold focal point.
I’ve been a homeowner for almost two years now, which means I’ve learnt a lot about creating a space you’ll love and saving yourself some extra cash in the process. Moving out can be a bit of a shock to the system (and your bank account), so that’s why I love to share what I’ve learned about being smart with your money. Whether it’s scouting out the best deals, buying second-hand, or giving an old piece of furniture a lick of paint for a new lease of life, you don’t need to break the bank for your dream home.
My Top Saving Tip
My top tip for saving on home and garden goods is to buy second-hand. While a brand-new cream sofa sounds delightful, you’ll have to break the bank to get one. Buying second-hand furniture might mean a few nicks and scratches, but it’s nothing you can’t fix with a light bit of sanding or soft furnishings and accessories. That way, you’ll save yourself both money and energy spent trying to assemble a flat pack with irritatingly vague instructions.
What’s the best saving I’ve made?
When I first moved into my new place, I was on the hunt for a decent sofa, but soon realised that they were way out of my price range. So, I took to the good old Facebook marketplace. With a bit of scrolling, I found a second-hand, 3-seater sofa from John Lewis for only £150. I was gobsmacked and incredibly smug when I picked it up to find it was typically brand new.
My Favourite Retailers
Wayfair is a firm favourite of mine. You can often find me mindlessly scrolling on the Wayfair site in case there’s something that catches my eye. They have deals which are updated daily which means you could save on every purchase. Their rug section is my personal favourite where you can find high-quality rugs for that ultimate cosy feeling at prices you’ll love.
There’s nothing quite like a trip to IKEA. It’s a great day out if you’re feeling like transforming your space or freshening things up with a new console table. You’ll be able to find inspiration left, right, and centre. IKEA is also great for finding affordable furniture that you can upcycle into something that looks far more expensive. You’d be surprised what a coat of paint and some new handles can do.
I can’t forget to mention B&Q - my favourite place for all of my DIY needs. B&Q is great for all things home and garden. Whether you’ve decided your bedroom would look ten times better with panelling, your lounge would look nicer with bright pink walls, or that it’s probably time to weed your garden and get some flowers out there, they’ll have everything you need, and at fantastic prices.
