Welcome back to our home stories series A Story of Home. We've been on a little holiday and what better way to beat those holiday blues than to cheer ourselves up with a tour of a gorgeous home.
This weeks story comes from the home of the lovely Melanie aka @banish_the_beige who has created a warm and cosy home (indoors and outdoors) around some stunning period features. Over to you Melanie...
House Bio
Hiya I’m Melanie from @banish_the_beige_ - we (myself, my husband Christian and my dad John) have been renovating our 1897 Victorian end terrace for just over 18 months now and it’s very nearly finished! Christian and I live here with our son Albi and our mini poodle fudge.
Did you fall in love with your home instantly? What was the one feature that sealed the deal for you?
The main reason we bought this house was 1. I was pregnant and needed to nest! 2. It had some beautiful original features (Minton tiles, coving, ceiling roses and that original single glazed window in the dining room)
Had you mentally redecorated before moving in or did your scheme come together over a period of time?
The scheme gradually came together, my taste has evolved over time and I would probably do some of rooms differently now.
Where do you seek your inspiration?
My main inspo definitely comes from all the gorgeous interior account on Instagram but before starting my interior account I followed Suzsi Saunders, Abigail Ahern and Pati Robins on my personal account. When I look back through my phone I had screen shot and saved their pics on my camera roll! I use Pinterest a lot but also love magazines, books and hotels.
What was the first job in your home you tackled?
The first job was damp coursing/plastering and all the boring things that come with that sort of job. The first ‘fun’ job was decorating the lounge, we went for the navy blue wall with matching shelves and tv unit, log burner, locally made oak beam mantle and a gallery wall which doesn’t make it into the grid (thinking about it I should get it on there)
Were there any surprises during the revamp/renovation?
We have been lucky as there were not really any surprises, just a bed, table and chairs left in the loft.
What do you think has been the most successful area of your interior?
The biggest success as far as Instagram likes go is the lounge, hallway and kitchen. Everything we have done has also been on such a budget so I suppose everything is successful in that way.
My greatest achievement is defiantly the bedroom I love that we have managed to get some light, bright, energising colour into the house.
Are there any failures in your design/DIY that you care to admit to?
I haven’t really had any failures, mainly because I research so throughly, the only thing that did happen was some of the kitchen tiles were cracked on arrival and I didn’t know but after some correspondence tons of tiles replaced them.
Do you have a favourite object in your home?
It’s really difficult to pick a favourite object, we have a lot of antiques and upcycled items, then we have some beautiful artwork and lighting. Basically everything we have is loved dearly, I don’t buy anything then I don’t connect with, we save hard for the items so they have usually been coveted in my phone for ages!
Any golden nuggets of advice to share to anyone undertaking their own revamp/renovation, did you learn any lessons?
Well you know I’m an info sharer, check out my IGTV for tips on my Reno’s and IG.
Do you have anywhere in your home that doesn’t make it onto Instagram?
The landing just made its debut, that usually doesn’t get a look in. But we only have 7 rooms to photograph and the back yard so really they all need to get on there!
What’s the next project you have planned?
The plan is to move house and start something new however I would still love to get the front door done, I’ve had it stood up in the hall for about 2 months, we are saving up for the frame to be made by a joiner. I hope to get that done next month then it’s all done.
Thank you Melanie for sharing your home story with us. I love how Melanie has really pushed what can be achieved on a tight budget and created a truly gorgeous home - her kitchen make over is a triumph and that dining wallpaper is stunning!
Melanie has lots of DIY tips and ideas on how to create an impact with your interiors over on her IGTV to follow her home stories you can find her at @banish_the_beige
More home stories next week
Bye for now
Sharon x
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