I must admit, the interiors scene is new territory for me. Before moving to London last year, my taste of having space to call my own was in the form of university accommodation, all three properties equal in their ribbed-carpet, box-room and distinctly untidy glory. Apart from bunting and the stacks of gin bottles we proudly collected outside the back door, room for putting our mark on the properties was limited to say the least – but back then, it didn’t matter. Those rooms were merely large storage spaces, skeletons to hold together the things we needed to get on with all the really important things. You know – parties and such like.
There does, however come a time when you stop seeing your home as a place to occasionally sleep, eat, or nurse a hangover. When, with all the hustle and bustle of work, those precious few hours at home really start to count. You can no longer put up with the falling-apart chest of drawers and wardrobes provided by landlords, and the appeal of flat-pack has retired, despite it’s economical and ‘will do the job’ features. Just like what we choose to fill those wardrobes with, our home becomes an extension of ourselves and a distinct expression of our personalities. Taste becomes more refined; a careful edit of pinterest-sought inspiration. Or so we would like it to.
Unfortunately, our salaries don’t always mature as swiftly as our taste – but at The Lifestyle Edit, we get this. In fact, we’re living a very similar reality. Which is why we’ve searched high and low to find you our favourite affordable interiors stores. Whether you’re all about clean minimalism, pastels or brights, these spots promise real finds, without leaving you wondering where your bank balance went.
The domestic sibling of the high street go-to, Zara Home promises light, bright and airy interiors with all the smart details we’re used to from their clothes. We love the accessories on offer here – the prefect destination for bedding, candles and wicker baskets.
True to its fashionable roots, H&M Home is full of print, colour and joyously well-suited soft furnishing combinations. There is the temptation upon entering to throw variety out of the window, and co-ordinate your bedding, towels, throws and rugs as per their most recent collection. Employ careful restraint, though, and you can leave with some brilliant additions that will look great against a more muted palette.
We love Etsy for one main reason: once we start searching, it’s as if we’re shopping from Pinterest. Think pretty, unique pieces with a handmade touch that promise a new lease of life to your furnishings. Perfect for picking up pillows, picture frames and tea towels.
Started in 2008 by a homebody who wanted to surround herself with beautiful things, Rose & Grey is a surprising online boutique with a local feel. We love them for the furniture on offer – think vintage leather sofas, armchairs and more recently, Harris & Tweed pieces.
Sitting plumbly in the heart of stylish Shoreditch, Pitfield is an interiors shop where you can also stop for coffee – making the browsing all the more enjoyable. The edit is quirky, but not intimidating – and if you don’t find any furniture, you can always pick up some roses from the doorstep, perfect to brighten any room.