An eclectic interior can be influenced by many things in life.
For Stuart, 49, it was a love of fashion in his younger years that fostered a love of lively interior design. He has lived in his home on the outskirts of Southport with partner Steve and dog Rollo for a little over a year.
The ECHO’s Where I Live series explores one house from across the region each week, with its owner giving us an insight into what makes a house a home.
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Stuart told the ECHO the property was “pretty much a blank canvas” when they moved in. In a short space of time, it has undergone a huge transformation, and it’s all down to Stuart’s designs.
Each space in the house is full of statement pieces, from artwork to vases and upholstery. The colour schemes are vibrant, ranging from muted olive greens and earthy tones to soft pinks.
Stuart said: “We haven’t changed anything structurally, though did contemplate knocking down a wall. We’ve still got lots to do and to consider though, especially towards the back of the house.”
Next on the agenda is taking the living room and turning it into a “dark sanctuary of 70’s fun”.
Stuart said his bold interiors taste “probably grew from fashion”. He added: “When I was younger I used to enjoy being a bit quirky with my image, and I guess as I got older that morphed into interiors.
“I’ve had a huge love of 70s and mid century design for a long time, and when I bought my first place and combined that with lots of colour. It’s much tamer now but is still full of vintage and quirk.”
Inspiration can range from a number of things, from one unique piece or trial and error. Stuart said: “As an example, the main bedroom was totally inspired by an old hand painted Peruvian mirror which hangs centre stage, opposite the bed.”
“The warm, earthy colours came directly from the mirror. The hallway and landing though, was a very thought through process, with a kazillion paint samples and picking some that we thought worked well together. We went through many, many choices.
“We always knew we wanted anaglypta paper and a dado rail, which we added as the ceilings are very tall and there was room for each detail. We wanted something that was warm, and somewhat dark, for the drama.”
Stuart’s favourite spot in the house is always the one that’s newly transformed. He added: “At the moment the office. Although, I’m still completely in love with how the hallway, stairs and landing has turned out as it was such a massive transformation.”
Stuart shared a number of favourite vintage shops with the ECHO. The house is full of one-off pieces; even the cabinets in the kitchen are reclaimed from an old vicarage.
“There’s no one favourite place, and it’s changed over the years according to how our sense of style has evolved,” He added. “I do find Instagram full of sellers that I find very attractive bringing in pieces from the markets of France and Belgium.
“I’ve always got my eye out. Vine Street Vintage in Brighton sells the most glamorous 70s aesthetic. I could literally buy everything if I had the money to do so. Also, relatively new @Department_Manchester is an amazing shop based in Chorlton, absolutely packed full of curated 60s, 70s and mid century pieces. Heather, the owner has a fantastic eye and it’s well worth checking them out.
“I think for softer, more casual, or whimsical pieces, I’m often finding myself checking out @scenebychloe, @wallis_antiques and @passe_the_store amongst others.”
Would you like to be included in the ECHO’s Where I Live feature?
We’ll be taking a look inside a different property each week. If you’re splurging on a renovation, trying your hand at DIY to save money, or have a passion for interiors, let us know.
Please email your name and details to news@liverpool.com.
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