The unorthodox version. Many will question your sanity when you tell them you're taking on a renovation. Some impressed. Others, not so much. Yet there are many of us who have been through it, are going through it, and are YET to go through it. Opinions are usually unsolicited (lol - you know what I mean.. 'why are you doing that when you should be doing this', 'that's not going to work', 'you're going to regret that decision', you know the score). But where are the people who stand with you, and have an armful of knowledge, heads ups', and positive encouragement? Well friends, I'm here. And I come with a BUCKET load of motivation, positivity, and my survival guides I've put together for you from a little further along the tunnel. I'm not talking budget planners and spreadsheets here, I'm talking about the stuff that's going to help you remain sain throughout the process! I speak from experience. Some of these things I wish I had sooner, others I am so grateful I've had from the beginning. You're probably looking at this thinking, what on earth do these have to to with renovations? Hold tight for a quick breakdown. Dust doors: because there will be dust, and you might end up with an inhaler like I did. Cheers dust + crap Covid immune system. A water filter system: because chances are your water situ isn't great and you're not going to be wanting that 'straight from the tap' stuff. We've used ours religiously, hard water is grosssss. Enormous oversized bottle: the water bottle I've actually used for 12 weeks. Straight from the filter into this bottle, and zero chance of a dusty drink.. Extra long charger leads: I mean probably just a survival product for anyone living in 2023. I swear we lose chargers everywhere!? But, our 80s house has got switches and sockets in all the wrong places, + there's barely any of them. Now I can be a lazy woman in 2023 who can charge her phone on the other side of the room whilst sitting on the sofa.. A decent hoodie: renovations get cold. Especially in England. We've spent the winter with only two working radiators. You'll sense a theme, but it's been f******g freezing. Sleep masks: I know, I know, but along with our lack of radiators, we've had a lack of curtains and blinds. Those 80s curtains with decades of built up dust and God know's what else, they HAD to go. Silicone phone case: we've got concrete and hard floors everywhere. My silicone case means the chances of me having to spend money on replacing a broken phone due to my sheer clumsiness is avoided - now you can spend it on that USB plug socket you wanted... Electric blanket: did I already mention that renovations get cold, because they do, get really cold, and at 5ft 3, curling up in a ball just to retain body heat, well you can imagine. There's not a lot of heat there... Wine: does this really need an explanation? Probably not, but either way, wine helps. Faux flowers: flowers just really cheer me up, but you're renovating. Buying fresh flowers every week is a hard one to justify when every penny you have get's put into the house. And the ground - anyone else watched thousands and thousands of ££ just get poured in to the ground? *cries*. You lose the enjoyment of styling in a renovation, because it's just not the same, but there's nothing a bunch of beautiful styled flowers can't fix. Hand cream: because you're hands will end up looking like shrivelled up shrews. Hello winter dermatitis. Long hot water bottle: notice this isn't your standard hot water bottle. I've kind of become kind of co-dependent on mine. It's perfect for warming up your bed and then wrapping yourself up around it like a koala hugs a tree. Yeah, the cold nights don't bite as much with this gem. Diffuser: our house currently smells like wet plaster, dust, and building site. The diffuser does just want it says it will. Diffuses those smells and replaces it with something more, palatable. Diffuser scents: if you read number 13, this one's pretty self explanatory.. Noise reducing ear pods: I've been working from home throughout a lot of our drilling etc. Having noise reducing ear pods helps you to stay focussed and drown out the noise. Let's hope your neighbours have got some too.. (17 + 18) Hard/soft slipper shoes: unless you want me to add heel balm to the list, get yourself a pair of comfy shoes to wear around the house. George bought me a pair of crocs because he was sick of watching me walk around on a renovation floor. The sentiment was sweet, but I cannot stand crocs. However, my GOD have they come in useful. I'm more grateful than I am ashamed, so the Crocs get the win. Get in there first and add a nice pair of Birkinstocks or Uggs to your birthday list before you literally join the Croc club.. If you're in the renovation club, drop a comment below with what you'd add to the list for our fellow renovation friends. Or as always, drop into my DMs on Instagram and let's get the conversation going! *SOME AFFILIATE LINKS ARE USED IN THIS POST*.

Once you've got a base for your design, you can have fun switching out decor pieces to make the design reflect those nuances of your personality. I wanted to show you an example of how you can do this, so I've designed a very sexy base, and pulled in different lighting, textiles and artwork to transform each design to give you an idea of how you can make a design work for you. The changes are subtle, but I think this is a good way to show you that design really is subjective, and just by making a few changes, you can make a design feel like it's telling your story. Option 1 This is the original design that I based the additional variations from below. It's all about that muted design palette, bringing in rustic tones and mixing it with modern pieces to achieve the feel of laid-back living. Here are the things I want you to notice in the design details, and the things that I'm switching around to achieve a nuanced look in each design: Mixing metals in the lighting Mixing traditional details with modern details Bringing in faux plants to soften and add depth with natural colour Switching out the artwork, and picture lights - some art is minimal with hand sketches, whereas some is retro. The frames change depending on how you're mixing the metals too. Table decor: there's two-three options total, but you can add to a tablescape, or keep it super simple. I love mixing a vase, seasonal flowers (or all-year greenery), and a rustic bowl. Textiles - two similar cushion designs have been interchanged to create softer tones and dynamic tones. The dark stripe matches the cabinet detailing, and dark metals, but the soft nude stripe gives the design a soft texture. The two designs could be within the same room area - if you have the space, consider adding additional furniture like wall cabinets to add depth and interest. You'll see how once you get the foundation right (for example wall colours, flooring, dining table and chairs) you can dare to play around with other details like lighting fixtures, textiles, and art work options until you find what feels like your perfect fit. Option 2 Option 3 Option 4 Option 5 Option 6 Option 7 Option 8 Option 9 Option 10 Option 11 Option 12 What one's your favourite? Product links are below. If I've missed anything, just drop me a DM on Instagram and I'll send you the link. I've used some affiliate links where I can. FYI, this post contains affiliate links to some of the products. Thank you for shopping through my links, it means a lot to me. Even though it's only pennies, any commission I earn goes back into ASI and funds things like keeping my website running. I only share pieces I truly love and think you will too, so I appreciate your support more than you'll ever know.

I was recently inspired by Shea McGee's gorgeous dining area in her home, which isn't a surprise as I often feel drawn to everything Shea designs. It gave me the urge to design a new concept for The Journal that I could share with you too, whilst also sharing some of the elements that I really love about Shea's design. It's worth a read if you're thinking about refreshing your dining space in 2023 and want some tips/advice on how to achieve this kind of laid-back living vibe that I talk about so much! Studio McGee Inspiration: STUDIO MCGEE 5 Things I Love About Shea's Design It's simplicity - there isn't a huge amount going on in this design. The bare minimum is enough to let the design speak for itself. The mix of chair styles - I think matching the simple straight design on the legs of both chairs keeps the space feeling put together, but totally unfussy. It feels warm and inviting like you want to sink into it with a cup of tea and a notebook. The balance of old and new - you know this is my favourite way to style - old-looking, rustic, terracotta-y jugs with a modern light pendant. Organic textures - the light fixture and curtain rails are metal. I think they work so well with the wooden table and chairs. The jute on the base of the chairs is that perfect middle ground that connects the dots. The curved table - In a standard British home, we don't tend to have the same height and grand space for our dining areas as they do in the US, and, they can feel like a bit of a squeeze to walk around. I love the curve element and feel like this softer approach can do wonders over here. ASI Design: Living Room Here's the design concept that I worked on, incorporating all the design details mentioned above, like the curved dining table, the organic textures, and the rustic decor. I decided to go for a darker wood for the table and chairs. I think this darker wood tone is going to be gracing a lot more of our interiors over the next year or so and I am here for it. I haven't talked about our kitchen plans for the #asirenovation yet, but I know that there will certainly be features of this darker wood tone in our future kitchen! In this living room concept design, I brought old and new together with this gorgeous reclaimed wood floor from a company called Lubelska who has the most stunning reclaimed terracotta tiles too, go have a look if you're in the market for flooring! I added a pop of colour with this gorgeous rug from Home At First Sight. Monika, the owner, has a serious talent for finding the most beautiful pieces of home decor, I honestly don't know how she lets them go! I'd certainly struggle! I added organic textures in the window treatments, linen cushions, paper mache decorative bowl, and faux olive tree, whilst modernising the design with a simple black art print and modern chandelier. I really love this picture light, it's an old bronzey colour with traditional detailing, that compliments the simple black picture frame. But to keep the balance right, the artwork is a simple pencil drawing that perfectly blends everything together. So, what do you think? Leave me a comment, or drop me a DM on Instagram. I'd love to hear your thoughts! FYI, this post contains affiliate links to some of the products. Thank you for shopping through my links, it means a lot to me. Even though it's only pennies, any commission I earn goes back into ASI and funds things like keeping my website running. I only share pieces I truly love and think you will too, so I appreciate your support more than you'll ever know.

VIEW ALL ARTICLES collections PRE-DESIGNED Struggling to know where to begin with your interior plans? Browse and shop the pre-designed collections and get access to my free designs, complete with a shopping list which will help you to achieve the signature ASI aesthetic. Thoughtful Interiors For Laid Back English Living Interiors 12 Ways To Design Your Dining Area This Spring Once you've got a base for your design, you can have fun switching out decor pieces to make the design reflect those nuances of your... Interiors Design Concept: Dining Room I was recently inspired by Shea McGee's gorgeous dining area in her home, which isn't a surprise as I often feel drawn to everything Shea... Interiors Planning My Office The renovation has officially kicked off so it's time to start finalising design plans. First up, the home office. Interiors Have you heard of everystory? They're a ceramic lovers ecstasy. Clark Kent's weakness might be red kryptonite, but mine? Ceramics. Meet everystory, the business that's got me weak at the knees. Lifestyle What's been added to The Shop this month: Lighting As many of you know, I'm in the process of renovating my second home and something that's been on my mind a lot lately is lighting. I'm... Lifestyle The October Journal: A New Chapter I've always loved writing, and as a child I loved reading and making up my own fairytale stories. A true millennial, I had the luxury of... FEATURED / THE #ASIRENOVATION EDIT Finalising Our Home Office Design Plans The #asirenovation has officially commenced. The electrician has begun the full-house electrical rewire and it's time to make our final design decisions to make way for a beautifully lit, and functional home. READ THE ARTICLE FEATURED / NEW IN THE SHOP What's been added to The Shop this month I'm regularly on the hunt for new pieces, and whilst there's so many things I adore , it's just not possible to use them all! So, I like to share them with you. Head over to The Shop section and browse all the products I regularly add. VISIT THE SHOP FEATURED / WELCOMING 2023 The January Journal I'm just going to come out and say it. I love a fresh start in the new year. I like how it sets me up for the year ahead and realigns my focus. I'm chatting a little bit about it and what's in store for 2023 in the opening chapter of The Journal. READ THE ARTICLE SHOP ME A little bit of everything Allie Stephens Interiors, The Journal holds pre-designed collections for home owners on a budget, insights into projects, updates on the #asihome renovation, conversation around female entrepreneurship and business, and my favourite picks in The Shop . Journal The THE LATEST SHOP ME SHOP ME SHOP HOME DECOR NE XT PR EV VISIT THE SHOP JOIN THE E-DESIGN WAITING LIST Free DOWNLOAD Is your home lacking character? Are you struggling to know where to begin? My free-guide '12 tips from an interiors designer on how to add character to your home' will help you find ideas to transform your home and be confident in taking your next steps. LET ME HAVE IT SHOP UPCOMING WEEKEND IN THE COUNTRY? GET INSPIRED IN THE SHOP TAKE ME TO THE SHOP A design staple? art Affordable SHOP SHOP MUST HAVES The goal? Designing a forever home where you can relax as your days unwind and your life unfolds START YOUR PROJECT INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICES The Journal INTERIORS LIFE ALL THE SHOP BUSINESS

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Free DOWNLOAD Is your home lacking character? Are you struggling to know where to begin? My free-guide '12 tips from an interiors designer on how to add character to your home' will help you find ideas to transform your home and be confident in taking your next steps. LET ME HAVE IT The goal? Designing a forever home where you can relax as your days unwind and your life unfolds START YOUR PROJECT I've pulled together some of my favourite portfolio highlights. As Allie Stephens Interiors provides a mix of e-design and full-service design, I'll be sure to add in more examples of both services. Browse my design projects highlights START YOUR PROJECT