With the cost of living crisis in full swing, it's wise to shop around for home interiors.
Bargain hunting is a passion for Amanda, who bought her south Liverpool home with partner Stewart five years ago after completing a number of smaller renovations. The three-bed semi was built in the 1930s.
The ECHO's Where I Live series explores one property from across the region each week, with its owner giving us an insight into what makes a house a home.
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Amanda told the ECHO: "I love finding bargains in the sales. Over the last six months I have definitely found things more expensive and had to cut back. I’m trying to find ways to re-use and upcycle things a lot more.
"My favourite high street shops are JYSK, Home Bargains, TK Maxx, Homesense, Dunelm, B&M, Next, Hobbycraft, Poundshop, Primark and Ikea."
She has managed to create a trendy and stylish home without breaking the bank. Amanda added: "The kitchen chairs were from Amazon £20 each. The bar stools were Dunelm £69 each.
"We are trying to make the house ours by adding features which are in keeping with the style of the house."
"In the bedroom we made our own panelling out of one piece of MDF from B&Q costing £30. I’m currently in the process of upcycling a chest of draws for the bedroom.
"Last Christmas I bought lots of the table décor from the Poundshop online. Table runner, star candles, champagne glasses, tumblers, charger plates all great value. As well as IKEA glass vase with candles."
Since moving in, Amanda and Stewart have transformed the property beyond recognition, opening up the rear of the house with a huge extension and knocking down the garage and the previous kitchen.
Amanda said: "The extension took just over a year from start to finish - we did have a few setbacks due to Covid and a shortage of materials. Everything was done as cheaply as possible on a tight budget, without trying to sacrifice on quality."
The property now also comprises a utility room, additional bedrooms and a revamped hall and lounge.
The couple also used interest free credit to make their Wren kitchen more affordable. Amanda said: "After Wren saw our kitchen they asked if it could be featured on the website and other marketing channels."
Next on the list to tackle is the outside space. Amanda said: "The garden is still work in progress - I love flowers and doing gardening. We have laid some old paving flags down, which are going to get painted this summer in the hope to make it look nicer."
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 storm.newton@reachplc.com
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