Home Tour - Homebirds Interiors

How did the Homebirds blog come about?

Back in 2017, we had both recently purchased new home projects and set up our own Instagram interiors accounts. The response we both began to get from the ideas and projects we were sharing in our homes was fabulous! We were overwhelmed! We put our heads together and decided to join forces to set up a joint Instagram account, blog and soon after that an interior styling service and haven’t looked back.

With some help from a very lovely friend, we managed to navigate our way around setting up a website and launched the Homebirds blog in July 2017. Since then things have excelled and we launched our interior styling services in 2018.

Where do you find inspiration?

We use Pinterest and Instagram (doesn’t everyone?) but our inspiration can really come from anywhere. Although Instagram does plan a big part in what we do and is a great business tool for us, we also try to look outside of it for inspiration. We attend Renovation Shows, we have been known to spend our weekends in show homes and open houses too but our inspo can really come from anywhere. In the past, we’ve been known to use wallpaper in a café, a gallery wall or even a cushion cover, as the basis for room restyle.

Tell us a little about your recent bathroom renovation.

We have recently moved into an investment property which needed a full renovation, it was very smelly and the layout and space was just awful. We gave ourselves 4 months to complete the entire project, whilst we lived in a rented property. We had to be very creative with the way we designed the layout of the bathroom, and space was at a premium. We were keen to include both a bath and a separate shower to help with the resale of the property, so space-saving ideas were at the forefront of the bathroom design. Keeping things in budget was also key, as with all projects like these but I was able to indulge in some luxuries in the bathroom like our beautiful Ca’Pietra Lily Pad tiles and my stylish Roper and Rhodes LED Illuminated Round Grey Mirror. It has some pretty swanky features, including adjustable LED brightness, light temperature changing technology with integrated heat demister pad, meaning it doesn’t steam up when we’ve used the shower or bath. Bonus is, its slim metal surround is stylish and minimalist.

What’s the process from idea to finished project? Do you find it changes?

This usually starts with a vision or mood board for both of us. We gather all our ideas to see how they will work together and go from there. We are always keen to create unique spaces, so these ideas then begin to evolve, and we refine until we feel we have a captured a vision that reflects our style, but’s also one of a kind!

You have both had lots of experience renovating homes, any advice for the novice?

Between the two of us, we have now completed five renovation projects within our own homes, with our children in tow. We have had lots of support from our husbands, who seem to turn their hand to most things, so we are very fortunate they are so willing and handy. Emma’s husband also owns a property company, so we have been involved in the revamping of these properties and of course, the all-important styling.

If you are thinking of taking on a project, it’s key you have tradesman onboard that you feel you can fully trust, challenge if you need to and also maintain a positive working relationship with. Communication and regular updates are important when you can’t be onsite all the time, so you want to be sure they get in touch consistently. You don’t want them making decisions on your behalf, no matter how small.

Asking for a rough timeline of when you are going to have had to make key decisions can really help to plan and source materials. This way you won’t feel rushed to make decisions at the last minute.

Key easy home styling tips for the hopelessly uninitiated?

Upcycle where you can – Don’t feel you have to spend lots on new furniture for your home. Instead, think about how you can ‘reuse and improve’ what you have. With a little bit of creative thinking, a coat of paint and some new handles you can really transform tired and old pieces into something fresh and new.

Go Green – Inject life and into you home with greenery wherever you can. Whether these are large potted house plants in planters or smaller succulents, a touch of greenery really does bring nature, texture and vibrance to your home.

Light it up - Lighting plays such a key role in atmosphere, hygge and style to a space. Combine a selection of lighting in your spaces from ceiling lights, to standing floor lamps, wall lights and table lamps. Don’t forget the finishing touches with lanterns and candles, they make all the difference.

Your 3 favourite home trends for 2020.

• Green or specifically dark green was tipped to be a very popular trend in 2020 and I’ve got to say we totally jumped on board with this one in our homes. We both have rooms around our homes where we’ve embraced the green and we love it.
• The emergence of mainstream abstract art and prints isn’t a new trend for 2020 but something that became far more popular in homes in the last couple of years. Our homes are no different and you’ll see some lovely pieces scattered around. You’ll be pleased to know we think this is a trend that’s here to stay for some time.
• There seems to be a movement in panelling happening across the interior world right now and we are leading the troops up front! The great thing is there are so many styles and designs to choose from all relatively easy to achieve even for the novice DIYers.

Quick fire this or that questions

Marble or Concrete? Concrete

Matt black or Brass? Brass

Bath or Shower? Bath

Contemporary or Traditional? Both

Subway or Herringbone? Herringbone

Neutral or Colourful? Colourful

Dark or Light? Light

To see Emma & Spiv's beautiful work for yourself, you can find them on Instagram at Homebirds

Why not share your bathroom ideas and inspirational interiors via @myroperrhodes on our Instagram page?