After a year of renting a room in a flat-share in Wimbledon, I was more than ready to live on my own,’ says Steph. ‘I moved back in with my family for a short time while I looked for a new flat. It took me some time to find my ideal place as I specifically wanted to live in a new-build apartment – although I love the character of older properties, often the decor can be tired and tatty.
By contrast, this brand-new flat had freshly painted walls and large windows with city views. I loved that it was a blank box that I could make my own.
COME ON IN!
ABOUT ME I'm Steph Kaluza, 22, a marketing executive. I also have an interior Instagram account, @ohsorented.
MY HOME A one-bed flat in an apartment block that was built in 2020, in north-west London. I rented it in November 2020.
WHEN I MOVED IN My brand-new apartment looked clean and fresh but it lacked colour and personality.
AND NOW I've filled my home with colourful accessories and enjoy displaying my growing collection of art and prints. I've also invested in pieces of furniture that I can take with me when I move.
STYLE TIP When renting, bring character to your space with unique accessories from small independent shops. It's a good way to add in some colour, too, if your walls are all neutral and you're not allowed to paint them.
Planning ahead
This story is from the July 2023 edition of Style at Home.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 2023 edition of Style at Home.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
How to claim back LOST MONEY
Editor of Money Week.com Kalpana Fitzpatrick advises how to reclaim money that you might have lost track of
Plan the perfect BATHROOM LAYOUT
Whatever the size and shape of your bathroom, nail a layout that works for you and your family
Ellie's choice: A HOT WATER TAP
Free up kitchen worktop space by replacing the kettle with a multitasking tap that provides hot (and cold) filtered water
'Now we have fab SEA VIEWS!'
Three separate rooms have been turned into one stylish kitchen-diner by Ellie Rimmer, filled with colour and personality
Try a speedy STYLE UPDATE
Use a long weekend to perk up your home with these easy decor ideas and quick fixes
Be creative WITH COLOUR
Brighten up your home with the latest paint techniques and colour combinations
'My new build is a TALKING POINT'
Determined to dispel the stigma that all new builds are bland, visitors to Cotty's home are wowed by how she's added character into every room
'Our redesign adds VITAL SPACE'
A well thought-out extension and renovation has created a charming family home that's testament to Amy and Jamie's hard work and creativity
'We went over to the DARK SIDE'
Ditching its dated interior for a bold and dramatic palette, Alana's new-look home is now brimming with personality
'This house has always BEEN HOME'
When Donna inherited her late parents' home, she realised it was the perfect blank canvas to create the Nordic look she loves