@Manwithahammer
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Someone give this man his own TV show already. Greg - aka ‘man with a hammer’ - is a loveable gent, full of warmth, un-ending enthusiasm and, so it seems, has the whole of Instagram rooting from him and his HUGE 5-year renovation project on the Devon coast. The ‘Admiral’s House’ in Plymouth is a vast Georgian pile with history in its bones (Nelson’s body was brought here to rest after the battle of Trafalgar) that Greg is single-handedly restoring. There are five floors, 30 rooms and 64 windows to go – give him a follow and a word of encouragement. He’s going to need it!
@the_chapel_conversion
Photographer Sarah Caldecott has converted a 1907 Methodist Chapel in the North East into a white, light, Scandi-inspired home. Retaining the beautiful stained-glass windows and vast ceiling heights, it’s a dramatic space that has been restored with love and care. A great inspo follow for those considering taking on a conversion project of their own.
@1930sfixerupper
You don’t need a grand stately to set up an Instagram interiors inspiration account. Ross and Ian bought their unassuming 1930s semi in Berkshire in 2016 and set out to document their adventures in renovation on Instagram. Some 84,000 followers later they have brought character and charm back into their modern, period home with a side order of fun and humour.
@mytinyestate
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Dean and Borja have to be commended – and not just for the sheer hard work they’re putting into turning their neglected Warwickshire estate into a home again, from the main Georgian house right through to its cottages, stables and rambling walled gardens. They must also get serious plaudits for their impeccable, sympathetic taste and passion for restoring the crumbling beauty back to her former glory. A great follow for ‘how-to’ videos and also for DIY hacks to create beautiful interiors for less.
@the_Idle_Hands
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If you’re into a maximalist ‘more is more’ approach to interiors, The Idle Hands, aka Sandra Baker and her Victorian renovation in Yorkshire, is the account for you. From the statement wallpaper to the glorious ceiling heights and period features (have you seen that nickel bath!?), Sandra has created a fun, family home full of colour and style. A great mix of Victorian charm with modern finishes.
@Chateaudelaruche
Now, if you’ve caught the #escapetothechateau bug and you’re romantically day-dreaming about fixing up your own French manoir, Chateau de la Ruche is a great follow. It has all the Insta fodder you could wish for; grand salons, beautiful French antique furniture and a side of beautiful, rural French living. If you weren’t already completely sold on life in ‘La Belle France’, you soon will be.
@Theturnerhouseproject
An off-shoot of Devon author and Instagrammer Sarah Turner’s popular parenting feed, The Unmumsy Mum, @theturnerhouseproject is the perfect antidote to ‘curated design grids’. She shares the real-life woes of renovating an untouched 1930s semi with her husband James and three boys in tow. Doing a lot of the work themselves and on a realistic budget, it’s great to watch their forever-home slowly emerging.
@Victoria_road_restoration
Birmingham couple, Lucy and Dan, won the ‘Most Creative Interior’ at the UK Interior Awards for their ‘wreck to dream home’ renovation project. We love the ever-changing floral installations, Crittal room dividers and modern updates on traditional finishes, such as neon-pop panelling, mixed with heritage colour palettes.
@elsielarson
If you’re looking for an American-style renovation project, Nashville based serial house flipper, Elsie Larson has just taken on her latest project: a 1960s home that she and husband Jeremy will put their signature vintage inspired stamp on. Expect colour-themed, rainbow bookshelves, mid-century furniture and cameos from their beautiful daughters, Nova and Marigold.
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By Lydia Mansi
February 2020
