Houzz Tour: At Home With ... Kimberly Duran Swoon Worthy - When Kimberly Duran fell on his dream home - half Edwardian Manchester - she could see beyond the decor dull to the beautiful period features and potential of the property. Over the past five years, she and her partner have really made their own, ripping the walls, the floor pulling up and put in new lighting to create a colorful, stylish house.
"I blog for over five years and the blog chronicles all the work we have done on the home," Duran said. "I guess it was my very public transition ... I found my feet in terms of my style, what I want to write and how I want to write about it.
COMMENTARY FOR A CHANCE oF WIN
to celebrate some of the most creative bloggers and inspiring the UK and their homes, we will ask each blogger this series to choose a gift gift that reflects their personal style. Kimberly Duran chose a set of 3 brass and glass tumblers Rockett St George as its price. All you have to do to enter is comment below why you love this house. * This competition is now closed. *
"I blog for over five years and the blog chronicles all the work we have done on the home," Duran said. "I guess it was my very public transition ... I found my feet in terms of my style, what I want to write and how I want to write about it.
COMMENTARY FOR A CHANCE oF WIN
to celebrate some of the most creative bloggers and inspiring the UK and their homes, we will ask each blogger this series to choose a gift gift that reflects their personal style. Kimberly Duran chose a set of 3 brass and glass tumblers Rockett St George as its price. All you have to do to enter is comment below why you love this house. * This competition is now closed. *
Houzz at a glance
Who lives here Kimberly Duran
Blog Swoon Worthy
property half an Edwardian built in 1906
Size 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom bathroom
Location Manchester
Who lives here Kimberly Duran
Blog Swoon Worthy
property half an Edwardian built in 1906
Size 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom bathroom
Location Manchester
What should we know about your blog?
I am an expatriate American interior design-obsessed who lived in the UK since 2001. My blog chronicles the changes that my partner and I made our half Edwardian just outside Manchester and the inspiration that led to changes.
I describe my style as "eclectic boho glam" - gold finishes, fingerprint cheeky animals, touchable, textured fabrics, bold pattern mix, a touch of vintage and bohemian style comfort. So you see a lot of this on my blog.
There are also plenty of accessible design ideas, DIY projects and "how" features, because I do not have a budget "lottery winner" and not those who read my blog but I believe that everyone has the right to a beautiful home. In fact, I think that when funds are limited, it makes you more creative (yes, there is a positive side to not win the lottery!). My hope is that my blog inspires others to feel the same.
I am an expatriate American interior design-obsessed who lived in the UK since 2001. My blog chronicles the changes that my partner and I made our half Edwardian just outside Manchester and the inspiration that led to changes.
I describe my style as "eclectic boho glam" - gold finishes, fingerprint cheeky animals, touchable, textured fabrics, bold pattern mix, a touch of vintage and bohemian style comfort. So you see a lot of this on my blog.
There are also plenty of accessible design ideas, DIY projects and "how" features, because I do not have a budget "lottery winner" and not those who read my blog but I believe that everyone has the right to a beautiful home. In fact, I think that when funds are limited, it makes you more creative (yes, there is a positive side to not win the lottery!). My hope is that my blog inspires others to feel the same.
What you start blogging?
I follows different types of blogs for years, but it was only when I realized that there were a lot of bloggers out there sharing their homes and DIY projects that it was like a light was switched on. I was so used to seeing the fancy properties in magazines that were just completely inaccessible, and I'm incredibly inspired by those "normal people" just doing their beautiful homes. When we bought our house, I decided I wanted to do the same.
Table, Joss & Main. Chairs, believed eBay. light Pendant, Home.
I follows different types of blogs for years, but it was only when I realized that there were a lot of bloggers out there sharing their homes and DIY projects that it was like a light was switched on. I was so used to seeing the fancy properties in magazines that were just completely inaccessible, and I'm incredibly inspired by those "normal people" just doing their beautiful homes. When we bought our house, I decided I wanted to do the same.
Table, Joss & Main. Chairs, believed eBay. light Pendant, Home.
How long have you lived here and how did -you and your home meet?
We live here since June 2010. We knew we wanted an Edwardian house or Victorian - we both love the scale and style of old properties - and when we came across this little gem online it was love at first sight. We pretty much already knew we were going to buy before we walked in the door.
He was the style and size we wanted (an Edwardian three bedrooms) in a decent neighborhood on a cul-de-sac and within walking distance of the city, plus there was a large small garden and a cellar that was ripe for renovation. It was exactly what we needed.
We live here since June 2010. We knew we wanted an Edwardian house or Victorian - we both love the scale and style of old properties - and when we came across this little gem online it was love at first sight. We pretty much already knew we were going to buy before we walked in the door.
He was the style and size we wanted (an Edwardian three bedrooms) in a decent neighborhood on a cul-de-sac and within walking distance of the city, plus there was a large small garden and a cellar that was ripe for renovation. It was exactly what we needed.
What was the house like when you first moved in?
he was a little tired and knew we wanted to make changes, but we did not realize at the time how we would end up doing.
The kitchen and bathroom need a little love - both had false ceilings and poor lighting were just very bland and basic. The flooring in the living room was a wreck (the previous owners took their rug with them) and there were "ghosts of past furniture" described in the paint on the walls - they had just painted around furniture rather than move
We had many ceilings and swirling textured walls and covered in Anaglypta and woodchip. And the cellar was never touched. - It was right where spiders hung on
Curtains, Ikea. Sofa, Sofa Hand Company. Hanging chair, Out There Interiors. coffee table, West Elm.
he was a little tired and knew we wanted to make changes, but we did not realize at the time how we would end up doing.
The kitchen and bathroom need a little love - both had false ceilings and poor lighting were just very bland and basic. The flooring in the living room was a wreck (the previous owners took their rug with them) and there were "ghosts of past furniture" described in the paint on the walls - they had just painted around furniture rather than move
We had many ceilings and swirling textured walls and covered in Anaglypta and woodchip. And the cellar was never touched. - It was right where spiders hung on
Curtains, Ikea. Sofa, Sofa Hand Company. Hanging chair, Out There Interiors. coffee table, West Elm.
What's your signature dish?
I love to cook, but I'm not really a specific antenna signature. I, however, have a cocktail!
Here's how it's done: combine 1 ice cube, 1-2 shots Disaronno, a lime wedge and torn mint leaves in a shaker - mix them really well to allow all the juices lime and mint mingle in mind. Then take a glass and pour the sweet liquid over ice and top with a mixture of pomegranate juice and ginger beer. He is magnificent.
Suspensions, Castlegate Lights.
I love to cook, but I'm not really a specific antenna signature. I, however, have a cocktail!
Here's how it's done: combine 1 ice cube, 1-2 shots Disaronno, a lime wedge and torn mint leaves in a shaker - mix them really well to allow all the juices lime and mint mingle in mind. Then take a glass and pour the sweet liquid over ice and top with a mixture of pomegranate juice and ginger beer. He is magnificent.
Suspensions, Castlegate Lights.
What do you think is the next big trend domestic and Why?
I think the brass and gold are some incredible progress and they warm a space such as stainless steel and chromium never could. I am delighted to see hot metal coming back in a big way.
This is not the gold of the 1990s: it is sweeter - brushed or aged - and it's just beautiful. I got it in my own home for the past four or five years, and love it, but I'm sure people thought I was crazy when the money was all the rage. Long can the new trend last.
I think the brass and gold are some incredible progress and they warm a space such as stainless steel and chromium never could. I am delighted to see hot metal coming back in a big way.
This is not the gold of the 1990s: it is sweeter - brushed or aged - and it's just beautiful. I got it in my own home for the past four or five years, and love it, but I'm sure people thought I was crazy when the money was all the rage. Long can the new trend last.
What makes you most happy at home ?
Having people I love around me - my partner, my 2 cats and our puppy -. and knowing the space we and reflects how we live our lives
What is your next big decorating project
We still have much work to do in the kitchen? - I want to replace the tiles, the worktop, sink and faucet, and we have work to do on the renovation of the cellar too. So there's a lot to keep us busy in the New Year!
Wallpaper, Sian Zeng.
Having people I love around me - my partner, my 2 cats and our puppy -. and knowing the space we and reflects how we live our lives
What is your next big decorating project
We still have much work to do in the kitchen? - I want to replace the tiles, the worktop, sink and faucet, and we have work to do on the renovation of the cellar too. So there's a lot to keep us busy in the New Year!
Wallpaper, Sian Zeng.
What is your proudest DIY?
We did a lot around our house, but I think it's the bathroom renovation, I am most proud. We did absolutely everything ourselves - it was my design and amazing ability DIY my partner that created it in its entirety. I'm really proud of what we do when we work together and the bathroom is evidenced.
Tiles, Fired Earth.
We did a lot around our house, but I think it's the bathroom renovation, I am most proud. We did absolutely everything ourselves - it was my design and amazing ability DIY my partner that created it in its entirety. I'm really proud of what we do when we work together and the bathroom is evidenced.
Tiles, Fired Earth.
What is your favorite place in the house and why
Oh, that's so hard to say, because I like different pieces for different reasons. Can I have two favorites? I love my dressing room (which is in the storage room - the smallest room of three) because it is my own space girlie where I can prepare myself for the day. Everyone should have a space of their own, even if it is just an alcove. But I also like the show because it is where we rest together after a long day.
Garden Grove wallpaper Osborne & Little John Lewis.
Oh, that's so hard to say, because I like different pieces for different reasons. Can I have two favorites? I love my dressing room (which is in the storage room - the smallest room of three) because it is my own space girlie where I can prepare myself for the day. Everyone should have a space of their own, even if it is just an alcove. But I also like the show because it is where we rest together after a long day.
Garden Grove wallpaper Osborne & Little John Lewis.
Do you have a pet hate?
too short to drive me crazy curtains - they stop at the window or just above the ground, it really makes me uncomfortable to watch! Curtains should go all the way to the ground and if for some reason they can not, then Roman blinds look much class.
What would you like want to do on Sunday afternoon?
Laze around in the garden on a sunny day with my other half and our baby fur and a barbecue and a few drinks in the sun. Nothing better.
What is your ideal Friday night?
I will really show my age here, but it is normally "movie night" for us - cuddling on the couch and watch movies with burning candles and having a few drinks is perfect for me. I'm a little homebody and my club / party years are far behind me!
Light, Voga. Painted walls Night Jewels, Dulux. Curtains, Anthropology.
too short to drive me crazy curtains - they stop at the window or just above the ground, it really makes me uncomfortable to watch! Curtains should go all the way to the ground and if for some reason they can not, then Roman blinds look much class.
What would you like want to do on Sunday afternoon?
Laze around in the garden on a sunny day with my other half and our baby fur and a barbecue and a few drinks in the sun. Nothing better.
What is your ideal Friday night?
I will really show my age here, but it is normally "movie night" for us - cuddling on the couch and watch movies with burning candles and having a few drinks is perfect for me. I'm a little homebody and my club / party years are far behind me!
Light, Voga. Painted walls Night Jewels, Dulux. Curtains, Anthropology.
What is your key to a healthy and happy life?
Over the past six months, I have adopted an essentially Paleo diet and, apart from the natural sugars in fruit and the odd bite Green & Black chocolate, I eat very rarely or artificial sugars processed. It's the best thing I could have ever done for my body and I feel so much better without it.
I also think it is important to spend time outdoors on a daily basis - even if it is just a short walk into town. Your body needs to be outdoors and reconnect with nature. It is just good for the mind, body and spirit.
Bedside Table, Ikea hack.
Over the past six months, I have adopted an essentially Paleo diet and, apart from the natural sugars in fruit and the odd bite Green & Black chocolate, I eat very rarely or artificial sugars processed. It's the best thing I could have ever done for my body and I feel so much better without it.
I also think it is important to spend time outdoors on a daily basis - even if it is just a short walk into town. Your body needs to be outdoors and reconnect with nature. It is just good for the mind, body and spirit.
Bedside Table, Ikea hack.
The Kimberly Duran tour blog www.swoonworthy.co.uk
comment to win
All you have to do to be a chance to win is leave a comment below on what you like about the Kimberly Duran home. A random draw from all the comments that have been submitted during the Contest Period and approved by Houzz UK Ltd will determine the price the winner of this month. Approved comments will be included in the draw automatically. The winner will be receive 3 brass and glass tumblers Rockett St George. See the complete competition T & Cs here.
For your chance to win, comment on this interview by 23.59 on 25 September. * This contest is now closed. *
UK domestic blogger? Talk to us! If you wish to submit your home for this series, please send details to ukeditor@houzz.com.
comment to win
All you have to do to be a chance to win is leave a comment below on what you like about the Kimberly Duran home. A random draw from all the comments that have been submitted during the Contest Period and approved by Houzz UK Ltd will determine the price the winner of this month. Approved comments will be included in the draw automatically. The winner will be receive 3 brass and glass tumblers Rockett St George. See the complete competition T & Cs here.
For your chance to win, comment on this interview by 23.59 on 25 September. * This contest is now closed. *
UK domestic blogger? Talk to us! If you wish to submit your home for this series, please send details to ukeditor@houzz.com.