Real Homes: An Interview With @kateshomelyhome
By Amy Kilvington
We’re so pleased to introduce our next Instagram interiors extraordinaire, Kate McCabe from @kateshomelyhome, who is the next in our Real Homes line-up.
Kate is currently renovating her beautiful Georgian home in the heart of Norfolk, and sharing the journey with a dedicated Instagram following. Kate’s unique approach to decor strikes the perfect balance between the classical and the contemporary, blending traditional furniture and flooring with quirky modern touches.
Kate kindly agreed to take part in our interview and explain a little bit more about her stunning home, her next big plans, and where she finds inspiration (and bargains!)…
How would you describe your interior design style?
I would say it changes and develops with each house renovation. Our previous home was a shabby chic style cottage, and we extended it and remodelled the whole house. It was perfect… and then we sold it to do another project!
Two years ago, we moved to a Georgian property and our style had to adapt. We have been updating it, keeping to the Georgian style but mixing in a blend of brand new and second-hand items. Cleaner lines, accentuating original features, keeping it traditional but still on-trend – not a whiff of shabby chic this time.
What was your first project in your current house?
It was our upstairs bathroom. It had a very scary brown suite, which had to be the first thing we updated. It’s now one of my favourite rooms, with traditional style mixed in with modern items, plus a sink vanity unit which is so handy for storage.
What was the most exciting or challenging part of doing up your home?
We are currently working on the kitchen. It was a huge challenge because it had a spiral staircase in the middle, which had to be removed. We are about halfway there now though.
Where do you find inspiration?
My mum. She was an artist and interior designer. She did up our houses growing up; we moved a lot, which I loved. We have similar tastes, but she always used to be ahead of a trend and I’m always a bit late to it. She is my biggest inspiration.
Where do you shop for homeware?
Car boot sales, charity shops, high street stores, online… All over really, and I like a bargain. While some things you can pick up second hand, I know that for others, you just have to buy new.
What are your next plans for your home?
A kitchen renovation is happening at the moment, then our utility room.
How do you choose your window treatments?
We have original shutters on most of our windows, but in our bedroom, we have some lovely Blinds Direct curtains in a terrazzo print. They are fantastic – really well made, and they look perfect in this space.
If you had £10,000 to spend on interior design, what would it be and why?
That’s a lot of money! I’d try and spread it around the house, but if I had to choose, maybe a new aga or a special range oven. I’ve had my eye on these for years. Or perhaps an amazing summer house for the garden…
What are your top tips for someone planning on renovating their home?
Top tip… live in the house before you decorate or renovate it. Take a few months to get the feel before you do anything drastic, or you might regret it forever. It could end up being really expensive redoing certain areas. Also, ask friends for ideas, as they have thought of something that you haven’t.
A great big thank you to Kate for sharing this with us. We are so pleased that she collaborated with Blinds Direct now showcases our popular terrazzo print curtains in her home. Be sure to visit Kate’s Instagram account, @kateshomelyhome, for even more inspiration and beautiful interior images.
Are you looking for a new window treatment, lamp shade or cushion to brighten up your home? Take a look at our collection at Blinds Direct.
