In case you hadn't noticed, we LOVE Instagram – we've even got our very own Insta-community at #sorealhomes. We've made it our mission to bring you ideas and inspiration from the best interior Instagrammers, so you can use them to kickstart your next DIY project and find tips on interior design for your home.
We have found so many interiors Instagrammers who provide us with a never-ending stream of gorgeous images, so we thought we would delve a bit deeper into some of their favourite styles, ideas and designs. Here, Lisa Piddington, the vintage guru behind @lisa_loves_vintage, tells us about her top five homeware buys...
- Find out which interiors Instagrammers we love this week
- Check out Instagrammer Theresa Gromski's favourite buys
- Get design tips and buys from Instagrammer The Girl with the Green Sofa
1. The essential succulent
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It seems no retro-loving, Instagram-worthy home is complete without a Senecio rowleyanus, the stunningly cute succulent vine lovingly known as the string of pearls. But if you’re not renowned for having the greenest of fingers, this faux variety from Debenhams, £28, would look right at home on your bathroom shelf or mantelpiece.
Don't miss our guide to indoor gardening – and if you want to buy real house plants, find out how to care for them.
2. The best cushion for a touch of vintage luxury
This blue peacock fringed cushion, £22 from Dunelm is enough to set the heart of even the most hardened vintage collector fluttering. The teal embroidery and gold fringing make a real statement – just imagine this on your sofa amidst a collection of dark florals and chartreuse cushions.
3. The best buy for adding texture
Texture adds interest and depth to any room; and for the vintage home lover anything faux fur is always going to prove a winner. I love the colour of this fluffy ochre cushion cover from Dunelm, £8 – ideal for cuddling up with as the cold nights draw in.
Find more lovely cushions in our buyer's guide.
4. The best glass vase (but use lots of them)
A collection of coloured glass vases makes a real statement display – team them together near a window to catch the light or fill them with interesting items such as vintage knitting needles, tapered candles or dried hydrangeas. This teal pressed wide bottle vase is £18 from Dunelm.
5. The best eclectic collectible (again, use lots)
Over the years I have collected a whole range of quirky and eccentric ornaments – some from global adventures and others found closer to home in car boot sales – but to me they all tell a story of previous owners and exciting adventures. This gold fish vase, £12.50 from HomeSense, will certainly stand out in any Instagram shelfie.
6. The best statement vintage wallpaper
Who doesn’t love a bold wall covering? This toucan design from John Lewis is just so beautiful. The unusual colour way looks likes it has come straight from a stately home – I’d be so happy to style a room around it. Ipanema Heritage blue wallpaper, £35 per roll.
Find more statement living room wallpapers in our buyer's guide.
7. The best artwork for gallery walls
One quick glance at my Instagram account and you’ll notice I don’t do bare walls. Almost every inch is covered in paintings – from Vernon Ward to Tretchikoff – with mosaics, plates and bevelled-edge mirrors in between. And the vast majority are floral of some sort or other. This Blossom canvas, £24.99 from Very, would be a great starting point for a gallery wall display set amongst a collection of artwork in varying sizes.
Find out how to create the perfect gallery wall from scratch – and check out our gallery wall design ideas.
About @lisa_loves_vintage
'As someone who’s been obsessed with vintage frippery for more years than I care to remember, I now have a house that is filled to the brim with one-off pieces, car boot treasures and charity shop finds. It’s an eclectic look that’s taken what sometimes feels like forever to create and I have to admit that I’m still constantly on the prowl for yet another vintage cushion, piece of barkcloth, vase or ornament to add to my collection.
'However, you don’t have to spend your life searching through dusty boxes or sitting in draughty auction rooms to create an authentic look – many of our favourite high street stores have pieces that will fit into any vintage scheme perfectly.'
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Real Homes is the homes website for people with real lives, real budgets and real problems. Everyone deserves to love where they live and Real Homes is the ultimate homeware authority that makes this possible by covering realistic and achievable ways to make your home better. Expect easy DIYs, advice on costing and loads of interiors inspiration. Whether it is our first hand experiences, or finding an expert with the best know-how, everyone can find a project to suit their needs on Real Homes.