I brought Santorini to my boring Suffolk garden for less than £100 of Temu buys – now I've got my own holiday haven
One bargain hunter has proved that you can turn a dull and boring space into a holiday haven, without having to break the bank.
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For less than £100, Shelly Lou, 51, who lives in Suffolk with her partner Mark and works at a local supermarket, was able to give her outside space an overhaul using bargains from Temu.
Shelly was inspired by a visit to Mijas, Spain, and her dream to one day visit Santorini.
'I loved the crisp white walls and those beautiful blue pots everywhere. I just wanted that vibe at home,' she explains.
Determined to bring the look to life, Shelly turned to Temu, the popular online marketplace, as she says: 'I added everything to my Temu basket, wanting a proper Mediterranean feel.'
Her haul included artificial hanging plants, giant simulated plants, palm hybrid plants and artificial jasmine vines.
Not only this, but she also ordered a garden hose, plant pots, pillow fillers, cushions, and even a shower curtain she repurposed as part of her backdrop.
Remarkably, she achieved the entire look for under £100, excluding the sofa she already owned, as she adds: 'It was so easy to shop all in one place.'
Nearly everything in her garden now comes from Temu, from the ceramic planters to the decorative accents.
And now, her garden has become a favourite spot for her and Mark to relax.
But that's not all, as family and friends have been full of compliments too, as she proudly explains: 'They can't believe how much it's transformed.
My garden was looking so old and the patio was broken - now it's a lush oasis and people can't believe how little I spent
'It really feels like a little holiday escape.'
For those looking to do a similar refresh, Shelly advises: 'Plan the look first, then add to your basket bit by bit. It stops you from buying things you don't need.
Why is Temu so cheap?
TEMU exploded onto the scene in late 2022, with people all over social media raving about the low prices.
The company is a Chinese-owned digital marketplace - essentially an online shopping app where people are connected to the retailer directly while the app takes care of the shipping element.
The frenzy over the app is not completely unfounded either as it offers a wide variety of products, including fashion, make-up, electronics and furniture.
According to a report from the US House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, Temu takes advantage of a trade loophole that allows the company to ship duty-free goods directly to the US.
The loophole is called the de minimis exception and it means they can ship goods valued up to $800 (£643) to the US without it being inspected or taxed by US customs.
Temu connects customers directly to manufacturers and only manages how the items are sent to customers.
It means Chinese vendors can essentially sell their products directly to customers and ship it without building a network of warehouses across the globe.
By doing this, they cut down on huge costs and ensure the product itself isn't marked up extra.
While many of the products seen on the Temu app are from brands with extensive, original collections, many more are dupes of designer brands.
'And if you're using a backdrop, build a frame first. Screw it to the wall and staple the material. It gives a proper finished look and it lasts.'
But Shelly isn't the only one turning to Temu to unlock her creativity.
I added everything to my Temu basket, wanting a proper Mediterranean feel
Shelly Lou
A recent IPSOS survey commissioned by the platform shows that 1 in 3 British users say Temu helps them explore new ways to decorate their home, with respondents saving around 25%.
More than 80% say Temu offers good value for money, reflecting strong consumer confidence in the platform's quality and affordability.
With her clever use of Temu and a clear vision, Shelly has transformed her garden into a perfect example of how style and functionality can go hand in hand - and how a little inspiration goes a long way.
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