Latest news with #Ufurnish.comHomeAwards
Metro
2 days ago
- Business
- Metro
We live off-grid at 25 and 26 with no WiFi or TV — and spend just £269 a month
A young couple have quit their day jobs to live in a caravan, and now spend just £8.87 a day. Libby Ramsden, 25, and Ollie Blackwell, 26, made the switch to live off-grid back in September 2023. They have no TV or WiFi, collect rain water, and power their home with a tractor-driven generator. In total, the pair, who lives in Silsden, Yorskhire, say they spend just £269 a month on running their home. Libby says: 'The best part is not relying on anybody at all. 'Nobody dictates to us what our electric bills are, we are not tied to any contracts in any way. 'We rely on ourselves. We have the freedom to live how we want to live.' Before moving into their caravan, Libby and Ollie each lived in their parents' homes, where they paid rent. They also had nine to five jobs: Libby worked as a laboratory assistant earning £24k, while Ollie was a farmer and tractor mechanic, making £20k a year. But the pair were also running a side-hustle, Herd and Hive, selling goat milk soap and honey. With their products beginning to sell out, they wanted to work on the business full time, but were unable to afford to do so. That is, until Ollie's farmer dad, Terry, 60, offered to rent them a piece of land where they could set up a static caravan, and live frugaly off-grid. They forked out £11,000 to buy their new home-on-wheels, and haven't looked back since. Libby says: 'It was a no brainer if we wanted to quit our jobs. 'Before we moved, we looked at renting, or getting a mortgage, and you're looking at spending around £1,000 a month.' Metro has teamed up with and Blinds 2go – proud sponsor of the Best Bedroom category in the Home Awards – to give one lucky winner the chance to win £1,000 to spend on Blinds 2go's stunning collection of made-to-measure blinds and curtains and give your windows the ultimate glow up. Enter your details below and turn your windows into the best-dressed feature in your home. You have until midnight on 19 August to enter. Good luck! Form not loading? Enter here. * Open to GB residents (excluding Northern Ireland) aged 18+. Entrants must be 18 years or over at the time of entry. Promotion opens at 17:01 on 29/7/25 and closes at 23:59 on 19/8/25. Entrant must submit their first and last name, email address, telephone number, date of birth and postcode when prompted via the entry form available on (available here). 1 prize available of £1,000 to spend on Blinds 2go's or Curtains 2go's collection of made-to-measure blinds and/or curtains. The Prize is subject to the Promoter's standard terms and conditions available here. Maximum 1 entry per person. Full T&Cs apply, see here. Libby and Ollie's monthly outgoings off-grid: Total: £269 Average costs for 'regular' living in the area: Total: £1,083 Despite life being a little more rustic than in a standard house, the pair say they're not roughing it. They collect rainwater from a barn roof, filter it for the caravan and their animals, and run a tractor-powered generator for an hour each night to cook, shower and charge phones. Heating and cooking is done on a log burner. The couple are soon hoping to install solar panels, to reduce costs further. As they pay council tax, they get regular bin collections – and Ollie dug a septic tank so the couple have a flushing toilet. In total, the running costs of their home are just £8.87 a day, working out at £270 a month. Libby said: 'People think that because we live off-grid we are not connected to the world in any way or we live uncomfortably. 'People think that we go to the toilet in a bucket and carry it out.' Their day starts at 5.30am milking goats, feeding sheep, and caring for five rehomed donkeys before heading to their unit to make soap, jar honey and tend to bees. In the evening, they return to feed the animals again, light the fire, and run the generator for an hour before switching it off for the night. And, the pair say their new way of life has made their relationship stronger. Libby said: 'Most people in the evening will sit down and watch TV, we're not in that routine, so we feel a little bit more connected to each other. 'We don't have a TV so we generally read or keep each other company talking. 'We have a better relationship because we actually sit and talk in the evening. 'It's definitely improved our relationship, we feel more connected to each other than if we had a lot more distractions in our life.' But sometimes the couple do miss the ease of modern life. Libby said: 'Sometimes I miss the ease of being able to flip a light switch on or plug your phone into charge, that type of thing. Just the ease of things. More Trending Winter is the toughest time – the caravan is on top of a windy hill and keeping warm is a challenge – but the couple want to stay off-grid for good, eventually upgrading to a wooden chalet. 'We do see ourselves living off grid forever,' Libby said. 'We don't want to go back to living in a house and having bills to pay.' View More » You can follow their off-grid journey on TikTok @herdandhive . Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: The untold stories of the UK's corner shops and why we should celebrate them MORE: Body found in search for 12-year-old boy last seen going into river in Richmond MORE: Girl, 4, who died after being found 'unresponsive' at water park is named
Metro
17-06-2025
- Business
- Metro
7 unique kitchen renovations that will have you picking up your paint brush
From chaotic family breakfasts before the school-run, to gossips over wine and nibbles with your mates, it all happens in the kitchen. The room is the heart of the home — and it's also the most expensive to renovate. According to Checkatrade, the average price of a bespoke refurb is an eye-watering £35,000. So, if you're spending some serious cash on your kitchen, it needs to deliver. That means combining beauty with function, creating a space that works just as a hard as it looks good. This year Metro is partnering with the Home Awards to bring readers the best in UK property. Voting is now closed across the 20 categories covering interiors, gardens, furniture innovation, home accessories — and of course, kitchens. As we wait for the finalists to be announced at the end of the month, here's a look at the seven of the entries in the Best Kitchen category, showcasing inspiring design, from salvaged finds to chic low-cost cabinets. You can access completely fee-free mortgage advice with London & Country (L&C) Mortgages, a partner of Metro. Customers benefit from: – Award winning service from the UK's leading mortgage broker – Expert advisors on hand 7 days a week – Access to 1000s of mortgage deals from across the market Unlike many mortgage brokers, L&C won't charge you a fee for their advice. Find out how much you could borrow online Mortgage service provided by London & Country Mortgages (L&C), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (registered number: 143002). The FCA does not regulate most Buy to Let mortgages. Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Estelle Bilson took full advantage of her kitchen's original 1970s features. Still in amazing condition after 50 years, the units were carefully restored and reused, while the retro tiles were sourced partly from eBay, as well as from a friend who had stripped them out of her own kitchen. The result is full of charm, character, and colour. Inside her 400-year-old cottage, Sabrina Gilles has created a kitchen that radiates joy. Painted in vintage cornflower blue and filled with salvaged pieces, the space blends French country style with rustic texture. A reclaimed pottery board became worktops and shelves, and aged brick tiles add warmth. Every detail feels lived-in and loved, giving this cottage kitchen a big heart. This is where fun meets function. Sharon Schoffing's kitchen had to serve as a vibrant family hub, a place to relax, and an occasional party venue. Her challenge was to play with bold colours and patterns without overwhelming the space. The solution? Careful zoning and hidden utility. The old pantry was transformed to house the washing machine and dryer, tucked behind a chalkboard-painted door that doubles as a playful space for notes, reminders and recipes. Nikki Shore's kitchen makeover proves how far a paintbrush can go. She refreshed the space using only green and pink paint, even giving the fridge a luxe new look. A standout pink range cooker adds impact, and a disco ball hanging from the ceiling turns the room into a place for dancing as well as cooking. A playful, creative way to refurbish on a budget. With no budget for an extension, Roxanna Fregona decided to make the most of the space she had. Her kitchen became a tribute to the garden just outside, with leafy wallpaper near the doors and open shelving filled with plants. Show stopping touches such as a copper sink, aged brass hardware and detailed skirting bring a high-end feel. There's even a custom-built nook for the dogs to relax in. This Harry Potter inspired kitchen feels like it belongs in the world of the Hogwarts. With floating witches' hats and stars hanging from the ceiling, the space brings a sense of magic to Chelsea's 1800s cottage. Original beams and exposed brickwork keep things grounded and cosy, whilst being in keeping with the quirky theme. Charlotte St Paul's kitchen is where Scandi minimalism meets raw industrial edge. More Trending A mix of concrete, metal, wood and glass gives the space texture and depth, while earthy green walls ground the look. Open shelves made from recycled scaffolding planks hold an eclectic mix of objects that make the space feel truly personal. View More » The concrete worktop will continue to evolve with time, making this kitchen as organic as it is functional. Ufurnish is handing out awards for the following categories: Best Bathroom – optimising your bathroom for best effect Best Bedroom – where opulence meets relaxation – sponsored by Blinds2Go Best Before and After Transformation – incredible transformations Best Dining Room – an inviting place to entertain Best DIY Creation – beautiful home grown looks Best First time Home renovation – making a great start Best Furniture Retailer – what you want, when you need it – sponsored by Furniture News Best Garden – your outdoor room Best Hallway – making the most of a forgotten space Best Home Office – Productivity at home Best Interior Instagram – showcasing 'the look' Best Kitchen – where style meets function Best Living Room – rooms you can relax in Best Nursery + Children's Bedroom – making bedtime fun Best on a Budget – big looks with small funds; Best Rental Inspiration – getting the most out of your rental space Best Showstopping Home Feature – something that wows Best Use of colour – expression through colour Overall Judges Choice – what experts like The Overall Public Vote – what the public loves most Finalists for the awards will be announced June 30. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: What I Own: We paid £360,000 for our commuter town three-bed by the sea MORE: Major high street chain announces £25,000,000 revamp with at least 30 new stores MORE: Friends fans keep making the same joke about US store that's launching in UK
Metro
20-05-2025
- Business
- Metro
Designer shares 7 top tips to create a nursery every child will love
Looking to create the perfect nursery for your child? (Picture: Studio Augustine) Whether you're expecting a baby or looking to give your child's room a makeover, interiors can be tricky. If you ask them, you might end up with wall to ceiling Spider-Man. But help is here. Metro is partnering with the Home Awards, showcasing the homeowners, influencers, innovators, retailers and manufacturers transforming living spaces across the UK. Last year, Augustine Atobatele – creative director and founder of Studio Augustine – took home the gong for Best Nursery and Children's Bedroom. A sea of blue, Augustine's creation integrated a football net into the bedframe, plenty of storage space, and fun prints on the walls. Looking to create the perfect nursery that your child will genuinely love spending time in? Augustine has shared his top tips. Use a sensory-rich colour palette First things first: let's talk colour. Ready to start your homebuying journey? You can access completely fee-free mortgage advice with London & Country (L&C) Mortgages, a partner of Metro. Customers benefit from: – Award winning service from the UK's leading mortgage broker – Expert advisors on hand 7 days a week – Access to 1000s of mortgage deals from across the market Unlike many mortgage brokers, L&C won't charge you a fee for their advice. Find out how much you could borrow online Mortgage service provided by London & Country Mortgages (L&C), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (registered number: 143002). The FCA does not regulate most Buy to Let mortgages. Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. It's not just about keeping up appearances here – as Augustine says that the 'visual language' of a nursery can influence both a child's 'cognitive development and emotional response.' Don't be scared to stray away from pastel tones and let your imagination run wild. If you're struggling for inspiration, try starting with a textile, artwork or even a book that inspires you. And if you're not a fan of the whole 'blue is for boys, pink is for girls' mentality (we couldn't agree more), then try opting for a nature-inspired palette by incorporating sage greens, ochres, or even terracotta. 'These colours form a great base, creating a space that feels fresh and grounded,' Augustine suggests. 'Layer with sumptuous patterns from wallcovering to art as well as textile surfaces like bouche upholstery to patchwork woven throw for a multi-sensory experience.' Incorporate artwork for visual stimulation Just like colour, artwork can also be hugely stimulating for small children. You needn't splash out too much either – as Augustine says that even things like framing fabric swatches, vintage children's book illustrations or museum art prints have largely the same effect. 'Wall decals are also great, can start small and become larger from floor to ceiling level, but ensure some negative space to allow for visual rest,' he shares. Augustine recommends creating an area for each function (Picture: Studio Augustine) 'What's great about a gallery wall is the flexibility – it can evolve as your child's mind develops.' Prioritise functionality In Augustine's opinion, functionality is the absolute foundation of building any nursery – but this needs to be balanced with what he calls 'adaptive potential.' If you're tight on space, try incorporating pieces of furniture that can serve multiple functions, such as a crib with wheels or a changing table that doubles up as a dresser. Along these lines, Augustine recommends creating an area for each function – including sleeping, playing and reading – in order to limit clutter. In his children's bedroom, he incorporated a lot of play area and allowed for 'multiple activities at the same time,' marking each area with a different soft rug. Don't underestimate the power of lighting Whether you're a big light or multiple tiny lamps person, it's important to consider the power that lighting holds in any space. If your budget allows, consider installing multi-functional options – so ceiling fixtures that have dimmers for general lighting, but also sleep time training or task lighting for nighttime routines. 'As with designing any other spaces in the home, we consider circadian rhythm, so consider the daily solar journey across your nursery space,' Augustine explains. Public voting for the Ufurnish Awards is now open This year Metro is partnering with the Home Awards to bring readers the best in UK property. From jaw-dropping before-and-after renovations to effortlessly stylish spaces on a budget and rental DIY masterpieces, the awards recognise outstanding talent across 20 categories covering interiors, gardens, furniture innovation and home accessories. As part of our partnership, Metro's Property channel will be full of inspiring homes, fly-on-the-wall property pictures and tips and tricks from those in the know. Want to get involved? The Home Awards public vote is now open until June 15. Vote for your favourite homes across 18 fantastic categories, from best bedroom to best use of colour and everything in between. Think adjustable window treatments that can filter morning brightness but still allow for afternoon warmth, or even sheer blinds made from linen that can be layered on top of blackout blinds. 'Lighting can also bring artistic statement, so perhaps a celestial-inspired ceiling pendant, a sculptural table lamp that casts fascinating shadows, or a nightlight that projects subtle, shifting patterns,' Augustine adds. Consider sound, too Just like light and colour, the sound profile of a nursery also contributes towards what Augustine calls its 'sensory character.' Along these lines, why not integrate features that can subtly alter the acoustics to make it a quieter space? Augustine advises that a 'plush rug is great at absorbing ambient noise,' while 'textured wall hangings reduce echo' and 'strategic furniture placement creates a sound buffer from household activities.' Become a plant parent Plants aren't just pretty: they can also connect children to both 'natural rhythms and materials.' So, with that in mind, it's time to get green-fingered. Child-safe plants like the Peace Lily, as well as the Snake Plant, can do absolute bits towards improving air quality, as well as teaching little ones 'lessons in nurturing.' Kids spaces should 'spark creativity,' says Augustine (Picture: Studio Augustine) Naturally, you'll need to place them beyond climbing reach to avoid any soil-based accidents. Likewise, it's a good idea to use furnishings and décor made from natural substances – like wooden toys that have visible grain patterns, cotton textiles or even stone elements. Design for development Above all, consider your nursery as a space that's not only fun and visually stimulating, but something that can accommodate your 'child's unfolding story'. Augustine recommends a wall shelving system that can be reconfigured at different heights, or storage that can be arranged to transition between parent and child. 'For reading nooks, I like the idea of a stacked shelving unit – a reading zone that matures alongside their cognitive development from illustrative books to richer reading materials,' he shares. 'Kids spaces like a nursery should spark creativity, leave spaces for eventual art display, open shelving awaiting a child's curatorial decisions, or flexible areas that can adapt to emerging interests and key milestones.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ Arrow MORE: I didn't know how to react when Mum mistook me for her mother Arrow MORE: I had my third child and aged by a decade in a year Arrow MORE: Jennifer Lawrence reveals 'isolating' post-partum experience after acclaimed return
