If You Love Color and Drama, You’ll Love This UK Home’s Retro Vintage Vibes
Name: Stuart Eminson
Location: Manchester, UK
Type of home: Two-bedroom apartment
Size: 1000 square feet
Years lived in: 4.5 years, owned
Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: My first owned home, and after four years I still catch myself admiring the fact that it’s MINE! When I was younger I was into fashion, and as the years have crept up on me this has transferred into decor and styling. I’ve always been into vintage; I like the quality of design from the ’70s and the uniqueness. The sourcing is as much fun as the having, and I still get tingles when I find something I’ve never seen before. I love color and drama, and get off on people’s ooooo’s and aaaaarrr’s!
I live in my apartment on my own, I’m a professional musician, a clarinetist, playing with shows such as “Phantom of the Opera,” “Wicked,” and Cats,” alongside top orchestras in the UK. I share a doggie called Rollo with my partner (we live apart) who is a rescue dog with a horrific past, but now he is a lovable softie!
My friends who know me will tell you my interior is a total palette of my mind! I’ve always been expressive and a bit unusual in the way I am and this shows in my home, with regards to color, accessories, curating, and styling. I once had a faux cake stuck to the wall! Haha. I enjoy creating the wow factor, but without forgetting it’s a home, so creating the coziness is also very important. The vibrancy during the day, and the cocooning of the night.
Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Retro vintage eclectic colorful unique
What is your favorite room and why? My living room. It’s got so many angles, sloppy ceilings, beams, a mezzanine, and it allows me to be able to create drama and excitement. The high ceilings allow lots of hanging things, with plants and disco ball in tow! It’s all mainly white, allowing the accessories to take the limelight. A corner of the room is darker and muted to give a little bit more lux and to complement my ’70s velvet sofa. Another corner by the door is pinks and salmons, a spill over from the hallway. I just love this room during the day, as it is blessed with light from both sides and often covered in disco ball spots. At night, with all the vintage lighting, it’s as cosy as being wrapped up in a big fleecy blanket. I love it!
What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? Last big thing I bought was my gorgeous ’70s velvet sofa. The fabric is amazing and striking and is definitely a talking point. I bought it from @kimkalinowski.
Any advice for creating a home you love? Go with your gut! Be inspired by home decor of others but make sure it works for you in your own home. Lighting is very important, so LOTS of lamps help give that super cosy feeling in the evenings, with warm light bulbs. Don’t have cushions on your sofa that all have the same kind of fabric or pattern. Mix and match. Style things in groups; three’s are good, and put the biggest at the back. Plants make a home feel alive and add lots of softness. Just go for it, don’t be afraid, and carry it through to the max. There’s nothing worse than a half-attempted job because you chickened out!
This submission’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
Share Your Style: House Tour & House Call Submission Form