I’m going on a slightly different slant this week and focusing on accessories as they can make a big difference to the success of an interior design scheme, says Catherine Watson, of interiors firm Bert & Wills.
I’ve worked for clients with large budgets, but I’m equally at home sourcing inexpensive items as good design should be available to everyone.
‘Everyday amazing’ Aldi does it for me.
I’ve been a fan for a long time and you just never know what you’re going to come across. Last weekend I went shopping with my daughter who’s going back to university soon and she wanted a few bits and pieces.
We picked up some lovely, rope storage baskets – available in two colours – navy and grey.
I got both colours and have one set in our bedroom and the second set in the en suite for storing toiletries, spare towels that don’t fit on the towel rail and toilet rolls (the baskets come in threes, all different sizes – £9.99).
I also got a navy bath mat that is non-slip and was only £5.99 and perfectly matches my M&S towels!
I love their candles, room sprays and diffusers too – lime, basil and mandarin is my favourite. They last a long time and create a lovely smell that isn’t overpowering.
My mum wanted a clothes airer – £12.99 and it extends to double its width.
They often have great kitchen range offers too.
At the moment they have cast iron cookware in plum and grey colourways (like Le Creuset). I buy my tea towels from Aldi as they wash and wash.
I’ve bought lots of decorative outdoor cushions from Aldi for clients (and my own garden). They usually have a good range of garden items such as solar-powered outdoor lights and I treated myself to a new screwdriver set recently (goes in my ‘bag of essentials’ when I’m working in clients’ houses!)
Although not interiors focused, I have to add that Aldi has a great range of wines.
Lyme Block was featured in the national press and is a lovely English white wine that has sadly been discontinued but I’m hoping they might bring it back!
They sell two champagnes at £10.99 and £12.99 and they are both excellent – I’m giving away all my secrets now!
So, next time you’re looking for some interior inspiration (or a nice bottle of wine), pop into Aldi.
A lot of the supermarkets offer good interior items; Sainsbury’s has a good range too.
And I couldn’t end an article without mentioning one of my favourites – Home Sense.
They have so much to offer across most areas of your house and are definitely worth a look.
