Midcentury design classics paired with contemporary pieces; colour-coordinated objects on simple white shelving; art and textiles that add pattern to a space… That’s what you get when you walk into a creative couple’s home where imagination and style nous compensate for the lack of a generous budget.
The south Manchester apartment that artist Laurie Maun shares with partner Dominic Owen, founder of unisex clothing brand Heresy, and their newborn baby, Sonny, is an exercise in versatile living. Having always lived in rental homes, they’ve honed their decor skills and furniture choices to easily add character to a space – but without the DIY.
“With renting, the cons probably outweigh the pros, but I like the flexibility,” explains Laurie, who moved with Dominic from London to Didsbury two years ago. “It allows an opportunity to explore new areas and try before you buy. We’ve been ready to buy for a little while, but the market is scary at the minute. If we had gone straight into a house sale, it could have been the wrong decision.”
The cons? “We’ve had bad luck the past few years with landlords selling and realised how quickly you can get kicked out – which is why we won’t be decorating. To invest time and money making someone else’s property nicer doesn’t really appeal. It’s why we’re drawn to interiors with white walls and wooden floors that you can easily make look nice.” Here, the stained-glass bay window and large, white-tiled bathroom are a plus.
Laurie has a few tricks for transforming a rental into a stylish family home that feels your own. Art plays a huge role and plants are an easy and affordable way to add personality. She also has rugs in all the rooms. “I think they bring a room together,” she says. “When we moved in, there were picture hooks already up in all the key areas. The plants we had before and the rugs are easy to move to any new space. Luckily, they were the perfect fit.”
In a rented property, it can be difficult to put your stamp on it without risking your deposit. “The general rule is to ask for permission,” she says. Don’t assume you will be allowed to paint, change curtains, or put shelves up on the walls: check the terms of your lease first.
One thing Laurie did install was new curtains in the bedroom and Sonny’s nursery. She chose a simple colour and fabric – linen, in the hope they will work in any new place. But her colourful artwork is the main way she injects personality. If lease terms don’t allow pictures to be hung on walls, then boards or canvases wallpapered or painted in colours you love can be propped up instead. She describes her style as “neither introvert nor extrovert, but something in the middle. It’s quite minimal and soft, but there are some bold pops of colour, too. I like seeing more contemporary pieces paired with older design styles. I also like the look of natural fibres, like the woven rugs, against the coloured plastic stools. The contrast works for me.”
The furniture pieces are all investment buys. “Since we started living together, we have built up our collection. We have a little furniture pot. When we reach the amount needed, we treat ourselves to one more piece.” The latest buy is the Ligne Roset Togo sofa, which the couple found on Gumtree. “We couldn’t believe our luck, we got such a good deal,” Laurie says. “I was after a neutral-coloured version, so I was excited to find this.”
Laurie’s latest collection of paintings was inspired by the stained-glass windows of the living room. “I was painting from home when Sonny was having his naps, so was looking around my immediate surroundings for ideas.” The house may not be theirs, but they are making the most of what they have.
