ModernLuxe meets Interior Alchemy

When I first entered the world of Instagram, I was completely and utterly overwhelmed with the amount of content available. It’s full of amazing interiors and the talent is simply incredible! To be honest, my head was in a bit of a spin. Where do I start, who do I follow? Will I be any good at this? And that’s when I came across Interior Alchemy. I was immediately drawn to her amazing home. It’s clear she has her own style, different from my mine. But different is definitely good!

And for those of you that know me, I’m a bit nosey, so I wanted to find out more. Who is she? What does she do? What kind of life does she live? So, today I thought I’d share some insider scoop on Peggy, the amazing talented lady behind Interior Alchemy. Note: Peggy’s home has also recently appeared in NI Homes and Lifestyle magazine (centrefold). So congratulations Peggy!

I hope you enjoy x

Brief Biog 

“I live in a 5 bedroom Edwardian mid terrace house with my partner (Phil) of 10 years and our children Sia (4) and Ben (2).  We live in Ballyholme, a village in Bangor Co. Down on the Esplanade, overlooking the bay. It’s amazing. I am currently a stay at home mum and for the other half I write (I have a masters in creative writing). And I’m pleased to say I’ve just finished my first book!  But in my previous guise I was a primary school teacher for 10 years and a CBT therapist (cognitive behavioural therapist) for a number of years”

Insider truths

How I would describe my style?

“Boho- gothic! I love dark walls, antique furniture and gorgeous cushions (see @amyscottdesign and @thedogsear), lots of artwork and an excess of plants”

What’s your favourite room?

“The first floor living room: it overlooks the bay, is two large rooms knocked into one (so double aspect), has two fireplaces and is the one room I’m happy with decor-wise.  I am happy with the base colour (Farrow and Ball Railings) and happy with the styling (cushions, rugs, artwork, plants)”

“Oh god. I hate to admit it but I think its the paint colour in the hall, stairs and landing. I used Farrow and Ball, Pelt. Whilst I like the colour, on reflection I should have gone with a neutral. Nothing seems to work colour wise, its so hard to dress and accessorise. But I haven’t given up yet though, I’m sure there must be some way to make it work”

What your guilty pleasure?

“Definitely cushions! I’m an addict. I love changing things up and to me, they are the quickest way to transform a room. A beautiful cushion can be the starting point for a whole different look”.

Favourite website?

“It has to be Abigail Ahern – I especially love her blog posts, and particularly her How-To blogs”

And go to phone app?

“Instagram. I only started it in July but since then its my first port of call for home decor inspiration. The Instagram decor community is very supportive and superbly talented” Note: Peggy is also a co-host on deliciousdarkdecor. So if you love dark colours and haven’t seen or follow them then you’ve seriously got to check it out.

What 3 interior items would you take to your own desert island?

“A four poster bed (festooned with the gorgeous crewl stitch throw by @wendymorrisondesign as seen on @cowboykate’s bed).  A candelabra with a lifetimes supply of candles and my dad’s old writing desk replete with writing supplies (and of course a well stocked kindle!)”

And what’s next for you?

“I’m hoping to get my book published this year and I’m also considering starting a blog (now that I’ve finished the book, I’m itching to continue writing!). My book is an autobiography which examines why we are here, why events happen in our lives and how we can use these events to grow spiritually. So watch this space!”