I'm an interiors blogger and here's how I revamped my old Victorian …

I’m an interiors blogger and here’s how I revamped my Victorian fireplace for less than GBP100 using bargains from Facebook

Published: 07:52, 30 March 2023 | Updated: 08:34, 30 March 2023

An interiors blogger has revealed how she revamped her old Victorian fireplace for under GBP100 using Facebook Marketplace bargains.

Nicole Sage, 30, from Plymouth, says it would have cost five times as much to have a new fireplace installed professionally.

The interiors guru – who founded the website Sleek Chic Interiors 10 years ago – explained how her and her partner wanted to put some character back into their property when they set about redecorating her living room last summer.

Speaking to Little-Loans.com, she said: ‘When we bought our Victorian terrace house, we were adamant that we were going to restore the original architectural details for period authenticity.’

After looking around the house, the pair discovered that the previous owners had removed the original fireplace, boarded it up to try and then covered the hole with a plastic sheet to prevent draughts.

The previous owners had ripped out the fireplace and boarded it up. Pictured: what the living room looked like before Nicole moved in Nicole Sage, 30, from Plymouth, wanted to restore some of the original features in her Victorian home - starting with the fireplace

Nicole Sage, 30, from Plymouth, wanted to restore some of the original features in her Victorian home – starting with the fireplace

The interiors blogger (pictured) is thrilled with how her living room has come together and says it would have cost GBP500 to have a new fireplace professionally installed

Nicole said: ‘It was really important to us to restore what would have once stood there, but as we were hoping to renovate the entire property, keeping costs as low as possible was essential.’

In order to keep to their strict budget, Nicole began searching second-hand websites for old fireplaces that would fit in the space.

She added: ‘We scoured the likes of Vinted, eBay and charity shops but eventually sourced a beautiful pre-used fireplace from Facebook Marketplace.

‘It cost just GBP50 and was exactly what we were looking for.’

Next, the couple sanded down the mantelpiece and painted over the grey paint in a white shade they already owned.

She explained: ‘We then cleaned the fireplace and used a wire brush to get rid of any dirt or rust.

‘Then we painted it using Hammerite Matt Black finish spray paint which cost just GBP12.’

After they’d prepped the area, the pair then got stuck into actually installing the old Victorian fireplace.

Pictured: What he living room looked like during the transformation.
/p
pPrevious owners had boarded up the old fireplace to stop draughts

Pictured: What he living room looked like during the transformation. Previous owners had boarded up the old fireplace to stop draughts

She added: ‘In order to fit the fireplace, the first step was removing the plastic cover installed by the previous tenants and enlarging the existing hole ourselves so it would fit the new fireplace.

‘As there was already a lintel existing within the wall, we were not required to install a new.’

Nicole also opted for a minimal colour scheme for the revamp and chose some matt black tiles for the hearth.

The interiors expert then fitted them with adhesive and finished this area off with some grey grout.

She explained: ‘All of these three materials came to GBP25 and the DIY was surprisingly easy to undertake for someone with little experience.’

Pictured: The GBP50 fireplace Nicole Sage found on Facebook Marketplace.
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pShe said: 'It was exactly what we were looking for'

Pictured: The GBP50 fireplace Nicole Sage found on Facebook Marketplace. She said: ‘It was exactly what we were looking for’

Pictured: The Victorian fireplace Nicole purchased for just GBP50 on Facebook Marketplace.
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pThe interiors blogger made a hearth out of black tiles

Pictured: The Victorian fireplace Nicole purchased for just GBP50 on Facebook Marketplace. The interiors blogger made a hearth out of black tiles

To ensure the fireplace was adequately secure to the wall, Nicole and her partner used some ready-made cement that they bought for GBP10.

After it had set, they sprayed the wall with some more matt black paint so it matched the fireplace.

Nicole said: ‘Overall, for the materials and fireplace itself, the total cost of fitting a brand new fireplace set us back just under GBP97.

‘If we bought this type of fireplace brand new, it would have cost at least GBP500 – not to mention having to also pay for installation costs!”

How much Nicole spent on the fireplace revamp:

– Second-hand fireplace, GBP50

– Hammerite Matt Black spray paint, GBP12

– Tiles, adhesive and grout, GBP25

– Cement, GBP10

Total: GBP97

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‘I now browse Facebook marketplace more than anything else on social media!

I have found so many amazing pieces of furniture and decor accessories that would have cost a fortune at full price.

‘Most of the time people have just fallen out of love with items or they just need a little bit of care to restore them.

You definitely do not need to buy full-price items to create a beautiful interior.

‘For me, mixing old with new is how I can create a wonderfully modern interior.

I’d never have been able to achieve this by buying full-price items.’

Offering advice for others wanting to renovate their home on a budget, Nicole said: ‘My tip for anyone else looking to do the same thing would be to not give up and to not compromise!

‘Items of furniture are added to these platforms daily, so persistence is key – and don’t be afraid to barter.’