AFFORDABLE LUXURY
Being constantly approached for interiors advice goes with the territory when you own an Instafamous house. But this is by no means a nuisance to Alex Stedman (aka The Frugality), who has carved a career out of documenting thrifty renovations to the three-bedroomed Edwardian house she shares with husband Chris O’Donnell (a partner in the business who takes most of the pics) and baby daughter Peggy.
Today is no different, when we arrive at her authentically familiar property in Manor House, north London for the shoot – it genuinely feels like stepping into an @thefrugality Instagram post. Naturally, Alex is bombarded with questions from the team regarding Pantones, radiators, fireplaces, lights and artwork – all of which she dutifully answers.
On the day of the shoot we are enjoying early summer weather and a bright ray of light cascades through the stained glass front door onto the hallway’s (original) chequerboard floor. “I was saying to Chris that once the sun’s out, Wood Green seems so much less aggressive – with the kids around playing in the park on their scooters,” she says.
The winner of the 2018 Amara IBAs
