Ashia & Jason nail resourceful renovations on a budget

What used to be a Victorian holiday home is now a personal haven for Ashia and Jason's (@no2hastings) family. When they first signed the papers and moved in, everything was white – the perfect blank canvas for a creative couple. Having transformed their home into a colourful paradise, we sat down for a cuppa and discussed how they went about their exciting renovation journey, all whilst sparing their wallets.

The folks at @no2hastings looking as happy as ever in their humble abode.

‘The power of paint’

Working on the space “paycheck to paycheck”, they had to be resourceful. They tried to make the house come alive with “the power of paint”, using pops of sunshine yellow to transform the units in the kitchen. It’s a work in progress, as next they’re adding floor tiles inspired by colours in the Yves Saint Laurent gardens. 

A family activity 

The home reno' “isn't too serious,” explains Ashia. It suits the “quite energetic and creative” family, as their minds worked well together when navigating their reno' since the big move two years ago. The couple managed to juggle home improvements with one, then two young children, whilst no tradesmen were free and supply issues piled on. 

Ashia and Jason made it work as “DIY novices just trying things out” – be it pulling up floorboards, making their own stair runner or taking time to hunt for unique pieces that last longer, the pair didn't hesitate to get their hands dirty. The entire family gets involved - Ashia’s mum jumps in to help out too! Even their daughter gets a paintbrush when she wants to be part of the action. At @no2hastings, “getting your hands dirty is a family affair."

Small town celebrities

The project has become a talking point amongst locals, to the point at which the couple now get recognised in the pub. Ashia explains “there’s a lot of pressure online to have a fully finished, glossy house, so we try to show things that are a bit more budget-friendly.” Jason agrees, saying “you don’t have to spend loads and loads, just do your best to keep things sustainable and support your local businesses."

Deeper meanings 

One thing that always gets attention is their gallery wall. “It’s all black art – black artists and black history – we’ve collected,” says Ashia. “We’ve got a piece about the Windrush. Since our grandparents are from the Windrush generation, our children can now look up and learn about their history.”

A historically-rich gallery wall adds a deeper meaning to Ashia & Jason’s family home.

Unique & personal details

Personal touches shine throughout the house, like Jason’s love for gold jewellery, seen in the gold finishes on hardware. Vintage finds from eBay sit alongside  BECKER Handles for “something that’s not on the high street and not everyone’s going to have.” Something that, just like their colourful home, “stands out from the crowd.”

A big thanks to Ashia & Jason for joining us for a TEA BREAK. Why not follow their renovation journey at @no2hastings? 

Want more home renovation inspiration? See our post on a 70s style house full home renovation project.

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