Think about it.

You’ve watched every DIY show there is. You feel like you know Kirstie Allsopp as a person. You know how to decoupage but you’ve never actually done it. Your Pinterest is a series of boards about the DIY projects you’ve been dreaming up for years. You know how to build a bed out of palettes. But you’ve nowhere to foster all your creativity. Well, this Smithfield pad is proof that it can and should be done. This creative space is listed on Airbnb and belongs to the talented Caroline and her partner Karl. As the images suggest, Caroline has injected tonnes of her personality and style into the space by being filling it with travel trinkets. “Our home is designed around our comfort and budget, and I am always inspired by my travels, and try and pick up one or two pieces when I go away. Whether it is a textile item or maybe a framed postcard, they are beautiful items to have in the house and remind me of fun times!” says Caroline. Caroline is also thrifty with her buys and has produced the eclectic décor through smart shopping. “I've bought some beautiful pieces at east wall market, busy bees second-hand furniture, Des Kelly has a second-hand furniture space in Phibsboro and I always keep an eye out in all the charity shops. It is very rare that I buy expensive things. I love Tk Maxx home furnishings section and always look at their clearance section too. I like Ikea's bed linen because it is 100% cotton at affordable prices. Because I can sew I have made curtains from beautiful fabric have bought in Thailand, and made throws for over the sofa out of old clothes!” She believes the key to a beautiful home is being creative and imaginative. Most importantly, have a vision and you’ll find you can make anything look attractive. “You can have a beautiful home without spending a fortune. Be creative, when you're broke you have to be!! Recycle and repurpose when you can. Art on the wall doesn't need to be expensive, it can framed posters or postcards and it adds a lot of personality. Plants are great for instantly making a home look better. A tired old locker someone is giving away can look great painted up with new knobs” says Caroline. Make repeat visits to flea markets and charity shops. “Tin cans make great vases, a wooden ladder for bookshelves, old battered suitcases or flight cases for storage. An old mirror will cost next to nothing and will have way more personality than a new one. Keep your eyes open, and make repeat visits to second-hand shops and markets because what you're looking for will turn up eventually! It always has for me.” It’s stunning. Check it out HERE.