Harley Brash first discovered her love for interiors when she started working as an estate agent in her teens, the job offering her a glimpse into the variety of beautiful homes on the market.
Since then, the former Love Island star, who appeared in the 2019 season of the ITV2 dating show, has developed her own unique sense of style when it comes to decor.
Harley, 22, rents an apartment in the London borough of Battersea with her friend, which they have transformed with coats of paint and considered furnishings.
When they first moved in three years ago, the property looked completely different, with Harley tasking herself with a radical renovation.
Speaking exclusively to Daily Star, Harley said: “If you’d seen the pictures beforehand you wouldn’t even think it was the same flat!”
(Image: @harley_brash)
Though Harley is best known as a reality star and influencer – with 392,000 Instagram followers to her name – today, she previously trained in the world of lettings.
“I’ve always been interested in interior design,” Harley mused.
“Before I became an influencer and before I started on social media I actually became an estate agent and I think that’s what always made me love it.
“When I originally was in lettings and I would go on viewings, I was always a bit nosy about the interior design and I always used to love it. I was always the one when I was 17 or 18 watching Grand Designs and all that.”
(Image: @harley_brash)
The expansive windows of their rental apartment were the first thing to catch Harley’s eye, as she realised the potential of the space.
She recalled: “There were floor to ceiling windows and that’s something I’ve always wanted with the natural light. I don’t like dark rooms, so even with walls, furniture and decor, it needs to be light. Because I do think it can affect your mood.”
Harley knew she wanted to create a space that was sophisticated yet cosy, sticking to a colour palette of cream and wheat with accents of gold.
(Image: @harley_brash)
“I went with a white and gold theme in my living room,” she said. “I also wanted to make it really cosy, so I’ve got a few fluffy things.
“With my room, I wanted to make it a zen den so I went down a wooden and rustic route. I’ve still got my hallway to do but I’m not sure what to do with that.”
Artwork stretches across the walls of each room, with a trio of gold-foil encrusted canvases tying the lounge space together.
(Image: @harley_brash)
Harley sourced the paintings from her friend in Newcastle, Beth Serena March, who creates bespoke artworks through her brand, Cerina Interior Design.
Those hoping to steal her style are in luck – Harley has sourced most of her interiors gems on the high street, citing Urban Outfitters and Zara Home as her go-to’s.
As for the future, Harley’s boyfriend, model Tommy Marr, is poised to move in, their relationship going from strength to strength over the past year.
(Image: @harley_brash)
“He wants to think he’s moved in but not officially yet,” she said. “We’re getting to that stage.”
Down the line, Harley plans to take her love for design and turn it into a business venture, buying properties and becoming a landlord.
Drawing on her experience as an estate agent, she said: “When I was an estate agent I did sales as well.
“I always loved property renovation so in the future when I’m slightly older I think that would be a project of mine – buy a few properties, do them up and then rent them out.”
While her Battersea nest is home for now, she also plans on investing in an apartment of her own in years to come.
“For me personally I would like to buy in London. Obviously, it’s very expensive so maybe somewhere outside of London. I’ve always loved Richmond or Wimbledon, they’re my two favourite places.
Describing her ideal home, she added: “It would be an older apartment. Like an old Victorian, I would say, original floorboards, original windows. That’s always been my dream.”
With her rental flat a sign of things to come, we can’t wait to see her dream home become a reality.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
