A first-time buyer has taken the internet by storm after sharing the quirky interior of her retro home she recently purchased—and there’s not a hint of millennial gray in sight.
For some time, Becky Phillips and her boyfriend were renting until they were finally ready to buy their first home together. They didn’t just want any ordinary house, however; they wanted something that felt warm and inviting and fit their aesthetic. When Phillips, 34, got an alert about a new listing she might like, she jumped at the chance to see it.
Indeed, Phillips, from the U.K, told Newsweek that she gasped as soon as she saw the pictures of the two-bedroom house. Every room is filled with color, bold patterns and textures, and quirky artifacts that hark back to the 1970s. There is so much character within its walls, which is why Phillips said the home is “truly a gem.”
Phillips said: “All the other houses had no personality, but I immediately felt the warmth of this house and knew it had to be mine. I couldn’t stand the thought of someone coming in and ripping out all the character. It feels like your grandparents’ house, and I mean that in the best way possible.”
Phillips and her boyfriend got the keys to the house in December, and since then, she has been documenting her dormer bungalow on TikTok (@beckycreates). She has shared videos and photos of the vibrant orange interior, the glass bricks in the entrance, saloon doors into the kitchen (which she now firmly believes every house must include), and the serving hatch that opens into the kitchen.
While it may not be to everyone’s taste, internet users can’t get enough of the bold individuality. A post highlighting all the things Phillips loves the most about her home has gone viral with over 626,000 views and more than 47.500 likes on TikTok at the time of writing.
There is so much for Phillips to love about the house, but her favorite part has to be the kitchen. It is such “a head turner” and encapsulates the retro aesthetic perfectly. It isn’t just about the vibe either, as the kitchen appliances and interior have stood the test of time and are still in great condition.
Of course, with any property, there are certain elements that need changing or updating. Some of the ceiling tiles need to be replaced for safety, and it will also need some new carpets eventually.
But one thing is for certain; Phillips will keep as much of the home’s original personality, even as she makes it her own.
She continued: “I want to decorate with some original vintage wallpaper. As for all the main features, they’re staying; I wouldn’t dare remove any of the amazing personality this property has.
“My favorite part of the house is the kitchen; it’s definitely the heart of the house. The house also has a lovely archway by the entrance, and I just think these little additions are so special. I also adore the serving hatch; what a fantastic thing to have. The saloon doors deserve a mention too; entirely ridiculous, and the moment I saw them, I thought, even if I don’t get this house, I’m installing these in my future home,” Phillips continued.
The idea of living in an understated and monochrome home is simply unimaginable for Phillips. She said she loves it when people’s homes reflect them, adding that interior doesn’t only have to be about function; it can also be “fun and whimsical.”
Although she was initially reluctant to share her home online, Phillips is so glad she did. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and many TikTok users praised her for keeping the home’s charm.
As she begins this new chapter in her retro home, Phillips hopes to encourage others to experiment and have fun with their décor. It doesn’t have to be expensive; just something that reflects who they are (not what they think a home should be).
Phillips said: “This has given me a real base to experiment and have fun. I want people to walk in and say ‘wow.’ I feel guilty saying thank you to people who comment saying they love it when it was all the previous owner. But it’s really been looked after by them and you can tell they loved it, so now it’s my turn to love it.”
With almost 2,000 comments on the viral TikTok post, many people were quick to share their thoughts. One comment reads: “We used to have style and now we have beige.”
Another TikTok user wrote: “The right person moved into this house, so happy for you!”
A third person replied: “Someone put their heart and soul into this house I’m so happy you appreciate it.”
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