Welcome back to What I Own – Metro’s property series where we speak to homeowners about getting on the ladder.
If Avalana Simpson has one passion, it’s definitely colourful interiors.
After years spent renting, she and her husband Derek managed to get on the property ladder two years ago – and she’s since used their £325,000 Cheshire three-bed as a soundboard for new ideas.
She designs her own wallpaper for a living, and almost every wall in the house is finished with her own patterns, an element that earned her a nomination for Best Use of Colour at 2025’s Ufurnish Awards.
Here’s what Avalana had to say about their property journey…
Tell us about yourself!
I’m Avalana! I’m 38, I’m originally from Scotland, and I’m an artist and designer.
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I spent years building my career across greeting cards, wallpaper and home textiles, gathering the skills and confidence to eventually launch my own interiors brand.
My home isn’t just where I live, it’s where I experiment, design and bring my artwork to life.
Whereabouts is your property? What do you think of the area?
We bought in Cheshire, just south of Manchester, in a small village called Anderton near Northwich.
We’d visited the area for years for weekend breaks. It’s surrounded by country parks, canals and river walks.
How much does your property cost?
It was £325,000 when we bought in August 2024.
How much was your deposit?
£51,000.
What is the monthly cost of living here now, both mortgage and bills?
Our mortgage is £1,661 per month, we’re on a 6.44% fixed rate for 60 months. And bills come to roughly £600.
How did you save up for your deposit? And how long did it take you?
It took us 14 years! We rented throughout and saved what we could, when we could.
What was the process of getting a mortgage like for you? Did you find any parts challenging?
As two self-employed business owners, we had to jump through far more hoops than a standard application.
I met an excellent mortgage broker, but the 15% deposit requirement was by far the hardest part.
How did you find this property? What made you choose it?
We found it completely by chance while out on one of our many dog walks in the area. We spotted the for sale sign, and I was so excited I rang the estate agents straight away.
It was the first and only house we actually viewed. The location felt like a dream, and we didn’t hesitate to put in an offer.
How have you made the property feel like home? What’s the inspiration for your interior decor style?
Always colour. The house was a blank canvas with huge potential. Being an artist, the ideas and decor will be constantly evolving.
My style is opulent and layered, with lots of pattern, texture and metallic finishes. I’m inspired by travel, escapism, boutique hotels and atmospheric restaurants. I want my home to feel immersive and expressive.
We love the leopard print hallway! Could you tell us about it?
The leopard print hallway is one of my own wallpaper designs. I had originally painted a large-scale jaguar for another collection and became fascinated by the bold, abstract beauty of the spots themselves. Oversized, textural and intentionally dramatic.
The colour in my hall is caramel, which feels rich, warm and cocooning.
What inspired you to start designing your own wallpapers?
When I started designing my own wallpapers in 2019, I couldn’t find the scale, artistry or drama I was looking for on the market.
All of the wallpapers and fabrics in our home are my own designs. Everything begins as an original painting, and transforming those artworks into immersive interiors felt like a powerful evolution of my work.
How does your husband feel about your interior design style?
My husband is wonderfully supportive, though I’d say my taste is the more maximalist of the two. He often raises an eyebrow when I start introducing bold paint colours, but he’s learned to trust the process.
What’s your favourite room and why?
My home office! It was originally an old plastic-roofed lean-to conservatory, so we completely upgraded it with a tiled roof and insulation to make it usable year-round. It’s by far the biggest transformation in the house yet.
Do you have plans to change the property?
I’m focusing on refining the rooms we have and making my way upstairs with my decorating plans. I couldn’t be more excited to tackle the upstairs bathroom and master bedroom.
Are there any problems with the property that you have to deal with?
The old conservatory was the biggest issue, but that’s now resolved, and it’s my favourite room in the house.
What do you want people to know about buying a home?
Save what you can, when you can, even if it takes longer than you expect. If you’re planning to go self-employed, get a mortgage first.
What are your plans for the future, in terms of housing? Do you plan to stay here long-term?
We can’t see ourselves moving anytime soon. We don’t plan on having children, so the bedroom count isn’t something we’re concerned about.
Shall we take a look around?
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