Inside a £645pcm Disco-Themed Leicester Flat: A Photographer's Pastel Palace
Welcome back to What I Rent, a tenant diary series that delves into the realities of renting across the UK and beyond. This edition features a home that radiates joy and creativity, even on the gloomiest days.
A Vibrant Home in Leicester
Natalie Jade Reading, a 32-year-old fashion photographer and retoucher, has transformed her one-bedroom flat in Leicester into a pastel palace filled with disco chairs, neon lava lamps, and colourful prints. Renting for just £645 per month, she has infused the space with her unique aesthetic, sharing her journey with over 12,000 followers on TikTok.
Originally from Coalville, 30 minutes outside Leicester, Natalie moved to her current home in Clarendon Park during the Covid pandemic. "I took a leap of faith," she explains, "renting it based solely on the online listing after an unhappy houseshare experience." Now, after nearly five years, she pays £645 monthly, with rent set to increase to £700 from May 1, plus bills ranging from £400 to £450.
Community and Location
Clarendon Park offers a blend of city convenience and suburban tranquility. "It's close to the city centre with good transport links, yet quiet enough for a peaceful life," Natalie notes. The area boasts a strong community spirit, facilitated by local Facebook groups where residents share events and support one another.
Nearby amenities include:
- Tiny Bakery for fresh pastries
- Mitsuki for Japanese cuisine
- Fingerprints Cafe for a classic full English breakfast
- The botanic garden in Oadby, just a 10-minute drive away
However, the neighbourhood can get bustling during Leicester Tigers rugby matches at Welford Road.
DIY and Decor Projects
Natalie has embraced renter-friendly DIY to personalise her flat, with her landlord's approval. Key projects include:
- Vinyl-wrapping kitchen worktops and adding tiles sourced from Amazon
- Painting walls in vibrant hues
- Custom-building furniture, such as a wavy-edged desk designed with her father's help
- Upcycling IKEA drawers with electrical wire designs and paint
She also collaborated with neighbours to enhance the communal courtyard, replacing gravel with astroturf and adding garden furniture. "It's made a huge difference for sunny days outdoors," she says.
Most of her decor, including Murano glass and paperweights, is thrifted from car boot sales and charity shops. For instance, her dining table was a £100 find on Facebook Marketplace, originally imported from Italy in the 1980s.
Social Media and Personal Impact
Sharing her home on TikTok has garnered positive feedback from fans of maximalism and pastels, though not without some criticism. "When I painted polka dots or did the kitchen vinyl, I got negative comments," Natalie admits. "But it doesn't bother me—everyone has an opinion."
The colourful environment boosts her mood significantly. "As a visual person, the stimulation is great for my brain," she explains. "My friends call it chaotic, but I find it calming, especially the soft pastels."
Challenges and Future Plans
Despite its charms, the flat has drawbacks. Being an old building, it suffers from single-glazed windows, leading to cold, condensation, and mould in winter. Soundproofing is also subpar, with noisy neighbours above.
Space is another issue; Natalie wishes for a second bedroom and a larger kitchen. "When I have guests, it can feel overwhelming, and I often clean dishes as I go due to limited space," she shares.
While she dreams of buying a home in the future, Natalie has no immediate plans to move. "Until then, I can't see myself leaving here," she concludes, content in her disco-themed sanctuary.
