Five years ago, Lisa Dawson and her husband sold their family home in Berkshire and relocated to their dream Georgian house in York.Â
Having moved nine times in the 14 years previously the tenth was the charm, proving to be, for Lisa and her love of period homes, a match made in heaven. As Lisa began documenting the transformation of her new home on Instagram and sharing her love of thrift and charity shop bargain hunting, fellow interior lovers began following in their thousands and clamouring for her to launch her own interiors blog to better share her knowledge and expertise. Over the past five years her blog has grown and grown – garnering awards at every turn – which ultimately led her to landing her first book deal last year with Kyle Books. Resourceful Living is published next month (15 April 2021) and promises to show you how, with a little creativity, you can revamp your home with existing pieces, vintage finds and key purchases.
As we tentatively begin to plot a roadmap out of lockdown in the UK, Lisa opens up her little black book to us today and shares a few of her Northern gems, to help you begin dreaming about a few little local adventures over the coming summer months…Â
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Favourite creative? Emma Krause from Light Up North moved to the North at around the same time as I did and has set up a wonderful business in Saltburn. I love that she combines a life by the sea with a super creative and productive business.
Most frequented arts venue? My local art gallery, The Art Of Protest on Walmgate in York, is a brilliant place to while away a few hours. It focuses on urban street art and also holds regular artist events and promotions (in normal times anyway!)
Most inspiring piece of architecture? I’m biased of course, but Yorkminster is just so beautiful. Every time I pass it, it takes my breath away. So much history in one building.
Most read blog? Kerry Lockwood, who is based in Northumberland, is a fellow interiors blogger who I have known for five years now – I really love how innovative she is with her content. I also really like Megan Ellaby’s blog and her styling – she combines vintage with key high street and designer, and makes it look really achievable! She’s also got a fashion business – Saturday By Megan – which she’s grown herself, which is so inspiring.
Favourite shop? I love Dowsing & Reynolds – they were founded in Leeds and their shop in the city centre is just beautiful. They focus on hardware but also do faux plants and lighting. Their sockets and switches can up the luxe levels in my rooms instantly!
Favourite fashion brand? Lucy & Yak is an ethical Yorkshire fashion brand who do my favourite item of clothing – dungarees! They’re handmade and sustainable, and come in a zillion different colours and patterns.
Best local coffee spot? Our local City Screen cinema cafe is my favourite place and I am always recommending it! Inside, it’s very brutalist in architecture and has huge windows overlooking the river. Plus they do excellent cake and coffee.
Saltburn is a proper authentic seaside town with the most fabulous beach and pier, as well as being a creative and artistic hub.Â
Lazy weekend brunch spot? The Pig and Pastry on Bishopsthorpe Road is brunch heaven! I’d order Avocado Deluxe (with extra feta) and coffee and sit there for hours, before having a wander down the High Street – there are plenty of lovely little shops, florists and more to catch your eye.
Best Northern hotel? The Swan Hotel & Spa at Newby Bridge in the Lakes is just gorgeous – amazing decor and the food is delicious. Not too big and not too small, it’s the perfect central point for touring the Lake District.
Restaurant for a celebration? My absolute go-to is always Il Paradiso El Cibo in York – it’s a tiny Italian which has amazing food, great wine and brilliant service – you always have to book well in advance. Buratta to start, Gambaroni alla Sada (prawn risotto) for main course and Torta Della Nonna for dessert. Followed by limoncello, of course! Â
Signature drink order? I’m very boring I’m afraid, and will always go for cold white wine, any time of the year, any place! My favourite drinks venue in York is Cave du Cochon where you can order from a huge selection and accompany your choice with delicious small plates and fondues. Â
Staycation spot? Saltburn is a proper authentic seaside town with the most fabulous beach and pier, as well as being a creative and artistic hub. It’s also home to another of my favourite stores, Lillian Daph, plus Light Up North, so it’s an excellent opportunity to combine shopping with some sea air. There’s an excellent Airbnb there too called The Artists Pad which is perfect for a short stay.Â
Next trip? My daughter started at Liverpool University last year, and although I’ve had a quick look around, there is so much more that I want to see of the City! In particular the Tate Gallery and the beach complete with Anthony Gormley artwork, plus the Baltic Quarter which is apparently full of antique shops.
→ LisaDawsonStyling.com / @_Lisa_Dawson_
All imagery © Lisa Dawson, used with permission.