When Ashleigh Anderson embarked on her Barrhead home renovation journey, she had no idea her unique and unconventional style would capture the imagination of thousands. This 32-year-old self-proclaimed “weird” and “unusual” individual has masterfully transformed her living space into what she describes as a “tattoo studio waiting room” since moving in a year ago.
Ashleigh’s creative journey was brought to the limelight when a video of her revamped home garnered over 200,000 views on social media, with countless admirers expressing their fascination at the remarkable transition from a minimal grey ambiance to a maximalist dark aesthetic.
In a conversation with the Glasgow Times, Ashleigh revealed her genuine surprise at the viral response: “I never had any intention of going viral on TikTok; I had no idea people would be so interested in my house.”
Her distinct taste and passion for embracing the extraordinary shine through her unique home decor. “I like unusual or weird stuff that no one else has,” Ashleigh explains, “and I want to make my living space show that off.”
Her design philosophy is a balance between a touch of quirkiness and the need for an overall relaxed, creative, and well-put-together atmosphere. “There is an ounce of tackiness that I enjoy with interior design,” she admits, “but I also think it needs to be cool, creative, and well put together.”
Notably, many observers have drawn a parallel between her living room’s aesthetic and the ambiance of a tattoo studio waiting room. Ashleigh acknowledges the connection and embraces it as part of her unique style.
While her newfound social media status was not part of her initial plan, she humorously envisions a future as Glasgow’s “gothic Mrs. Hinch,” referring to the UK’s popular cleaning and home decor influencer.
Ashleigh’s journey began when she moved into her Barrhead home in November. Since then, she’s scoured vintage stores, charity shops, and Facebook Marketplace to uncover those rare, one-of-a-kind pieces that contribute to her distinctive decor.
As a beauty salon owner in Glasgow and a makeup artist, Ashleigh brings her artistic skills to bear when crafting her unique designs. These personal creations are the hallmark of her home’s eclectic style, making her space unique.
Ashleigh elaborates on her creative process: “I have been working on my house since moving in last November; there is still heaps to do; the project just keeps going. For inspiration, I get loads of stuff second-hand in charity shops and Facebook Marketplace, then I add my spin onto it.”
Her penchant for upcycling and reinventing vintage items into extraordinary pieces shines through. She proudly describes her transformation of a coffee table into one adorned with what she endearingly calls “dead cherubs,” a testament to her unique approach to home decor.
As she continues reimagining her living space, Ashleigh has her sights set on her next project, which involves the top of the stairs and the incorporation of mannequin legs. She envisions an artful outcome and plans to bring her artistic prowess to the task.
While some might equate her style with the Addams family or a funeral parlor, Ashleigh emphasizes that her approach is more curated and nuanced, where type still matters, even amid eccentricity.
If you’re curious to follow Ashleigh’s captivating interior design journey, you can find her on TikTok at @ashbandicoot_.