20 QUESTIONS
Sam Jones is a Client Account Manager at Edward Thomas Interiors (ETI), an award- winning, specialist interior design firm operating exclusively within new homes. Sam works with the UK’s best-known housebuilders to deliver memorable and imaginative show homes where people will want to live. A talented photographer, Sam also curates inspirational content for ETI’s social media Would you rather have a library room or media room at home? Movies and music are my biggest hobbies, so a media room would be a luxury. I’d like a full cinema-style space with the old vintage chairs, a big screen and a popcorn machine. Would you prefer a luxurious bathtub or a sumptuous shower? Luxurious bathtub. I find it a good place for creative thinking. Plus you can have bubbles to go with the bubbles! Would you rather live in the bustling city or in the country? I think somewhere in the middle. I like being able to dip into a city and go to a bar or restaurant, but I also enjoy the peacefulness of the countryside. If you were buying a property overseas, in what country would you buy a home? I’m currently learning French on Duolingo, so somewhere in the South of France. It has incredible weather, some of the best flea and antique markets, and it’s a short distance from other European countries for visits. Would you rather have a bigger property or a better location? Location’s an essential, you have to love where you live. I like places that offer the best of both worlds. So a town with great coffee shops, pubs etc but with greenery nearby to walk my dog. What is one thing you couldn’t live without at home? My record player. What’s your favourite way to unwind at home after work? See above, ha ha! Unwinding for me is cooking, putting some music on and watching a reality TV series on Netflix. What’s your favourite thing about your home? The outside space I mentioned before. It’s private, relaxing and a sun trap. I’ll miss it when we move. Where did you buy your first home? Bridgenorth in Shropshire. It was a mid-terrace, two-up-two- down Edwardian property that needed everything doing to it. We relocated from London to return to where my partner grew up and it was certainly a change of scenery! What advice would you give a first time buyer? Try to keep an open mind and don’t rule anything out. Even if you think you have a style in mind, view as many different homes as you can. We almost discounted our current house; we only viewed it to cross it out and then changed our minds as soon as we saw it. What are your views on shared ownership? There should be more of it! One of the reasons we moved away from London was affordability. I read recently that almost two out of three first time buyers in London are having to team up with a friend, sibling or partner to get on the property ladder. Shared ownership offers a viable alternative. It’s a great option that should be more widely discussed. What are your views on the housing market at the moment? It seems to have stabilised more recently both in terms of house prices and interest rates. I’m hoping this will bring a degree of confidence back but, of course, we have the aftermath of the election yet to navigate. I’m hopeful the new Government will introduce meaningful incentives for first time buyers.
What room at home is your favourite? Our kitchen/diner. It’s open plan and has French doors on to the garden so it’s real space for entertaining and has that indoor/ outdoor living vibe. I love to put some music on, follow a recipe and have a glass of wine. What’s your favourite gadget or technology at home? That’s easy – the Sonos system. I love listening to music, in fact we have a record player in the kitchen that is connected to the Sonos so I can play all my vinyl! What colour do you think everyone should have in their home? I don’t think you can go wrong with green. It’s such a versatile colour; it can be paired with other shades from the same family, complements other colours, and looks great with woods or metallics. In my home, I have green walls, accessories and cushions. I like the connections with nature it inspires. Which three people would you invite over for a housewarming party if you could have any guests? To critique my decor and get some tips on home styling, I’d invite the interior designer Matthew Williamson. Then, for the food and entertainment, I’d pick Nigella Lawson and Kylie Minogue! What’s your favourite memory from your childhood home? I must have been about six when my Dad starting building an extension to our cottage. I remember completely getting in his way but I loved seeing how the mess was transformed into something usable. Thinking about it, this was probably quite an informative moment in my choice of career. What is your favourite song and why? Cyndi Lauper’s Time after Time . My parents used to listen to her album and it just reminds me of growing up. That or Purple Rain by Prince. It’s timeless. Would you rather have a garden or a balcony? Definitely a garden. My current one is a tale of two halves. One side is a patio area with loads of Mediterranean plants while the other has more of a cottage garden style. Do you prefer modern homes or period properties? I’ve always loved Edwardian/Victorian-era properties, but they require a lot of upkeep. I’m actually looking to move at the moment and am gravitating towards a modern style. We will have to see what wins! 20 QUESTIONS Sam Jones
138 First Time Buyer August/September 2024
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