Birkenhead or Barbados? Woman turns one bed flat into 'tropical oasis'

When Sophie Hill first moved into her one bedroom flat in Birkenhead with her boyfriend Sam, it was completely empty.

The rented property in Hamilton Square came unfurnished, making it a blank canvas for the couple to put their stamp on.

Sophie, 25, soon got to work on the flat by hunting for cheap second hand furniture and freebies on Facebook groups and in charity shops.

She pulled off the amazing transformation on a tight budget of less than £100.

The couple now own over 150 house plants which have turned the flat into a tropical oasis.

Sophie Hill has transformed her one bedroom flat into Birkenhead into a tropical oasis (Sophie Hill)

Sophie told the ECHO: "We moved in in March 2018.

"The flat came unfurnished with grey walls and a grey carpet.

"It was completely empty so we had to do it ourselves.

"We wanted to put our own stamp on it."

Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here.

Although the couple couldn't decorate the flat due to it being a rented property, Sophie was able to change the way it looked using stylish furniture and accessories.

From a free red leather sofa to rattan furniture, Sophie has managed to find second hand items by searching Facebook Market Place and asking friends.

Sophie Hill has transformed her one bedroom flat into Birkenhead into a tropical oasis (Sophie Hill)

Sophie used items she found from Facebook groups and charity shops (Sophie Hill)

She said: "Lots of people give away old rattan furniture.

"They think it's old junk but if you put it in the right setting it works really well."

Enter your postcode for the latest property news in your area

During lockdown, Sophie had more time on her hands, which she spent up cycling items for the flat.

But one thing that stands out most in the space, is the couple's collection of house plants.

Sophie said: "I never even had plants until I moved into my own place.

"My neighbour was really into it and through talking to her I just got a bug for it.

"We haven't got a garden and it's nice to have house plants around you. It's quite relaxing."

Sophie said she had a budget of less than £100 (Sophie Hill)

Speaking of how she's transformed the flat, Sophie added: "It's not like you can do it overnight.

"I started to swap furniture that was better suited to my taste when it came up.

"I don't believe you have to spend a lot of money to have a nice home."