A mum-of-one has revealed how she spent just £269 to transform her house – using only items purchased from Shein.
Janine Santos says what started as a hunt for affordable clothing quickly turned into a full-blown interior obsession.
As a cruise ship worker, the 46-year-old from Cardiff often spends long stretches away from home.
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But when she returns, Janine quickly gets bored of her surroundings.
Using the Chinese budget fashion retailer Shein – which is very popular among UK shoppers – she has revamped her house without breaking the bank.
She initially shared her interior makeover online without thinking much of it, but was quickly bombarded with shocked reactions – especially from friends who assumed her décor must have cost a fortune.
“When people find out my homeware is mostly from Shein, their jaws drop,” Janine told What’s The Jam.
“People have been shocked, in a good way.
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“They walk in expecting something expensive as I was always the designer person.
“One friend couldn’t believe it when I told her it was all Shein – she literally screamed.
“I think she was expecting me to say some fancy, overpriced designer brand.
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“She went straight to the website and started filling her basket.
“It’s like people have this idea that Shein is only for clothes – but the home stuff is genuinely stylish and surprisingly good quality.
“I used to do interior design years ago and it’s amazing what you can get on there.”
Janine, who travels for most of the year, says she wanted her Welsh home to feel cosy and personal during the short periods she’s back on land.
She added: “I’m a full-time traveller and I get to come home a few weeks a year – I like my home to feel like home.
“My husband Damon always says, ‘Oh no… here she goes again,’ whenever I start a new seasonal refresh.”
Janine describes her style as boho with a designer twist, mixing budget buys with statement pieces.
Among her Shein purchases include dried pampas grass, vinyl wrap for furniture, cushion covers, light fixtures and even toilet roll holders.
She’s also kitted out bedrooms with tapestry, bedding, curtains and curtain poles.
Janine added: “I didn’t expect much when I bought the curtains – I thought they’d probably look naff.
“But I love them – they’re really thick and have lining underneath and a royal lace net over the top.”
Despite loving the look and getting positive feedback, Janine admits not everyone has been on board.
Some people online have criticised her for buying from fast fashion giants – even for homeware.
She said: “There’s always someone, isn’t there? I’ve had one or two side-eye comments, but honestly, I just shrug that off.
“My home feels warm, modern, and personal – and that’s what matters.
“I’m not here trying to impress anyone.
“I’m creating a space that feels like me.
“I’ve had the odd DM about fast fashion, but I think it’s about how you shop.
“I don’t buy things just for the sake of it, I’m intentional.
“And with home décor, I actually use everything I buy.
“I mix Shein with other pieces and rotate things through the seasons, which I think is more thoughtful than just hoarding.
“I don’t just throw out my old items – if they are still in great condition, I sell them online or pass it on to friends.
“But I also love donating to local charities or women’s shelters.
“I think if something made my home feel beautiful, it can do the same for someone else.
“Nothing goes to waste if I can help it.”
The home she’s transformed isn’t new either — Janine bought her three-bed semi-detached house when she was just 20.
Since then, she’s extended it by converting the garage, adding an upstairs level and separate entrance to create an Airbnb called Cwtchy House, where she’s now a Superhost.
She added: “From the success of that, I invested in another Airbnb property in Egypt.
“Again, this is decorated using Shein.
“But I love my ‘Shein house’ in the UK.
“It feels fun, cosy, and current.
“It’s like I’ve curated a little Pinterest board in real life.
“I’ve just received a delivery with new curtains, bedding, cushions and pictures ready to do my other bedroom.
“I will change a few things in winter, like adding a fluffy rug and throws.
“I like that I can switch things up without spending a fortune.”
Despite her designer brand-loving past, Janine says Shein has completely changed the way she decorates.
Her son Keanau, now 26, recently moved out – which freed up even more space to revamp.
And while Janine’s lifestyle means she’s not home much, when she is, she’s always planning her next Shein-fuelled refresh.
She added: “I used to shop at IKEA a lot, but although the prices are affordable, they’re not compared to my latest haul.
“Working for an interior design company, I used to invest in handmade curtains that were thick like quilts.
“I used to use brands like Andrew Martin, Osborne & Little and Farrow & Ball.
“I also used to love Flamant, which is a high-end Belgium brand. They were my go-to for timeless pieces.
“Now I’ve probably saved about 70% in costs for the same products from other stores by shopping on Shein.
“I’m one of those people who changes my home with the seasons, and yes – I’ll definitely be going back to Shein for the next one.”
