It's that time of year when the sun starts streaming through the windows and makes you think about rejuvenating rooms... start off with some spring cleaning and follow on with some updating of accessories... or go the whole hog and buy some new furniture... move things around, redecorate.... oh my word the jobs list can be endless !!! If, like me, you LOVE a list then happy days ...

Here at Alternative we can help you with all kinds of lovely things to make your house more of a home, each room can be updated and given an on trend new feel. We take hours choosing the new colours/themes/ideas that come along every year, Tony and I are definitely at the age where we are seeing trends come around again from when we first opened the Alternative doors to the unsuspecting people of Carlisle... they didn't know what had hit them back in 1985 !! We brought from our time working in Edinburgh new and strange things poor Cumbrians had been missing, the 5ft tall Tulip lamps were looked at in awe !!! We soon, thankfully found a loyal and loving following though, and Tony became bolder in his buying, never afraid to try anything. When we opened Keswick shop in 2011 the retail environment was much more open to everyone, not as easy to show things never seen before, the internet brings virtually everything into our living rooms but we still very much enjoy showing people what we perceive to be good design and affordable. Shopping in Keswick is a great experience, there are many great shops here, with a wide range of offer... it really isn't just outdoor clothing !!??

Come and have a mooch around, have a great lunch or drinks in one of the brilliant cafes or bars .... and just enjoy yourself... another Bank Holiday weekend looms, and the crowning of a new KIng... that doesn't happen every day !!!