Sophie Collins, a 29-year-old from Hampshire, United Kingdom, had grand plans for her new apartment. Purchased earlier this year, she saw it as a blank canvas to express her colorful and maximalist style. Collins appreciated the property’s architecture and structure, envisioning her quirky design filling every corner.

Her excitement was palpable as she started transforming her new space. However, shortly after moving in during late April, she began feeling unwell. By May, Collins experienced symptoms like extreme fatigue, a chronic cough, headaches, and sinus pressure. Initially, she attributed these to exhaustion from her busy schedule of working and redecorating.

Collins had previously read about mold exposure, and though it lingered in her mind, a thorough check revealed little mold visible in her apartment. Limited mold was found by the windows and on blinds, but she feared some might have been painted over before her purchase.

Eventually, Collins reached out to mold specialists, who confirmed her suspicions. After three or four weeks of exposure, a report showed the apartment had high moisture and humidity levels, ideal for mold growth. This revelation validated her health concerns.

Following treatment for mold, Collins’s symptoms vanished. However, her renovation plans faced a setback; she must wait a year after treatment before continuing, as painting or wallpapering could interfere with the treatment. So far, she’d only managed to update the entryway, hallway, and part of the living room.

On August 25, Collins shared her journey on TikTok at @its_sophies_place, marking 287 days until she could resume decorating. Her enthusiasm for interior design remains, as she’s passionate about creating a homely and cozy space.

Meanwhile, Collins focuses on using furniture and smaller projects to make her apartment feel like home while eagerly anticipating the day she can fully decorate.

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