ONE of the things so many of us have discovered during the pandemic is the importance of our own homes and gardens.

As well as the lockdowns and long periods where we had great opportunity to look at the places where we live in more detail, the numbers of people working from home – which is a trend likely to continue for some – has meant a lot more focus on our personal surroundings.

Homestyle inspiration right here in Maldon district

But before you head off to a giant DIY chain store or home furnishings outlet out of town, have you stopped to consider just how much there is in the way of home improvement and homestyle goods, services, advice and inspiration right here in Maldon district?

Whether it's a major refurbishment such as the installation of a new kitchen or bathroom you're looking at, or a decorating job, new furnishings from flooring to curtains and light fittings or new furniture, to something as simple as a new scent for your home or ornaments to go with a new colour scheme - the district has you covered.

As well as Maldon and Burnham-on-Crouch town centres, there are numerous independent firms offering advice and supplying goods across the district. We all know that buying local means local jobs and more money coming into the local area – helping our Maldon district communities to thrive. Why head off anywhere else?

Just a quick glance at Maldon's High Street is a good illustration of what's available. There are independent bathroom and kitchen showrooms, hardware shops, lighting and electricals, as well as shops offering bespoke curtains, blinds and other home furnishings, specialist candle and scent shops, a myriad of places to buy or commission ornaments and art – at prices to suit all pockets.

You can even find second-hand furniture, maybe to try your hand at a chic upcycling project or just to save money and find a pre-loved bargain.

Burnham-on-Crouch town centre also offers plenty for the home, from antique furniture to bespoke curtains and blinds and paint and DIY goods and advice, too.

Of course, there's another big advantage to shopping locally when it comes to home improvements and styling your home, too – the surroundings. What better than to browse these local shops in between enjoying a drink and a bite to eat in the idyllic scenery of our beautiful towns and villages? With our many independent hospitality venues fully open again across the district, what better way to enjoy a shopping trip to gibe you all the home inspiration you need?

And if you can't get there in person…

Maldon District Council (MDC), in partnership with Click It Local, is helping to support independent retailers across the district. Click It Local launched across Maldon district on 20 April.

Click It Local provides residents with the chance to shop online from a great range of local traders across Maldon district. What's more, shoppers can shop at different shops with the ease of one payment and same-day delivery straight to their door.