How Olivia Bowen went from Love Island runner-up to creating a multi-million pound property portfolio and a new career in interior design

How Olivia Bowen went from Love Island runner-up to creating a multi-million pound property portfolio and a new career in interior design

As a seasoned property investor and burgeoning interior designer, I find myself utterly captivated by this stunning home that Olivia and Alex have so meticulously crafted. The luxurious ensuite bedroom with his-and-hers white and gold sinks, not to mention the marble worktops, is a testament to their refined taste and attention to detail.


Olivia Bowen openly discusses her transition into the field of interior design and her efforts in accumulating a sizable real estate empire worth millions.

30-year-old celebrity gained popularity when she finished as a runner-up alongside her partner Alex (age 32) during season two of Love Island in 2016. Later, they got married in September 2018, and welcomed their son Abel into the world in 2020.

Following their departure from the show, the pair successfully raked in a significant amount via endorsements and eventually landed their own TV series titled “Olivia and Alex Said Yes” which aired on TLC in 2018.

However, Olivia acknowledges that Love Island fame is temporary, so instead, she’s choosing to invest in real estate and pursue her passion for interior design as a career.

In her recent chat with The Sunday Times, she shared: “I understand Love Island won’t stay forever. My influencer career brings me immense joy, but I sense changes ahead. What truly captivates me now is the world of interior design – it’s a path I aspire to walk in life.”

How Olivia Bowen went from Love Island runner-up to creating a multi-million pound property portfolio and a new career in interior design

How Olivia Bowen went from Love Island runner-up to creating a multi-million pound property portfolio and a new career in interior design
How Olivia Bowen went from Love Island runner-up to creating a multi-million pound property portfolio and a new career in interior design

From an early age, my father emphasized the significance of real estate to me, and this idea stayed with me. When I developed a passion for interior design, these two areas seamlessly complemented each other.

In the year 2017, Alex and Olivia spent approximately £800,000 to buy their initial residence in Chelmsford, Essex. Later, in 2020, they invested more than £1 million to acquire a house that had been Olivia’s dream.

That very same year, they additionally channeled £128,000 towards refurbishing a one-bedroom property in Birmingham, with the intention of leasing it afterwards.

Year after year, I’ve been relentlessly expanding my collection of buy-to-let properties, and last year was no exception. I managed to secure a fantastic three-bedroom rental gem priced at an impressive £175,000!

In the previous year, they managed to resell their property in Essex at a profit of £500,000 over the purchase price, and they plan to invest in a new plot located in Essex for approximately £250,000, which is expected to be completed in June 2023.

Moreover, Olivia disclosed that the couple intends to purchase an impressive total of four additional two-bedroom homes in Manchester within the upcoming two months.

She explained that her passion for property investment lies in the interior design side, and is budgeting around £15,000 per house to make them perfect for renters.

However, the homeowner, who has one child, openly acknowledged that she had much to grasp when she initially purchased her residence. She candidly confessed that her interior design skills were abysmal at first, leading her to make numerous decorative blunders.

How Olivia Bowen went from Love Island runner-up to creating a multi-million pound property portfolio and a new career in interior design
How Olivia Bowen went from Love Island runner-up to creating a multi-million pound property portfolio and a new career in interior design
How Olivia Bowen went from Love Island runner-up to creating a multi-million pound property portfolio and a new career in interior design
How Olivia Bowen went from Love Island runner-up to creating a multi-million pound property portfolio and a new career in interior design
How Olivia Bowen went from Love Island runner-up to creating a multi-million pound property portfolio and a new career in interior design

She shared that her long-cherished desire for a home was one requiring extensive renovations, as it was in need of considerable improvements. She wanted to avoid repeating past errors during this project.

In the midst of lockdown, I seized the moment to dive headfirst into the world of interior design, eager to perfect my skills and create beautiful living spaces.

During the pandemic, she decided to study interior design to ensure she did it correctly. This shift in focus transformed her approach to designing the house and sparked a profound affection for interior design and real estate within her.

As a fervent enthusiast, I can attest that the online course I took was nothing short of incredibly practical and truly outstanding. In fact, it was so effective that I managed to complete my diploma an astounding three months ahead of schedule!

I established an Instagram page to chronicle the transformation of our ideal home, essentially from its foundations upwards. This gives my followers a unique behind-the-scenes look at the project, from the initial stages right through to completion.

At long last, the couple officially moved into their opulent residence a month ago, gleefully showcasing the completed renovations. This exquisite dwelling includes an “ocean room” designed for their toddler and a charming tribute to the Love Island villa in Mallorca where they first crossed paths.

Olivia openly acknowledged feeling proud upon witnessing all her plans materialize and observing her abilities grow, emphasizing that such instances underscore the significance of not underestimating individuals who once appeared on reality shows.

She expressed: ‘On Love Island, you’re confined within a specific space, but that’s not my aspiration. Instead, I aim to delve into property investment and become an interior designer – those are the paths I intend to pursue.’

How Olivia Bowen went from Love Island runner-up to creating a multi-million pound property portfolio and a new career in interior design
How Olivia Bowen went from Love Island runner-up to creating a multi-million pound property portfolio and a new career in interior design
How Olivia Bowen went from Love Island runner-up to creating a multi-million pound property portfolio and a new career in interior design
How Olivia Bowen went from Love Island runner-up to creating a multi-million pound property portfolio and a new career in interior design
How Olivia Bowen went from Love Island runner-up to creating a multi-million pound property portfolio and a new career in interior design

Images and clips reveal the opulent master suite of their elegant residence, featuring his-and-hers sinks in pristine white and gold, exquisite marble countertops, coordinating mirrors, and a spacious glass-enclosed shower.

Olivia carefully incorporated a distinct Mediterranean ambiance into their renovated home, and she confessed that they traveled to Lake Como specifically to find the perfect outdoor decorations.

The couple really liked how Abel’s room turned out, referring to it as the “Ocean Room,” since they were very pleased with it.

On a single expansive wall, there hung a breathtaking piece of art depicting diverse sea creatures inhabiting the ocean depths.

The kitchen was designed with cream and wooden tones boosting an elegant but minimal style, completed with wooden stools.

Speaking as a lifestyle enthusiast, I simply can’t contain my excitement when I step into this stunning outdoor area that feels like a charming corner of Italy right here in my backyard.

The setup included light-toned countertops and a sizable outdoor brick oven, decorated in a rustic style with shades of blue and red, standing out against terracotta tile backsplashes.

The beautiful open-air location seemed ideal for hosting a summer barbecue, complete with a cozy wooden pergola that offered just enough sunlight for everyone’s pleasure.

The pair even made a sweet nod to their time on Love Island, as the outside kitchen looked just like the al fresco foodie area of the famous villa.

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2024-08-25 16:04

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