Channel Spotlight: Mr Carrington

“The most important thing for me is for them to feel happy, welcome and enjoy the time they spend watching. Maybe have something spark their imagination or feel encouraged to try something new.”

Creating YouTube videos wasn’t something Iwan Carrington thought he would be doing when he launched his lifestyle blog, Mr Carrington. However, as he became an avid viewer of the site, he began thinking about creating his own channel, which would later come to host over 20,000 subscribers.

“During some house renovations, I started watching DIY tutorials,” Iwan says, explaining what eventually pushed him into making videos. “Many of them were US-based, so some of the materials weren’t available in the UK. So I thought I’d have a go at doing my own!”

The resulting video, which featured him painting the cupboards in his kitchen, never made it onto his channel, save a mention in his 10,000 subscriber celebration video, but Iwan was hooked and soon his DIY and lifestyle channel was born.

The best way to describe Iwan’s channel is a video version of his blog. Featuring travel vlogs and a host of lifestyle, DIY, and homeware and fashion haul videos, it’s come to embody everything he’s known for. Whether you’re looking for the best items currently available at Poundland or are researching places to visit the next time you get time off work, there is something for everyone.

“There’s something very cosy about sitting down with a coffee, lighting some candles and filming a haul from the comfort of my living room,” shares Iwan, when discussing his favourite type of content to film. “I feel like I’m sat with the viewer, having a nice chat, and I love shopping and sharing what I’ve bought, so, for me, that’s ideal.

“Vlogs are great to look back on, and I love capturing new places and scenery, the pace of them, and playing around with music and editing.”

As for his DIY vlogs? While he enjoys the finished product and working on projects, Iwan admits “they are often a bit of nightmare to shoot”, given what can go wrong during filming and the amount of time it takes to create them.

It’s easy to see how important the home and lifestyle genres are to Iwan, given the content he shares on YouTube, his blog and on Instagram via his @MrCarringtonHome and @MisterCarrington accounts. In fact, his dedication has led him to be nominated for “Blogger of the Year” at this year’s Blogosphere Awards. For him, the creativity and the ability to be encouraging and inspiring are what continually draw him to covering such topics.

“I’m no expert, but I’ll have a bash at things and share what I learn along the way,” he shares. “YouTube tutorials have taught me so much and I enjoy passing on little things I think might help other people. I have a good hack! I also think it’s a really supportive genre. The viewers and creators are full of positivity and want to help each other.”

Iwan has drawn inspiration from many YouTubers over the years. He names Luke Catleugh for inspiring him to start vlogging in public; Kate McCabe, with whom he connected with over their shared love of charity shops; and Hermione Chantal, whose DIY videos constantly inspire his own content.

“There are too many others to mention,” he admits. “I love watching YouTube and I’ve got a large subscription box!”

So what does Iwan want his viewers to take from his channel? He hopes it leaves them feeling inspired and encouraged to try new things that spark their imagination, “It blows my mind when people message me to say they’ve made one of the DIYs or bought a plant on my recommendation. I’m so thankful to them for taking the time in their day to watch, and reading the comments makes my day.”

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