Planning a home renovation or a redecoration project can be a lot of fun. From choosing colours and patterns to selecting and arranging furniture – it is a great way to get creative and think about the type of home environment you wish to create. However, it can involve quite a lot of work, depending on the scope of the project. And it can also become quite costly. But with some creativity, DIY know-how and lots of research, it’s possible to upgrade your home on a budget. Whether you want to renovate your kitchen like a pro or turn your bedroom into a peaceful haven, planning your project in advance and creating a strong vision for what you wish to achieve can go a long way in keeping your project on track and keeping costs low, without compromising on quality or style.
Planning a DIY project
If you are planning to redecorate any area of your home, start by assessing what you currently have. Is there furniture or light fixtures such as a ceiling rose that you can repurpose? Are there home textiles like curtains, rugs, throws or cushions that can be laundered and used in the space? Re-use what you already have to help save the pennies, while also being more eco-friendly than investing in new items.
Alternatively, have a look in antiques stores, second hand shops and at flea markets to find some bargains. They tend to be interesting places to rummage through for home accessories like vases, lights, mirrors and picture frames. They are also great for picking up furniture. Shopping at places like these means you can pick up more unique pieces plus, save some dollars, especially when it comes to big pieces like wardrobes, drawers, shelves and dressing tables.
A total revamp
Larger jobs like revamping an entire room or redesigning and creating a soothing sanctuary in your bathroom will most likely require professional help. This is especially important for jobs in the bathroom and kitchen where areas may need to be watertight. Flooring is another task that is best left to professionals – laying carpet, a wooden floor or tiles is a tricky task and can be expensive to undo if it goes awry.
The DIY tasks that can generally be tackled without the help of a professional include the following:
- Repainting a room or a signature wall
- Making basic home repairs like fixing lamps or damaged furniture
- Upcycling a piece of furniture. Just be sure to have the products you need to hand before starting
- Framing and hanging wall art. This is also a great way to change up the mood in a room
- Creating a cork board wall in your home office
- Replacing curtains or adding blinds to windows
- Changing out old lampshades for new ones. In some cases, installing a new lighting fixture is also a nice way to change the lighting features in a room
Interior design ideas for 2023
Take interior design inspiration from chic designers by adopting some of the top trends for 2023. Layering rugs is a great way to mix and match pattern, while adding some extra cosiness. Let greenery take center stage by using plants as feature items in your living room or kitchen. They will also add a splash of colour and life to the space. Adding a mirror to a room is a great way to maximise the natural light, as well as add depth. Mirrors also make great features for large walls. When shopping for a new mirror, it is worth keep an eye out at local flea markets and at online second hand websites to find a bargain.
Whether you prefer a rustic, traditional vibe, or a sleek, modern look in your home, planning your DIY project and the look you want to achieve is always worthwhile. Gather images and ideas online and create a vision board or mood board to build a solid picture of the look you want to go for. Stick with a small colour palette of just 2-4 shades, as this will make it easier to select and match your wall colour with fabrics. Using a small palette will also lead to a more streamlined, professional-looking result.
