We’ve all spent more time at home over the last few years. Where once many of us would be out the door at 7.30 am and home at 6 pm, seeing our homes in the evenings and at weekends, plenty of us have embraced hybrid working. This has meant more time staring at the wonky plaster in the spare room and the paint colour we detest in the kitchen. If you’re considering making some updates around the place, read on.
Here is some inspiration to help transform your property through DIY.
Why do DIY
It’s true that there were a few DIY-related incidents during lockdown. Many homeowners took out their toolbelts, but their limited knowledge led to a few injuries. However, if you know when to try your hand at DIY and know when it’s time to call in the experts, you’re well-placed to give DIY a go. And there are plenty of reasons to try things for yourself.
First, while it’s important that you know when to get expert help, it tends to be cheaper to do some basic home improvements yourself. Also, it gives you a chance to take charge of your own property, leaving you with a feeling of accomplishment when you’ve hung those shelves or fixed the flooring.
Plus, you have total control over how things will look. We’re a nation of home décor fans, with classic shows like Changing Rooms making a comeback. We love nothing more than an interior glow-up.
So, what basic DIY could you try?
Painting and decorating
This is a prime example of a DIY job that’s cheaper to do yourself. While you’re more likely to pay for a professional finish, it can be easier – and kinder to the wallet – to buy pots of the colour you want for your walls and get the paintbrushes out.
You’ll need to prep the area, covering any furniture to avoid getting paint on your upholstery. You’ll also need some masking tape to fit along corners and ridges, such as where the ceiling meets the walls. This will keep your paint job nice and even.
Just make sure that if you’re painting up high you have someone to hold the ladder you’re using. This will keep you from falling.
Upcycling
This is a sustainable way of adding something special to your home. Look out for second-hand furniture in good condition and put your own stamp on it. You could sand down and paint wooden drawers, adding soft-close drawer runners to prevent banging sounds as you put your things away.
Storage and shelving
Storage is essential if you want to tidy things up around your home. Take the time to have a clear-out, binning anything you don’t need or want, then for the things you’re keeping, consider where you want things to go. There are clever storage options like stools that double up as storage boxes and wall hangers where you can stash your belongings.
What DIY jobs will you try?
Let me know in the comments below!
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