DIY
Budget Home Decor Ideas: Beautiful Rooms for Less
Decorating on a budget is not about buying cheap things. It is about spending money where it makes the biggest difference, and saving money where it does not. A room can be...
DIY
DIY home decor, budget decorating, gallery walls, accent walls, rug and paint guides, curtains, colour schemes and seasonal decor ideas.
DIY home decor is satisfying because you end up with a home that is personal and a skill you can use again. The guides in this section cover budget decorating, easy DIY projects for beginners, gallery walls, accent walls, rug and paint sizing, curtains, colour schemes and seasonal decor. Each guide is written for a beginner, with the tools, the measurements and the safety advice you need to start, and the mistakes to avoid. You will learn how to paint furniture, make cushion covers, hang shelves, plan a gallery wall, choose an accent wall, measure for a rug or a curtain, and work out how much paint you need, with calculators to do the sums for your exact room. The guides also explain when to call a professional, because electrical work, gas, plumbing and structural changes are jobs for a qualified person, not a DIY project. Whether you are decorating on a budget, making your first DIY project, or refreshing a room with the seasons, start small, finish what you start, and let your confidence grow with each project.
The DIY and budget guides share one principle: spend money where it shows, and save where it does not. Paint, textiles and rearranging furniture change a room more than new furniture, and second-hand finds are often better quality than new furniture at the same price. Use the calculators in the tools section to work out the exact numbers for your project, so you buy the right amount and waste nothing.
Guides in DIY
DIY
DIY Home Decor Ideas: Easy Projects for Beginners
DIY home decor is satisfying because you end up with a home that is personal and a skill you can use again. It is also a good way to decorate on a budget, because your time...
DIY
Gallery Wall Ideas: How to Plan, Hang and Style One
A gallery wall is a collection of pictures, hung together as one display. It is a great way to show photographs, art and memories, and it can fill a large, empty wall. It is also...
DIY
Accent Wall Ideas: Colour, Panelling, Wallpaper and More
An accent wall is one wall that is different from the others, usually a bolder colour, a pattern, or a texture. It adds depth and focus to a room, without the commitment of...
DIY
How to Choose a Rug Size: Room-by-Room Guide
A rug that is too small is the most common decorating mistake, and it makes a room look smaller and less expensive. A rug that is the right size ties the furniture together,...
DIY
How Much Paint Do I Need? A Simple Calculator Guide
Buying paint is a guessing game for most people, and the guess is usually wrong. Buy too little and you run out halfway through a wall. Buy too much and you waste money on paint...
DIY
How to Choose Curtains: Size, Fabric and Hanging Guide
Curtains do more than block light. They make a window look larger, a room look taller, and a space feel finished. The wrong curtains, too short, too narrow, or hung too low, make...
DIY
Home Color Schemes: How to Choose Colours That Work Together
Choosing colours for a home is hard, because there are thousands of colours and they all look different on a wall than on a swatch. The solution is not to choose a colour for each...
DIY
Seasonal Home Decor Ideas for Every Time of Year
Seasonal decor keeps a home feeling fresh, because it changes with the year. It does not need to be a full redecoration, or a house full of themed objects. The best seasonal decor...
Frequently asked questions
What are easy DIY projects for beginners?
Painting furniture, making cushion covers, hanging shelves, creating art, and upcycling old objects. Start small and finish one project before starting the next.
How do I decorate on a budget?
Start with free changes: rearrange furniture and declutter. Then paint, add textiles, and buy second hand. Spend on the things you touch daily.
How much paint do I need?
Measure the wall area, subtract doors and windows, and divide by the coverage on the tin, usually about 10 square metres per litre. Most rooms need two coats.
When should I call a professional instead of DIY?
For electrical work, gas, plumbing and structural changes, always call a professional. If a project feels too big or too dangerous, it is a job for a professional.