HOME DIY

DIY DECOR AND INTERIORS INSPIRATION

Browse my DIY posts and upcyling projects by clicking on one of the categories below for inspiration for your home renovation and for ways to decorate on a budget…

Home buying

4 Hidden costs to consider when buying a house

Even though it might appear to make sense to buy rather than rent, to move to an area where property is cheaper or to downsize to save money on your mortgage, there may be some hidden costs you should consider before buying a house – is the move worth it?

Festive

4 Things that’ll help you move house before Christmas

At this time of year, everything seems to be about ‘doing it before Christmas’. The celebration provides a handy marker to complete your goals before the end of the year. But what if moving into a new house is your goal? Here are some ways you can achieve it before Christmas…

DIY furniture makeovers

DIY video: Upcycling my Adirondack chairs with vibrant stripes

If your patio chairs or garden benches are looking a little worse for wear after years in your backyard, why not give them a fresh makeover with some seaside-inspired stripes? Here’s a step-by-step video to show you how I upcycled my Adirondack seats for summer…

Home buying

How to buy your own home on a budget with shared ownership

With soaring interest rates, unaffordable property prices and saving for a deposit often out of reach, it may feel like you’ll never get a chance to buy your own home. Here’s how shared ownership is helping first-time buyers to invest sooner rather than later…

Bedroom

6 Soft furnishing sewing projects & how to find fabrics on a budget

Making your own soft furnishings is one of the easiest DIY projects to tackle for your home. Here’s a round-up of simple sewing projects (and some no-sew ones too!) that’ll help you update your decor. Plus, I’ve shared some thrifty ways to get hold of suitable fabrics too…

Garden

3 Ideas for creating a zero-maintenance garden

If you love the idea of enjoying some time outdoors this summer but just can’t face all the chores that come with maintaining a garden, here are three ideas that’ll help you create a space with zero ongoing effort…

Bedroom

5 Clever storage solutions for new homeowners

As a new homeowner, finding innovative ways to store your belongings is essential for maintaining a clutter-free and organised living space. Here are my ultimate space-saving storage ideas…

DIY

What can plywood be used for? 5 Possible applications

Have you ever wondered what plywood is used for? From furniture to construction, this versatile material can be used in various ways to give high-quality results. Whether you’re looking for new DIY project ideas or are just curious about its many applications, here are five possible uses for ply…

Bedroom

How to DIY that holiday home look in your own bedroom

It’s so lovely to escape for a short break every once in a while, but just what is it that makes a holiday home feel so relaxing? And how can you DIY that look and feel in your own house? Here are some tips to achieve that getaway vibe on a budget…

Home buying

How to downsize your home to save money on bills

Downsizing might not be an option for all of us to save money on our bills but, if you’re living in a property that’s bigger than you need, you may want to investigate the option of moving house and cutting your costs at the same time. Here are some things to consider…

DIY furniture makeovers

DIY project: Chair repair

Whether you’ve got an old heirloom or a tatty seat that needs refinishing, repairing a chair is a project you can tackle yourself. It’s always handy to have extra seating so here’s a step-by-step guide to repair and revamp any old chair…

Allotment

Allotment update: Frosty days on the plot

Now that it’s winter and the ground is frozen over, what CAN still be done on the allotment? I’ve shared a rather frosty update to let you know how my veggie patch is getting on…

HOME DIY

How to heat your home well this winter with these energy-saving tips

You may think that going without heating for as long as you can is a money-saving solution to the cost-of-living crisis. However, the impact of a cold home on your health and on the property itself means you really should heat your home whenever you can. But that doesn’t mean spending a small fortune on energy. Here are some ideas to help you cut costs AND stay warm this winter…

Garden

The best houseplants to buy on a budget

Houseplants are great for health, productivity and positivity. They brighten a room, release oxygen into the air, remove toxins from the atmosphere and add character to your home or office. But they do tend to cost money. Here are some ways to still grow house plants, without the hefty price tag…

Living Spaces

10 Things to consider before installing a cosy fireplace

There’s nothing more festive than a real log fire burning in the grate of a fireplace. However, many homes have had their fireplaces removed over the years and no longer have that cosy Christmassy feel. So, if you fancy reinstating your fireplace this winter, here are some facts to consider…

Home tours

Home tour of a cosy period school house in Devon

How do you update a period school house without losing its character and charm? Take a tour around this 1890s home belonging to Abby of @another_old_school_house and be inspired by its cosy interior and elegant ambience.

Bedroom

3 Hottest wallpaper patterns to try & how to do it your own way

Wallpaper is one of the easiest ways to bring a whole new look to your interior. Just a roll or two can make all the difference with a feature wall that brings impact and colour. Here are three of the hottest trends, and different ways to make them work in your home…

Home office

How to turn your office space into a home away from home

If you’re spending more hours in the office than out of it, you might as well make it comfortable and an enjoyable place to spend your time. Whether that’s your working-from-home office or your small business office, it IS possible to create a homely feeling while you work…

Home buying

How to continue saving a deposit for your first home during the cost of living crisis

If you’ve been trying to save for your future home and now the cost of living crisis has hit, you might be thinking that it’s no longer possible to put aside any cash for your deposit – or for any other goal you have. But there ARE still ways that you can keep saving and organise your finances to make your homeowning dream a reality…

DIY

5 Amazing upcycles by inspirational interior Instagrammers

If you’re tackling a home revamp this year, why not consider shopping secondhand for your furniture? It’s certainly a great way to save money and lets you put your own stamp on your interior by creating something completely unique to you. Take inspiration from these talented interior Instagrammers and their 5 amazing upcycles…

Home buying

A handy guide to the 4 types of debt and how to manage them

You might not realise it, but there are many different types of debt – and not all of them are bad. It’s therefore important to understand the kinds of debt available so that you can make informed decisions about the best ways to borrow money when you need to…

Home buying

5 Questions to ask yourself before renting out your property

If you’re temporarily moving for work, have inherited a property or have even saved enough money to invest in a second home, why not make the most of your situation and rent out the house or rooms? Here are some questions you should ask yourself before putting your property on the rental market…

Allotment

How to build an insect-proof mesh tunnel to prevent brassica massacre

If you’re growing cabbage, broccoli or spouts in your veggie patch, you’ll know how difficult it is to keep the cabbage white butterflies (and the very hungry caterpillars they produce) off your plants. Here’s how to DIY an insect-proof mesh tunnel to prevent brassica massacre…

HOME DIY

How to maintain your flooring to make it last longer

Flooring is an often overlooked part of our homes but it’s also one of the things that really makes a room look tired if it’s not kept in good condition. Here are some tips to maintain your floors and save money in the long term…

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