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Read MoreCategory: Kitsch Kitchen
The Doorganiser: How to DIY a family organiser on a door
To make the most of the understairs cupboard I’ve transformed the door into a ‘doorganiser’ – a place to store essentials, create a weekly planner for the family & write shopping lists. Here’s how to make your own door organiser by upcycling DIY offcuts…
Read MoreHow to clean & refurbish a Picquot Ware teapot + original price list
Today I’m sharing some top tips from a Picquot Ware owner on how to clean and refurbish an original teapot, along with some photos of the original range and price list…
Read MoreHow to lino print your own patterned fabric for sewing projects
Planning a sewing project to make your own soft furnishings? Fancy upcycling a t-shirt with a design of your own? It’s easy to create a pretty pattern with lino printing and here’s how to do it yourself…
Read MoreHouse tour of stylist Tamsyn Morgans’ fairytale vintage home
When I first discovered stylist and photographer Tamsyn Morgans, I was blown away by her beautiful images and fairy-tale-esque interiors. Today I’m sharing a house tour of Tamsyn’s home on my blog so read on to step inside her whimsical, vintage world…
Read MoreStep-by-step upcycling project: Easy ways to revamp old plastic chairs
If you’ve got old plastic seating – whether desk chairs, garden loungers or old school seats – it IS possible to refresh the faded & stained plastic rather than taking them to the tip. Here’s how I got on when I gave my plastic swivel chairs a makeover…
Read MoreDIY Video: How to revamp melamine kitchen cabinets with spray paint
If you fancy giving your kitchen a new look, there’s no need to splash out on an entirely new installation. Even melamine cupboards can be revamped with spray paint! Here’s a step by step video to show you how to makeover your cabinets…
Read MoreSourcing vintage Skyline utensils for my thrifty 1950s kitchen makeover
I’ve recently been renovating the kitchen of my 1950s home, adding colour & vintage design to recreate how it would have looked when the house was first built. Here’s what I discovered when I searched for iconic Skyline utensils…
Read More5 Easy steps to organising (and minimising) your kitchen cupboards
Our kitchen items should actually fit into the kitchen units we have available – not piled up, shoved in, & tumbling out every time you open a cupboard door! So here’s 5 steps to help you minimise your kitchenalia and organise those units…
Read MoreExploring flooring options for my thrifty ’50s kitchen makeover
My thrifty ’50s kitchen makeover is nearly complete – with the exception of the flooring. So, I’ve researched a few options to revamp the space would love to know what you think…
Read MoreFrugal finishes that add the wow factor to budget kitchen makeovers
I was getting close to completing my DIY kitchen renovation but it all went spectacularly wrong last week. If you’ve read my blog, you’ll know that my kitchen ceiling now has about 60 holes in it! So it’s back to the drawing board for more kitchen inspo…
Read More5 Surprising ways to use steam for a quick & easy new year clean-up
I don’t know about you but, almost as soon as Christmas is over, I start thinking about the big clean-up I’m going to do when the tree comes down and the decorations are put away. Even if you don’t usually like household chores (yes, that’s me!), if you own one simple tool you can make most chores an absolute breeze. When I did the 14 Days to a Tidy Home Challenge earlier this year, I discovered just how fab steam is for cleaning almost everything! Here are five different ways you can use your steam cleaner during your new year clean-up for brilliant outcomes…
Read MoreWhy vintage patterned Pyrex is perfect for dishing up festive meals
I’ve given my kitchen a 1950s makeover to match the period of our home so I’ve done my research on vintage Pyrex and have browsed countless original designs. Here are some of my favourites from an impressive collection…
Read More3 Ways to cut the ongoing costs of your kitchen appliances
When planning a kitchen makeover, it’s surprisingly easy to make aesthetic decisions that might actually be less cost-effective in the long run. So, if you’re researching a renovation project and need to make decisions about your appliances, here are three things to consider to help you save money going forward…
Read More4 Simple steps to a greener and more environmentally-friendly kitchen
While more and more people every day are looking for new methods to go green at home, many start with their own kitchens. You may be surprised to learn that each kitchen is adding to the nation’s environmental damage every day and even the smallest of changes can make a significant difference. To give you a few ideas, here are four simple tips that can make your kitchen a greener and more environmentally friendly place…
Read MoreStep-by-step video to revamp a PVC door with a pop of summery colour
Old and stained double-glazed doors can make your entire home look tired, and no amount of cleaning can get them back to their box-fresh whiteness. PVC doors can be costly to replace so why not spruce them up with a coat of paint? Not possible? Here’s how I revamped my ugly kitchen door with a vibrant pop of colour to keep summery vibes in my home for longer..!
Read MoreStep-by-step video to restore & reupholster vintage kitchen chairs
Last week I mentioned that I’m currently working on renovating my kitchen and that I’d already revamped a few retro kitchen chairs. I’ve since been asked how I restored these junk-shop finds to their former glory so I thought I’d put together a little video to show you how to upholster a kitchen chair and renovate the wooden frame…
Read MoreMy thrifty 50s kitchen renovation: What’s next on the to-do list…
To be honest with you, the kitchen was one of the most disgusting rooms in our fixer-upper home. So it was kind-of the room we tackled first. It got a coat of fresh white paint (to cover up the oil-and-nicotine stained walls eww) on the day we got the keys. We’ve since painted the existing cabinets. which has freshened up the units. But there’s still plenty more to do…
Read More2019 Interiors trend analysis from Pinterest & design publications
Interior design is an ever-changing industry with new trends emerging each year. I’ve summarised muchneeded.com’s recent analysis of interiors publications & online data, which outlines the top interiors trends 2019…
Read More2019 Kitchen trends & the details you can add to get the look for less
If you’re looking for an affordable kitchen update, you don’t need to completely rip everything out and start again. Today I’m sharing some easy ways that you can refresh your kitchen and follow the 2019 kitchen trends for less…
Read MoreHow to incorporate mid-century design into your contemporary home
You only have to open up the Pinterest home page to discover a multitude of ways to incorporate mid-century design into your home. It’s no longer about choosing a ’50s, ’60s or ’70s “theme” that you have to commit to, it’s about choosing sleek designs that fit into your 21st century home perfectly. Here’s how…
Read MoreMy thrifty home renovation project – here’s what we’ve done so far
If you’ve been reading my blog over the past couple of years you’ll probably have noticed that many of my posts are about my own home renovation project. When we moved into our fixer-upper home over two years ago, we had no idea just how much work it was going to be – and I’m […]
Read MoreHow to identify vintage Hornsea & 3 ways to style it in your home
If you’ve got some Hornsea pottery or simply like the mid-century style of their designs, here’s how you can identify the pottery as original pieces, and some suggestions for using the designs to style your modern home with a touch of mid-century pattern…
Read MoreHow to make a kitchen pantry unit from recycled pallet wood
Are you in need of extra storage space in your kitchen? Today’s upcycling DIY could be just what you need! I’ve turned a couple of old pallets into a ‘pallet pantry’ and I’ve shared the step-by-step project…
Read More5 Things you can do to remodel your kitchen without overspending
Even though a kitchen revamp can be costly, a few simple changes to the room – a new wall colour or a few trendy décor pieces – can add value to your home with very little outlay. Here are some more design ideas to effectively update your kitchen without overspending…
Read MorePressure cooker Vs slow cooker – the pros & cons of each appliance
Pressure cookers and slow cookers are two of the most popular small appliances to have in the kitchen for even cooking and simple preparation. But, what one is the better option for you? Let’s look at some of the common uses and pros and cons of each appliance.
Read More4 Kitchen tools you will need this autumn
There are certain tools no kitchen should be without, especially when cooking hearty meals during the colder months – do you have them in your cupboards?? Read on to find out which kitchen essentials you’ll need to create healthy dinners this autumn…
Read MoreMy Picquot Ware article is in Reclaim magazine!
They always say ‘write what you know’ don’t they? So, I couldn’t ignore my instinct to talk about this British brand with as many people as possible. I sat at my laptop and blurted out all the knowledge I’d gained over the years and then carefully spent many hours refining my excited ramblings. The piece has been published in Issue 30 and it’s on sale now! I just hope Reclaim’s readers enjoy the piece as much as I enjoyed writing it!
Read MoreHow to keep that airy feeling in your home during Autumn
If you’ve been enjoying the bright and airy feeling you get in your home during the summer months, today’s interior inspiration blog post may give you some ideas for keeping your house looking fresh and light during the darker days of autumn, using clever lighting, window treatments and more..!
Read MoreInteriors inspiration – Do you need a rug in your kitchen?
When decorating or designing a kitchen, one of the most common points of discussion stems from using kitchen rugs. Some people swear by them, making that morning walk to the kettle in the cold winter a little bit easier. Other people worry that they are nothing more than a fire hazard, and make it hard to cook without worrying about splashing onto the rug. So, with that in mind, do you really need a kitchen rug?
Read MoreWhere to find vintage kitchen accessories on a budget
If you want to revamp your home on a tight budget here are some ways to shop savvy and get the best deals on retro homewares. Plus, you could be in with a chance of winning a super-cool on-trend belly basket in my giveaway so read on to enter..!
Read MoreHow much value do home improvements add to your home?
Are you planning some home improvements? A new kitchen perhaps? Converting your loft? Adding a conservatory? Well, before you begin these huge DIY tasks, today’s guest post will give you an idea about how much value each project will add to your home…
Read MoreMy quick kitchen updates that made a big difference
If you want to make a big change in your kitchen but don’t have the time (or money!) to completely remodel the room, here are some quick updates you can do in a weekend that’ll make a big difference…
Read MoreMy thrifty 50s kitchen renovation: DIY Retro artwork (using tea towels)
This week’s DIY project is a little different to my usual kitchen renovation posts; I’m turning some printed tea towels into framed art work for my kitchen alcove. Here’s how I did it, step-by-step…
Read MoreHow to lino-print fabric + my upcycled napkin project is in Reloved Magazine!
Ever fancied printing your own designs onto fabric? Well, that’s exactly what I did for my latest project in Reloved magazine (with a little help from UnrulyPrint!)- here’s how I got on…
Read MoreMy Thrifty 50s Kitchen Renovation: The coolest lighting ever!
There have been some big changes in my kitchen this week and it’s made a huge difference to the feel of the room. Yes, I’ve installed some new lighting and I honestly think they are the coolest mid-century style lights you’ll ever find…
Read MoreMy Thrifty 50s Kitchen Renovation: Windows, blinds and herbs
The latest phase of my kitchen makeover is tackling the windows so read on to see my attempt at DIY blind installation and how I’ve started my very own mini herb garden…
Read MoreMy Thrifty 50s Kitchen Renovation: A low-cost worktop & upcycled cupboards
Here’s how I refreshed my kitchen with just a few tins of spray paint and a sparkling new worktop…
Read MoreAn update on my Kitchen makeover
I’m about to start work on my DIY kitchen makeover. I say ‘makeover’ rather than ‘fitting’ because we’re keeping the kitchen units in place and are planning to give the whole room a facelift with a new worktop, some window treatments and a lot of paint. I shared the ‘before’ photos on the blog in […]
Read MoreHow to recycle & reuse old biscuit & sweet tins
If you’ve been enjoying a few treats over the festive period, you’ve probably got a recycling box full of sweet tubs and biscuit tins. It seems such a shame to send them off to be recycled, especially when some of the designs are really rather lovely. Here’s how to quickly upcycle them into cake tins […]
Read MoreNew year, new kitchen – my plans for a thrifty renovation
Oooh it’s the 12th December already! Who else thinks that December is the fastest month of the year? Blink and you miss it. I’ve barely got any decorations up yet! That said, I’m already planning ahead to my new year, and that’s because I’m super-excited about my kitchen renovation. So today, I’m sharing my plans […]
Read MoreDIY furniture makeover: How to give vintage kitchen chairs a new lease of life
Since moving into my home and starting to renovate room-by-room, I’ve realise just how expensive furniture can be. I’ve been especially surprised by the cost of chairs and have therefore only had an ancient folding chair (that was my desk chair as a teen) to sit on at my kitchen table since we moved. I […]
Read MoreHow to a design a modern kitchen in 2017
The latest trend in kitchen design is a focus on simplicity and sophistication. A streamlined, contemporary style combined with integrated appliances, thoughtful lighting and a mix of levels helps to keep your room clutter free whilst leaving you more space to relax and entertain.
Read MoreTop 5 dining room trends in 2017
Although some may say that the kitchen is the heart of the home, many would say that the true holder of that title should be the dining room. The perfect place to gather at the end of the day to share food and swap stories, the dining room is the focus of your quality time as […]
Read MoreWhy carpet tiles are the thrifty choice for a designer look in your home
What do you think of when I say ‘carpet tiles’? Grey office buildings? School hallways? The budget option that your mum made you have in your bedroom as a teen? Well, the style of this type of sectional flooring has moved on a lot in the last decade or so, and it’s now a design […]
Read MoreNeed a new kitchen? Get the show home look for less
When it comes to renovating my home, the kitchen is the room I am most excited about tackling. The kitchen is traditionally the heart of the home; it’s where you cook and eat your family meals, the space where you have a coffee with your best mate as they tell you about their latest news, […]
Read MoreDIY picnic basket, lunch box & flask upcycling project
Have you seen this month’s issue of Reloved Magazine yet? If not, quickly get yourself a copy from WH Smith, Sainsburys, Tesco or Costco, because my picnic project is in the magazine with an impressive double-page spread (and 3 further pages of step-by-step photos, too!) Yes, I’m seriously excited! Not one but three of my DIY upcycles were […]
Read MoreBudget friendly ideas for updating your kitchen
They say that the kitchen is the heart of the home, don’t they? I wholeheartedly agree because it’s where I cook and eat with my husband, it’s where we share the events of our day and is a gathering space for nights in with my friends and family. Of course, I want my kitchen to […]
Read MoreOpen plan or broken plan?
Multi-functional rooms have been a trend for a while now, and it doesn’t look as though they’re going away any time soon. As more and more of us open up our downstairs to turn a collection of small cramped rooms into one huge space, the problems as well as the benefits of this kind of […]
Read MoreInterior design inspiration: Monica’s apartment & how to DIY the room
Ever since I visited FriendsFest last year I’ve been desperate to write an interior design blog post about Monica’s apartment. One of the main attractions of FriendsFest is a tour of the iconic apartment from Friends and, as I walked around Monica’s living room, I couldn’t believe that I was really there. I sat on the sofa, I peeked into […]
Read MoreBeautiful yet practical kitchen renovation ideas
Are you at that point where you want to see a change in your home? If you’re itching to give your home an update, it doesn’t mean you have to knock everything down and do a full on home remodel! No, there are many ways you can renovate your home by taking it one room at a […]
Read MoreKitchen tile trends for 2017
Can you believe that we’re already five months into 2017?! With that in mind I thought it was about time I teamed up with those little scamps over at Tile Monkey to see if we could put together a little list of what’s hot on the kitchen tile front. Kicking off with the incredibly beautiful […]
Read MoreHow to reinvent a second-hand kitchen
Buying a kitchen second-hand may seem unheard of, but it can be a great way to update your home on a budget. So many people think that their only option is a basic store-bought kitchen, but there are alternatives out there – purchasing a designer kitchen second-hand is the future. You can get great quality […]
Read MoreDIY Christmas decor – Candy cane chair project
This month I’ve been busier than an elf in Santas workshop – yes, I’ve been DIYing lots of festive projects ready to share with you on the blog this December. And what better way to kick off the celebrations than with the ultimate festive makeover: a candy cane chair.When I bought this retro chair from […]
Read MoreHi-tech touches to modernise your kitchen
If you’re planning a new kitchen – or simply want to renovate your old units with some snazzy new updates – this is the blog post for you. I’ve spent hours trawling Pinterest on your behalf (yes, I am that selfless) to spot some of the latest trends in kitchen design so that you can […]
Read MoreCruelty-free summer cleaning hacks
In the run up to the summer holidays is when I start to notice what needs doing around the house. I realise that spring has passed me by in a whirlwind of work, and with it the notion of ‘spring cleaning’ has wafted off into the distance. Those windows never did get cleaned and that […]
Read MoreInterior design trend – Colourful kitchens & bathrooms
I’ve spotted a new trend in interior design for Summer 2016 and it’s one that really pleases me; bright bold colour. We all have a favourite colour – a shade that we seem to choose time and again – for our clothing, our décor and even our cars. It can therefore be frustrating when you have a […]
Read MoreA quick kitchen DIY for National Upcycling Day
Tomorrow is one of the most exciting dates in any thrifty blogger’s calendar – 24th June is National Upcycling Day. If you have any plans to do up a piece of furniture or have been pinning sewing ideas on Pinterest for months, tomorrow is the day to start that task! I’ve always got a handful of […]
Read MorePicquot Ware – The Coffee Percolator
Ever since I first wrote about my ‘lucky find’ of a Picquot Ware tea set last year I’ve been inundated with comments, emails and information about the brand. It’s been amazing to learn more about this British company and to read everyone’s stories about their own Picquot Ware collections. Who knew that so many people […]
Read MoreUtility rooms – Making the most of a small space
We could all do with a bit more room, couldn’t we? I know I personally need much more room – or perhaps far fewer things! Okay, okay, I could have a clear out, minimise my stuff and move onto a narrowboat, but even then I think I’d find a few important things that I’ll need to store, no […]
Read MoreHow to turn a basic kitchen into a luxury space
A luxury kitchen equals expensive, right? And there’s no way that you’re going to spend all your hard-earned cash on a kitchen when you’ve got other rooms in your new home to decorate, yes? Well that’s what I always thought, and when you’re working to a strict budget it can be hard to imagine a […]
Read MoreInterior design inspiration – Eat-and-chat kitchens
While daydreaming about my future home, I come up with all kinds of ideas in my head. They’re mostly about nifty storage solutions (I have a whole garage full of stuff that needs to be stored somewhere when I move house) but sometimes they’re about the way that I actually want to live in my new home. The […]
Read MoreGuest post: Create your dream kitchen on a budget
Refurbishing your kitchen does not always have to be a costly venture. By picking your finishes wisely and by planning and doing certain things yourself, you can really cut your expenses right down. The beginning of the year is the perfect time to revamp your kitchen, as many DIY stores will still have New Year […]
Read MoreStyling the candy look interiors trend for DFS
While everyone else was putting up their decorations and baking mince pies, I was researching S/S16 interiors trends. While humming along to Christmas carols and lighting my advent candle, I was flicking through pastel colour swatches and picking out brightly patterned cushions. And only days before finally putting my feet up for the festive holidays, I […]
Read MoreDIY Christmas drinks cart project
With the festive season just around the corner I’ve started to tackle some DIY projects to get ready for the big day in advance. After finding a cute little kitchen trolley at Wayfair, I was inspired to create a Christmas cart – a place to store all my festive ingredients for hot drinks and somewhere […]
Read MoreMy mini kitchen makeover – everything but the kitchen sink
With my kitchen decorating project nearly complete, my thoughts have turned to some more serious DIY projects – specifically the plumbing. Everything is working well in that department at the moment but I really do like the idea of adding a new kitchen sink to the room. My existing stainless steel sink and draining board is not […]
Read MoreKitchen storage ideas & my pantry makeover
One of the things I love about old houses are the little nooks and crannies you can use for extra storage. The cupboard under the stairs is always a winning spot and some old kitchens have a pantry cupboard. Our home didn’t have a pantry but we desperately needed one! The kitchen is so small […]
Read MoreMy mini kitchen makeover – DIY peg bag sewing project + carrier bag dispenser
I’ve been working on turning my tiny kitchen into a more habitable room for a couple of months now and if you’ve been following my progress you’ll know just how miniature my kitchen actually is! Firstly, I chose a bright colour scheme inspired by the Great British seaside and, in particular, my visit to Southwold Pier. After […]
Read MoreDIY kitchen project – make your own “bake station” + Zesty lemon pie recipe
In honour of my favourite TV show “The Great British Bake-Off” I’ve created a simple DIY project to create a dedicated “Bake Station” in your kitchen. Seeing as today is my weekly recipe spot ‘Pieday Friday’, I thought it would be a good idea to share the simple DIY project with you and give you […]
Read MoreMy mini kitchen makeover – Bring me sunshine + chalkboard DIY
After a few weeks of doing little DIY projects here and there, the kitchen makeover is finally coming together. After we painted the walls a classy shade of duck egg blue (which we’d been planning to do since we moved in three years ago!) the room was the perfect canvas for adding some bright, colourful accessories. My husband […]
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