How to add pattern to your walls and floors – the thrifty way
If you want to add colour and pattern to your walls but want to get a completely unique finish, here’s a way to do it on a budget with stencils…
Read MoreTag: decor
4 Tips to keep your home renovation on track
If you’re planning a house renovation, being thrifty and creative are brilliant qualities to have when it comes to making changes to your home. Here’s some advice to keep your renovation moving along smoothly without too much drama…
Read MoreHow to print your own tropical fabric & re-upholster a conservatory chair
If you’ve got an old chair that you want to re-cover but just can’t find the fabric you want, how about printing your own? I’ve used iron-on transfers and added applique felt leaves to make my own unique tropical fabric design. Here’s how I did it…
Read MoreHow to update your bathroom on a budget: Adding a shower & storage
Are you getting ready to renovate your bathroom? If you are looking to add more storage or find space for a shower, today’s blog post is for you!
Read MoreMy bathroom renovation: How to fit a shower over a freestanding tub
When you’ve got a freestanding bath, it can be difficult to find a shower solution to fit. But you don’t need to install a separate cubicle; today I’m sharing the research I’ve done for my own bathroom to show you that there are many ways to add a shower over your luxurious tub…
Read More4 Ways to create a calm and tranquil home
In today’s fast-paced and stressful world, coming home to a safe, comfortable, and peaceful sanctuary is important. Your abode should be a place where you can effectively rest and recharge in order to face your daily challenges. Read on to find out how to make your home a tranquil space…
Read MoreDIY upcycling project – 80s/90s neon splatter vinyl storage unit
Are you an LP enthusiast? Have you always been a collector, or are you new to the world of vinyl? If you need somewhere to store and play your records but want to stick to a budget, here’s a quick and easy DIY to turn an old set of shelves into a handy LP storage […]
Read MoreHow to create a loft vibe on a budget with brick feature walls
Have you been admiring lovely loft apartments from afar? Do you want to recreate that airy, industrial look for yourself? Here are some ideas for getting that loft vibe on a budget…
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 MoreWhy choosing faux plants for your home is a great idea
If you want to bring the outside in without any mess or fuss, artificial plants are one of the best accessories you can add to your home to bring add a splash of colour – here’s why…
Read MoreMy home office makeover – Alcove bookshelf
If you’ve got alcoves in your home, even the smallest space can be turned into a handy storage area. Here’s how I added shelves to a corner of my home office to create a cute bookshelf…
Read More5 Easy bathroom updates on a budget
Think you’re stuck with your old, dingy bathroom until you have thousands of pounds to spend on a full remodel? That doesn’t have to be the case! Even if you’re sticking to a budget, you can do the following projects yourself to refresh your bathroom without breaking the bank…
Read MoreThrifty nursery makeover & DIY mountain wall mural
Remember when I shared a video on painting a mountain mural for a child’s bedroom? Well today is the finished ‘room tour’ with all the little bits and bobs that turned a spare room into baby’s haven…
Read MoreStep-by-step marbled leather mouse mat project
This fun project will help you to customise your home office accessories in 5 easy steps… PLUS you can win a copy of Make Yourself At Home in my giveaway – enter here…
Read MoreHow to freshen up your rented apartment (without redecorating)
Wondering how to creatively decorate a rented apartment in a way that it looks fresh and stylish too? These tips will help you out…
Read MoreMy home office makeover – Desktop essentials
When you’re running a business from home, what’s the most important room to get right? Why, the office of course! Here are some of the desk essentials that I just can’t get by without…
Read MoreMy blog is in the Top 30 DIY Blogs in the UK! + Valentine’s Day decor
FANTASTIC NEWS! I’ve just found out that My Thrifty Life is one of the Top 30 DIY blogs in the UK and I really can’t believe my eyes..!
Read MoreDIY Upcycled toy storage unit & play table
I’ve been DIYing again this month and I’ve come up with a fun upcycling project to turn an old MDF shelving unit into a LEGO play table and toy store…
Read MoreDIY video – How to paint a mountain mural wall for a child’s nursery
If you’ve got a little one on the way and want to decorate their nursery in a creative and non-gender specific way, why not try this mountain wall mural? It’s a project that you can complete in a weekend – which includes drying time – and gives you an impressive feature wall in your child’s […]
Read MoreHow to decorate your rented home without breaking the #RentingRules
Today’s blog post is all about renting and what you can – and can’t – do in terms of decorating your rented home. I’ll be sharing some #RentingRules to ensure that you don’t upset your landlord or end up losing a hefty chunk of your deposit. This blog post has been inspired by HomeLet, as […]
Read MoreTop 4 interior trends to try in 2018
2018 is here, and along with new year’s resolutions, dry January and a surge of gym memberships, many people are looking into ways they can update their home. While 2017 saw an influx of marble patterns and minimal grey hues, the arrival of the new year has brought us some interiors trends that are perfect […]
Read MoreDIY Furniture: How to upcycle a drawer to create a coffee table
Today I’m sharing an easy project to make a DIY wheeled coffee table. My husband made this within an hour, while I was painting another of our DIY furniture projects so I’m sure it’ll be simple enough for any enthusiastic DIYer to make for themselves.
Read MoreDIY 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…
Read MoreNew year, new bedroom – 5 style tips to create a restful room
Thinking ahead to the new year and you’re probably already planning some decorating projects – I know I am! So how about tackling the bedroom? It’s the place where you need the most calm and relaxation but you also need it to look good. A cosy and restful space is what comes to mind when […]
Read MoreA guide to conservatory interior design
Traditional or modern? Rustic or eclectic? How would you describe your interior design style? The conservatory is a popular addition to a home and no wonder – it affords you more space, can make a great dining room or add-on room for socialising, working from home or even working out in your own gym. But […]
Read MoreHow technology impacts on your interior design style
Technology knows no bounds and as Balustrade Components show us in today’s guest post, it is affecting our interior design style choices too. Interior design resonates, changes and evolves over time, creating solutions to demands and needs of the modern homeowner. But in recent years, the digital age has left a mark on interior design […]
Read MorePlanning springtime renovations in advance
There are quite a variety of springtime renovations worth considering as you go about maintaining your property and planning ahead for the springtime is always a good idea. Your first step might be narrowing down the task ahead of you. Some projects need continuous focus and a larger budget. Some projects can be done with […]
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 MoreFestive tablescapes – How to dress your dining table for Christmas
How are you decorating your dining table this Christmas? Will you be adding crackers? Have you got a beautiful floral display planned? Are you decorating the entire dining room with a theme? I’ve been thinking about my festive table and have been doing some much-needed research (good ol’ Pinterest!) into festive tablescapes. Here’s just a […]
Read MoreHow to create a festive bedroom without going OTT
When you’re decorating your home for Christmas it’s tempting to drape tinsel over every picture frame and add flashing fairy lights in every room. But that means you don’t really ever get a ‘rest’ from the chaos of Christmas, and I think that the bedroom is the one space that you really do need to […]
Read More4 Ways to make your home cosy for Christmas
When you think of a cosy home at Christmas, what do you imagine? I expect whatever you’re seeing in your mind’s eye is rather similar to while I’m thinking of. There’s the glow of low lighting, lots of soft textures, a roaring fire and steaming cups of hot chocolate on the coffee table. Am I […]
Read MoreStyling my guest room for Christmas
Compared to most bloggers, I feel like I’m really behind on decorating my home for Christmas. Yes, I know it’s not even December yet, but I’ve been spotting gorgeous photos of bloggers’ trees and homes for weeks now and feel like I’m the only one not to have put up any decorations. So today, I thought […]
Read MoreWhat my Christmas would look like if I won the lottery…
I’ve been daydreaming again, and this time it’s about my perfect lottery-winner’s Christmas. Indulge me for a moment. I’m not saying that I want to win the lottery, nor that I need to have £££s to create a gorgeous home and wonderful Christmas, but I’ve let my mind winder and simply imagine what Christmas would […]
Read MoreHow to make a DIY snowball letters decoration
I know it might feel a little early to be putting up the decorations but I wanted to share this project with you asap, as I’m not just showing you how to make snowy letters – I’m giving my own project away to one lucky reader! The giveaway is running for the next couple of […]
Read More10 ways to make your home instantly ‘Copenhagen’
Today I’ve got some tips from ScandiKitchen’s Brontë Aurell on how to make your home instantly feel much more Scandinavian, along with some gorgeous photos of the look. This feature is taken from Brontë’s newly released coffee table book ‘North’. The book answers questions such as ‘why are Norwegians the happiest people in the world?’, ‘what is […]
Read More3 Inexpensive upcycling projects to warm up your home this winter
The arrival of autumn and the festive season has got me thinking about making a few tweaks to my living space to create cosy interior. So, while you’re putting up Christmas decorations all over your home, make sure you’re being sensible budget-wise about decorating your home for the holidays. You actually don’t need to spend money […]
Read MoreChristmas decorations – The top two trends this year
Looking for ideas to decorate your home this Christmas to get into the festive spirit? I’ve been doing my research (early, of course!) and I found some fantastic tips from Personalised Gifts Shop. They’ve compiled a list of the biggest and best Christmas decorations trends this year and I can’t wait to share them with you. It’s […]
Read MoreHow to make your bedroom even more comfortable for autumn/winter
I don’t know about you, but at this time of year I just want to stay in bed and hibernate. In fact, I wish I was back in bed right now rather than sitting at my desk in my home office. Well, what are laptops for, if not for blogging from bed, eh?! And the […]
Read MoreEasy ways to upcycle your rubbish rather than binning it
Our world is changing and it’s more important than ever that we find new and innovative ways to help make it a better, more healthy and restorative place by putting less in our landfills. It only takes a little creative effort to find some amazing ways to recycle the things we already have in our […]
Read MoreCute ghost lanterns DIY project for Halloween
Happy Halloween everyone! While I’m not planning to go out trick or treating or dress up for a costume party, I have spent a little bit of time making some spooky decorations for my home. I thought I’d share my latest Instastory DIY project with you today – how to make ghost lantern jars, the […]
Read More3 Reasons to buy a shower cubicle instead of regular shower
Despite its small size, a bathroom is one of the most used rooms in our homes. Bathrooms are usually the first place people go to after waking up. Millions of people around the world begin their day by taking a shower before they do whatever they will do for the rest of the day. It’s […]
Read MoreHow to turn a Halloween t-shirt into a spooky cushion
If you want to get into the Halloween spirit (excuse the pun) by styling your home with spooky decor, I’ve come up with a quick and easy tutorial to turn an old t-shirt into a Halloween cushion. You could make a few and use them to dress up your sofa or pop a scary pillow […]
Read MoreMend or move? Which is right for you & your home?
If your home doesn’t feel quite right or there are some glaring flaws that you can no longer ignore, it’s time to take action. But what kind of action? You can either get to work making changes to your home, putting right the problems and making it better and more functional for you and your […]
Read More5 decorating tricks to refresh your bedroom
We spend more time in our bedroom than any other room when you think about it. If we get the eight hours sleep that’s recommended for us then that’s 1/3rd of our 24 hour day. When you factor in the time we take to get dressed, undressed before a shower, and making ourselves look good […]
Read MoreHow to DIY a light-up Hollywood-style mirror
I’ve made my own Hollywood mirror – well, if you can’t feel like a star in your own home, when can you, eh?! It took a bit of planning to get the right size of fairy light bulbs for the mirror frame, and to the find the correct diameter drill bit to cut out the […]
Read MoreLeather v fabric, traditional v Scandi – finding the perfect sofa
I’ve finally started to plan out my living room. To tell you the truth, I’ve been avoiding decorating it for a few months now. Even though I stripped off the woodchip wallpaper and gave it a coat of white paint when we moved in, I’ve still not styled it any further. I think that’s because […]
Read More15 Low-cost DIY Halloween decorating ideas for your home
When it comes to home décor, I almost get giddy about decorating for each season. I am one of those homeowners who will decorate for Halloween, Christmas, Easter, and just about everything in between. Sometimes, I even find myself decorating for summer. And, while I am typically all about waiting until the appropriate season has officially […]
Read MoreMy hallway makeover – Creating a scandi look for less
Buoyed by finishing off our art nouveau guest room makeover, I’m now getting ready to tackle another space: the hallway. The wheels are in motion; I’ve picked out paint and flooring samples, pinned inspirational hallways on Pinterest and have even started filling the holes in the walls. In spite of all my research, I’m still […]
Read MoreTaking on a Project: Power Tools for Renovating a House
The British obsession with buying and selling property is just as engrained today as it’s ever been. Taking on a project, whether it’s to eventually live in or to sell on for a profit, is more doable than ever – why? YouTube! The video sharing site and the wider world of the internet is the […]
Read MoreHow to a design a modern kitchen while saving money on the build
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 MoreParquet flooring: The comeback story
Parquet flooring is the new vinyl records. Making a surprising comeback, parquet has exploded back into the flooring scene and is ever increasingly becoming one of the most popular flooring types out there. You may remember parquet from your Grandparent’s house when you were a kid; the distinctive zig-zag patterns and geometric design make it […]
Read MoreRoom tour – My Art Nouveau style guest room makeover
So here’s the latest photos of my guest room makeover. We’ve made a little more progress since my last guest room makeover post (where you can see all the ‘before’ and decorating photos) and finally have all our furniture back in the room. We’ve added some bedding that we already owned, some cushions I made […]
Read More5 decor changes that’ll completely transform your bathroom
With the amount of time that we spend in our bathrooms on a weekly basis, it is a wonder that we don’t put more effort into its appearance. Everyone dreams of having a spa-like sanctuary upstairs, and it’s not as unachievable as it may seem. Whether you’re thinking big or small, extravagant renovations or a […]
Read MoreLow-cost ways to add period features back into your home
I love a house with period features. Picture rails, sash windows, working fireplaces and coving; I just can’t get enough of those decorative touches that make a house look a little special. Sadly, many of the homes I viewed while house-hunting have had these period features removed over the years when they were ‘modernised’. It […]
Read MoreYou know the drill – Top DIY projects to improve your home
If you’re a DIY enthusiast and have become more confident (and competent!) when it comes to tackling jobs around the home it could be a good time to up your game and put your skills – and your tools – to the test. Here are some DIY projects that you might want to consider for […]
Read MoreGetting started on my guest room makeover
Well, it’s been a while since I shared some snaps of my home renovation so I thought it was about time I posted some more horrid ‘before’ pics and gorgeous ‘after’ photos. I actually decided to dial-down my DIY efforts during August, for fear of missing out on summer altogether! Nonetheless, I really wanted to […]
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 MoreFun decorating projects using your own photos
There are lots of quick and easy ways to give your home a unique and highly personalised look. One of the easiest, and often the most affordable ways, is using your own photos. Most of us take a lot but rarely do anything with them, apart from maybe posting a few online. You can take […]
Read MoreGuest post: Space-saving hacks for every room in the house
Even if you are blessed with acres of space in your home, storage can be a problem. In a smaller space, effective and accessible storage is simply a must. These five great hacks, brought to you by Balustrade Components, make designing your home with great storage solutions even easier. Every room in the house could […]
Read MoreMy minimalist bedroom – the ‘finished’ room
After about 5 months of decorating on-and-off whenever we had the time (and, most importantly, whenever we had the money!) the bedroom is finally finished. Of course, I use the word ‘finished’ lightly because there are still more things I want to add to the bedroom, such as and a dressing table. But for now, […]
Read More5 Tips for healthy sleep
When it comes to sleep, there is no joking around. I’m what you’d call a ‘good’ sleeper now (although apparently, as a toddler, I was a right pain & wanted to stay awake all night to chat) so I really feel it when I don’t get a good night’s sleep. Health professionals cannot stress enough […]
Read MoreDIY guide to renovating your staircase (+ my ‘before’ photos!)
Staircases can easily be overlooked when you’re decorating your home, even though they are often one of the first things that you see when you come in through the front door. A lot of people think it’s too much hassle to change their stairs, but it can easily be done as a DIY project if […]
Read MoreMy Home Office Makeover – Shelving
I’ve made a bit more progress on my home office makeover last week so I thought I’d share a few more snaps with you today. After wallpapering the room last month, I started to think about adding storage, a desk and shelving to the room – after all, I can’t keep all my office bits […]
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 MoreMy bathroom renovation project – The “Finished” room
When I was writing my blog post about ways to spruce up your bathroom for summer yesterday, I remembered that I haven’t yet shared the “finished” photos of my bathroom renovation with you. I’ve put the word finished in quotation marks because, while all the plumbing, tiling and painting might be finished, I still need to […]
Read More5 Ways to spruce up your bathroom for summer
The birds are chirping, the bees are buzzing, and the sun is out in full force. That’s right – summer is well and truly here and now is the perfect time to refresh your bathroom. I’ve been working on my own bathroom renovation project and will be sharing photos of the ‘finished’ room next week […]
Read MoreAffordable kitchen updates for decorating on a budget
Renovating a whole kitchen space can easily be an expensive and time-consuming process. This may be the reason why many people end up neglected their kitchen interior, which can end up looking tired and shabby. I’ve been putting off tackling the kitchen so far, even though it’s definitely the most dated room in the house. […]
Read MoreMy minimalist bedroom makeover – DIY fitted wardrobes
Over the half term holiday I went on a bit of a DIY spree. First I finished grouting the bathroom (I’ll post some pics of the end result soon), then I wallpapered my office and finally I installed fitted wardrobes in the bedroom. And that’s exactly what I’m going to tell you about today, because […]
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