If you are tired of the look of your home, wish to impress your friends and family with an exciting new interior design but don’t want to splash out on a full remodel, then it’s time to consider some high-impact DIY!
Doing it yourself means that you won’t have to spend a fortune to achieve impressive results, and a carefully chosen DIY project is capable of completely changing the look and feel of spaces within your home, creating a real “wow factor” on a fraction of the budget needed for professional renovations.
Whether you are looking to update a bedroom, reinvigorate your living room or design a more contemporary kitchen, there is a high-impact DIY project out there that can help without costing the earth.
Create a feature fireplace
With the advent of central heating as standard, most modern homes are lacking fireplaces, as these are no longer necessary to the function of the home. However, many families find that they really miss the focal point created by a fireplace and decide to add their own as a feature.
If you would like to add a feature fireplace to a room where it is lacking, then there are a few things to consider before you commit. Are you looking for traditional or contemporary? What sort of fire do you wish to install at the heart of this focal point – gas, electric or solid fuel? Do you want a wall-mounted or recessed fireplace? Will you be adding a full fire surround? How about the hearth — what material will you choose? Of course, your budget will play a part in these decisions, as will the size and style of your space, but once you have an idea of the look that you want to create, you can start shopping for the essentials to achieve your aim.
While hearths and fire surrounds can be easily fitted yourself, do ensure that a qualified fitter is on hand for fire installations where indicated to ensure that these appliances can be safely used once your project is completed.
Refresh that kitchen floor
If you can’t afford to fully update your kitchen but would like to give the area a whole new look, then consider replacing the floor with something that will stand out. Kitchen floors are often seen as functional rather than fashionable, and many people miss the opportunity to really make a statement in this space. The style of statement floor that you choose will of course be influenced by the overall feel of the space as well as your own personal preference, but there are a number of reasonably priced options on the market that can really make an impression.
If you have an original wooden floor under your tired old lino, then you may wish to consider sanding it back and adding either a lacquered or more modern painted finish. Floor-grade paints are readily available and are a great way to bring a splash of colour to a dull kitchen, and adventurous DIYers can experiment will stencils and designs to bring a personal touch to their boards. Alternatively, why not try tiles? Exciting tile designs need not bust your budget, as many of the main retailers are now offering affordable takes on exciting designs Visiting an architectural salvage store might also turn up some unique options at great prices. Think mismatched patchworks of ceramic tiles, bold monochrome checks or a plain floor with a few stunning feature tiles.
Rethink windows
Are your windows looking tired and dated? Can you not abide the curtains, and are you bored with blinds? If so, then consider self-install window shutters for a fresh new look that will impress visitors. Sometimes known as plantation shutters, these slatted, hinged and wooden window dressings are a modern solution for busy style-conscious homes, and they look great in all sorts of settings.
Choose from a selection of woods in a variety of natural finishes, or add a splash of colour with brightly painted wooden shutters on your windows.
Window shutters are also ideal for ensuring your privacy without the need for dated nets, and options such as half-height window shutters can really help to increase the amount of natural light in your home.
Updating need not be expensive
These are just some of the DIY jobs that you can tackle to change the look and feel of your home for less. Choosing smaller tasks that make a great impact can really improve your living space without the need for costly remodels or full-on redecoration. Adding a “wow factor” feature will attract the attention of visitors and update your interior without the need to break the bank.
