6 Up-Cycling Projects to Give Your Home a Mini-Makeover
It’s amazing what DIY projects can be achieved in just a few hours. I’m always on the look out for some clever ways to transform my home on a budget. That’s why I want to share with you these 6 up-cycling projects to give your home a mini-makeover…
[As seen in Ideal Home Magazine June 2020] Earlier this year I had the pleasure of styling yet another 6 page decorating feature for Ideal Home Magazine. Myself and the decorating editors decided that we wanted to share some inspirational style ideas and quick fixes for your home.
6 up-cycling projects to give your home a mini-makeover
I absolutely LOVE working on an up-cycling project, especially if it requires little time and doesn’t break the bank! These 6 ideas below will help transform your home, and can each be achieved in just one day.
Vinyl ’tile’ splash back
If you’re stuck with ugly kitchen tiles, give them a quick and easy makeover with a sheet of tile-effect sticky-backed vinyl. Sticky back vinyl tiles are just as effective as normal tiles for a fraction of the cost. Perhaps you are renting, and want a quick-fix to give your kitchen a mini-makeover without making any permanent alterations. Or, you want to renovate your kitchen on a budget… Then this idea will work wonders for you!
Stylist’s tip
Edge the top of the splash back with a thin baton of wood for a neat finish. This will hide the edges of the vinyl and make it look even more realistic.
Get the look / Marble effect vinyl tiles – Wayfair / Picture ledge – Ikea / Pestle and mortar – Sous chef / Cereal decanter with spoon – Nkuku
Eclectic gallery wall
Inject some personality in to your home with a mix ‘n’ match combination of prints in old frames. A lick of paint will make the different frame styles work well together. Use other accessories and paraphernalia to create an artistic display on your wall.
Stylist’s tip
Always map out your gallery wall display on the floor first, so you can play around with different arrangements. When you’re happy, take a photo of it then copy it on to the wall. Use command strips & hooks to save your walls – These are perfect for renters!
Get the look / Bird prints – Desenio / Palm tree art – Graham & Green / Coffee table – John Lewis / Wire hoop decoration – Rose & Grey
Colour pop door
A door – whether interior or exterior – is the perfect place to introduce a shot of bold colour to a neutral decorating scheme. Use eggshell / satin paint for a low-sheen finish. Painting a door a bright colour in your home will instantly create an exciting focal point.
Stylist’s tip
Paint a door in a colour that completes the rooms scheme. If inside, use decorative accessories and soft furnishings to compliment the colour of the door.
Get the look / Paint, ‘India yellow’ – Farrow & Ball / Tile-effect vinyl flooring – Best4flooring / Telephone table – Graham & Green / Door mat – H&M
Fake Fireplace
Add an architectural feature by mounting a reclaimed fireplace surround on a flat wall. You don’t even need a cavity in the wall! Filling the opening with decorative logs creates the illusion of depth.
Stylist’s tip
Style the mantel as normal, use a nice piece of art to draw the eye to the area. Decorative logs are a perfect way filling the gap to make it seem more realistic.
Get the look / Art work – Alice Sheridan / Decorative logs – The Log Basket / Day bed – Loaf / Cushion and green planter – Kalinko
Patterned stair risers
Wallpaper is a great way to add pattern, but if you don’t fancy a full wall, look to your stair risers! Once you’ve fixed the paper, coat with a matt varnish to protect it from wear and tear. This is a great idea for adding some fun in to your hallway and making your staircase look more bespoke and well designed.
Stylist’s tip
Ensure you take some time to carefully measure out the wall paper. If you have a patterned wallpaper, line it up on the risers so that the pattern is symmetrical and matching on every one.
Get the look / Wallpaper, Thibaut Fair Isle – Wallpaper Direct / Paint, ‘Bunker Hill Green – Benjamin Moore / Lamp base & shade – Pooky / Cane stool – Rose & Grey
Decorative drawers
The fretwork panels on these drawers are designed to fit any Ikea drawer unit to give it a designer finish. Stick directly to the drawer front and choose from many different designs and patterns.
Stylist’s tip
Either stick directly on to the drawer fronts, or paint the surface first for a colourful contrast.
Get the look / Fretwork panels – Moonwall Stickers / Drawers – Ikea / Stool – Loaf / Lamp base – Pooky
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As featured in Ideal Home Magazine (JUNE 2020)
All Photography by Joanna Henderson
Content and writing by That’s so Gemma & Ideal Home Magazine.
