DIY-Do it yourself and use these professional strategies to transform a dull room into a breathtaking space.
It’s inspiring to see “before and after” photos of a drab room that your DIY DIY initiative has turned into a stunning setting.
If during a project you start thinking about another one, write down everything you thought, but don’t leave a project unfinished. And, when we see one work out really well, we want to make amends for another.
DIY-Do it yourself awakens your talent
Here are some tips to save you money and have fun. So, remember that your attitude will be benefiting the environment.
1. Raise the ceiling
Have you ever noticed how many traditional and rich houses have high ceilings? Why not leave the higher rooms with a startling optical illusion? Sew a strip of contrasting, darker fabric to the sides of the curtains or blinds. If they are beige, add a chocolate stripe; if they are lavender, use wine. The ceiling will look much higher.
2. Add an “architectural appeal”
Add a touch of elegance to an unattractive room by adding a few details. Place a frame at the junction of the wall and ceiling, a crown molding or decorative rose on the ceiling. Then paint these additions – and the doors – a little darker than the walls. If you have sash windows, with deep sashes, use the same darker color there too, and choose an even darker shade for the window frames.
3. Draw your eyes outward
If you have any type of glass door that leads to a showy patio or garden, paint the frame or piece of wood a dark color. This will draw the eyes to what lies beyond. And make sure there is, in fact, something worth looking at out there: a very large potted plant with an imposing shrub will work. Have several, and as each blooms or the leaves take on more vibrant coloring, place them in a more prominent position near the glass.
4. Avoid predictable seating
Why do you always choose a sofa, two matching armchairs and a coffee table? You’re not trying to recreate the dentist’s waiting room, are you? Instead, try to make your living room a place where people actually want to be instead of wanting to hang out. Choose seats that don’t match each other. Making the mix a little less uniform will result in a bold and unique look. Go to a store you wouldn’t normally buy and select a piece that will give a different touch to the set you already have.
5. Make the most of the basics
Top designers know you don’t have to spend a lot to get satisfying results. Having to stick to a tight budget often forces people to take risks they wouldn’t otherwise take, buying expensive furniture or fabric. And it’s these opportunities that end up becoming the most successful highlights of your home. A new cover for the sofa and pillows for example. Let your imagination run free.
6. Refurbish old pillows
When disposing of a sofa, save the seat cushions, especially if they are large and rectangular. Cover them with a nice fabric and spread them out on the floor as spare seats. If you choose a fabric suitable for outdoor use, you can use them in the garden. Keep them stacked in a closet under the stairs so they can be handy when your kids invite their buddies to watch movies or play computer games.
7. Build a stylish garden swing
Take advantage of an old garden bench or buy a cheap one at a home supply store. Then cut off your feet. Attach strong chains or ropes and hang it, using metal hooks if necessary, on the porch pillars of a vacation home if it is especially strong. You may have to put chains on the sides so it doesn’t swing too high.
8. Customize common objects
Get a cheap white lampshade. Then glue an elegant red ribbon around the top and bottom and you have something that is both attractive and unique. The trick is not to skimp on beautification. Use the best tape you can buy. You’ll only need about 60 cm, so you can achieve a very high quality look with little expense. Likewise, you can use finely crafted buttons or strips of the most delicate lace.
9. Wooden door
If you have a plain wooden door, make it more interesting with a decorative handle. Just remember to keep the rest of the economic picture going.
10. Frame is for anything you want to highlight
You know those crochet cloths you liked and ended up inheriting from your grandmother? They are fragile and can no longer be used, but they can be protected and exposed. To do this, just measure the dimensions of the part. If you already have a frame that fits, great. If you don’t have it, order it at the glass shop and don’t forget to ask for a passe-partout , which is that white paper that won’t let the piece touch the glass. So that it doesn’t get out of place, you can dot some dots on a base cloth.
11. Decorated cup for serving popcorn
Plastic cups abound and kids will love it. It doesn’t have to be a party, just a chill and everyone at home. Remember the papers you always have at home for schoolwork? Yeah, make it up. Make long ears, muzzle and glue a pompom on the back and you’ll have cute bunnies. Change the color of the cups and you will have new ideas.
12. Wooden crates
We already use it, then we stopped using it, but it seems they are back to stay. They can be in various sizes, painted or varnished and you can combine them. Hanging on the wall, like niches, or joined to form a shelf, table for snacks, or even a bedside table, everything to decorate. Let your imagination run free. Even more if you have one hidden and forgotten in the middle of other things.
13. Piece of wood
You like the piece of wood, you don’t want to fall apart and you touched it because it’s stained, scratched… a pity. Well, sanding it to remove possible imperfections acquired with use, ignore the stains that remain and, instead of painting it, use colored varnish. So, it will look like a revisited piece, but with good taste. The varnish does not hide the grain of the wood, on the contrary, it highlights them. Now you will display your piece as if it were new.
14. Plant Pots Made of Cans
We already produce so much garbage that you can ask yourself: what could I do with these cans of milk and tomato paste? You may even use little, but if you have some in the pantry, already have in mind the project of reusing the milk can, for example. They can be painted to prevent rust and kept in a place that will not cause any accidents. Punch some holes with a nail in the bottom of them. Place clay stones or pebbles to act as drainage, complete with fertilized soil and plant some succulents. Embellish with sisal string, fake butterflies and birds, of course!
15. Bottle corks
You were a collector of wine corks throughout your youth. Today you notice that you went over the limit. Continue with your affective collection, such as the wedding, special anniversary, the day your child was born, and the romantic dinner when he asked you to marry him. With the others you can make decorations, like this Christmas tree. You can glue the corks, frame and have a different bulletin board and photo display.
16. Jars and glass cups
The glass set is incomplete, but it can go to a bench or table with a piece of jute wrapped around it and secured with tape. Add a little water, pick some flowers and decorate the house, not just on a festive day. These can be instant coffee pots, whatever you have handy.
17. Change the cabinet handle
You don’t need a nice, expensive cabinet makeover just because they don’t suit you anymore. Just take the original knob, so you know where the screw markings are, and see what options you have. Replace with colored knobs and, if possible, a different design. This is for kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms.
18. A cup or a glass jar
Single or in pairs, a cup is always an ornament. Imagine placing a white candle and leaving it on the dining table? Buy such a candle with the largest diameter and cut it to the height if necessary. With pots located at focal points in the room, you can make a very small LED bulb with a round base that looks like a candle. Decorate with pebbles and cinnamon sticks tied around the glass jar.
19. Inherited lampshade
This was the piece you received in sharing the wealth of a childless aunt. She would like you to have the lamp. You do not need to dispose of the piece if it is in good condition. His body can be rope-wrapped or painted. From the pantry, you can take advantage of the frame or choose one of your choice, with a thin fabric, or thicker, colored or in one color. They will say he was disfigured, but the memory remains, and you know whose gift it was.
20. Shoeboxes
Of all sizes, they can be used to store something. To line it, glue and fabric are enough, which can be bought very cheaply at the retail stand, as you won’t need much. Depending on what will be stored, the lid can be left in place, but with the side open. Amazing compositions can be made. Your imagination is the limit!
21. A charming sofa with pallets
Now let’s look at some furniture made from wooden pallets.
You can even make a bigger one by going around the corner of a wall, adding a foam seat and various decorative pillows. This consists of three seats and an extremely useful cushion-free sofa area to support whatever you need.
22. Versatile coffee table
Or corner table. A first care with sandpaper and paint, a glass to give a nice finish, and using the wheels for better mobility. You can take it wherever you need to.
23. Pallet Support
To store books, papers or whatever you need to be handy. The pallet is an inexpensive and decorative option for your office. Some plants and nature will complete the cozy atmosphere of your home.
24. Wooden bed
Only reused wood, which is wonderful for the environment. Gather some pallets, adjust the mattress and the bed will be ready. And you don’t need to change beds when you get tired of the color. Just paint it and your room will look new and well decorated.
25. Bed with headboard
In addition to the bed, you can use pallets for a beautiful headboard with led lamps serving as a lampshade. If you want to sophisticate the reused pallet, replace the nails with screws that will give that distinctive touch.
26. Outdoor furniture
If you have a backyard or a small grassy area on the property, this set of chairs with foam in the seat is what you need. The table in the photo is a reel of steel cable, recovered and treated, which became a super useful table to accompany the chairs.
