5 quick and easy home updates that won’t break the bank
Looking for small, affordable and speedy DIY projects that will make a big impact? Check out these clever ideas that we’ve implemented in our own homes
Don’t get us wrong, of course a full-blown renovation or even a whole room makeover can make a world of difference, but let’s face it, sometimes we don’t have the time/inclination/budget for all of that as busy parents. And secretly, I take great pleasure in those little updates that can really have a big impact in improving my family space and can be added at our leisure over time. Here are some of our favourites that you can try at home too.
Custom frame your treasured family photos
I LOVE decorating frames I’ve found in charity shops – it’s such a simple way to create something truly unique that ties in with your interior scheme. It’s also perfect for using up all those leftover tester pots – I don’t know about you, but I’ve built up quite a collection! I also find using wallpaper samples and offcuts around mounts is another way of bringing that extra decorative element into a space where there might not be much colour or pattern on the walls elsewhere.
Priming the frame first is a good idea as tester pots are emulsion and meant for walls rather than wood, but I’ve never found a real problem with it as they’re just decorative and aren’t going to see a lot of wear and tear. Once you’ve painted your design (I love a Charleston look and decorative artists such as Tess Newall are a good source of inspiration for this), it’s worth sealing it with decorator’s varnish for a nice sheen and a bit of protection.
Upgrade your home’s hardware
If a full house renovation isn’t on the cards right now, why not consider replacing knobs, door handles, light switch fascias, plug sockets and switch points to give your home a new lease of life? Trust me, they can change the whole look and feel of a space.
Sophie chose black Hepworth internal door handles from Dowsing & Reynolds and Flat Matt Black light switches and LED dimmers from Socket Store. As Sophie is on a relatively tight budget, she decided to only replace plug sockets throughout the house that are on show. So, rather than replacing 5 sockets in her master en suite, she’s replaced 3. If she has any budget at the end of her whole house reno, she’ll replace the remaining points.
She’s gone for a matt black finish to complement the Matt Black shower fittings and fixtures, but other popular choices include brass, brushed nickel, chrome or a natural wood. Just ensure you choose a hardware that complements your style, whether that’s sleek and contemporary, classic and timeless or unique and eclectic.
Invest in new lighting – without the faff of rewiring
Wireless lighting design has come on leaps and bounds in the past few years, with brands such as Pooky (one of my faves) introducing innovative and beautiful wireless and portable lighting to the market. I wanted to replace my old bedside lamps with wall-mounted lights for bedtime reading (and because frankly they look pretty) but I just didn’t have the time, budget or inclination to find a tradesman to come and wire new ones in. At that point, wireless designs weren’t really on the market, so I got these plug-in ones from Pooky for our bedroom, which I still love. I have since also bought a wireless rechargeable lamp and it makes such a difference having a design that’s portable. It moves a fair bit around the house – it’s been in my daughter’s reading nook for story time, in the art corner for crafting on darker days, and on the dining table for dinner parties. Having more versatile lighting solutions really does make a difference to your home and there are plenty of super affordable designs on the market now from high-street retailers like Dunelm, H&M and M&S.
Paint PVCu windows
If you’ve been a subscriber for a while, you will have read how replacing all the windows in Sophie’s home isn’t an option, especially as the UPVC windows are in relatively good condition. So, rather than replace, she’s been slowly painting them instead after being inspired by Instagrammer and influencer Heather Craig. Much like woodwork, she cleaned the windows, and then taped the edges using Frogtape for a straight finish and to ensure the paint didn’t seep onto the glass. Then she applied a Zinsser primer and painted the plastic frame in a colour of choice. She’s colour drenched some of the rooms, such as the master en suite, using the same colour on the windows that she’s applied to the walls to help them blend into the rest of the room. However, in her daughter’s bedroom she chose a completely different colour to help define the window area and recess.
Go to town on shelving
Who doesn’t love a good shelfie? I find installing shelving can add instant interest to a space as it gives you an opportunity to style them with beautiful things – art, books, photos, plants, toys (an ‘edited’ selection of course)… basically all those things that add life and character to a space. Not only do they provide storage potential, but they’re also a smart way to fill up any dead/awkward spaces. I found we had to have a radiator on a particular wall in our open-plan living space as it was the only sensible spot for it, but then the radiator became the focal point, which wasn’t entirely what I wanted. It was nice enough, but I decided that adding a shelf above it with some nice brackets, a statement piece of artwork and knick knacks would provide a better stylistic solution to the problem. I love picture ledges, particularly in kids’ rooms, as they take up little space and again, they can add a bit of personality. I installed one above our daughter’s chest of drawers as the space felt a bit sparse and it made such a difference, and I also did it above our TV in the open-plan living space to try and distract the eye away from the black square on the wall.
Which of these was your favourite? Tell us in the comments below, and also feel free to ask as any questions about these updates!