When spring comes around, many of us are eager to revamp our homes and finally complete those niggling DIY tasks. However, when you’re struggling to make ends meet each month, it can be hard to justify the expense associated with redecorating a room.
Most (42 per cent) of those who planned to make home improvements over Easter budgeted less than £200, whereas nine per cent allocated between £501 and £1,000. A Nationwide survey also revealed that 11 per cent would spend more than £5,001.
The research showed that 13 per cent of these householders would use a credit card or a personal loan to fund their project. However, your desire to give rooms a fresh new look doesn’t have to result in you seeking a debt solution.
Living room
If you would like to redecorate your living room on a budget, then paint is the way to go. Even the discount and own-brand products from DIY stores and supermarkets provide an impressive colour range, so you can always find a product that suits your tastes.
One of the easiest ways to save money is to prevent wastage – find out how many tins you will need by checking the proposed coverage on the label against the total surface area of the walls you are planning to paint – make sure to multiply the number if extra coats are needed.
If you’re thinking about shelling out for a new carpet since your old one is looking a little tired, then it might be more cost-effective to hire a specialised cleaning device. They can uncover the original colour and reinvigorate the fibres for an as-new look.
Bathroom
Giving your bathroom a makeover can seem a daunting task, since the equipment and materials you need tend to be more expensive. The project can also be more difficult, meaning you’re tempted to hire professional help.
However, achieving a fresh new look doesn’t have to be a costly and lengthy project. Simply purchasing new soft furnishings, such as towels and bath mats, and adding accessories like plants and candles can make a huge difference.
Tiling and suites in the bathroom tend to date and last quite well, so try to avoid replacements wherever possible. Look on YouTube for guides on how to change grouting for a clean look, and consider updating fixtures with low-cost accessories like a new toilet seat or set of taps.
You can also replace the flooring without breaking the bank, since practical and stylish vinyl can be snapped up for as little as £5 per square metre. The B&Q online help and advice centre has an easy-to-follow guide showing you how to install it successfully.
Bedroom
You want your bedroom to be a comfortable and welcoming place, and the best way to create this effect is to invest in soft furnishings. Old and worn curtains, cushions and bedding can be replaced relatively cheaply, and you can easily create a totally different style.
Crafty householders with a sewing machine at hand could save money by purchasing fabrics and creating their own, but inexpensive products can also be picked up from the local market or at discount home stores.
If you’d like to give the walls a lift, then you could save money by creating a feature wall. A bedroom that is currently plain and uninspiring is given a new lease of life when one wall is covered with eye-catching paper – you might only need a single roll.
Kitchen
Rather than shelling out thousands for new kitchen units, try creating a new look by simply painting the existing cupboards. If they’re not in great condition, avoid ripping out the whole thing and instead fit new cabinet doors and drawer fronts to the framework.
If you are taking on a more professional project, then you could save hundreds by designing the room yourself – websites like EasyPlanner3D and Ikea have useful tools. You should also buy your own materials to avoid the fitter’s markups, and personally install whatever you can.
When it comes to the dining area, try sanding down and painting or varnishing the wooden sets. If the table is in poor condition, then you could simply cover it up with an attractive tablecloth. Give chairs a new look by reupholstering the seats with a little fabric and a staple gun.
© Samkin | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images
