January 8th, 2020 by Becky Calvert

It’s a new year and a fresh start for all of us. It’s the time to concentrate on those things that you’ve been putting off – especially those DIY jobs that could transform your home, but you just haven’t had the time to do it. In January, the weather is miserable and the majority of us are spending our evenings hiding from the miserable weather – so it’s the perfect time to start tackling those home improvements and DIY jobs. Here’s where we’d start…

Hang Paintings and Wall Art

It’s simple, but it’s extremely effective. Some simple prints or colourful paintings can completely transform a space – especially living rooms and bedrooms that need a little TLC to make them feel refreshed or more homely.

To do this, all you’ll need is your wall art, picture or frame and a drill – preferably one that’s durable and easy and safe to use to avoid any accidents! If you have lots of photos, prints or paintings to hang, why not start a gallery wall? They’re extremely ‘in’ right now and they give you the chance to stylishly display multiple textures, colours and frames of all shapes and sizes – perfect for those who have a large collection of mix-matched artwork!

Paint Your Tiles

Have you fallen in love with some trendy bathroom or kitchen tiles that can be seen everywhere recently? Although they are stunning, they can cost a small fortune to buy which encouraged us to do some research and found that you can actually achieve similar results by painting them yourself! Simply buy some plain, stone floor tiles (which are much cheaper than the statement printed ones) and print off a photo of the tiles you want to mimic.

Now, we’re sure many of you are thinking that this is unachievable because you’re not artsy and simply don’t have the eye for the precise detail these types of tiles need… well, that’s where stencils come in! You can either make your own stencil or buy them online, either way, this will guarantee the tiles are all the same and neatly done.

Upcycle Your Furniture

Is there a piece of furniture in your home that you’ve completely fallen out of love with but you’re reluctant to get rid of it? Then upcycle! With sustainability being a hot topic at the moment, it’s much better for you to put some new life into old furniture than to buy new – especially if it’s a sentimental piece!

Upcycling is when you take a worn, used or dated chest of drawers, side unit, wardrobe (or whatever you have!) and transform it. You can sand it down and paint it, decoupage it, or even just add some new handles onto it – whatever you want to do to make you fall back in love with it.

To do this, you’ll need some tools. We recommend a multi-tool kit for sanding down furniture or applying new fixtures, paint, glue and some decorating paper/cut-outs if you choose to decoupage your furniture piece!

Grow and Hang Up Plants

Placing plants in hanging pot holders is everywhere in the home décor world at the moment – especially in magazines and Instagram. It adds a touch of colour, style and there’s something so interesting about different plants being hung from your walls and ceiling as opposed to being placed on a table or window ledge. It’s also ideal for those who have small amounts of workspace, as the plants won’t be taking up any valuable space!

If you seem to kill every plant you get, or you have small amounts of sunlight where you’d wish to hand the plants – why not buy fake ones? They'll add the same pop of colour and style, without you having to worry about watering them, or them dying within a couple of weeks!

 Add Some Colour and Texture

Nothing makes space feel fresher than a pop of colour and some clashing textures – especially when they’re in the form of cushions and throws. Not only are they easy to change out and add to any room, but they’re also a super affordable way to give your home a refresh – especially in January when money is tight.

Clash prints and colours by adding bright pops of colour and interesting textured pieces (rugs, throws and curtains) to instantly give your home a more refreshed and up-to-date look. The more you can add colour and texture into your home, the more we’re sure you’ll love it – especially in January when you want a change of scenery and a fresh start.