A quick and important secret professional interior designers don’t often divulge: The difference between a home that appears costly and one that doesn’t often hinges on the amount of money invested. The bottom line is that it’s a matter of intention.
The houses that are the ones you stop at and think, “How did they do that? How did they pull this off without having a ton of money to work with? How did they get it so nice? I wish I had their brain!”] are often those that were thoughtfully designed, rather than those that had crazy large budgets. A well-placed mirror. A consistent colour theme. Fabrics that are taken with style not in a store-bought sale. Anyone who can do these things can do them, and most of these things can be done by yourself (and at a much lower cost than another party).
It’s not only about saving cash with diy home decor, it’s additionally about taking control over your creativity. Things you make yourself fit into your home better than those which are mass produced do. It is filled with your fingerprints, choices, sense of beauty. But, it is more than the price tag that makes a home truly luxurious.
This book offers eight of the best achievable, impactful and truly beautiful DIY decorating projects that you can try today, complete with examples of how you can tackle each project with confidence, details of the materials you need and styling advice.
Why DIY Decorating Outperforms Store-Bought
To start, let’s first consider the reasons why it is all too easy to see that handmade decor always looks better than its commercial counterparts, even when the raw materials aren’t costly.
Designing something for your home that is mass produced is done for the largest audience possible. The size is not specified. Averages of the finishes are reported. The colours selected are not obviously offensive to listeners, and are therefore not likely to captivate anyone. You’ve purchased a product off the shelf that is designed to fit as many homes as possible, and that’s not yours.
If you make it yourself, you can precisely decide the size that suits in your space. Selecting colors that go well with the existing ones. You select textures which feel good against the things you already have in your wardrobe. It comes out as a piece which you’ll find to be a perfect addition to your home, as nothing from the stores is ever quite the same as this.
Thrown into the mix is the quality aspect: many low-cost retail items have materials which look fine in the store, but which show their low cost within months of normal wear and tear. Quality individual materials such a good paint, quality fabric, solid timber from a hardware store can be used for DIY projects that often last and look longer than the same materials that can be purchased for the price of the project.
8 DIY Home Decor Projects That Look Genuinely Expensive
1. Custom Limewash or Textured Accent Wall
When it comes to the room redeco that makes the biggest impact on the dollar, it’s accent wall with some texture or limewash. Interior designers’ services are expensive for a homeowner to choose and install textured wall treatments; however, the methods are quite easy to be used by a motivated do-it-yourself decorator.
What you’ll need:
- Limewash paint – many brands of paint will make an already-mixed version of limewash paint
- A big, flat brush or moist sea sponge
- Painter’s tape
- Drop cloth
How to achieve it:
That’s what is meant by the term limewash paint — it is painted in a not-so-perfect way. Unlike regular painting, limewash is applied in irregular strokes and is overlapped, using a wet brush, and is partially wiped back and allowed to dry completely. The difference in thickness produces depth and the “chalky” feel that gives it a high-end appearance and true “chalky” plasterwork, just like that of European plasterwork which it is so similar to.
You’ll want to start with a blank, fresh wall. Apply first coat in wide sweeping strokes, and gently rub with damp cloth prior to complete drying of paint. Second coat should be applied in a slightly different direction after the first coat has cured. The deeper into the layers, the richer the application, the more dimensional it will be.
Colors that complement well: warm white, terracotta, sage green, Venetian blue and dusty pink.
Styling Tip: If you have a bed or sofa, pick one to place a limewash accent wall behind it, to add a sense of purpose and quality to the entire room. Works great in areas where natural light is available.
2. Framed Gallery Wall with Custom Matting
Gallery walls can be seen all over — but it’s the quality of the presentation and consistency of the presentation that makes the difference between an effective gallery wall and an effective cluttersome gallery wall. The key secret of pro designers? Custom matting.
The negative space surrounding an image on a broad, deep mat within a simple frame can enhance even a printed poster, making it appear as if it’s a piece of fine art. The mat draws the eye into the frame, whilst the space around the frame exudes control and purpose; attributes of high design value.
What you’ll need:
- Simple black or white frames on your preferred sizes (the frames should be the same colour, and as simple as possible)
- Mats that fit your frames that are already cut (from art supply shops, and online retailers)
- Art prints, photos or botanical illustration
- Imagine that you have pictures hanging or you’re hanging small nails.
- A level and measuring tape.
How to execute:
Be careful to select a theme that appears cohesive: a certain coherence of colors, a theme (botanicals, architectural drawings, abstract prints of similar color) or a style. Use different sizes of print, but consistent colour and style of frame.
Place on the floor first before decorating on the wall. Once you have chosen a look you like, take a picture of it, and then transfer it to the wall, referencing the picture.
Pro Tip – it needs to be arranged to feel like a whole picture not a series of discrete images – a rectangular or irregular composition, a clear frame and visual form.
3. Painted Furniture Transformation with Chalk Paint
Chalk paint is definitely one of the most truly magic painting items that a home decorator can make use of. It does not need any type of priming, works on just about any surface, including wood, laminate, metal, and fabric, and can be distressed, waxed or sealed to achieve a variety of looks.
Just any of these items, in the right color and with a good chalk paint finish, looks like it’s bespoke.
What you’ll need:
- Chalk Paint in desired color
- A good brush or mini foam roller
- Clear or Dark furniture wax (for protection and finish)
- Sandpaper in two grits – 120 grit and 220 grit
- Clean cloths
The process:
Scuff the surface of the piece with 120-grit sandpaper to remove flaking material and lightly sand. Wipe clean. Use chalk paint in thin layers; two or three generally are enough to cover. Between coats lightly sand with 220-grit for a smooth finish. If you are looking for a slightly rustic or distressed finish, then do not sand between coats.
Seal with clear furniture wax on to it with a cloth and buff to a soft sheen when it is completely dry. To achieve additional protection, you can also use a water-based topcoat sealer, which does a great job.
Colors that enhance furnishings: deep navy, forest green, warm cream, dusty sage, charcoal grey.
Styling Hints: New hardware can be a great big difference. After painting, the next step toward a piece becoming a “statement piece” is to replace the original furniture handles with brushed brass or matte black finishes.
4. Replace Linen or Velvet Cushion Covers
The cushion makes a huge difference in the ambiance of a room — and most people purchase the most inexpensive cushion they can find and use beyond its aesthetic glory. The positive side is that creating cushion covers is among one of the most attainable sewing projects around, and not much more than straightforward line sewing abilities are needed, as well as some materials.
Or, if sewing is not possible, no-sew cushion cover techniques with iron-on hem tape can result in clean, professional-looking finishes without the use of a sewing machine.
What you’ll need:
- Complimentary coloured quality fabric-linen, velvet, cotton canvas, boucle
- A cushion cover pattern in the shape of a envelope (also easily obtained as a free download online)
- Hem tape, either sewing machine or iron on.
- Scissors and pins, measuring tape
Here are a few things to consider when selecting your fabric:
The fabric is the main determinant of the final appearance of the cushion, and therefore, much of its luxuriness. The term “velvet” and “boucle” is used to convey a sense of luxury, and they would appear “high cost” even if the price is not. The natural quality and consideration of linen is not lost over the years. Cotton canvas is solid colored, clean and graphic. Do not use synthetic fabrics that tend to pill — this will ruin the look.
Create at least four coverings for cushions for each sofa, at a time. Either one or two new cushions in amongst old ones tends to draw attention to the old ones rather than adding to the overall look.
Styling Advice: You can combine different textures as well as colors. The same color family with a velvet cushion, a linen cushion and a boucle cushion provides a richness of texture even when the colors are the same.
5. Concrete Candle Holders and Bookends
Since years, concrete home accessories have been a theme in high-end interior design – simple, architectural, substantial. Not to mention that concrete is a do-it-yourself material, which is one of those interior design secrets.
With the help of just a few easy molds like plastic cups, cardboard tubes or silicone baking molds, wonderful, professional pieces can be created in just a few hours with ready-mix concrete.
What you’ll need:
- Rapid-set concrete mix
- Silicone molds or homemade moulds.
- A petroleum jelly or cooking spray (use for mold release)
- Using a variety of containers and stirring devices
- Sandpaper (fine grit)
- Concretes: concrete sealer, metal paint accents (optional)
How to create them:
Make a thick, smooth consistency of concrete, like peanut butter. Lightly coat molds with cooking spray so that the food comes out easily. Carefully pour/spoon in, tapping the mold gently on the table to remove air bubbles. Let cure for 24-48 hours before demolding. Use fine grit sanding to sand any rough edges. Protect and give a slight sheen with a clear concrete sealer.
The end product is candle holders, little bowls, bookends or planters that resemble those you’d find in a designer homewares shop.
6. Wall hanging made of Macrame Woven
Over the last 10 years or so, there has been a true resurgence of the use of textured wall art in interior design, and it seems there is a reason for that! Whether you are looking for a geometric design or a more organic look, a large scale woven or macrame design brings warmth, texture and handmade character to any wall that is hard to duplicate with printed artwork. The dimensional qualities of fibre art, the hanging of threads and knotted areas work well to enliven empty walls.
While the most complex knots are quite difficult to master, the basic macramé knots are simple to master from any tutorial and just need patience, rope and a dowel rod.
What you’ll need:
- Natural cotton macramé cord (3mm or 5mm).
- A stick, branch or wooden dowel
- Scissors
- Wooden beads, feathers and dyed cord for colour accents (optional)
Beginner approach:
Make a simple fringe hanging: Fold lengths of cord and using lark’s head knots secure to your dowel and cut the ends into a v shape, straight line or an organic flowing shape. Even if it’s just a simple fringe hanging in a natural cotton colour, it adds a touch of warmth and texture which would appear to be considered and artisanal.
Styling Advice: Wall art can have a huge impact on size. A generous and slightly larger than thought piece will look on purpose, a tight piece, will look like an afterthought. Measure 1/2 – 2/3 of the width of the furniture item underneath.
7. Upcycled Vases with Metallic Paint or Rattan Wrapping
With one of the two methods of transformation, any simple glass or ceramic vase can be used to create a beautiful decorative piece, which you can find at any charity shop, discount store or dollar store.
Technique One — Metallic spray paint: Any glass bottle or ceramic vase will look like a designer item with a coat of brushed gold, antique bronze or matte silver spray paint. The important points are: preparation of the surface (clean and lightly sanded), and thin and even coatings applied from a distance, not close and thick.
Technique Two—The method of rattan (or jute) wrapping has an artisanal, considered feel, and is a simple technique that can be used on a plain glass vase by wrapping from base to top with strong craft glue and tightly wound rattan or jute twine. These vases are wrapped in groups of 3 – tall, medium, short – to form a vignette reminiscent of an interior shoot with a style.
Hacky Tip: If you are deciding to arrange vases, make sure that you use an odd number of them, such as three or five. Add in different sizes, make a lot of difference in the height of the grouping. The varying textures of metals with wrapped finishes in the same group adds visual interest without overloading.
8. DIY Floating Shelves with Decorative Styling
Floating shelves double duty, they are useful for storage and looks great for displaying. Constructing floating shelves using solid wood (pine, oak or MDF with veneer edge tape) creates a more recognizable, yet customizable piece than most shelves will have available from retail stores.
What you’ll need:
- Cut plans to the length you want, most hardware stores will cut it for you (most commonly it is solid timber planks)
- Floating shelf bracket hardware (can be purchased at any hardware store)
- Sandpaper (120 and 220 grit)
- Stain or paint
- Drill, level and install wall anchors suitable to the type of wall to be drilled.
The magic for making shelves appear into the pricey category — the style:
It’s the placement of objects within a shelf that people get confused about. The principles are easy but must be practiced in a disciplined manner:
- Place an odd number of objects (either 3 or 5) on each shelf.
- Be sure that the height is different in each group of items (tall, medium, and small).
- Combine Textures: a book, a plant, a ceramic object, a candle
- Don’t fill in the negative space, don’t be tempted to fill every inch
- The horizontal, side-by-side arrangement of books is best for them, or they may be arranged vertically with their spines facing the same way.
General Rules That Make DIY Decor Look Expensive
While individual projects can be the difference between a thoughtful DIY and a plain “do it yourself” project, there are a couple of overarching rules that tend to stand out as the difference between the two:
- Restraint: Less is more – better is better. All furniture in a room should be warranted.
- Cohesive color story: Using 3 – 4 complementary colors in all decorative elements will help create a harmony that is designed instead of created.
- Materials: For both DIY and otherwise, it pays to use the highest quality materials that you can afford. A good paint, a quality fabric and a solid timber are easily recognizable as being different from their counterparts.
- Awareness of scale: One of the most frequent decorating errors is to select items that are too small for the area. Small scales are considered as expensive and big scales as confident, while very small ones are considered as cheap and tentative.
- The finishing touches are what can make the difference between an amateur project and a professional looking piece of furniture: Proper sealing of painted furniture, clean edges for fabric projects, level and properly spaced gallery walls.
Conclusion
The best home decor ideas don’t say that they’re made by hand — they simply look beautiful, well thought out and like they belong. There’s a lot you can do with a livening accent wall in a living room, a touch of concrete in a candle holder, or a beautifully crafted cushion cover out of quality linen to give your sofa an authentic aesthetic.
The investment required is your time, creativity and a small materials budget. Returning home would be acquiring a house that would represent your taste, your choices and your true creative sensibility. And that’s more than anything you can just call up and order, a wait for which you’ll never have enough time.
Take one project at a time. Experience what it’s like to make your space all-you by yourself. You’re bound to not want to give up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: So how about the most easy-to-do home decor projects for beginners?
These are the easiest to master and most impactful styles for decorating with a floating shelf, upcycling cushions, space for a gallery wall, and upcycling vases with spray paint. If you’re a novice, you can just take what you already have and rearrange and restyle it and for no cost, it can create dramatic results — using the principles of grouping, scale and restraint.
Q2: What do I do to make do-it-yourself projects look professional, instead of do-it-at-home?
The most critical elements are preparation (cleaning, sanding and priming before painting), patience (thinning the paint, not painting too thick), and attention to details (sealing, hardware, clean edges). These are the things that turn amateur photos into professional photos and taking the time to do them is what makes a difference.
Q3: What is the most cost effective project that would involve my DIY efforts that would also be the most eye-catching?
An accent wall, a painted accent wall or a wall simply treated with a geometric pattern can provide the greatest room makeover for the lowest price. The difference a single can of limewash on one wall can make to a whole room is quite dramatic, and much less expensive than any furniture item.
Q4: Where can I source inexpensive materials for DIY home decor?
Paint, timber and concrete hardware stores; upholstery fabric online stores; charity shops and thrifts for vases, frames and furniture to upcycle and macramé cord and bead craft supply stores. Quality can be found at an attractive low price in clearance areas of home goods shops.
Q5. What is the best way to pick a colorscheme for my do-it-yourself home decor ideas?
Use objects that are in place in the room — the floor; large furniture; any feature wall or architectural feature that you will not be changing. Choose 2-3 contrasting colors from the colors that have been set to decorate your accessories. A cohesive palette helps to create a sense of unity and gives the entire room a cohesive and intentional feel.
