Taking on a DIY project with no experience can be a daunting prospect - lack of confidence is the reason most don't get off the starting block. But what if you did give it go? Where could it lead you? If fear is holding you back, read on - these industry experts and influencers all started from scratch, yet have achieved success in their renovation journeys (albeit with some bumps along the way). The one thing they all agree on? They don't regret taking the DIY plunge.
1 Rachel Verney (@the_shoestring_home) tackled tiling for her first attempt at DIY
'Rather than waiting for my dream period home, I decided to do whatever made us happy in our current home, which started with a faux fireplace! Most of the small budget went on wood to build the stud wall for the recess. We sourced a bargain iron fireplace from eBay and a surround that was being chucked out. My other half, Jon, and his family are handy, so I always have them to learn from. I'd never tiled before, so the hearth was scary, but I loved it. I never thought I could do something like that. Now I will try most DIY jobs, but I'm still a beginner and Jon often has to help! Since then I have painted, wallpapered and upcycled furniture, and recently stencilled my patio. I have loved learning new skills and I hope to be able to keep on growing in confidence.'
2 'When you break these projects down, the individual elements are manageable'
Melissa Ritchie (@littleterracedhouse) created a window seat for a bay window
Esta historia es de la edición February 2024 de Your Home.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición February 2024 de Your Home.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
'Our dream home was three years in the making!”
Temi Lorant and husband Eugene made sure not to rush into renovating this run-down semi, taking years to plan the perfect extension and a put-together decor look
'I added homespun charm to this Victorian terrace'
Inspired by working in National Trust properties, Mel Green has filled her home with heritage colours, vintage furniture and handmade accessories
'I decorated this house twice to find my style'
Kayla Reynolds initially followed trends to decorate her new build, but soon realised she preferred the classic country look, so gave every room a timeless makeover
8 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE UPGRADING YOUR WINDOWS
Give your home kerb appeal while making it warmer and more energy efficient in time for winter by tackling old or outdated windows
Hot Summer patterns
Heat up your schemes with four ways to use this season's trending prints
Cafe culture
Unleash your inner barista and serve up the cafécore aesthetic in your kitchen
Foliage chandelier
Give your dining area wow factor, like Sarah, with this striking yet simple faux foliage and LED candle chandelier
Southern cider
Wow at your next summer party with this easy-yetimpressive cocktail. It has mellow whiskey flavours and a lively finish from lime juice and sparkling cider
In your garden THIS MONTH
Pull up a garden chair, breathe in the glorious scents of summer and plan of all the gardening tasks to complete
'I doubled my living space with an outdoor room'
Sarah Brooks swapped a dilapidated shed for a showstopping open summerhouse, decked out with stylish home comforts to bring the inside out