Could your home do with an injection of character?
DIY may not be your forte, but what if there were some uncomplicated tasks you could complete to enhance your property’s homeliness?
Read on as we look at 5 straightforward DIY projects that you can complete to make your home’s interior more eye-catching.
Chunky Knit Blanket
Chunky knit blankets are thick, cosy, and made with yarn. Stylish, these blankets are versatile, suitable for both beds and sofas.
Not only will they make a brilliant addition to your home, but they are also easy to make! They don’t require needles; instead they can be made by hand.
Wool, acrylic or blended yarn are some of the more beginner-friendly material options.
How to Make a Chunky Knit Blanket
- Make a foundation chain. Start with a slip knot, before pulling loops through one another to create a chain that sets the width of your blanket.
- Knit the body by pulling your loops through the base chain to form new rows. Then, repeat the motion row by row until you reach the desired length.
- With the last row, finish by looping stitches through each other so that the blanket closes neatly without unravelling.
- Hide any loose yarn tails by weaving them into the blanket before smoothing and adjusting the stitches for an even, finished appearance.
A small chunky knit blanket can be completed in as little as five hours.
Rustic Blanket Ladder
A rustic blanket ladder will provide a place to display your knit blanket, and also play its own part in enhancing your home’s appearance.
Choose lightweight, easy-to-use timber, such as softwood. You will also need screws, sandpaper, measuring tape, a saw, and either a drill or screwdriver.
Let’s look at the steps for crafting a rustic ladder for blankets:
- Cut your side rails and rungs to the desired length; make sure to keep ladder height and rung spacing in mind.
- Sand all edges and surfaces to prevent splinters and prepare the wood for finishing.
- Mark out rung positions on the side rails, before securely attaching the rungs with screws. Make sure that they are level and evenly spaced out.
- Stain, paint, or add a clear coat to protect the wood and give it a rustic finish.
Having decor that combines practicality and style is a great way to transform your indoor space.
Decorative Mirror Borders
Adding decorative borders to your mirrors will make your home more welcoming and quickly catch the eye of guests that come round.
You can create borders using a material that aligns with the overall house theme that you’re going for. Here are some popular options:
- Metallic Frames
- Mosaic Tiles
- Macramé Fringe
- Twine Wrap
- Painted Borders
Regardless of the style you want, bear the following in mind prior to getting started:
- Visualise: Picture how the finished mirror will look and plan out a rough design before you start attaching anything. This will help you complete the job effectively.
- Prepare: Give the surface and edges of the mirror a thorough clean. Dust and residue can weaken adhesives and spoil paint finishes.
- Tools: Use the proper tools and adhesives. Check that the glue, paint, or fasteners you want to use are suitable for glass, mirror surfaces, and your chosen materials.
- Weight: Unless bordering a wall-mounted mirror, avoid using especially heavy materials that can impact how securely it hangs on the wall.
Candle Jars
You can recycle old mason jars and jam jars and turn them into a home for candles.
These jars can make your home more inviting, and also help you wind down and relax towards the end of the day.
Either place ready-made candles or tealights into the jars or, for a more advanced DIY project, pour in the wax yourself to make the candle from scratch.
Soy wax, beeswax, and paraffin wax are commonly used.
When it comes to candle jars, safety is by far the most important thing. Remember to:
- Only use heat-resistant glass. Don’t use plastic, thin ceramic, or delicate glass which can melt or crack down as a result of the heat.
- Never leave any of your candles unattended. Remember to blow them all out if you’re leaving the room for more than a few moments.
- If you’re using decorations, like fabric or lace, keep them on the outside away from the flame.
Peel & Stick Wallpaper
Peel & stick wallpaper is easy to apply and remove and doesn’t damage the wall.
Simple steps:
- Ensure the wall is clean, dry, and smooth.
- Measure the wall and mark a straight vertical line for guiding the first strip.
- Peel away the backing of the paper and stick the wallpaper to the wall, smoothing out any bubbles.
- Trim excess edges and press down bubbles or loose areas.
If you are someone who would like to change the theme and colour of your walls frequently but doesn’t fancy the hassle of consistent painting and decorating, removable wallpaper is a fantastic, versatile option.
It’s also a useful method of adding character to your rented home. Landlords are often strict on tenants’ decorating, but removable wallpaper allows you an easy and hassle-free means of putting your own personal touch on your temporary home.
Start Transforming Your Home!
Certain housing projects can be difficult and time consuming. However, there are various DIY tasks you can complete that make a big difference to the character of your home, making it a more pleasant place to live.
We’ve listed our top 5, but we’re sure you can find or come up with some original ideas of your own.
Get the wheels in motion and start decorating your home today!