Mum creates amazing mermaid scales feature wall for just £18

Victoria McIntyre, a 33-year-old neurological nurse and mother of two from Perthshire, embarked on a DIY project during lockdown to revitalize her kitchen. Motivated to brighten the space affordably, she created a brick-effect feature wall for merely £12, utilizing Frogtape and paint tester pots. The family had previously transformed three bathrooms, and for the kitchen, they aimed for a unique brick design rather than the more common geometric patterns often achieved with Frogtape. This choice was also influenced by their existing brick tile splashback, and a desire for an easily changeable and less expensive option than wallpaper. Initially, the kitchen's feature wall was a deep grey, necessitating several coats of white as a base. The application of Frogtape proved to be the most intricate and time-consuming part of the project. Despite the house being a new build, the walls were slightly uneven, meaning Victoria could not simply apply horizontal strips. Instead, each horizontal line had to be meticulously measured and leveled, a process crucial for avoiding a wavy appearance in the final brick pattern. The vertical lines were then added using a spare wall tile as a guide. This precise taping process alone took six hours. Once the intricate stencil was created with Frogtape, the actual painting was surprisingly quick, taking only about ten minutes. Victoria used a deep fluffy roller and drizzled grey paint into a tray, ensuring minimal paint absorption on the roller. She then firmly rolled it back and forth across the entire wall. For areas inaccessible to the roller, such as edges, a natural sea sponge was employed to fill the gaps. The objective was to apply as little paint as possible, aiming for a porous effect that would mimic the texture of natural brick. The cost of the entire transformation amounted to just £12, spent on two rolls of Frogtape and a small tester pot of deep grey paint, both sourced online from a local Crown Paint store during lockdown. The family already had white paint at home, further reducing expenses. The outcome was a lighter, brighter kitchen with a unique industrial flair. Victoria and her husband were initially apprehensive about the result, fearing a potential need to repaint the entire wall solid grey if the brick effect failed. However, they were delighted with the finished look, which not only brightened their kitchen but also created the illusion of a larger space. The project has received positive feedback from visitors, validating the effort and innovative approach. This demonstrates how budget-friendly materials and creative DIY techniques can achieve significant home transformations without incurring substantial costs. The success of this project also highlights the versatility of Frogtape for various design patterns beyond typical geometric styles, offering an accessible route to personalized home decor. #HomeDecor #KitchenDesign #DIYProjects #ThriftyLiving #FeatureWall #BrickEffect #Frogtape #PaintTransformation #BudgetHomeImprovement

Victoria McIntyre, a neurological nurse and mother of two from Perthshire, embarked on a DIY project to transform her kitchen, successfully creating a stylish brick-effect feature wall for just £12. Having recently returned to work from maternity leave, Victoria found redecorating during lockdown to be a welcome escape from daily stresses, especially with her husband working from home. This kitchen renovation followed her previous success in transforming three bathrooms. The initial idea for the feature wall came from a desire to move beyond the popular geometric wall designs while still utilizing frog tape, a method she and her husband found appealing. Victoria and her husband specifically wanted a brick-effect wall where the 'bricks' matched the size of the existing brick tile splashback in their kitchen. This decision, however, added a layer of complexity to the project. The process began with applying several coats of white paint as a base over the original deep grey wall. A crucial step involved precisely measuring and applying frog tape for the horizontal lines, as the walls in their new build house were not perfectly straight. Each horizontal line had to be marked using a measuring tape and spirit level to avoid a wavy effect. The vertical lines were then added, using a spare wall tile as a guide for consistent brick sizing. This meticulous frog taping process alone took six hours. After the tape was meticulously applied, the painting itself was relatively quick, taking only about 10 minutes. Victoria used a deep fluffy roller with minimal pressure to achieve an almost porous effect, mimicking the texture of natural brick. For areas the roller couldn't reach, a natural sea sponge was used to fill in the gaps. The aim was to cover the entire wall with as little paint as possible to enhance the brick-like appearance. The total cost for this project was remarkably low, at just £12, which covered two rolls of frog tape and a small tester pot of deep grey paint, purchased online from a local Crown Paint store during lockdown. The white base paint was already available at home. Victoria expressed her delight with the final outcome, noting that she and her husband initially had concerns about how it would turn out, contemplating painting over it entirely if it looked bad. However, they both loved the result, finding that it added a unique flair to the kitchen and created an illusion of greater space. The project also garnered positive feedback from visitors. Victoria highlighted the cost-effectiveness of the renovation, stating that she never anticipated it would be so inexpensive, and considered it a low-risk endeavor given the minimal cost. She encourages others to share their DIY stories, reinforcing the article's focus on accessible home improvement projects. #DIY #HomeRenovations #KitchenDesign #FeatureWall #BudgetDecor #FrogTape #InteriorDesign #CreativeHacks

The article focuses on how a designer transformed an unattractive, builder-grade air vent into an aesthetically pleasing design element using a simple, affordable purchase. Anthony Rodriguez, creator of 136 Home, found himself consistently bothered by a standard white air vent located near his kitchen, which became a daily eyesore due to its prominent placement. His belief that small details significantly impact a home's overall design prompted him to seek a more elegant solution for this common fixture. Rodriguez's search led him to a $28 brass plate from Signature Hardware, featuring an Art Deco-inspired pattern, which he used to replace the original vent. The replacement process was straightforward, requiring only a screwdriver to remove the old vent, clean the opening, and install the new one. He emphasized the importance of ensuring the new plate's damper box matched the existing opening for a seamless fit. Rodriguez also applied caulk around the edges to compensate for an uneven wall surface, further perfecting the installation. Beyond Rodriguez's personal project, the article explores additional creative approaches to disguising air vents, drawing inspiration from Washington, D.C.-based designer Zoe Feldman. Feldman's methods include integrating decorative wire-mesh panels into media cabinets to conceal vents, making them appear as intentional design features rather than functional necessities. Another technique involves customizing grilles by painting them to match the surrounding wall's plaster finish, thereby harmonizing them with the room's aesthetic. Additionally, Feldman suggests extending wallpaper patterns onto the outer edges of vents to seamlessly blend them into the wall design, enhancing the room's visual continuity and sophistication. The article highlights that addressing these minor, often overlooked design elements can significantly elevate a home's interior. It suggests that such small-scale renovations do not necessarily require extensive effort or high costs but can yield substantial improvements in the overall look and feel of a space. The examples provided demonstrate various techniques, from simple swaps to more integrated design solutions, to transform functional but unsightly fixtures into integral parts of a cohesive interior design scheme. This approach underscores the impact of meticulous attention to detail in home aesthetics, offering practical and inspiring ideas for homeowners seeking to refine their living environments. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #DIYProject #HomeImprovement #AestheticUpgrade #DesignSolutions #SmallDetails #BudgetFriendlyDesign

The article highlights the inspiring DIY project of Victoria Robinson, a mother from Hertfordshire, who transformed her daughters' bedroom into a 101 Dalmatians-themed space for just £2. Using only two tester pots of black paint from Homebase and a paintbrush, Victoria created a striking feature wall with Dalmatian spots for her daughters, Jessica and Amber, aged three and six. The project took approximately two hours to complete, showcasing her patience and creative flair. The bedroom previously featured painted alpine scenes, which Victoria covered with white paint she already had at home before adding the black spots. Despite initial doubts, the final result was a success, much to the delight of her dog-loving daughter, Jessica. This budget-friendly makeover demonstrates how simple materials and a creative approach can achieve a unique and personalized room design. The article encourages readers to embrace their creativity during time spent at home, suggesting that many households might have unused tester paint pots that could be repurposed for similar decorating, DIY, or upcycling projects. It also invites readers to share their own creative home transformations on the Ideal Home Room Clinic social media group. The author, Tamara Kelly, emphasizes the accessibility of such projects, making personalized home decoration achievable without significant financial outlay. This example serves as a testament to imaginative and cost-effective home decoration, especially appealing to parents looking for engaging ways to personalize their children's spaces. It promotes the idea of utilizing readily available resources and personal effort to achieve impactful design changes, moving away from the need for expensive professional services or extensive material purchases. The project's success underscores the value of DIY in creating cherished and unique environments within the home. #KidsBedroom #DIYDecor #BudgetDecor #DalmatianTheme #PaintProject #ChildrensRoom #Homebase #CreativeMum #InteriorDesign #RoomMakeover

A homeowner successfully transformed her bedroom with a DIY wooden feature wall inspired by Instagram, achieving a stylish Scandi look for significantly less than a professional quote. Calsey Banks from Birmingham, impressed by similar designs online, decided to undertake the project herself after receiving a builder's quote of £300. Her initiative saved her £150, as she completed the entire project for just £150. Calsey sourced MDF strips from B&Q; and used no-nail glue to attach them to the wall. She emphasized that the project didn't require specialized tools, noting she only used an electrical saw to cut the MDF to size. A key to achieving a uniform look was using a divider to ensure consistent spacing between each strip. Once all the wooden strips were in place, she painted the entire wall, including the gaps, using Regency Cream by Craig and Rose Paint. Adding a personal touch, Calsey utilized the leftover MDF pieces to create a decorative picture ledge on the wall, which she positioned at different angles to enhance the overall aesthetic. This creative use of materials not only added character but also eliminated waste. Her project demonstrates that bold DIY efforts can lead to stunning results and significant cost savings. The article further showcases other examples of wood panelling, suggesting that playing with the spacing between wooden strips can personalize the look. It highlights how this popular wall trend is versatile and can be effectively used in various rooms, including dining rooms and bedrooms, particularly behind the bed for a Scandi-inspired focal point. The success of Calsey's project encourages others to tackle similar home improvement tasks, proving that impressive design can be achieved on a budget with a DIY approach. #DIYHomeDecor #WoodPanelling #BedroomMakeover #ScandiDesign #BudgetDecor #HomeImprovement #CreativeDIY

This article presents a detailed, step-by-step guide to constructing a modern and customizable DIY picture wall, suitable for displaying various artworks and photographs. The project, demonstrated by Chris Salomone of Foureyes Furniture as part of the Dwell Made series, emphasizes a minimalist design and offers flexibility in materials and dimensions. The key materials required are ¾-inch hardwood, softwood, or plywood, along with 10x10-inch pre-cut mat boards, though alternative sizes are also permissible. The construction process begins with cutting the chosen wood to a desired finished length, with 64 inches used as an example, but adaptable to individual wall specifications. This can be achieved using various tools such as a table saw with a cross-cut sled, a chop saw, or a handheld circular saw. Following the initial length cut, the board is then cut into multiple strips. The example uses 1 ½-inch wide strips, but this dimension can be altered to fit specific design preferences, with four strips being necessary for the demonstrated design. A crucial step involves cutting a groove into both the top and bottom edges of each strip. This is accomplished by setting a table saw blade to protrude approximately 1/8 inch above the table surface and adjusting the fence to position the groove towards the back, but not directly on the edge, of the pieces. After cutting, the fit of the mat board within the groove is tested, and adjustments to the fence are made if necessary to widen the grooves for a perfect fit. The subsequent step focuses on finishing the wood pieces. This includes sanding with progressively finer grits—80, 120, and finally 180 grit sandpaper—to achieve a smooth surface. A coat of wipe-on Polyurethane finish is then applied, though the article notes that almost any type of finish can be used. The final stage involves the installation of the picture wall. Prior to installation, careful planning and marking of the desired layout on the wall are essential. The first or bottom piece is installed using a level to ensure accuracy, and secured with finish nails. To maintain consistent spacing between subsequent pieces, mat boards are used as temporary spacers on either end. This process is repeated until all strips are securely installed, creating a cohesive and visually appealing display system. The article concludes by inviting readers to follow Dwell Made on Instagram and YouTube for more DIY projects. #DIY #PictureWall #HomeDecor #Woodworking #ModernDesign #Craftsmanship #FoureyesFurniture #InteriorDesign #HomeImprovement

Decorating a home or apartment with high-end art doesn't necessarily require a significant financial investment, contrary to popular belief and the impression given by some home improvement shows. A growing number of online retailers provide quality art at various price points, enabling individuals to enhance their living spaces without breaking the bank. These platforms offer a diverse selection of affordable art, suitable for transforming plain walls into visually appealing areas. Several online stores stand out for their offerings. Society6, an artisan-driven marketplace, features thousands of images and prints that can be framed at reasonable costs, typically ranging from $30 to $200, depending on size. Beyond framed art, many designs are also available on items such as tapestries, canvases, mugs, and T-shirts. Rifle Paper Co. specializes in prints with beautiful florals, inspirational quotes, animals, and whimsical images. For an additional $65, customers can select a frame and mat to complement their chosen print. Amazon, a major online retailer, also provides a substantial collection of fine art options that are budget-friendly. Similarly, Minted offers a variety of sleek, fun, and affordable art, with many prints being customizable and available framed or on canvas. For those seeking a specific aesthetic, Anthropologie caters to shabby chic or bohemian-themed homes, with art pieces generally starting at $98. AllModern offers a wide range of options, from abstract and midcentury modern art to Picasso prints. Overstock's extensive art collection includes abstract, landscape, floral, and animal themes, available on canvas, framed, or on wood and metal. Redbubble is another excellent budget-friendly platform for wall art, featuring diverse themes such as picturesque beach scenes and mood-setting imagery for various rooms. Art.com is a comprehensive source for affordable art, including fine art, vintage pieces, canvas collections, and sculptural items. Urban Outfitters presents a constantly updated collection of trendy wall art, including vintage-looking Italian landscapes and graphic lunar pieces, suitable for achieving a fashionable living space. Saatchi Art provides a vast selection of affordable art, with an option to add a frame in black, natural wood, or white for an extra $80. Wayfair’s art collection encompasses wildlife, cityscapes, abstract designs, florals, and animals. Walmart and Target are also reliable sources for budget-friendly yet stylish wall art, offering pieces that can suit various aesthetic preferences. For those with a more generous budget and an inclination towards a 'coastal grandmother' style, Serena & Lily offers an art section that delivers. West Elm also provides a diverse collection of art at various price points, including wildlife, cities, abstracts, and florals. Bespoke Post features a variety of minimalistic wall art, with themes ranging from national parks to vintage drink graphics. Lastly, Pottery Barn is a classic home decor retailer known for its wall art in various styles and price points, while Wolf and Badger offer fun, pop-art-inspired options ideal for colorful homes. Ikonick provides affordable canvas prints featuring cultural icons and popular brands designed to be conversation starters. These online retailers demonstrate that enhancing home decor with art is accessible and affordable, allowing individuals to personalize their spaces without significant financial strain. #HomeDecor #AffordableArt #OnlineShopping #WallArt #InteriorDesign #HomeImprovement #BudgetDecor #ArtMarketplace

This article highlights various 3D wall art options to enhance home interiors, moving beyond traditional art prints to introduce depth and texture. It features ten distinct pieces, each offering a unique aesthetic and functionality. The Project 62 Gold Decorative Wall Sculpture from Target, priced at $30, presents a mid-century modern feel with its burnished gold, angled metallic leaves that interact with light to create a multi-tonal effect. Despite its delicate appearance, it is noted for its sturdy construction. Next, the Umbra Prisma Decorative Accents, a set of six wire-frame gems available on Amazon for $36, offer versatility in gold, copper, or black, suitable for holding flameless tea lights or air plants, and can even be combined to form lightbulb pendants. West Elm's Floating Brass Shapes Wall Art, originally $249 and now $100, showcases three interlocking, hand-poured metal shapes with a brass finish, designed to be oriented in various ways to evoke different sentiments. The UncommonGoods Fire Escape Shelf, reduced from $129 to $99, merges form and function, mimicking urban fire escapes to provide a unique display for small potted plants. World Market's Gold Metal Leaf Wall Decor, available for $10, introduces a naturalistic touch with its golden, corrugated iron frond, complementing spaces rich in plant life. The Benzara Flock of Birds Wall Installation, costing $92 on Amazon, provides a minimalist, sturdy iron depiction of sea birds, suitable for various decor styles. Pier 1 Imports' Natural Woven Round Wall Decor, priced at $100, is a substantial sunburst-like sculpture, over 3 feet in diameter, crafted from cornhusk to bring natural softness indoors without overwhelming the space. CB2's Graham Wire Wall Art, discounted from $100 to $40, is a brass-plated steel sculpture designed to appear to float, offering a fresh perspective on a blank wall due to its lightweight build and easy mounting. The Home Sweet Home 3D Cursive Wall Décor from AllModern, at $62, adds a brass-colored, hand-scripted touch, ideal for an entryway. Lastly, the Grandin Road Aspen Metal Art, available for $199, is a woodland-inspired metal sculpture celebrated for its airy, naturalistic look, intricate detailing, and high quality despite its higher price point. These selections collectively offer diverse ways to integrate three-dimensional elements into home decor, providing visual interest and adding character to any room. #3DWallArt #HomeDecor #WallSculpture #InteriorDesign #DecorativeAccents #ModernHome #MetallicArt #UniqueShelving #ArtisticDecor

Mermaidcore, an aesthetic inspired by oceanic mythological creatures, has transitioned from fashion into home decor, offering a whimsical and ethereal style. This trend encompasses aquatic hues, iridescent accents, and motifs inspired by the underwater world. Unlike typical nautical themes, mermaidcore decor delves deeper into magical maritime elements, ranging from sunset pink wall murals to glossy mother-of-pearl trays. Key elements to achieve the mermaidcore look include incorporating specific colors and textures through furniture, walls, and bedding. For instance, creating a room that evokes a beach sunset can be achieved with a peachy ombre wall mural combined with a scalloped occasional chair. To mimic the depths of a coral reef, a textured coral bed throw paired with deep blue walls would be suitable. The trend is gaining significant traction, with Etsy reporting substantial increases in searches for related items, such as a 125 percent rise in scalloped runners, a 30 percent increase in oyster shell ring dishes, and a 22 percent increase in bubble light fixtures, indicating a strong consumer interest in this distinctive style. To help consumers embrace this aesthetic, various products are available. A John Lewis + Matthew Williamson Scallop Shell Mirror, designed with gold-toned scallop shells, offers an Art Deco twist to the mermaidcore theme, suitable for vertical or horizontal wall mounting. Recycled Gold Lipped Oyster Shell Candles from Etsy, featuring elegant gold leaf detailing and a subtle coconut scent, provide a distinctive decorative touch. For bedding, the Waves Teal Reversible Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set from Dunelm, with its soft teal and white hues, can instantly bring a coastal feel to a bedroom, especially when accessorized with textured white cushions and shell motifs. Decorative items like the Large White Clam Shell Display Dish from Rockett St George, made with a naturalistic resin finish, serve as striking features. For entertaining, the Set of 4 Lustered Coupe Glasses from Anthropologie, with their real gold rim and iridescent finish, are ideal for creating sparkling, beach-themed cocktails. The Mild Soft Cushion Cover from La Redoute, in a subtle seafoam shade, enhances the ocean-inspired ambiance of any room. A Shell Table Lamp from Urban Outfitters, featuring a shell and pearl design with a color-changing LED light, helps create a moody, deep-sea aesthetic. Additionally, a Hazel Glitter Green Glass Vase from Oliver Bonas, adorned with a spot design mimicking water droplets, is perfect for floral displays. Elissia Marble Wallpaper in Navy and Gold from ilovewallpaper.co.uk blends deep navy tones with metallic gold to imitate crashing waves, creating a magical ocean-inspired bathroom. Dining can also reflect the theme with the Scalloped Speckled Dinner Plate from John Lewis, which features a charming fluted design and shell-inspired scalloped edges. A Naomi Mother-of-Pearl Board from Anthropologie, crafted from natural agate stone and shimmering mother-of-pearl, serves as a unique decorative piece for coffee tables or kitchen worktops. For smaller accents, the Scallop Shell Terrazzo Vase from Etsy, handmade in eco-resin, is ideal for dried stems. Finally, a Blue Agate Aquamarine Suncatcher from Not On The High Street, with its vibrant blue hues, reflects light to bring a sense of calm and tranquility, completing the mermaidcore aesthetic. #Mermaidcore #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #OceanicTheme #CoastalLiving #WhimsicalDecor #EtherealAesthetic #ScallopMotifs #IridescentAccents

Blank walls present a common design challenge in any space, with their placement, dimensions, and impact on a room dictating the best approach. While traditional solutions involve wall art, wallpaper, accent colors, or frame molding, an alternative offers both architectural interest and functionality: wall sconces. These three-dimensional fixtures can provide the appearance of built-in, expensive elements, even when they are budget-friendly or DIY creations. Designer Shalena Smith highlights their ability to add elegance and make a statement with a clean, simple aesthetic. Wall sconces offer significant beauty and functionality. Available from numerous retailers, they come in wired or unwired options, using candles or bulbs. For those looking to avoid electrical work, many sconces plug into outlets with discreetly concealed cords. Flame-less battery-operated candles, such as those found in Pottery Barn's Artisan Candle Sconces, offer a solution for areas without outlets or wiring, with many featuring remote-controlled operation to cast a warm glow. The variety of designs available ensures that sconces can complement diverse aesthetics, from beaded and vintage-inspired glass fixtures for boho rooms to black metal lanterns for farmhouse decor, and minimalist designs for contemporary spaces. Fabric-covered shades and taper candle sconces further expand the options for adding light and visual interest. DIY alternatives provide creative and cost-effective ways to incorporate sconces. For example, one can create a simple wall sconce using inexpensive materials like wooden wall plaques, square dowels, and wood glue, as demonstrated by YouTuber treshaja. Another glamorous DIY option involves transforming an old wooden plaque with adhesive mirror tiles to create sparkling glass sconces. An innovative approach uses a popular IKEA plastic bag holder to craft a stylish and inexpensive fabric sconce. Sconces are versatile and can be strategically placed to complement existing artwork or gallery walls, or to flank prominent features such as doorways, windows, and fireplaces. They are particularly effective for narrow walls in hallways and entryways, providing a dynamic element without occupying much space. Additionally, sconces can enhance the illumination of other wall pieces, such as using LED sconces to highlight paintings, offering both decorative appeal and practical lighting. #WallSconces #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #DIYHomeDecor #Lighting #DesignHacks #Glamour #FunctionalDecor

The concept of a 'gallery wall' traditionally evokes images of framed family photos, but this article expands that notion to encompass a diverse array of objects and styles, transforming walls into dynamic displays of personal expression and decorative flair. The article showcases various innovative approaches to wall decoration, moving beyond conventional framed art. One featured idea involves industrial-style oversized clocks, demonstrating how functional items can be repurposed as impactful decorative elements. This approach is exemplified by a display at N. Reding and Sons Vintage Industrial Uniques, where multiple large clocks create a timely and visually striking statement. Another technique highlighted is the use of mirrors. A Birmingham home, designed by Corey Damen Jenkins, incorporates a collection of antique and vintage-inspired mirrors, which collectively create a 'serious pop' on the wall, adding depth and reflecting light to enhance the room's aesthetic. Beyond traditional décor, the article explores more unconventional options like wall planters. Glazed ceramic wallscape pots, available in various sizes, can be arranged to form a 'garden gallery wall,' effectively bringing nature indoors and turning plants into living art pieces. This method offers a refreshing alternative to static wall art and introduces organic textures and colors into the living space. A particularly creative example is presented from Art Van's new store in Canton, where hundreds of white melamine plates are arranged to form a large-scale collage. Leah Zanetti, Art Van's director of graphics, explains the challenge of finding lightweight dinnerware suitable for vertical mounting. The installation process, carried out by Detroit's Prop Art Studio, involved drilling tiny pins into the back of each plate and cup, which were then mounted to the wall with silicone. This intricate display creates a unique focal point in the dining area, demonstrating how everyday objects can be elevated into significant artistic installations. The article also includes examples from Ashley Furniture, which utilizes a mix of oversized art and various wall décor items to craft a 'cool collage,' suggesting that varied scales and textures can contribute to an engaging display. For those who prefer a more classic approach, a dining room wall featuring a collage of family photos is also shown, acknowledging the enduring appeal of personal photographic displays. Tips for creating an effective gallery wall are also provided, including advice from interior stylist Kirsten Grove of 'Simply Styling.' She recommends maintaining a spacing of 4 to 5 inches between standard-sized frames to ensure a cohesive and balanced arrangement. The article further diversifies its suggestions by presenting a gallery wall made from scarves, offering a soft, textile-based alternative to framed items, and a display of vintage artwork, which can add character and a sense of history to a space. Lastly, the article notes the availability of a wide range of oversized clocks at retailers like Pier 1 Imports, emphasizing the accessibility of diverse decorative elements for creating impactful wall displays. Overall, the article aims to inspire readers to think creatively about wall decoration, encouraging them to use a variety of objects to personalize and enhance their living environments. #InteriorDesign #WallDecor #GalleryWall #HomeStyling #CreativeDecor #HomeAccessories #ArtisticDisplay #DIYHomeDecor

A mother from Gloucestershire successfully transformed her plain white interior doors into a shaker style for a mere £40, significantly less than the estimated cost of purchasing new ones. Dissatisfied with her existing doors and finding the price of new shaker-style doors—approximately £100 per door—prohibitive, Kim Burns and her partner sought a DIY solution. They procured strips of wood, spending a total of £40 for the materials. The transformation involved acquiring 24 pieces of 8ft by 4.5-inch 9mm plywood. The couple then carefully constructed a frame around the perimeter of each door using these wood strips. Following this, they added three additional strips horizontally across the middle of each door to replicate the distinctive framed flat central panel characteristic of the shaker style. This process effectively mimicked the aesthetic of much more expensive shaker doors. To secure the wood strips, they employed both adhesive and small nails, ensuring a durable and stable attachment to the original doors. After all the wood was in place, the entire door was painted white to seamlessly blend the new additions with the existing door surface, creating a cohesive and finished look. Burns shared her successful project on the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Facebook group, where it garnered considerable positive attention and inspired other members. Many expressed their admiration for the cost-effective and visually appealing renovation, noting their own similar dissatisfaction with plain doors and an interest in replicating the project. The project highlights the potential for significant savings and creative home improvement through DIY efforts, particularly for common household elements like doors that can otherwise be expensive to replace or upgrade. #HomeRenovation #DIYProject #ShakerStyle #CostSaving #InteriorDesign #HomeImprovement #BudgetDecor #DoorMakeover

Swathi Narra, a hospitality and fashion entrepreneur, initially aimed for a simple nursery decor, hoping to avoid elaborate designs that would require frequent changes. However, the onset of the pandemic in March and her husband Jay Miller's battle with COVID-19 profoundly influenced her perspective. While her husband, an ICU pulmonary physician, treated COVID patients, Narra, then four months pregnant, relocated to her mother's home in Baton Rouge. During this period, Miller himself was hospitalized, prompting Narra to channel her efforts into creating a stable and serene environment for their daughter, Devi, now nine months old. She decorated the nursery remotely until it was safe to return home. The nursery, initially a storage room, was transformed into a blank canvas. Narra drew inspiration from her Indian heritage, specifically recalling a trip to Jaipur a few years prior with Miller, where they were captivated by the leafy murals at Bar Palladio. She aspired to incorporate a similar aesthetic into Devi's room. While hand-painted De Gournay wallpaper was beyond her budget, Narra discovered an Anthropologie mural that offered a similar visual effect at a more accessible price point. A review of the mural online led her to contact the reviewer, who shared the custom Sherwin-Williams seafoam paint color used to complement the mural. Narra applied this paint not only to the walls but also to the baseboards, trim, and ceiling, creating a cohesive and soothing atmosphere. Since the mural was smaller than the wall, she decided to frame it, selecting a blush hue from the mural's garden scene for the frame to match. To further enhance the room's "jewel-box effect," Narra sought blackout curtains that closely matched the wall color. She successfully found suitable curtains at Target, which, although not an exact match, visually blended with the walls. The rug, featuring blue tones, harmonizes with the window coverings, integrating the different elements of the room's color scheme. Narra strategically splurged on key pieces, such as an Olio Studio recliner, recommended by other mothers for its comfort and integrated USB port. The rest of the nursery was furnished with a thoughtful mix of existing items, including an IKEA dresser from her time in Chicago, estate sale finds like a triangular side table with an Indian Colonial influence, and hand-me-downs, such as a Lucite trunk for storing baby blankets. The art in the room, comprising a vintage peacock from a local flea market, a photograph of the couple in Jaipur, and a framed textile, was inspired by a gallery wall in fashion designer Sabyasachi's Hyderabad store. These pieces reinforce Narra's strong connection to India, a heritage she hopes Devi will embrace. The nursery project became a source of comfort and anticipation during a challenging period, highlighting a positive outcome amidst stressful circumstances. #NurseryDesign #JaipurInspired #DIYDecor #AffordableMural #KidsRooms #IndianHeritage #PandemicProject #HomeDecor #ColorPalette

This article details the journey of Amy and Bruce Paul in designing and decorating their 11,000-square-foot home in Rye, New York, focusing on integrating their extensive art collection into a cohesive interior design. Having previously lived in a post-modern home with traditional furnishings and a growing contemporary art collection, the Pauls sought to create a new residence where the exterior architecture and interior aesthetics were harmoniously aligned with their personal taste in design and art. Their objective was to construct a home that could comfortably accommodate their family of six while optimally showcasing their practiced and perfected collection of paintings and sculptures. The couple acquired a 13-acre estate in Rye before the 2001 World Trade Center attacks, subdividing it into seven lots and reserving a two-plus-acre parcel for their own home. They collaborated with builder Michael DiChiaro to construct a six-bedroom, seven-full-bath residence that offers views of a wooded yard, later enhanced with a pool and waterfall by Coral Sea Pools, and adorned with bronze sculptures by Mexican artist Bruno Luna. For the interior design, Amy Paul enlisted Joseph R. Stabile of J.R. Cattington, who had previously worked with them. Stabile and his team were involved from the ground up, providing input on architectural design, interior finishes, electrical layouts, and lighting selection. Stabile chose a palette of cream and gold to complement the Pauls' artwork and suggested structural modifications, such as adding a doorway to improve flow in the formal living room. Amy's primary design directive was for a "light and bright" home, which was achieved in the living room through buttery gold satin-striped fabric from Robert Allen for window treatments and crystal wall sconces by Crystorama. This room serves as a gallery for various notable paintings, including works by Janet Treby, Liane Abrieu, and Russian artists. The soft color scheme is accented by silk brocade wing chairs with colorful throw pillows and fuchsia and silk rugs from China. The family room continues the luminous theme with yellow walls, a toile pattern by Antonia Vella, Seabrook wallcoverings, and similarly colored fabrics in lemon, green, and persimmon for window treatments, pillows, and side chairs. Crystal chandeliers from Murano, imported by Castilian Imports, were chosen to coordinate with paintings by Isaac Maimon and Charles Levier. The coffered ceiling in a green apple shade with cream-colored woodwork further enhances the vibrant, garden-like atmosphere. Bruce Paul's personal space, a clubby card room, contrasts with Amy's preferences, featuring dark wood paneling, built-in bookcases, a bar, and masculine fabrics. This room, separated from the family room by a stone-front fireplace, includes Biedermeier chairs with leopard-print fabric and various personal artifacts. Stabile designed the fireplace with intricately carved mahogany lions and used a Serengeti Leopard carpet to connect Bruce’s adjoining office. The Pauls' children, Joanna, Ryan, Matt, and Jason, also contributed to the design of their respective bedrooms and bathrooms, incorporating elements such as Masland Carpets, Bernhardt furnishings, and Thibaut wallpapers. The master bedroom, with its vaulted ceiling, presented a challenge in scale, addressed by Stabile using Highland Court silk brocade for a cornice "headboard" that coordinates with custom curtains. The article highlights the Pauls' passion for art collection, which began with a French artist Charles Levier painting and expanded to include works from their travels to Europe, South America, Asia, and the Southwest. Despite concerns about diminishing wall space, their quest for art, driven by personal connection and memories from their travels, continues. #HomeDesign #InteriorDecor #ArtCollection #LuxuryHome #RyeResidence #JosephStabile #CustomDesign #ArchitecturalFeatures #PersonalStyle

This article explores the best online shops for acquiring affordable art to enhance home decor, focusing on how easily art can transform a living space. It emphasizes that updating wall art is a quick, easy, and effective method for home transformation, especially when budget constraints are a consideration. The internet has simplified the process of finding affordable prints, photographs, and posters, making artistic decor accessible to a wider audience. The article provides a curated list of online retailers, each offering unique collections suitable for various styles and budgets, from framed prints to stand-alone pieces. Papier is highlighted for its framed prints, which range from under £50 to £100, offering good value and convenience by including framing. Trouva is presented as an online platform for independent shops, featuring a diverse selection of prints from smaller designers and makers, available framed or unframed. Oliver Bonas is noted for its colorful and quirky homewares, with distinctive wall art ideal for adding personality to bedrooms, home bars, or living rooms. John Lewis offers a broad range of printed wall art, including reproductions of famous artworks and pieces from various stockists like East End Prints and Tate. Anthropologie is featured for its unique and edgy designs, including collaborations with artists. Finally, Liberty is mentioned for its value-for-money prints, including exclusive archive designs, despite its reputation for luxury. The article aims to guide readers on where to find art that suits their style and budget, whether they are looking to create a gallery wall or fill empty frames, ultimately helping them bring joy and cheer to their walls without overspending. #AffordableArt #HomeDecor #WallArt #OnlineShopping #InteriorDesign #ArtPrints #GalleryWall #HomeStyling

Decorating a living space does not have to be an expensive endeavor, with options like Amazon offering numerous possibilities for transforming any room without needing to invest in new furniture or undertake a complete layout redesign. Even bare walls provide a perfect canvas for creative embellishments, and existing decorations can be enhanced with new additions. To streamline the design process and save consumers time from sifting through countless best-sellers, a curated selection of 20 top-rated wall decor pieces available on Amazon has been compiled. This collection includes a diverse range of styles to suit various tastes and home aesthetics. The recommendations feature framed canvas sets, which offer a cohesive and time-saving solution for decorating multiple walls or creating a gallery effect. There are also standalone pieces designed to make a significant visual impact, serving as focal points within a room. For those who prefer a more bohemian touch, the selection includes macramé designs, which add texture and a relaxed vibe. The curated list highlights unique items such as a lionhead sconce, noted for its high-end appearance despite being an affordable option, and an ornate mirror that evokes the charm of a vintage find. These diverse options cater to different budgets and design preferences, allowing individuals to personalize their homes with ease and affordability. The overall aim is to provide accessible and stylish wall decor solutions that can significantly enhance the ambiance of any room, from bedrooms and living rooms to bathrooms, without requiring extensive financial investment. #WallDecor #Amazon #HomeDecor #DecoratingTips #AffordableDecor #HomeStyling #InteriorDesign

This article explores creative ways to display children's artwork throughout the home, moving beyond the traditional refrigerator display. It draws inspiration from Mary Kathryn Wells, who transformed her 2,500-square-foot home with her children's and husband's childhood art. Wells initially bought a print for her living room mantel but found it lacked cheerfulness. Her then 3-year-old son, Wells Vinyard, created an abstract piece with bold red strokes, which she had professionally enlarged for about $100 and mounted above the fireplace. She believes that while not every piece of kid art is frame-worthy, some pieces truly resonate. Wells's home features hyper-saturated creations by her now 7-year-old son, as well as art by her 5-year-old son, Beck, whose graphic composition hangs over the main bedroom fireplace. Her 2-year-old daughter, Mary Coco, contributes colorful masking tape creations. Even two pieces by her music publicist husband, Chris Vinyard, from his childhood are displayed in the boys' shared bedroom. Wells, who transitioned from public education to interior design, asserts that children’s and amateur art is "real art." Her decision to fill her home with her children's collages and watercolors stemmed from a need to cover ample wall space in their new home, a contrast to their previous two-bedroom apartment in Hawaii, and a desire for her children to feel represented throughout the living environment. The article provides several key strategies for effectively incorporating kid art into home decor. First, Wells emphasizes starting with art that holds genuine meaning, preferring pieces entirely made by her children over hand-prints. An example given is a mobile crafted by her eldest son for Mary Coco’s nursery, made from painted shells and clay sculptures. Second, she recommends using budget-friendly frames. Her preferred choice is IKEA’s Ribba frames, which cost around $8. For three-dimensional pieces, she uses simple shadow boxes from Target. For custom framing, she suggests affordable services like Framebridge, which offers options to add brass plates for special details. Third, the article advises designating a specific display area for rotating casual doodles and new creations. In her kitchen, Wells uses IKEA’s steel curtain wires, which provide a more secure display method than magnets, preventing heavy paper from sliding. Traditional bulletin boards are also noted as effective for this purpose. Finally, a crucial tip is to integrate children's art into all public spaces, rather than confining it to playrooms or isolated corners. By hanging kid art alongside non-kid creations, such as prints by professional artists, the children's pieces are elevated and seamlessly blend into the overall home aesthetic. Wells illustrates this by showcasing three prints by artist Emily Rickard alongside her children's work in the kitchen collage. She also incorporates other unconventional items as art, including personalized letterpress coasters, Shaka hooks, vintage postcards, a surfboard fin, beach hats, ukuleles, and a collection of New York Delft plates. Wells typically arranges these pieces by starting with the largest item, centering it at eye level, and then building outward to create a lively gallery, maintaining a spacing of 3.5 to 4 inches between items in a grouping. She concludes by acknowledging her own journey with perfectionism, stating that art, especially from children, teaches that things don't always have to be "right" and can embrace messiness. The article concludes with a list of recommended art supplies for families to create their own masterpieces, noting that Tempera cakes are ideal for creations intended for enlargement. #KidsArt #HomeDecor #CreativeDisplay #InteriorDesign #FamilyHome #ArtDisplayTips #DIYHomeDecor #BudgetFriendlyFrames #WallArt

Bare walls can significantly detract from a home's aesthetic, but acquiring large, impressive art pieces often comes with a substantial cost. This article presents a budget-friendly DIY alternative for creating luxurious, oversized wall art, requiring minimal supplies and no professional artistic skill. The total cost for this project is estimated to be under $100, offering a significant saving compared to purchasing high-end art. The project primarily utilizes a large piece of plywood, circular wood dowels, wood glue, paint, and Jolie wax stain. The first step involves cutting the plywood to the desired dimensions, typically 4 feet by 7 feet, though this can be adjusted to fit specific wall spaces. Next, 48 dowels are cut into one-inch pieces. The plywood then undergoes a limewash treatment using textured paint to achieve a natural, organic texture. This step offers flexibility, allowing for different paint finishes or techniques, such as using Roman clay, to achieve similar organic effects. The one-inch dowels are pre-stained before applying a final wood stain finish, making them the central visual element of the artwork. Smaller, additional dowels are then glued onto these larger dowels, elevating them from the plywood board, which adds depth and dimension. Alternative design choices include vertically cutting thin dowels to create a subtle fluted texture, catering to different interior styles. Experimentation with various paint textures, brushes, and tools is encouraged to personalize the masterpiece. For the framing, timber pieces are stained with a wood finish and subsequently attached to the plywood. The culmination of these steps results in a visually striking, oversized wall art piece that emulates high-end designer aesthetics without the associated expense. The piece's organic textures and earthy color palette make it a versatile statement addition suitable for contemporary, modern, minimalist, and mid-century modern interiors. This DIY artwork can be prominently displayed in living rooms, large hallways, or bedrooms, adding a touch of luxury. For further inspiration on wall decor, the article suggests exploring thrift stores for unique and affordable supplies. #DIYHomeDecor #BudgetFriendly #WallArt #HomeImprovement #InteriorDesign #LuxuryDecor #CraftProject #OrganicTexture