DIY enthusiasts are being reminded by experts to exercise caution and patience for achieving the best outcomes in their projects.
As the urge to redecorate homes kicks into gear in the new year, some of the country’s leading interior design gurus advise on the pitfalls to swerve and improvements to make
To help you steer clear of these pitfalls, follow these expert tips for successful renovations, reports the Express.
Painting your home
Emma Bestley, co-founder and creative director of YesColours, is one of the top design gurus offering her advice – particularly on preparing your walls for decoration.
She recommends: “If the surface of your wall is uneven in any way, it may need sanding. It is also a wise idea to clean walls with sugar soap to clear away any dirt build-up. If you’re looking for a natural alternative to sugar soap, it’s simple enough to make your own.”
Bestley shares her formula for an eco-friendly cleaning solution: “This can easily be achieved with water, white vinegar and a few drops of essential oils, which adds a beautiful scent, too.
“For those working with freshly plastered walls or any other absorbent surfaces that you may be painting on, priming is essential before applying your paint.”
Improving storage space is key to a better home
(Image: Getty Images)
Storage
Beyond wall preparations, there’s another classic error DIYers often overlook – neglecting adequate storage solutions.
Al Bruce from Olive and Barr shared his wisdom on this: “Consider how much storage you truly need. Look at your existing kitchen to figure out what items you use regularly and give your kitchen a detox by clearing out those items, collecting dust at the back of the cupboard.”
Bruce suggested a minimalist approach to your units: “By keeping units to an essential, it will help to cut costs while giving that designer style that feels open and airy.”
Furniture shopping
In guiding how to create a living space with lasting style, Alex Bridgman, CEO of furniture company Bridgman, remarked: “Curate a quiet luxury living room by investing in premium pieces with timeless appeal.
“Now, this isn’t about being lavish or showing off – it’s about honouring the understated.”
To favour enduring quality over trends, Bridgman advised: “Celebrate subtlety by being restrained with your furniture choices, defying trends by instead focusing on the quality of the craftsmanship and the materials.”
He also stressed the importance of long-lasting furniture purchases, saying: “You can’t put a price on longevity and the value of buying once and buying well, which is what the quiet luxury ideal celebrates.”
Moreover, for attaining an ideal sleep experience, he underscored the significance of high-quality bedding and recommended careful selection of mattress, pillows and duvet.