Bank Holiday Interior Design Tasks
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Interior design experts predict what DIY tasks the public might take on this Bank Holiday
A Bank Holiday in the UK are synonymous with DIY. Whether it’s as simple as changing the handles on your kitchen cabinets for an instant freshen up, or you’ve got a more complex upcycling project on your agenda – Bank Holidays are the perfect time to make those transformational upgrades.
Luckily for us Brits, this May has two Bank Holidays, so more opportunity to tackle that DIY project you’ve been putting off, and give your home a makeover heading into the summer.
Ahead of the weekend, interior design experts at Plank Hardware looked at trending searches around DIY and related terms, to predict what DIY tasks the public might take on this Bank Holiday.
Tom Revill, co-founder and creative director of Plank Hardware said, “The cost of a home renovation can be substantial, which is why budget-friendly hacks like upcycling furniture and DIY can come in very handy, especially whilst the economic landscape is causing costs to soar. With warm, dry and sunny weather forecasted this Bank Holiday weekend, we’ve put together our top 12 budget-friendly DIY projects to complete.”
- Upcycle your kitchen cabinets
Upcycling kitchen cabinets is an excellent way to breathe new life into your existing decor. This eco-friendly and cost-effective approach can transform your cooking space, giving it a fresh look without the need for expensive replacements.
When it comes to upcycling kitchen cabinet doors, provided you can access some basic DIY tools and supplies, quite often all you’ll need to buy is paint or varnish, then quality hardware or other decorative finishes. Using sugar soap to clean your cabinets is an important first step, since it will remove the grease and grime that the kitchen environment is subjected to. Then applying a coat of primer (one suited to the cabinet door finish), will ensure that your top layers of paint apply smoothly, so your finish is as professional as can be expected of a DIY job.
We would always recommend applying two coats of paint, even if the first coat looks slick — kitchens are busy places that are subject to knocks and bangs. Then install new, contemporary handles that match your design scheme.
Give a dated, gloss-finished kitchen a timeless treatment by using MDF panelling to create shaker style doors. Prime, paint and complete with brass hardware, for a high-end look that will endure changing trends.
- Add a DIY kitchen backsplash
Peel-and-stick tiles provide a cheap backsplash idea that’s easier to install than traditional tile. The self-adhesive backing can be applied directly to the wall with no grout needed. You can choose from a wide range of patterns that can create a high-end look without the hefty price tag. A well-executed backsplash can transform the look of your kitchen and provide a durable, easy-to-maintain surface.
- Upgrade your taps
Haven’t quite got the cash for a full kitchen or bathroom renovation? Don’t underestimate the power of switching up your tap game. Updating your kitchen mixer taps can make a huge difference to your interiors. If you still want the upgrade, but your existing tap is functioning fine, why not repurpose it in a DIY outdoor kitchen set-up? Extend its life a little more.
- Regrout your tiles
An oddly satisfying task, regrouting can single-handedly renovate your bathroom on a budget. To save time and effort, you can apply new grout right over the top of old grout for instant results. Just remember to strike out at least 2mm of old grout using a grout removal tool, to ensure your new layer of grout comfortably sits between tiles.
It’s often the case that we leave a DIY project until something is broken. Maintenance is key when it comes to grouting. Check in on your bathroom grouting every six months and address the areas that look most vulnerable. You’ll better mitigate the risk of broken tiles and leaks, which are far more pricey to rectify.
- Give your stairway a makeover
Stripping away old paint or finish from the railings provides a clean canvas, followed by repairs and thorough preparation for painting. Select paint colours that complement your home’s decor, opting for either a matching or contrasting scheme for the railings – for a cohesive, statement look.
Apply primer and multiple coats of paint with attention to detail, ensuring even coverage and a polished finish. Consider adding decorative elements for extra flair. Or, embrace the wooden tops of the newels, handrail, and staircase, or apply a wood stain to deepen their tone.
- Build understairs storage
Once you’ve prepped the space under your stairs, the possibilities for storage solutions are endless. Consider building a custom understairs storage unit tailored to your needs and preferences. Whether you opt for sleek shelving to neatly display books or décor, a cosy bench for a functional seating area, or hooks for hanging coats and bags, the choice is yours. By maximising this often-overlooked space, you can seamlessly integrate storage into your home while adding both practicality and style to your living environment.
- DIY wainscoting
Begin by carefully selecting the appropriate moulding trim that suits your desired aesthetic and complements the style of your home. Measure and cut the trim to fit along the walls of your hallway and staircase, ensuring precise alignment and a seamless transition between sections. Utilise wood glue to securely attach the trim to the walls, ensuring a strong bond and preventing any potential movement or gaps.
- Raised beds or planter boxes
Whether you’re taking a step towards a more sustainable life and growing your own fruit and veg, or just want an aesthetically pleasing spot to grow flowers, DIY planter boxes and raised beds are all the rage for garden renovation right now.
Make your planters from wooden crates, palettes or even unused furniture. It’s not uncommon to see these items left on neighbourhood streets these days. Could you remove the drawer from a cabinet and plant straight into that? Sure you can.
- Upgrade your internal door hardware
Refreshing internal doors can have a significant impact on both the aesthetics and functionality of your home. It’s a quick and easy refresh that speaks volumes – whether you’re revamping a single door or carrying the theme throughout your home.
Take your neglected utility room doors or under stairs storage doors and give them a refresh by adding a lick of paint or sanding down the door to embrace its raw wooden look. Next, add new internal door hardware – choose styles and finishes that suit your interior decor to give the impression of higher quality throughout the home – this can even contribute to the perceived value of your home.
- Create a feature wall
Maximalism is back; try painting a feature wall to give your room the ultimate, instant refresh. If you’ve collected a drawer full of paint sample pots, or have left over scraps of decorative wallpaper, get creative with your feature wall. Colour blocking has been trending in recent years, meaning you don’t need huge quantities of any specific colour.
Give your living room or bedroom an instant facelift and boost of character by adding pictures or prints to the walls. Framing prints can be expensive, especially for custom sizes. We suggest sourcing cheap frames from IKEA, then mounting each print or picture on to backing paper that fits the frame perfectly. Get playful by working with coloured papers or cards, then spruce up your frame with trending wooden bobbin detailing.
- Put up a shelf
It’s a simple one, but adding a shelf to your room adds depth and interest. Display photographs, prints and seasonal decorations for a low budget switch-up as the seasons change. Those left over pieces of floor board from your renovation might fit the bill for this project – as well as creating a cohesive look in your home. If you’re into the industrial look, reclaimed scaffolding boards always look striking in a kitchen space and can be picked up relatively inexpensively.
- Upgrade your letter box
Curb appeal is real, so ensure those passing by your home know you mean business. No need for a new front door — simply replace your letter box to give your neighbours instant front door envy. If your door hardware is made of solid brass, but is a little tarnished from exposure to the elements, why not give it a polish? You may not need new door furniture after all.
Tom continued, “Achieving your interior goals doesn’t have to be hampered by budget, but it’s so important that you factor in your personal budget before you embark upon any home renovation or DIY project, and stick to it.
“The cost of a kitchen renovation will vary dramatically depending on a number of factors; whether you opt for tiles or paint, as one example. My advice is to be realistic with your budget or you’ll be disappointed. You’ll be amazed at some of the ways you can save.”
Plank Hardware partnered with Ryobi to create a free home renovation and DIY project planner to get you started this Bank Holiday, which includes all the DIY tools you’ll typically need for these budget-friendly DIY projects.
