For various reasons, DIY had to take a bit of a backseat in 2016. We simply didn’t have enough time or money to tackle the larger projects on our to-do list, such as transforming our attic office or updating the kitchen.
Although we failed to dig out any tools or pick up a single paintbrush, we did add a number of decorative touches throughout the house. The living room gained a rug and I finally found some affordable bedside tables.
Styling bookshelves and adding art to bare walls allowed me to scratch my interior design itch without having to drain my bank account or break a sweat.
Our master bedroom has come a long way in three years, but there’s still masses to do. The space desperately needs new windows, made-to-measure curtains, built-in wardrobes and lots, lots more.
Most of these things are beyond our means at the moment, so I’m concentrating on small details that make a big difference to the look and feel of the room.
I’m sure I don’t need to tell you how easy it is to update a space with a few carefully chosen accessories. Combining new brass table lamps from Clas Ohlson with fresh, colourful bed linen from Christy {c/o} immediately transformed the room.
There’s currently 30% off the Clifton range if you fancy doing the same. I think the bright, breezy blue pattern feels perfect as we head into spring.
Now that 2017 is upon us, we’re ready to pick up the pace again. To begin with, our focus has to be the utility room.
Not much has changed in there since the ‘before’ photos I took back in 2013. Our aging boiler now needs replacing, and as we’ll have to demo much of the space to gain access, it makes sense to update everything in one go.
My Pinterest board is already brimming with inspiration and we’ve started gathering quotes from contractors.
Here’s what our to-do list looks like right now…
- Demo the existing cupboards, worktop and sink.
- Remove the old floor and prepare the space for tiles and paint.
- Install new boiler.
- Build new storage cupboard.
- Replace the sink and worktop.
- Possibly purchase a tumble dryer to stack above the washing machine.
- Add open shelving above the sink and wall-mounted drying racks for wet laundry.
- Replace the light fitting.
- Tile and paint the utility room and the adjoining kitchen.
As you can see, it’s a pretty long list! Writing it all down feels quite overwhelming, but I’m really excited about making this space work harder for us as a family.
Up until now, most of the rooms we’ve transformed have needed little more than a fresh coat of paint, so if you have any advice as we prepare to tackle a more complicated project, please let me know.
What’s on your DIY to-do list in 2017?
Love Audrey xxx
This is a collaborative post. Read my full disclosure here.
