Over the past couple of years, possibly no addition to a home has been as much of a desirable feature than a garden room. Offering space to work, play or host guests, discovering how to build a garden room will give your house so many more possibilities.

Less intrusive and more affordable than traditional extensions, garden room ideas let you separate off sections of your life. Plus, it’s a natural place to seek quiet, or contain noisier pursuits, like if someones learning anew instrument.

‘A garden room can give you the opportunity to create a space outside of your home within the boundaries of your garden,’ says Jamie Wilson, Founder, Life Space Cabins. ‘This may be for a number of reasons; A place to escape to and read a book, a family craft space or simply an additional room to entertain friends. The uses are endless but the opportunity to create a unique space just for you can be hugely exciting.’

Read on to discover everything you need to know about how to build a garden room.

What is a garden room?

Image credIt: Future PLC/Colin Poole

By definition, a garden room is a glazed extension with a fully tiled roof. Garden rooms can either be freestanding, which is a popular choice for home offices, or attached to an existing building. ‘More people now choose a garden room rather than looking at conservatory ideas, since their solid roof construction makes them highly suitable for year-round living,’ notes David Salisbury of David Salisbury Joinery.

The simplest cabin or summer house is similar to a shed, with either shiplap walls and cedar roof shingles or a log-cabin construction. These are usually supplied in pre-fabricated panels and, if you’re a skilled DIYer, you could put one up yourself.

More advanced garden room designs, with sliding glass doors or a deck, for example, will need to be built on site by a specialist. Once the concrete base or piles are in, installation can take from one day to two weeks.

How do you plan for a garden room?

Image credit: Modulr Space

When deciding upon a garden room, think carefully about how you’d like to use the space – and your budget for garden room costs. ‘If you are considering sacrificing some of your garden or outdoor space for a garden room make sure you have really considered how and when you will want to use it,’ advises  Jo van Riemsdijk, Director, Modulr Space. ‘Any garden room should be an extension of your living space as opposed to subsequent to it.’

Once you know what you want to use the space for, you can start planning the other details. For example, consider how large you want it to be versus how much of your garden square footage you’re willing to sacrifice. ‘Will you want to use the room all year round?,’ adds Jo. ‘If so – you should think about the insulative U value and also how you will heat it when the weather gets cold.’

Location is one of the first things that should be considered. ‘Where does the sun rise and fall?,’ asks Jamie from Life Space Cabins. ‘Be aware of your family. Don’t build it somewhere which entails a big climb or long walk if Granny is going to be a regular visitor.’

Avoid positioning the garden room near growing trees, and ensure there’s access for maintenance. You’ll also need to think about access for delivery, though panels could be carried through the house.

As for securing your garden room, it’s best to fit locks on doors and choose toughened glass. Check that the locks comply with your home insurance requirements. It’s worth considering external lights, a burglar alarm and Venetian blinds to prevent anyone seeing in.

Next, consider the layout. ‘Think plan versus nooks and alcoves,’ says Jamie. ‘You want to encourage being together whilst maintaining a peaceful place. Think about a large window seat to create a calm solo space without being hidden away. Think about how the space will adapt as your family grows or gets older?’

Connectivity is also important right from the off. ‘Have a think about how you will connect with each other,’ suggests Jamie. ‘Can you go without the internet or perhaps a cinema screen is the ultimate way your family can spend time together.

Finally, have fun with designing the garden room. ‘This could be your opportunity to design some really playful elements into a space,’ points out Jamie. ‘Sliding doors, hanging chairs, bookshelf, hammocks or craft table.’

Do you need planning permission for a garden room?

Image credit: Life Space Cabins

There isn’t an across the board answer on this one.’ Typically cabins within the domestic curtilage don’t require planning permission or building regulations, as permitted development allows you to build (within strict criteria) without a full planning application,’ points out Jamie from Life Space Cabins. ‘There are some exceptions – if you are within a conservation area; a National Park; near or in the curtilage of a listed building or in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty AONB then you will need to acquire full cabin planning permission.’

‘A general rule of thumb is that you won’t need planning permission for an outbuilding with a maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres and a maximum roof height of four metres with a dual pitched roof,’ adds Jo from Modulr Space. ‘Even so, a structure that might not require planning consent in one set of circumstances might need it in another. Whatever you are building, it’s always worth consulting your local planning officer first.’

So while typically if your garden or summer house ideas are away from the house, takes up less than 50% of the garden and is smaller than 15 sq m, you’re unlikely to need planning permission or Building Regulations Approval. Remember that is you intend to have people sleeping there this can affect planning permissions, too. However always check with www.planningportal.gov.uk, and consult your local council’s planning department.

How close can I build to my neighbours boundary?

Image credit: Future PLC/Claire Lloyd-Davies

How to build a garden room will be impacted by neighbours to some degree. How close you can go varies depending on local restrictions and the height of your new building.

While you should always check with your local council there are some rule of thumb guidelines to bear in mind. ‘A garden room should always be built with at least half a meter around it in order for the structure to be maintained,’ advises Jo from Modulr Space. ‘If the roof of your garden room goes to the max of 4 meters with a dual pitched roof – your garden room should be at least four meters away from any boundary.’

Can I use a garden room all year round?

Image credit: Future PLC/Polly Eltes

To maximise the potential of your garden build all year round you should look for a design that is well insulated. If your garden room is insulate well and fit double-glazed windows, you’ll be fine to still use it for the colder months. ‘ Look for the U value – the lower the figure – the more effective the insulation,’ advises Jo from Modulr Space.

An electrician can run a cable from your house to the room to power lights and heating to ensure the space is useable throughout the darker, colder months. Some garden rooms mat also have underfloor heating and thermal glazing systems to minimise heat loss.

In addition to heating, lighting is important. In some cases, downlighters, sockets and wiring may be pre-installed in the panel walls, too.

What materials can a garden room be made from?

Image credit: Future PLC/Lizzie Orme

Garden rooms can be made from all sorts of different materials – both indoors and out. Timber and metal solutions are the most popular for the exterior.

‘Think hygge when choosing the right interior materials,’ advises Jamie from Life Space Cabins. ‘Wood creates a lovely welcoming smell and softness to the space. But vinyl flooring is having a comeback with plenty of colours to choose from. It makes a hard wearing choice. For cabin foundations, ground screws can be used instead of a concrete plinth. Cement is energy intensive to produce whereas ground screws are much less disruptive to the earth, allowing the site to be used for other purposes in the future if required.’

‘As a general note, ensure timber is responsibly sourced (locally sourced, FSC or PEFC certified, or marked where possible),’ adds Jamie. ‘Avoid using materials that have a larger carbon footprint in favour of alternative UK sources. Don’t be afraid to ask a supplier where materials are sourced from.’

How to use a garden room?

Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole

How you use a garden room depends on the build, as to whether or not you run electrics to a new garden building or simply upgrade the shed.

For garden office ideas, the primary considerations are internet strength and lighting. Make sure you can do your job safely and with ease, otherwise you’ll never use the space.

Are you considering using your garden room as a home gym? ‘Talk to your supplier about whether you might need a reinforced flooring system,’ advises Jo from Modulr Space. ‘Some units are created from SIPS panels and a dropped heavy weight on the floor could damage the structure.’

‘You should consider head height. Will you be able to use the room as a gym or will you need to go for an increased height if you are tall? Remember that permitted development allows for 2.5 meters in height on a boundary moving to 4 meters at the peak of a roof if the unit is 2 meters away from any boundary.’ Expensive gym equipment can be an investment, so ensure your security is up to scratch.

For a garden games room you’ll need plenty of space to play table games – L247cm x W153cm for a table tennis table, for example. Make this the main factor when planning the layout and size. Fancy making yours a music room? Look for a specialist company that offers sound-proofing.

‘Look for designs and structures that offer longevity and the ability to be used for alternative functions’ says Jo. ‘Ultimately – you get what you pay for with garden rooms. As opposed to a house extension – they offer good value if you pick one that will be around and useful for a long period of time.’

The post How to build a garden room – from planning permission to materials appeared first on Ideal Home.

Lighting can make or break a small bathroom. Too much and it can feel overwhelming and clinical. Too little and you’ll be walking into a dark hole that’s far from revitalising. Start by researching bathroom lighting ideas – most can be adapted to suit a small bathroom. Many larger lights – such as pendants – will have matching wall light options within the range, which are ideal in a smaller bathroom.

‘A smaller bathroom should be treated in much the same way as a larger space to create an equal amount of drama and ambience,’ says Niki Wright, founder of Lights & Lamps. Niki suggests a flush ceiling light that can be dimmed for long soaks at night. ‘Pendants placed next to a mirror will not only illuminate the space but give a small bathroom a sense of relaxed luxury too,’ says Niki.

Small bathroom lighting ideas

‘If you’re short on space in your bathroom, then wall lights are a great way of introducing some personality and a focal point to your bathroom if used around a mirror. Or if walls are not available, a central IP44 flush multi light works very well,’ says Mary Buchanan, creative director of Laura Ashley Lighting & Mirrors.

‘If you require brighter lighting, white IP44 LED recess lights will give plenty of visibility for any beauty and self-care routines. You could also consider adding LED sensor lights to drawers and cabinets to give you extra touch of practical luxury.’ Make sure to read up on the IP rating guide before purchasing.

1. Multitask with an illuminated mirror

Image credit: Future PLC/Lizzie Orme

Short of wall space yet need more lighting above your basin? Look at a mirror and light combo, which often can be operated independently of your bathroom’s lighting circuit. Team with simple spotlights – less is more in a small bathroom. If you haven’t fitted a dimmer to your spots, then the bathroom over mirror lighting idea should be soft enough on its own for a relaxing soak too.

If steam is an issue in a small bathroom – especially if window-less – then shop for a mirror-light with demister pads fitted. This helps you to get ready without the fog of a steamed-up mirror.

2. Reflect a white ceiling

Image credit: Future PLC/William Goddard

Use an uplighter wall light to bounce light off a white-painted ceiling. It’s a trick that really works, making a small bathroom idea feel much brighter. Often, we are tempted to use wall lights as task lighting above a basin, but if you need to make a small bathroom feel lighter, try turning the pendant upwards.

When it comes to finish, shiny chrome touches will always make a small bathroom appear brighter. Keep black and dull metal-finishes for larger spaces or those flooded with light.

3. Fit spots into a tight space

Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole

Wall-mounted spotlights are a great alternative to separate wall and ceiling lights in a small bathroom. Choose a design on a bar, with swivel heads that allow you to direct the light to where it’s needed most.

If you’re small bathroom is in the eaves of a loft conversion, then you might struggle to fix lighting to the ceiling. A wall-mounted spotlight design is a great solution. Try to angle the spots to bounce off a white ceiling or wall if possible – it’s a trick that works brilliantly.

4. Go for an industrial look

Image credit: Future PLC/Alistair Nicholls

Lighting in a small bathroom can still contribute to its overall style or look – and you aren’t limited to just spotlights. Here, an industrial-style bulkhead light fitting works brilliantly with the rustic washstand and roll-top. This type of fitting would also work on the ceiling too.

Don’t underestimate the power of natural light in a small bathroom – if you can, keep windows free of blinds, allowing as much light to flood the space as possible.

5. Use spots in a recess

Image credit: Future PLC/Oliver Gordon

Make a feature of architectural details in a small bathroom with lighting. Try fitting simple spotlights to recessed areas, like above a large expanse of mirror, placed above boxed-in pipework. The mirror also helps reflecting the lights – you’ll get double the impact.

A false wall section can also help fit spots if you don’t have access to the ceiling above (if you live in an apartment for example, with neighbours above you).

White bathroom tile ideas, sanitaryware and ceiling will all help make a small space feel bigger. If you need to warm up an all-white space, then try a bolder accent colour for your towels.

6. Highlight shelves with spots

Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles

Just as you can shine down from nooks and recessed areas in a bathroom, you can also shine up, with recessed spotlights built into ledges and plinths. Try teaming with a metallic or high-shine tile, creating shimmering corners in a small bathroom, especially if you’ve chosen dark tiles.

Don’t forget candlelight either – lanterns, votives and scented candles are a great way to create pockets of mood lighting in a small bathroom. Turn off your main light source and let the atmosphere build.

7. Keep it simple with spotlights

Image credit: Future PLC/Claire Lloyd Davies

Spots are often the go-to when it comes to lighting for a small bathroom – and it’s easy to see why. They can be fitted into tight spaces, such as sloped ceilings, and depending on the beam, you can highlight one feature or use to illuminate a greater space. Look for designs that can be tilted, giving you more flexibility.

When it comes to finish, brushed chrome remains popular, but you can choose to echo your brassware or contrast, with black, white, brass, gold and even copper IP rated spotlights available.

8. Add a wall light on a different circuit

Image credit: Future PLC/Lizzie Orme

While spots are a great way of evenly lighting a small bathroom, you might want to add even more light to darker corners. Try a wall light above a display cabinet, adding to your small bathroom’s style or feel. Here, a traditional ribbed glass wall light enhances the bathroom’s period touches, echoing the showerhead and black tiled edging. A separate spotlight is a great shower lighting idea.

If you don’t want spotlights to dominate in a small bathroom, choose white-faced ones that will blend into a white-painted ceiling more than contrasting chrome, gold- or brass-effect ones.

9. Line up downlighters above your bath

Image credit: Future PLC/Lizzie Orme

Make your bath the star of your small bathroom with lighting directly above. Place wall lights at the correct height above your bath, following their IP rating. Odd numbers look better than even – a classic designer trick that really works. Use to highlight a favourite piece of art, just as you would in your living room.

Choose glass and brushed chromed effect lights to echo the period charm of a roll top, while fitting to a dimmer will allow for those more indulgent soaks.

10. Choose high-shine finishes

Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles

There are several ways to boost your small bathroom’s sense of light without the need of an electrician. Try swapping window blind ideas blinds for window film, while shimmering tiles to catch and reflect natural light can really lift the mood. Try tiling the two walls that are right angles to your small bathroom’s window with glass or pearlescent mosaics.

Choose high-shine chrome for brassware and towel rails. Don’t forget tile edging, while mirrored planters and candlesticks help to bounce natural light around.

What lighting is best for a small bathroom?

Spotlights are a great option for a small bathroom, freeing up wall space for other bathroom essentials. Choose ones that can be angled, allowing you to direct the light to where you need it. If you do have wall space near your basin or bath, then a wall light on a separate lighting circuit will allow you to create either task or mood lighting independently of your spots.

‘In smaller rooms it’s particularly important to consider the positioning of the light. Alongside overhead lights, consider wall lights, either above or either side of the mirror is ideal so that the light can bounce around the room – it will help to extend the light, making it feel much more open and spacious,’ Natalie Mann, new product development co-ordinator, Iconic Lights.

How many lights does a small bathroom need?

‘Try not to rely on a single light source in a smaller bathroom,’ says Peter Legg, lead designer at Där Lighting. ‘Adding wall lights will help the area feel brighter and larger. Positioning is key; placing wall lights either side of a mirror will cast light back into the room and give it a more spacious feeling. Those who are designing a particularly compact space, such as a cloakroom ideas, could consider an illuminated mirror as an alternative.’

How do you light a bathroom without a window?

Keep the walls and ceiling light in colour – white always works – and use it to reflect light around a small bathroom. Try a mix of spots and a small pendant or wall light, while LED lighting under niches can create more of a mood when needed. Make sure your bathroom design has a large bathroom mirror idea. Again, the more reflective surfaces the better.

The post Small bathroom lighting ideas – 10 ways to make your small bathroom shine appeared first on Ideal Home.

Time off at the weekend or over a Bank Holiday is precious, but while the weekend is a great chance to catch up on all those jobs that you keep putting off, having a little ‘down time’ is important too. So if it’s easy DIY projects and fun makes to do this weekend that you’re looking for, then you’re in the right place.

We’ve put together stacks of our favourite easy makes, style fixes and DIY projects that will have a big impact indoors or out, without eating up too much precious time. Many of these easy DIY and decorating jobs can be tackled using tools, equipment, tester pots and spare materials that might already be lingering at the back of a cupboard or in the garden shed, so they won’t cost a fortune either.

53 Easy DIY projects do this weekend

We’ve compiled this list of easy DIY tasks and projects to tackle over the weekend. Best of all, each project on the list is easily achievable and most require minimal supplies to get them done.

1. Paint the garden gate

Image credit: Little Greene

A brightly-painted front door can add bags of kerb appeal to a property, but if your side gate or garden gate is looking a little shabby, why not show it some love too with a creative garden paint idea? If the weather is fine, painting a gate is an easy project to tackle over a weekend, with plenty of drying time for any paint jobs indoors or out.

Opt for a cheery paint shade if you want to make your gate a focal point and team it with colourful flowers and planting that will echo the sunny theme. Try a muted colour or heritage shade if you want the gate to blend in with your property, or consider matching gate colour to the front door for a chic, co-ordinated look.

Whether your gate is wood or metal, start by giving it a light sand down to create a smooth finish. Cover up handles and hinges with tape and then apply a suitable primer on an unpainted gate, or undercoat if it has been painted previously. Finish off with a coat or two of exterior eggshell for a matt finish, or gloss to give a high-shine effect.

2. Line a cabinet with pretty paper

Image credit: Future PLC/Carolyn Barber

Give a plain cabinet or dresser an easy weekend makeover with a budget furniture upcycling idea, by lining the inside with a colourful paper. Using leftover remnants of wallpaper, craft paper or gift wrap will create a colourful backdrop for displaying favourite glassware and ceramics and choosing a darker shade will make display pieces stand out more.

Remove the shelves of your cabinet first and then measure up the interior. Consider using one single length of wallpaper for a uniform effect, or cut individual pieces of paper for each section in contrast colours or patterns. Secure paper to the back of the cabinet using contact adhesive.

3. Paint an easy feature wall

Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore

Try a simple paint project that will give a breakout breakfast area added focus with a fun feature wall idea. Painting a contrast panel on a wall is a simple trick that can be a useful way of creating zones in an open-plan area. A coloured panel helps to create a focal point, whether it’s a circle or a square, which can then act as a backdrop for a small arrangement of furniture.

Paint a contrast coloured circle to echo the shape of a round dining table. To achieve a neat circle, cut a length of string measuring the radius of the circle and attach to a tack. Tie a pencil or chalk to the other end, then, holding the tack in the centre of where you want your circle, draw it out. Fill in with paint using an angled brush for a neat edge.

4. Create an ‘easy-change’ gallery wall

Image credit: Neptune

Got lots of pictures and prints that you haven’t gotten round to putting up yet? This easy display idea can be sorted in less than a day and makes an alternative to a fixed gallery wall as pictures can be moved around or added to if you fancy a change later down the line.

You’ll need two or three narrow wooden picture ledges to create this effect. Either make your own using a couple of lengths of timber, or buy ready-made ledges – IKEA’s Mosslanda ledges start at just £5 each and are ideal. Arrange the ledges in rows on your wall, using a spirit level to make sure that they are straight. The gap between each ledge should depend on the height of the tallest item you’ll be displaying.

Ledges can be painted to match the wall for a seamless look, or opt for a contrast colour that will stand out against the backdrop. Once up, simply prop pictures against the wall and fill in any gaps with small ornaments.

5. Go big with indoor greenery

Image credit: Future PLC/

Tackle a tired living room with an easy project that you can get done in an afternoon. If there’s an area of empty wall space that you can’t decide what to do with, how about installing an indoor living wall? A winning idea for decorating the wall behind the sofa. Adding living, breathing greenery to your space will instantly revitalise it and having greenery indoors is a fabulous way of boosting mindfulness and wellbeing.

Install wall planters in multiples, with rows positioned on the wall above a sofa or sideboard to create symmetry and a stunning alternative to a regular picture wall. Fill with easy-care ferns and trailing plants that will pop against a plain colour.

These clever Eco wall planters by Wallygrow incorporate hidden watering channels so that water hits the roots directly, with perforated holes that allow plants to breathe.

6. Try a two-tone paint treatment

Image credit: Annie Sloan

If you’ve a plain white room that’s lacking a little oomph, try this easy but effective paint treatment that can be completed in just a day, rather than tackling a full room redo. Half-painted walls are super on trend at the moment and are a clever way of giving tired rooms new focus with a bold shot of colour.

Starting off with a white or pale-coloured wall is the simplest option. Apply a band of masking tape to the wall where you want your dividing line to be – the tape will help create a crisp edge – then fill in with darker-coloured paint. Using a dark colour on the bottom section of walls and skirting helps a room to feel more grounded and gives a darker backdrop to showcase furniture and accessories. A lighter colour at the top will make a room feel more lofty.

7. Hang a simple floating shelf

Image credit: Habitat

Floating shelves are a stylish and easy way of working extra storage or display space into a room. Whether it’s a shelf for crockery and glassware in a kitchen or dining room or a set of shelves for books, pictures and ornaments in a living room or bedroom.

Hanging a floating shelf shouldn’t be too difficult a task, even if you have minimal DIY skills. You’ll simply need to make sure that the wall is sound, you have the correct fixings to secure your shelf, plus a drill and a spirit level. Find out more in our handy how to put up a floating shelf guide.

Paint shelves to match wall colour, so that they blend in for a seamless look. Alternatively, opt for a contrast wall colour, or vary the colours as you go up the wall for a tonal, ombre effect.

8. Add a pop of unexpected colour

Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore

Try this quick trick to brighten up a tired room – it’ll cost the price of a tin of paint and won’t take longer than a couple of hours to do.

Perfect for a neutral living room that lacks energy, simply paint the fireplace or a large piece of furniture in a bright, eye-popping shade that will grab the attention and give the room a focal point. Bring in extra touches of colour here and there to give the room symmetry and balance, but take care not to overdo it or you’ll ruin the effect.

9. Paint house number planters

Image credit: Future PLC/Simon Scarboro

Jolly up the entranceway of your property with fun numbered planters to lead the way in. You’ll need a couple of large-ish terracotta plant pots and exterior paint in one or two contrast colours – cut costs by using tester pots or leftover paint that might be lurking in the shed.

Image credit: Future PLC/Simon Scarboro

Use masking tape to create the outline of your door numbers, pressing the edges down firmly to ensure that no paint seeps underneath. Use a brush to fill in the number with paint, allowing it to dry and then adding a second coat. Once dry, remove the tape and then fill in the rest of the space around the numbers with simple freehand flowers using a fine brush and contrast colours.

Once completely dry, fill your planters with blooms and display by the front door.

10. Brighten up a shabby dining table

Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore

Breathe new life into old furniture by sprucing it up with a fresh coat of paint. Save on prep time by opting for an all-in-one chalk paint, rather than using traditional paint and primer which can take much longer to dry. Chalk paint is self-levelling and self-sealing, so gives excellent coverage with minimal effort.

Just give the surface of the table a quick sand down first and then wipe over with a damp cloth to get rid of any dust and grease. Paint the table and leave to dry for a couple of hours. For extra protection if required, seal the painted surface with wax or a finishing sealer.

11. Make your own boho chandelier

Image credit: Future PLC/David Brittain

Repurpose a handful of old mini lampshades and create a unique vintage-style chandelier. Go for shades in bright clashing colours or mix-and-match florals and ditzy prints and jolly them up by adding colourful trims, tassels and ric-rac edging. Just use a hot gun to glue the trims on.

You’ll need four or five mini shades to create a cluster-style chandelier pendant like this one and it will require individual light fittings and coloured cable for each pendant. If you don’t already have the fittings, you’ll find all the components you’ll need at Creative Cables, with flex and cable sold by the metre.

12. Create a breakfast nook

Image credit: Argos

Carve out a corner seating area that’s perfect for a family breakfast nook. Adding timber panelling to one wall is an easy DIY project that can be achieved over a weekend in a small or moderately-sized room and makes a good starter project if you’re considering tackling a larger area in the future.

Painted panelling makes a practical treatment for a dining area and can be easily wiped clean of marks and finger prints if there are little ones around. Add a corner seating set or built-in bench seating, which will help to section off the space and keep the dining area contained. Cosy it up with colourful seat cushions and throws.

13. Paint a faux headboard

Image credit: Crown

Use a leftover tin of paint to transform your bedroom with an imaginative DIY headboard idea. ‘Creating a perfect semi-circle with paint is easier than you think’ says Judy Smith, Crown Paints Colour Consultant. ‘First of all, measure the length of your wall and mark its centre, or wherever you want the centre of your semi-circle to be.’

‘Hammer a nail into the spot you’ve just marked, just above the skirting board. Depending on how wide you want your semi-circle to be, measure out some string and cut it to size. The longer the string, the bigger the semi-circle. Tie one end of the string to a pencil and the other end to the nail. If you’re not allowed to use nails on your wall, extra strong tape will hold the string in place.’

‘Once you’re all set, start tracing out your semi-circle on the wall from one way to the other. Making sure you’re pulling the pencil tight on the string. Once you’ve drawn the outline, use a small paint brush to create a precise edge at the top of your semi-circle. You can then go in with a paint roller or larger brush to fill in the rest of the shape.’

14. Rack out the shed

Image credit: Store

A long weekend is the perfect time to do the jobs you have been putting off, but will benefit from greatly – such as the task of racking out the shed. Get your garden storage ideas in order to make tending to your plot a joy throughout the season ahead.

15. Give an old piece of furniture a colourful makeover

Image credit: Heather Young

Do you have an old piece of wooden furniture such as a chest of drawers, sideboard or wardrobe that is looking dated and in need of a new look? A simple coat of furniture paint goes a long way to make something old feel brand new. Let this fine example inspire your own DIY project. This wardrobe transformation is the work of Ideal Home’s Editor Heather Young who has upcycled an old family heirloom for her young daughter’s room. See  Heather’s upcycled wardrobe transformation for yourself.

16. Put up simple shelves

Image credit: Future PLC/ Polly Eltes

A clutter free home is a happy home. A simple yet highly effective DIY and decorating task is putting up shelves to free up surface space in any room. It’s often the easy tasks we delay doing most, but we say don’t delay because the results are totally transformative. Watch our easy guide for how to put up a floating shelf.

17. Nail together a DIY garden signpost

Image credit: Pelargonium for Europe

Though all the projects listed here should be relatively straightforward, we’ve starting with a REALLY easy one. And given we are finally allowed to have friends in the garden, it couldn’t be a more perfect time to do it. You can use any leftover bits of wood from indoor DIY projects and those tester pots from paint that wasn’t quite right for the walls. Here’s how: How to make a DIY garden signpost with leftover outdoor paint and upcycled wood battens

18. Make a family of grizzly planters

Image credit: Hobbycraft

This grrrrr-eat little project for pot plants with personality is one you can get the kids involved with. It uses air-drying clay, which is readily available online, plus acrylic paint and some sandpaper. Try your hand: How to make DIY bear plant pots.

19. Give your shower door a steel-framed makeover

Image credit: Jasmine Gurney

Next up, we’ve taken a tip from savvy DIYer Jasmine of Instagram’s @_OhAbode. She gave her shower screen this cool Crittall-style finish using black electrical tape. The budget hack cost the grand total of £2, but looks super stylish. See this savvy  before and after crittall effect shower door hack made for just £2!

20. Transform doors and windows with film

Image credit: The Window Film Company

Window film is available to buy online, but you can also buy designs at the likes of B&Q and Screwfix. Use it to create an on-trend fluted pattern on plain glass doors, or to give yourself more privacy by covering the bottom half of windows.

21. Paint the ceiling

Image credit: Future PLC/ David Giles

It’s got to be one of the biggest and most transformative decorating trends of the year. And painting the ceiling is a bold change that will make a room feel dramatic, cosy, and that bit more ‘designer’. It’s easy to achieve, too.

22. Panel your walls

Image credit: Future PLC/ Dominic Blackmore

Another big trend hitting homes in 2021 is the one for wall panelling. It’s now readily available in DIY stores as primed-to-paint, stick-to-the-wall panels. But you can also have a go creating a bespoke look with MDF batons or strips. Take a look at our wall panelling ideas for different options and the basics of how to do the job.

23. Upcycle a chest of drawers into a planter

Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole

We love this brilliant idea for breathing new life into an unloved piece of furniture by literally filling it with new life! Paint and some plastic lining to hold the soil are the main ingredients for this satisfying job. Let’s DIY this! How to upcycle a planter – just in time for summer.

24. Hang new curtains

Image credit: Future PLC/ Nick Pope

Do you have a pair you’ve been meaning to hang for a while? Or are you thinking of running up some new curtains yourself? This guide might help…Here’s How to hang curtains beautifully – whether in a tricky bay window or a simple setting.

25. Paint the stairs

Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole

Stick of the sight of that stained old stair carpet? Tear it up and replace with a gorgeous paint job. You could try a graduated ombre effect using a range of tests pots on the risers, keeping to one colour on treads. Let’s DIY this: How to paint a staircase to transform your hallway by painting your steps.

26. Create a garden path or edge a border with old bricks

Image credit: Future PLC

There’s a wealth of cheap DIY garden path ideas to create an inexpensive outdoor walkway, such as this one. Put that pile of leftover bricks to good use and make a path that mirrors the shape of your flowerbeds. Lay them long and sideways in a bed of gravel to create a patterned curve.

27. Hang your photos

image credit: Future PLC/ Simon Whitmore

Why not use this time to audit all the photos on your phone, then print a few out and create a wall of photos?

Play with composition – especially in areas like stairways or hallways, where walls are often bare and uninspired. For a smarter look, stick to photo frames of the same colour, and print all photos in either colour or black and white, rather than mixing and matching.

28. Wallpaper the bathroom

Image credit: Future PLC/ David Giles

All that white sanitaryware does put a bathroom in danger of feeling cold and clinical. One way to add colour is to paper the walls in an on-trend botanical print. you can use any wallpaper to do this  – as long as you treat it correctly.

29. Try this spice rack hack

Image credit: Future/Dominic Blackmore

Spice racks can be so much more than storage for your garam masala! Hang them upside down and they become a rail for hanging baby clothes or jewellery. And the right way up, they can hold anything from plants to books.

30. Tile a splashback

Image credit: Future PLC/ Jake Curtis

Protect the wall behind a sink or oven with a newly tiled splashback. You can give a kitchen, bathroom or cloakroom a whole new look in just an afternoon! Let’s DIY this! How to tile a splashback to protect walls and add a splash of style to your decor scheme.

31. Build a pallet sofa

Image credit: Future PLC/Jonathan Jones

Turn your garden into another room and give the whole family more space by building a sofa out of old pallets. Let’s DIY this: How to make pallet garden furniture – a step-by-step guide.

32. Paint your front door

image credit: Future PLC

Impress your neighbours by painting your door, boosting your home’s curb appeal. Let’s DIY this: How to paint your front door to offer plenty of kerb appeal

33. Make trendy terrazzo plant pots

Image credit: Rust-Oleum

Bored teens might like to try this fun make. Give plain plant pots a jazzy makeover with our simple guide on How to make terrazzo planters – create some pretty plant pots for your greenery.

34. Paint your fences

Image credit: Future PLC/ Allun Calendar

Get that garden ready for barbecue weather and paint the fences. You don’t need to stick to one colour or stain – why not try a pretty pattern? Let’s DIY this: How to paint a fence

35. Add pizzazz with a mural

Image credit: Future PLC/ James French

Grab those tester pots and let your imagination run wild! See all our imaginative paint ideas – to create feature walls and paint effects to give any room a makeover.

36. Paint your floorboards

Image credit: Future PLC/ Lizzie Orme

Sort out that tatty old wooden floor by painting it white, or go further and add a patterned stencil for extra wow! Let’s DIY this! How to paint floorboards white or any other colour – plus tips for adding a stylish stencil pattern

37. Make a macrame plant hanger

Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole

You’ll find this knotted make super relaxing! Let’s DIY this: How to make a macrame plant hanger to add greenery to your home

38. Paint your kitchen units

Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole

Give your tired kitchen a whole new look by painting the units…Let’s DIY this! How to paint kitchen cabinets – give your units a whole new look

39. Or just change the cabinet handles

Image credit: IKEA

You can order these sexy leather pulls online from IKEA. All you’ll need for this is a screwdriver and your replacement handles!

Buy now: Osternas leather handles, £17 for two, IKEA

40. Cover your worktops with vinyl and fake a marble look

Image credit: Future PLC/ Lizzie Orme

You could also revamp a dining or coffee table with an easy-to-use marble effect film. The adhesive film simple sticks to your existing work surface to provide a new look in an instant.

41. Build a living plant wall

Image credit: Dobbies

Go green indoors or out with the ultimate plant wall. Our friends at Dobbies have explained exactly how to get wall of fabulous foliage. Let’s DIY this: How to make a living plant wall

42. Upcycle a bathroom vanity unit

Image credit: Future PLC/ David Giles

Give an old table or chest a second chance, and potentially create more storage in the bathroom.Discover How to upcycle a vanity unit – to create a super-stylish piece of furniture.

43. Wallpaper your stair risers

Image credit: Future PLC/ Jake Curtis

If painting them isn’t enough, here’s a fun way to add pattern. Let’s DIY this: How to wallpaper your stairs to add colour to your hallway.

44. Swap your door handles

Image credit: Future PLC/ Paul Raeside

It’s a simple job that will take less than an hour! Let’s DIY this: How to fit a door handle – change your door knob for a new one.

45. Plant a hanging basket or two

Image credit: Future PLC/Mark Scott

There’s an art to it, but do it right and you’ll bring colour to your garden all summer long. Follow these top tips: How to plant a hanging basket  to transform your garden with this pretty outdoor accessory

46. Switch your kitchen tap

Image credit: Future PLC/Malcolm Menzies

Sick of the drips? You can do this yourself in a jiffy! Let’s DIY this! How to change a tap and give your kitchen a fresh new look

47. Make your own ‘stoneware’ vases with spray paint!

Image credit: Rust-Oleum

Become a craft potter without the mess of moulding clay. Let’s DIY this: How to create a stunning stone-effect vase for just £6 using a can of spray paint

48. Make a pallet bed

Image Credit: Brent Darby

Taken from the brilliant book ‘Pallet Style’, this more ambitious make might take the weekend. But if you are looking for a new bed right now and can’t have one delivered, this might provide a temporary solution. Let’s DIY this: How to make your own pallet bed – a step-by-step guide.

Buy now: Pallet Style: 20 Creative Home Porjects by Nikkita Palmer, £11, Amazon

49. Set up an outdoor cinema

Image credit: Cuprinol

Take move nights outdoors for a change of scene. Let’s DIY this: How to make an outdoor cinema in your back garden to enjoy movies without having to leave the house.

50. Sew some pretty bathroom storage

Image credit: Hobbycraft

Our friends at Hobbycraft shared this easy make with us. If you’re looking to tame the clutter of toiletries in your bathroom, why not grab some scraps of fabric and have a go? Here’s how: How to make fabric bathroom storage boxes – for toiletries, make-up and hair accessories

51. Build a ‘mum cave’ under the stairs

Image credit: SWNS

One of our favourite stories of the year so far comes from a mum that decided to create a little escape in the small cupboard under the stairs. See how she did it here: Mum transforms space under her stairs into a serene Mum cave for only £17

52. Use kitchen storage to reorganise your workstation

Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore

Working from home? Bring a bit of order to your desk by using kitchen storage – such as this trough and spice rack – as a place to stash stationery.

53. Brighten up an outdoor wall

Image credit: Sandtex

Paint old frames in different bright colours and fill them with succulents for a dramatic transformation. You could do the same with mirrors, too! Here’s how to do it: How to make a wall garden with succulent plants in picture frames

Good luck with your projects, and enjoy the long weekend.

The post 53 Easy DIY projects and makes to do this weekend: for every room in the house appeared first on Ideal Home.

Updating your garden can feel like an almighty project, and it can be hard to know where to begin. Overhauling your outdoor space means thinking about your garden as a whole – from your lawn and borders to patios, furniture, and storage.

And all these individual elements soon rack up. Cut the cost of your garden makeover with our budget garden ideas, tips, and tricks from experts.

Ways to cut the cost of a garden makeover

It’s the year of the garden, but also the year of the cost of living going through the roof. Here’s what garden designers had to say about keeping costs down while still achieving a high-end look in your space.

1. Use your space creatively

Image credit: Dobbies

If you’re already contemplating making some changes, now is the perfect time to look at the space you have with fresh eyes. Imagine it’s not your garden, but that you’re a garden designer transforming the space for a client on a tight budget.

Your Garden Made Perfect designer Tayshan Hayden-Smith says the best way to make a statement in a garden on a budget is to use the space in new and inventive ways. ‘Anywhere has the potential to be a garden,’ he argues.

‘A wall, the floor, a ledge, a pot… nature will find its way,’ the low-cost builds expert adds. ‘Get creative with the way you use space.’ If your garden ideas and layout have been the same for several years, now is the time to shake things up and reimagine the space to better suit your needs.

2. Create zones with plants instead of hard landscaping

Image credit: Future PLC/ Douglas Gibb

Even in a tiny garden, you’ll want to have a couple of zones: a space for entertaining, an area for growing your own veg, and perhaps a patch you’re leaving to grow wild. One cost-effective way to delineate zones in your garden is to group together pots of beautiful exotic plants with giant leaves.

These will form a natural screen, making your space feel more private, as well as creating a striking feature. Using planting instead of trellises, pergolas or walls to zone your garden will give you flexibility and means you don’t have to spend money on hard landscaping. Sophie Birkert, a designer from Screen With Envy recommends planting Canna Musifolia.

This variety has dramatic, paddle-shaped leaves and exotic flowers (although you will need to find a frost-free place to store it in winter). Sophie also suggests planting a banana palm, such as Red Abyssinian, Colocasia (Elephant Ears), and Fatsia Polycarpa ‘Green Fingers.’

3. Don’t neglect lighting

Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore

Lighting can totally transform your garden, and there are loads of cheap options. Solar stakes are brilliant and you can arrange them however you like and watch them come on in the evening.

There’s no professional landscaping required, just pick up some solar lights, some festoon lighting and lanterns and create lots of ambience.

4. Use gravel or pebbles instead of paving

Image credit: Colin Poole

If patio ideas or a garden path are part of your vision, there are ways to save without compromising on style. ‘If laying a patio is in your budget, an oversized garden paving slab in a light, neutral colour will give a contemporary look,’ says garden designer Heather McDougall.

‘To save money on laying a slabbed path, use slabs intermittently. Use complementary coloured pea gravel to fill the remaining areas.’

This idea has become a big trend that we spotted at the Chelsea Flower Show 2021. The ‘patchwork patio’ or ‘tapestry lawn’ is all about mixing paving and soft planting to create a colourful checkerboard effect.

Use half the amount of paving and sow wildflower seeds in the gaps to cut costs on your garden makeover and create a whimsical point of interest.

Patio aside, if you had planned to incorporate paving into your front garden ideas but don’t think you have the budget for it, gravel and pebbles could be a cheaper alternative. This gravel effect can also look lovely as a border or can be used to go around other features in an outdoor space — like underneath this sun lounger bench.

5. Work with the plants you’ve got

Image credit: Future PLC/James French

Garden designer Jilayne Rickards says her approach to garden design is to do as little as possible with the site rather than remove everything and replace with new. This kind of method is sustainable and keeps costs down.

‘Try and work with existing soil rather than replacing it, use existing plants that are healthy and useful and plant to support the existing wildlife whilst trying to increase biodiversity,’ she advises.

6. Invest in your skills

Image credit: Future PLC/Joanna Henderson

If you really want to save money, spend time watching lots of tutorials online and learn from your mistakes. There’s no reason you can’t DIY a garden pergola, potting bench or raised beds, and it’ll give you something you’re really proud of.

‘Look online for creative solutions and try to learn how to build, implement and grow,’ says low-cost builds expert Tayshan Hayden-Smith. The designer from Your Garden Made Perfect (available on iPlayer) says ‘Labour is often very costly on garden builds and if you can get some of that work done yourself, you’ll be able to save loads.’

Take pride in the process of building something and watching it evolve in your garden. You’ll also end up with something totally unique.

7. Research plants carefully

Image credit: Tom Meadows

Garden designer Jack Wallington tells Ideal Home, ‘I always think of gardens across the long term, think about how the things you buy will last across ten years rather than a quick fix for this year.’

It can be tempting to go mad on discounted pieces to fulfil your budget garden ideas. But planning for the future and investing in products that will stand the test of time is actually a better use of money, rather than opting for flimsier, cheaper items.

Jack adds, ‘Too often, people buy throwaway items or bargain plants thinking they’re saving money, and then feel frustrated when the cheap furniture breaks or the plants die, leading to repeat expenses the following spring.

‘Choose plants much more carefully, doing research into each one to check size and that it matches the conditions of your garden. A shrub or perennial that likes your garden’s soil and climate, and won’t out grow your space, will give you value for years, if not decades.’

8. Grow your own

Image credit: Colin Poole

For those really looking to save the pennies, another top tip from Jack is to get stuck in and grow plants yourself. This is even possible in grassless garden ideas using pots and vertical garden ideas like the one above.

‘Of course, another way to save money in the garden is to grow most of the plants yourself from seeds or cuttings,’ he adds. ‘Coordinate with friends to do the same and between you, you’ll have a garden centre’s worth of plants to share.’

Follow our guide to how to make compost for even bigger savings.

9. Think twice about landscaping

Image credit: Claire Lloyd Davies

‘Always question if you really need lots of hard landscaping,’ says Jack Wallington. ‘It’s often the most expensive element in a garden.’

There’s also the option to do it yourself, rather than hire a professional landscaper — as this will no doubt save on garden landscaping costs. There are lots of books, online guides or even short construction courses to help you along. And most building materials are easy to find at garden centres and builders merchants. Just be prepared to get stuck in.

Also, be sure to consult our garden landscaping ideas.

10. Recycle materials

Image credit: Colin Poole

The truth is, there may be no need to splash out on new pieces, as you might already have materials around your home and garden you can use for your garden makeover. It’s also worth buying second-hand items to keep costs down, and looking at places like Facebook Marketplace and FreeCycle.

Another classic budget-friendly option is learning how to make pallet garden furniture. You can buy three pallets for as little as £7.50 on eBay – just add paint and cushions and you’ll have yourself a two-seater outdoor sofa.

‘I love upcycling existing elements within a garden rather than adding to landfill, says Ana Sanchez-Martin. ‘Last year I managed to save a beautiful old Victorian greenhouse working with a wonderful craftsman who helped me repurpose it and give it a new lease of life.’

Ana says it was a labour of love to clean and restore the old cast iron and design and make new fittings for it, but the result was beautiful, and kind to nature.’

Jilayne Rickards agrees saying: ‘Using pre-owned furniture or ornamentation gives a garden automatic character and, even within a contemporary setting, something aged acting as a counterbalance is wonderful to see.’

11. Hold off buying a BBQ… until autumn

Image credit: Simon Whitmore

Clean your BBQ and get another year out of it, because you might reap the financial rewards. Data from comparison website PriceRunner shows that October is the best time to get a great deal on the best BBQs, as retailers clear out older models to make room for new ones for the following spring.

Also, according to Luxury Rattan, February 7th is the best time to buy outdoor furniture in order to avoid the mad rush come spring.

12. Use paint

Image credit: Future/David Giles

Just like the inside of your house, paint is always a brilliant, cheap way to give your space a refresh. Whether it’s a shed, summer house or some garden chairs, sometimes old furniture just needs a fresh lick of paint to give it a new lease of life.

Jack says: ‘Old garden furniture is often thrown away but can easily be spruced up with a good sanding down and painting with exterior paints. Outdoor paints come in a wide variety of colours now. Not only does this save money, it’s more sustainable by saving good furniture from adding to landfill.’

Richard Berry, Marketing Manager of Lidget Compton, adds: ‘Repainting outdoor buildings is a great way to transform the overall look of a garden, yet is relatively inexpensive.’

‘Outdoor furniture and buildings are exposed to various types of weather, be that mild or extreme, so it’s important to choose the appropriate paint when renovating your garden for longevity and to cut future costs.’

13. Buy once and buy well

Image credit: Colin Poole

‘Quality furniture made of metal or wood will last for many years if protected with covers in the winter months. Hard landscaping like patios and fences installed by a professional should last a decade, if not more,’ adds Jack Wallington.

‘Approaching gardens in this way with a higher investment in the first year than you might like, ultimately brings you much bigger savings with each passing year.’

In terms of the materials themselves, Dulcie from Selby Landscapes says, ‘Softwood timber decking doesn’t last as long as composite decking, but stone would also give this best quality and longevity for most areas.’

Our ways to cut the cost of a garden makeover should save you a pretty penny. Check back regularly for more brilliant money-saving ideas.

The post 13 ways to cut the cost of a garden makeover – expert tips to save appeared first on Ideal Home.