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Your home is your haven. And when you spend so much time in one place, every few years, the itch to spruce things up might be pretty hard to ignore. Maybe the decor is stuck in the 1990s, with outdated wallpaper and curtains that look like they belonged to your nan. Or maybe the walls are just in need of a new lease of life.
We’ve all been there. And if you’ve ever looked into renovating, you’ll know just how quickly the costs can add up. Luckily, refreshing your home doesn’t have to cost a fortune. The best plan of action is to start small: one room, one weekend at a time. Even a single project can make a huge difference to how your space feels.
If your house or flat is in need of a bit of TLC, these six easy DIY interior decorating ideas are a good place to start.
Everyone loves a simple solution, and nothing transforms a tired room quite like a lick of paint. It’s quick, and you don’t need to call in a professional – as long as you take your time with the prep and work through each step carefully, most people can achieve a really solid finish. Fresh walls can transform the space, suddenly making it feel much cleaner and brighter.
Earthy, warm neutrals are currently having a big moment. Think terracotta, warm greige and dusty blush. And it’s worth calling out nature-adjacent tones, like olive, that are also trending. For a feature wall, try a deeper colour: navy, forest green and charcoal add drama and depth without making the room feel too cramped. If you’re wondering which wall to choose, trust your instincts. Walk into the room and go for the wall that your eye is naturally drawn to – it’s usually behind the sofa or the bed’s headboard.
If you’re looking to transform a room with paint, head to B&Q for a wide range of paint options and prep materials. Or stock up on all your painting needs in-store and online at Brewers Decorator Centres. Whichever you choose, don’t forget to use your Blue Light Card to get your fresh paint for less.
Most households generally favour either the ‘big light’ or prefer to have lots of smaller lights. Here’s our take: the single, bright overhead light can often make a nicely decorated room feel a bit harsh and clinical. If you channel your inner interior designer, try layering light to make the room feel more inviting.
Two or three lamps at varying heights create a warmer, more inviting feel. The best part about this hack? No electrician is required. Swap out your lampshade for something linen or rattan for an instant upgrade. Or install a dimmer switch if you’re a confident DIY-er (just make sure to isolate the electrics first). For a subtle and elegant update, go down the LED strip route – for example, you can stick them under kitchen cabinets, behind a TV unit or around a bookcase. Smart bulbs are another option if you want to adjust the mood throughout the day without touching a switch.
When it comes to colour temperature, warm bulbs mimic candlelight and work brilliantly for living rooms, bedrooms and dining spaces. Cooler bulbs are more energising and better suited to kitchens, bathrooms and home offices. Whichever floats your boat, stick to the same temperature throughout one room for a consistent feel.
A great first stop for lighting is Dunelm or The Range. Or if you’re looking for something to control how much light is coming into a room, Swift Direct Blinds offer made-to-measure options.
If a fresh lick of paint isn’t scratching your DIY itch, there are plenty of interior decorating ideas to transform a wall.
Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a renter-friendly option. Removable and a godsend for those with an indecisive nature – if you change your mind, you can just peel it straight off. Apply it to a smooth, clean wall and avoid any textured surfaces for the best result. One key tip: add 10cm to the height measurement to give yourself room for trimming at both the top and bottom.
Wall panelling is having a real moment on social media right now and for good reason. It’s achievable for even the most amateur DIY-ers and can be completed in a weekend. Buy a panelling kit and add that little extra pizzazz to a room. Paint it to match your wall or go for a contrast colour to make it pop.
Gallery walls are another crowd-pleaser. Every time you’re in a charity shop, keep an eye out for pre-loved frames in any size, style or colour. Don’t limit yourself to frames and pictures either. Vintage cameras, tennis rackets or mementoes with texture all work. Lay everything out on the floor before putting a single nail in the wall.
Are you renting? Peel-and-stick wallpaper and removable command strips are a real lifesaver. Or you can lean large art pieces against the wall instead of hanging them. Just check your tenancy agreement before you start and watch out for little ones near anything propped up.
Browse wallpaper designs and save with Blue Light Card at I Love Wallpaper and Wallpaperdirect, and stock up on all the prep and hanging tools at Homebase.
Upcycling continues to evolve as one of the biggest DIY trends right now and is proving to be a fulfilling hobby for many. It’s also a great way to save a piece of furniture from going to landfill.
Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Freecycle and Vinted often have pre-loved furniture listed, with solid wood pieces available at a fraction of the retail price. All they need is a little tender loving care. Chalk paint is your best friend here – it requires minimal prep, dries quickly and leaves a lovely matte finish.
If you’re looking for a quick win, swap worn-out cabinet handles on a kitchen or bedroom unit. It costs very little but looks like you’ve given a room a full refresh. All you need is a spare Sunday afternoon!
And don’t overlook what you already have. Glass jars work as vases and empty candles make brilliant pen pots. Every time something runs out, or you see an intriguing item in a charity shop, let those creative juices flow and think about an alternative use.
If you need supplies to help you with an upcycling task, try Wilko and grab specialist paints at Rust-Oleum. Or if you want to turn the idea on its head, buy a flat-pack basic from IKEA and restyle it with a new shade of paint.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is a popular flooring option. It clicks together without adhesive, is water-resistant, durable, and mimics the feel and appearance of real wood. Another renter-friendly option with no glue or grouting needed.
Peel-and-stick vinyl tiles are a good shout for tired kitchen and bathroom floors that need a quick freshen-up.
Rugs are probably the most accessible flooring hack. In a living room, a large rug anchors the furniture and adds warmth underfoot straight away. People often make the common mistake of going too small. Size up so you don’t regret it later on!
Before you do anything, though, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Find washable rugs perfect for families at Ruggable. For LVP, laminate flooring, tools and accessories to do it yourself, check out Wickes.
Finally, for the star of the show, we’ve got soft furnishings to bring the whole room together – one of the cheapest ways to make a space really feel like you.
Find cushions, throws, mirrors and accessories at The Range, soft furnishings at La Redoute, finishing touches at Anthropologie and affordable homeware across every category at Online Home Shop. The best bit? You can save on all of it with your Blue Light Card.
Are you ready to channel your inner Nick Knowles and start your own DIY makeover? Whether you’re just wanting to smarten up a few kitchen cabinets with a fresh lick of paint or you plan on renovating the whole house with new furnishings, Blue Light Card members can save on a whole host of home and DIY brands.
You work hard enough. Let Blue Light Card make your home refresh go a little further.
Start with paint, as it requires the least amount of skill to update a room. From there, swapping lampshades, adding different cushions or throws, putting up a gallery wall and buying a new rug can all make a difference.
Prioritise small updates instead of a full renovation. Upcycling pre-loved furniture can also make a big difference without a hefty price tag. Check out charity shops, Facebook Marketplace and eBay for second-hand items.
Yes. Peel-and-stick wallpaper is removable, as well as command strips. They should both leave little to no damage on the walls. Large pieces of art or a mirror can lean against the wall rather than be fixed to it. Always double-check your tenancy agreement before making any changes.
Log in to your Blue Light Card account and head to the Home & Garden category. There are a range of brands that will help you save on everything from paint and flooring to soft furnishings and accessories.
