DIY projects for your home
Although there are many amazing facts about Zimbabwe, it’s no secret that the economy in Zimbabwe is not strong. The cost of living is ever-increasing and buying or renting a home, or undertaking any renovation projects can be very expensive. Some DIY and decor tasks though can be performed without the need for a professional, which can help you make some savings. Whether you live in an apartment or a house, it is worth investing time and effort to spruce up your home any way that you can.
Repainting a room: do’s and don’ts
Repainting any room in your house or apartment is one of the most effective ways to give it a lift. This can be affordable too if you perform the task yourself. Prepare well by using masking tape to line the floors, ceilings, architrave and skirting boards, and around fixtures like light switches and sockets. This will let you work freely and quickly, while providing a neat, super clean finish.
Do consider painting the ceiling too. If you want to keep it white, regardless of wall colour, it will freshen up your space and goes hand-in-hand with painting the walls. It can be very stylish to also paint the ceiling in the same colour as the walls. Olive green, dusky pink and even navy blue all look great when used on walls and extended onto the ceiling. Other do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when repainting a room include the following:
- Do consider painting a signature wall in a different colour to the rest of the room. This lets you add a pop of colour without overpowering the space
- Do test various shades before committing to a colour. Even for simple neutral tones like white and cream – test them first
- Don’t paint in an enclosed space. Be sure to open a window and door to let fresh air circulate inside as you paint and while it dries
- Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try a range of testers in different colours and include various options. Sometimes seeing swatches of colour on the walls will inspire how you’d like a room to look
Experiment with pattern
Pattern, in particular patterned wallpaper, is truly having a moment in 2023. If you want to add a splash of colour and personality to any room, it is worth exploring the world of patterned wallpaper. Tiles are another great way to add patten to a room. They work especially well in bathrooms, kitchens and as hallway flooring. Tiles are easy to repair, clean and maintain, making them a great long-term investment.
As with painting, performing wallpapering or tiling tasks yourself is a great way to save on costs. Tiles can be tricky – and if you are adding them to a bathroom, they also need to be waterproof. As such, it is worth carefully researching all the steps required before you start. Working with pattern is a fun way to enrich your home and – especially in the case of patterned wallpaper – it needn’t be an expensive job.
Garden DIY on a budget
If your home has an outdoor space, there are various ways to enhance a garden, terrace or balcony, without spending a fortune. If you have a garden, be sure to tend to the lawn and prune plants regularly. This will help keep your garden fresh and inviting all year round. Comfortable garden furniture including a table, chairs and an outdoor sofa will make it the perfect place to relax on a warm weekend. Affordable accessories like cushions, flowerpots, and outdoor candles can bring colour and character to seating areas. Garden lighting, like outdoor bulbs, fairy lights, and lamps can also be picked up inexpensively and are great for creating a cozy atmosphere on mild evenings.
DIY projects can be fun to plan and undertake. There is plenty of inspiration available online and it is always worth gathering some images during the planning phase to help spur some ideas. Save some pennies where possible by performing tasks yourself and shopping creatively. Simply repainting a room and adding some accessories like wall hangings, rugs, cushions and other textiles can be very effective in elevating the overall look and feel of the space.
