Interior designer reveals her favourite budget DIY hack
Have you tried this decorating trend yet?
We are always on the lookout for ways to update our homes and make them feel more unique. Interior designer Nicki Bamford-Bowes has revealed her number-one favourite budget DIY hack.
According to Nicki, wall panelling ideas are the best possible way to update your space - without splashing the cash.
Nicki is no stranger to DIY and decorating, as a successful interior designer - she also made various clever creations on the BBC's Interior Design Masters. We spoke to Nicki as part of her work with Home Essentials with presenter Frankie Bridge, who was formerly a member of girl group The Saturdays.
Nicki's favourite budget DIY hack
'I'm a huge fan of panelling,' she tells us. 'I just think that you can transform a space and give it a completely different vibe very easily and cheaply.
'If you go for a very simple molding, that's quite cost-effective. There are lots of amazing products on the market right now, which can give you different looks.
'Panelling can really make a space feel like it has more heritage,' she comments. 'I think that's my favourite [budget DIY tip].'
Even in the image above, you can see how much of a difference some simple molding can make to a neutral wall. Wall panelling is great for breaking up a large wall and adding a sense of history - ideal if you want to add some subtle character to a new build property.
Get the Ideal Home Newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter for style and decor inspiration, house makeovers, project advice and more.
There are limitless options as to the type of wall panelling to go for. You could DIY some tongue and groove (below), make square-shaped board and batten, or simply add a dado rail.
Millie Hurst was Senior Content Editor at Ideal Home from 2020-2022, and is now Section Editor at Homes & Gardens. Before stepping into the world of interiors, she worked as a Senior SEO Editor for News UK in both London and New York. You can usually find her looking up trending terms and finding real-life budget makeovers our readers love. Millie came up with the website's daily dupes article which gives readers ways to curate a stylish home for less.
-
Never ignore fallen leaves from this one tree – unless you want to risk it killing your grass
The general rule of thumb is to leave fallen leaves as and where they fall... but there is, as ever, an exception
By Kayleigh Dray
-
Do you need an air fryer cleaning spray? I've tested air fryers from all the big names and this is why I'd save your money
An air fryer cleaner is no different from an ordinary one, really
By Molly Cleary
-
M&S’s Percy Pig duvet sold out in 24 hours - it’s back in stock but you’ll have to act fast to get one
Percy Pig has become somewhat of a British icon - run, don't walk to snap him up for yourself
By Kezia Reynolds