The Autumn DIY Project
Ok, so September is not exactly New Year, but as the academic term begins and schools go back following the holidays, it does feel like a fresh start. It can be a good time to tackle new projects, so why not refresh your home as we enter autumn. With the right supplies and a little imagination, you can easily update your decor. Upcycling might be a buzzword right now, but it is a great way to breathe new life into old furniture. Tired out upholstery can be transformed with new covers - geometric prints are a straightforward way to introduce elements of on trend design into your room. Other furniture can be given a new lease of life with a fresh coat of paint. For the best finish, make sand off any old paint or varnish. Electric sanders make quick work of larger items, with cordless sanders offering the most flexibility. Try repainting in soothing neutrals or if you’re feeling brave, introduce a pop of vibrant colour. Alternatively, if the sanding reveals attractive wood, furniture wax might be a more subtle option. Waxing seals the item against grease and stains whilst preserving the wood-grain beneath.
If you are feeling more ambitious, why not try using wallpaper or other decorative papers in your makeover? Choose vintage maps of your favourite places to create an unusual top to a coffee table. Paste down carefully, smoothing out any air bubbles, then seal with several coats of varnish. Yacht varnish gives a good waterproof finish, or top with a piece of glass cut to size. Backing book case shelves with wallpaper can also be effective. Lining drawers and cupboards with contrasting designs adds a stylish finish to newly repainted furniture. Covering items of furniture with wall paper can be striking. Chests of drawers offer a range of options - use the same paper throughout, or front each drawer with a different complimentary design. When working with papers, accuracy is especially important. Exact measurements prevent messy overlaps or wastage in cutting papers. The tape measure and the set square are essential tools for accurate cutting. Spirit-levels are the traditional way of ensuring level lines, although you can now update to cutting edge laser levels for utmost accuracy. Check out the range of options available at Anglia Tool Centre.
Changing handles on drawers and cupboards is another great refresher, or for adding the finishing touch to newly updated pieces. Depending on the previous fixtures, you may need to drill new holes - cordless drills offer the most flexibility in accessing drawers and cupboard doors. A range of vintage drawer pulls are available and can really change the appearance of an item.
So see in September in with some home updates. Happy Upcycling!