Upcycling and Repurposing Tips for a Fresh Look Giving your home a new feel doesn’t mean spending big. Upcycling and repurposing old furniture and décor can transform your space while keeping costs low and your creativity high. Whether you're a DIY pro or just getting started, these simple and inspiring ideas will help you refresh your home sustainably and stylishly. Why Upcycle and Repurpose? Cost-Effective: Save money by revamping what you already own or affordable second-hand finds. Eco-Friendly: Give furniture a second life and reduce waste going to landfill. Custom Style: Create one-of-a-kind pieces tailored to your personal taste. Fun and Rewarding: Enjoy the process and the satisfaction of transforming something old into something beautiful. Upcycling Ideas for Furniture 1. Paint It New How-To: Use chalk paint, spray paint or wood paint to refresh tired furniture.Example: Turn a dated dresser into a statement piece with bold colour or soft pastels.Tip: Lightly sand first and seal the paint for a long-lasting finish. 2. Add New Hardware How-To: Swap out old handles or knobs with something more modern or unique.Example: Elevate a basic sideboard with brass, ceramic or vintage-inspired pulls.Tip: Affordable options are easy to find online or at hardware stores. 3. Create an Accent Piece How-To: Use stencils, paint, or wallpaper to turn a basic piece into a standout.Example: Cover the top of a side table with wallpaper scraps, then seal with clear lacquer.Tip: Choose a pattern that ties in with your room's overall style. 4. Reupholster for a Fresh Look How-To: Give chairs, stools or ottomans new life with updated fabric.Example: Use bold patterns or textured neutrals for an easy refresh.Tip: A staple gun is your best friend. Choose fabric that's durable and easy to clean. Repurposing Furniture for New Uses 1. Turn Drawers into Shelves How-To: Remove drawers, paint them, and mount them to your wall.Example: Use them as floating shelves for books or décor.Tip: Add wallpaper or fabric inside for extra texture or colour. 2. Transform Doors into Headboards How-To: Sand and paint an old door, then mount it behind your bed.Example: Perfect for a rustic or farmhouse vibe.Tip: Make sure it's securely fastened to avoid any movement. 3. Make a Coffee Table from a Suitcase How-To: Add wooden legs to a vintage suitcase.Example: Store throw blankets or books inside for hidden storage.Tip: Use a flat, sturdy suitcase for best results. 4. Repurpose Crates or Pallets How-To: Stack wooden crates into shelves or turn a pallet into a bed base.Example: Paint or stain for a more polished finish.Tip: Sand all edges and secure with screws for stability. Upcycling Accessories and Décor Mason Jars and Bottles Turn glass jars into vases, candle holders or storage containers. Paint them or wrap them in twine for extra charm. Mirror Frame Makeovers Repaint a basic frame or embellish it with shells, beads or timber offcuts for a custom look. Turn Fabric Scraps into Art Frame pieces of bold fabric to create an easy DIY gallery wall that adds texture and colour to any room. Tips for Successful Upcycling Start Small: Begin with easy projects like painting or changing hardware. Use Quality Tools: Good brushes and adhesives make a difference. Shop Smart: Op shops and marketplace finds are great places to start. Try Different Styles: Explore trends like shabby chic, industrial or coastal. Be Patient: Great results take time — but they’re worth it. Final Thoughts Upcycling is more than a budget win — it’s a fun, creative way to express yourself and reduce waste. With a little vision and some basic tools, you can turn old or unused items into something truly special. Whether it’s a reimagined dresser or a simple DIY shelf, every project adds warmth and personality to your space. Take a look around your home, see what you can refresh, and start your next DIY adventure.

Simple and Creative Ways to Personalise Your Home Transforming your space into a home that feels truly yours doesn’t have to be expensive or overwhelming. DIY décor projects are a fun and affordable way to express your personality, get creative, and add unique touches to every corner. Whether you're brand new to crafting or just looking for easy ideas, these beginner-friendly projects are a great place to start. 1. Create a Gallery Wall What You’ll Need: Picture frames Printed photos or artwork Wall hooks or adhesive strips Measuring tape Steps: Gather your favourite photos, art prints, or postcards. Choose frames in colours or styles that complement one another. Lay out the arrangement on the floor before hanging to find a balanced layout. Use a measuring tape to space your frames evenly, then hang them on your wall. Tip: Stick to a single colour palette or theme (like black and white or botanical prints) for a cohesive look. Mix different frame sizes and orientations to create depth and interest. 2. Painted Mason Jars What You’ll Need: Mason jars Acrylic paint Paintbrushes Sandpaper (optional) Steps: Clean and dry the jars thoroughly. Paint the jars in your chosen colour and let them dry. Apply a second coat for a more solid finish. For a rustic look, lightly sand areas of the jar once dry. Use your jars as vases, utensil holders or shelf accents. Tip: Wrap twine or ribbon around the rim for an added touch. Try ombre painting or stencilling to create your own signature style. 3. DIY Floating Shelves What You’ll Need: Wooden boards Wall brackets Screws Drill Steps: Sand and paint or stain the wooden boards to suit your space. Secure brackets to the wall using a level. Place the boards on top and fasten with screws. Tip: Style your shelves with a mix of books, plants and personal items. Use different heights and textures for that curated look. 4. Fabric-Covered Notice Board What You’ll Need: Corkboard or foam board Fabric of your choice Staple gun Push pins Steps: Cut your fabric a few centimetres larger than the board. Stretch the fabric tightly over the board and staple it at the back. Use pins to display notes, photos or keepsakes. Tip: Choose a bold pattern to make it a feature piece. Add ribbon or trim around the edge for a more polished finish. 5. Customised Throw Pillows What You’ll Need: Plain pillow covers Fabric paint Stencils or masking tape Paintbrushes or sponge applicators Steps: Lay the pillow cover flat and insert cardboard to prevent bleed-through. Use stencils or tape to create your design. Apply fabric paint and let it dry fully before use. Tip: Create a set with complementary colours or sayings. Hand-painted pillows also make thoughtful, personalised gifts. Final Thoughts DIY décor is a wonderful way to personalise your home while enjoying the creative process. These beginner-friendly projects are fun, budget-friendly and make a big visual impact. Whether you try one or all five, each piece adds a little bit of you into your space.

How to Choose the Right Lighting for Your Home Lighting is one of the most important elements in home design. It impacts both how your space functions and how it feels. With the right balance of ambient, task and accent lighting, you can bring warmth, clarity and style to every corner of your home. Accent lighting in particular helps highlight features and adds depth to your design. Below is a simple guide to help you choose the right lighting for every room. Types of Lighting A well-balanced lighting scheme includes three key types: 1. Ambient Lighting Purpose: Provides general illumination for day-to-day activities.Examples: Ceiling fixtures, recessed lighting, chandeliers.Tip: Install dimmers so you can adjust brightness throughout the day. 2. Task Lighting Purpose: Direct lighting for focused activities like cooking, reading or working.Examples: Desk lamps, under-cabinet lights, pendant lights.Tip: Choose adjustable fixtures for added flexibility and function. 3. Accent Lighting Purpose: Draws attention to décor, artwork or architectural details.Examples: Wall sconces, LED strip lighting, spotlights.Tip: Accent lighting should be about three times brighter than your ambient lighting to make it stand out. Choosing the Right Lighting for Each Room Living Room Layer ceiling lights or floor lamps with reading lamps for task lighting. Add wall sconces or picture lights to highlight art and features. This mix creates both warmth and flexibility. Kitchen Use recessed lighting for general brightness, under-cabinet lights for workspaces and pendant lights over benchtops or dining areas. Accent lighting inside open shelving can add a soft glow. Bedroom Combine ceiling lights, bedside lamps and accent lighting like LED strips under the bed. Choose warm, dimmable bulbs to support a calm and restful environment. Bathroom Include ceiling-mounted or recessed lights for even lighting, and vanity lights around the mirror for grooming. For added style, use LED strips under floating vanities or behind mirrors. Dining Room A statement pendant or chandelier over the table adds style and sets the tone. Use wall sconces or recessed lights to highlight artwork or textures and complete the look. Lighting Tips for a Cohesive Look Think Function First: Match the lighting to the purpose of the space. Use Layers: A mix of light sources helps you control mood and function. Install Dimmers: Easily shift the vibe from bright to cosy. Choose the Right Bulbs: Warm white for living areas Cool white for tasks like cooking Daylight bulbs for focused workspaces Opt for Energy Efficiency: LED bulbs last longer and use less power. Final Thoughts Great lighting does more than just illuminate your home. It helps create atmosphere, enhance comfort, and showcase your personal style. From soft bedside lamps to dramatic accent pieces, each light plays a role in shaping how your space feels. Take the time to layer thoughtfully, and you’ll enjoy a space that’s functional, beautiful and entirely your own.

Affordable Ways to Make Your Home Look Expensive Creating a high-end look in your home doesn’t have to mean spending thousands. With thoughtful styling, creative choices and smart shopping, you can achieve a polished, luxurious feel while staying within budget. This guide shares practical, affordable tips to help your space look and feel more elevated, no designer price tags required. 1. Start with a Neutral Palette A neutral foundation instantly brings calm and sophistication. Whites, beiges, greys and soft pastels create a sense of space and allow textures to shine. Layer cushions, throws and rugs in similar tones for warmth and depth. A neutral base also gives you more flexibility to update accents and décor over time. 2. Mix High and Low Combining affordable finds with one or two investment pieces adds balance and personality. Splurge on: A beautiful accent chair A statement mirror or chandelier Save on: Stylish décor from second-hand stores Coffee table books, cushions or prints This blend gives your space character while still feeling cohesive and elevated. 3. Add Metallic Accents Touches of metal bring instant glamour. Try these ideas: Gold-framed mirrors or photo frames Brass candlesticks or trays from antique stores Use metallic spray paint to update older décor pieces Even subtle hints of gold, silver or brass can enhance the room’s richness without overwhelming it. 4. Choose Timeless Furniture Classic shapes and clean lines never go out of style. Look for furniture with simple silhouettes and quality finishes that will age well. Shop sales, outlet stores or refurbished pieces to find affordable options. Havenly House & Home offers timeless furniture that blends well with both modern and traditional styles. 5. Go Big with Artwork Oversized art adds instant impact. You don’t need to spend a lot to make a statement: Purchase large prints from online marketplaces Create your own abstract piece with a canvas and paint Frame photography for a clean, modern look One large piece often looks more refined than several small ones. 6. Upgrade Your Lighting Lighting can completely change the mood of a room. Ideas to try: Replace basic ceiling lights with a chandelier or modern pendant Add table lamps for layered lighting Use LED strip lighting under shelves or cabinets to create depth Lighting doesn't just brighten the space, it elevates the entire feel of the room. 7. Dress Your Windows Well-dressed windows bring softness and luxury. Linen curtains feel relaxed and elegant Velvet drapes add richness and warmth Layer sheer curtains with heavier panels for a luxe hotel vibe Proper window treatments help tie the whole room together. 8. Embrace Symmetry Symmetrical styling creates a sense of calm and order. Use pairs of cushions, lamps or bedside tables for a polished, designer-style look. This technique works especially well in bedrooms and living areas where balance makes a space feel thoughtfully styled. 9. Bring in Greenery A few statement plants instantly lift a room. Fiddle-leaf figs, rubber trees or monstera plants add height and texture Smaller potted herbs or ferns bring life to shelves and benches Use ceramic or woven pots to add warmth and interest Plants help your space feel both grounded and luxurious. Final Thoughts Luxury is less about how much you spend and more about how your space feels. With a neutral palette, thoughtful styling, and a few stand-out features, you can create a home that feels refined, welcoming and completely your own, all without breaking the bank.

How Colours Affect Mood and Enhance Your Space Colours have a powerful influence on how we feel. Whether you're designing a calm bedroom retreat, an energising workspace or a welcoming living area, the colours you choose can shape the mood and functionality of your space. This guide explores the basics of colour psychology in home décor and shows you how to use it intentionally to create rooms that feel just right. The Basics of Colour Psychology Colour psychology looks at how different colours can affect our emotions and behaviour. While reactions to colour can be influenced by personal experiences and culture, there are some common associations that help guide colour use in interior design. Knowing these basics can help you choose the right palette for each room in your home. Warm Colours – Energy and Passion Red Mood: Bold, energising, passionateBest for: Dining rooms or social spaces where you want to encourage conversation and vibrancyTip: Use red as an accent through cushions, artwork or a feature wall to avoid overpowering the room. Orange Mood: Cheerful, sociable, and creativeBest for: Playrooms, creative corners or home gymsTip: Pair orange with neutral tones like white or beige for balance and warmth. Yellow Mood: Bright, optimistic, welcomingBest for: Kitchens, entryways, or bathroomsTip: Stick to soft, buttery yellows for a cheerful effect without overstimulation. Cool Colours – Calm and Relaxation Blue Mood: Calm, serene, and stableBest for: Bedrooms and bathroomsTip: Use light blue for an airy feel, or deep navy for a more dramatic, elegant vibe. Green Mood: Balanced, fresh, and restorativeBest for: Living rooms, bedrooms or home officesTip: Combine green with natural materials like wood, linen or rattan to enhance the connection to nature. Purple Mood: Creative, luxurious, and introspectiveBest for: Bedrooms, creative spaces or meditation cornersTip: Lavender promotes calm, while deeper purples like plum or aubergine add richness and depth. Neutral Colours – Timeless and Versatile White Mood: Clean, fresh, and openBest for: Any room, especially small or dark spacesTip: Use texture (like boucle, rattan, or stone) to add warmth and dimension to all-white spaces. Grey Mood: Calm, balanced, and modernBest for: Living rooms, kitchens, or minimalist spacesTip: Layer different shades of grey to create contrast and interest without adding more colour. Beige & Taupe Mood: Warm, cosy, and welcomingBest for: Living rooms, bedrooms or layered lounge areasTip: These tones pair beautifully with wood, greenery and soft lighting to create a calm, grounded space. Final Thoughts Choosing the right colours for your home isn’t just about style, it’s about creating the mood you want to live in every day. Whether you're after calm, energy, comfort or creativity, colour psychology is a powerful tool to make your home feel like you.