13 Hacks for Successful DIY on a Budget

Whether you have moved into a new home, are trying to sell your home, or just want to update your spaces, the idea of renovation can seem overwhelming. 

This is especially so when you don’t have the financial means to completely gut the room and start from scratch. However, there are many things you can do yourself to improve both the quality and the look of your home without breaking the bank.

Channel those DIY vibes and try these tips and tricks for renovation on a budget.

Shop Sales and Discounts

Keep an eye out for sales, discounts, and coupons at hardware stores, craft stores, and online retailers. Buying materials during sales can significantly reduce your project costs.

Repurpose and Upcycle

Look for items you already have at home that can be repurposed or upcycled for your project. Old furniture, clothing, and household items can often be transformed into something new with a bit of creativity.

Compare Prices

Don't settle for the first price you see. Compare prices from different stores and online retailers to find the best deals on materials.

DecorPlanet guarantees you'll get the best price with our 110% price match guarantee. That means we'll not only match a competitor's price, but give you an extra 10% off. 

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Paint Makeover

Give old furniture, cabinets, or walls a fresh new look with a coat of paint. Painting is one of the most affordable ways to update and transform your space. Look for discounted paint at hardware stores or consider using leftover paint from previous projects.

Borrow or Trade Tools

If you don't have all the tools you need for your DIY project, consider borrowing them from friends or family members. You can also check if there are tool lending libraries in your area. Alternatively, you could trade services or skills with someone who has the tools you need.

Use Free Resources

Take advantage of free resources like DIY tutorials and templates available online. Websites, blogs, and YouTube channels offer a wealth of information and inspiration for DIY projects.

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Start Small

If you're new to DIY, start with small, manageable projects that require fewer materials and tools. As you gain experience and confidence, you can gradually take on larger projects.

Consider Alternative Materials

Explore alternative materials that are more budget-friendly. For example, instead of hardwood, you could use plywood for furniture projects, or instead of expensive tile, you could use peel-and-stick vinyl for backsplashes or flooring.

Lighting Update

Upgrading your lighting is a quick and affordable way to bring new life to your space and it's easy to do yourself. Replace canned lights with pendant lights. Refresh the light bar in the bathroom. Update that old chandelier. 

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DIY Décor

Instead of buying expensive home décor items, try making your own. DIY wall art, throw pillows, and decorative accents can add personality to your home without breaking the bank.

Embrace Imperfections

Remember that DIY projects don't have to be perfect. Embrace imperfections and view them as part of the charm of handmade items. Focus on enjoying the process rather than striving for perfection.

Hardware Refresh 

Bathroom and kitchen hardware and fixtures are quick and easy updates that can change the entire feel of your spaces. The swap is DIY-able and budget-friendly. Try adding a trending metal color like gold or brass. Matte metals too are a timeless addition. 

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Fabric Remnants

Visit fabric stores and ask for remnants or remnants bins where you can find small pieces of fabric at discounted prices. These can be used for various DIY projects like throw pillow covers, small upholstery projects, or even crafting.

Thrift Store Finds

Explore thrift stores, yard sales, and flea markets for affordable items that can be repurposed or transformed. Look for solid wood furniture with good bones that can be sanded, painted, or refinished to suit your style.

DIY projects are a great way to save money while also adding your personal touch to your living space. A few budget-friendly projects are quick wins for updating any space in your house. 

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Top Brands At DécorPlanet

DécorPlanet.com has partnerships with a number of high-end bathroom and kitchen product manufacturers. A leading online retailer of home fixtures and accessories, we pride ourselves on offering you the most luxurious products for the bathroom and beyond. 

We are always working to expand the options, styles, and brands we offer and work in bulk. That has allowed us to provide a remarkable variety of quality bathtubs, toilets, sinks, mirrors, cabinetry, and similar items at the lowest prices online.

We currently offer some of your favorites: 

• Moen
• Toto
• James Martin Vanities
• Grohe
• Fresca
• Neptune
• Franke
• Robern
• Graffe
• Hansgrohe
• More . . . 

Options from these companies serve to grow DécorPlanet.com’s already impressive selection of eco-friendly products, elegant pedestal and claw-footed tubs, lighting, vanities, faucets, bidets, and countless other items that can improve the look, quality, and convenience of any size bathroom, kitchen, and beyond.

As with all products sold online at DécorPlanet.com, products from these brands are backed with the company’s 110% price match guarantee and hassle-free return policies.

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Modern Bathroom Décor

It may be that “modern” is a misnomer these days because when you’re talking about modern home décor, you’re talking about a style that has been around for over five decades. 

Modern décor really took off post-World War II, and was prevalent in brand new suburbs throughout the country. Mid-century modern homes with post-and-beam design, the idea to bring indoor and outdoor settings together with large windows, and sleek appliances and state-of-the-art materials were all selling points. Gone were over-stated Victorian or traditional doors, hardware, and cabinets. Scandinavian simplicity and natural shapes were en vogue, as were Frank Lloyd Wright and Eichler architecture to give homes functionality and style.

Mid-century designs never went away, and they’ve experienced a renaissance of sorts over the last decade. But, beyond über-modern signature furniture pieces how does modern décor extend to the interior of your home, specifically the bathroom?

Creating Modern Bathroom Décor

Modern bathrooms are minimalist in design. While some bathrooms want the focus to be on the bathtub and shower combo, or the oversized vanity, modern décor works because it blends the walls and appliances into a natural style, much like the Scandinavian designers were hoping for 60 years ago. Bathtubs, showers, and sinks may appear as if they flow out from the floor or wall. Color and tones are often natural or basic. But even this simplicity is a major statement.

As with any kind of bathroom or home décor, you don’t need to have the architecture, or bones, of a home to do what you want. While we’ve all seen homes whose architects gave them obvious modernist designs, even someone living in a well-preserved early 20^th century bungalow can create a bathroom that is completely modern.

Modern Bathroom Décor & Functionality

While style is important, so is the utility of space. Floating vanities, sinks, and toilets will work well in a modern bathroom. Mirrors may seem basic when compared to those with traditional borders, but mirrors with simple borders with straight lines will work; mirrors with LED lighting and fog-free systems are even better.

Shower panels may still seem like a luxury to many people, but in a modern bathroom, they fit just as well as a bathtub-shower combination. Simplicity in style doesn’t have to mean going barebones on luxury or indulging in what you want.

Master bathrooms and half-bathrooms can both benefit from a modern décor makeover, especially if you are updating other parts of your home. The bathroom, like the kitchen, is a room that is used every single day. It’s not too difficult to extend the modern theme throughout your home, even if its design is closer to Victorian or Craftsman. 

Give modern bathroom décor a try today!

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How to Design a Bachelor Pad Bathroom for Widespread Appeal

If you're a single guy who just moved into a new place, or think your bathroom could use a bit of sprucing up, there are plenty of ways to improve the appearance of a bachelor pad bathroom. Not only will you be able to appreciate the improved space, but any lady visitors won't be scared off or become skeptical of your hygiene when they enter. Here are several ways to jazz up your throne room.

1. Start with a thorough cleaning. Eliminate mold, mildew, dirt and grime from every inch of the space as thoroughly as possible. If some of your bathroom accessories are beyond saving, toss them and buy new ones.

2. Paint the walls. Earthy neutral tones are always a safe bet, and they'll look more inviting than a stark white space, especially if your bathtub and sink are white as well.

3. Buy fresh towels. If you've been relying on a mishmash of towels to dry off with, it's time to invest in a legitimate set. Get a hue that matches the colors of the room or opt for black, which is a classic shade that won't show stains. Also, be sure to install a few towel racks - there's nothing less sexy than a pile of towels on the floor.

4. Consider a new mirror. If you have a dinky mirror that's seen better days, your visitors will appreciate an upgrade. Most women like to have a sizeable mirror to look at when they're freshening up their makeup or getting ready for bed.

5. Streamline your toiletries. Anything that hasn't been used in several months should be tossed out. You might even want to invest in some luxurious-looking bottles for your existing toiletries, as uniformity will help give the space a classier vibe. Also, consider buying a bottle of conditioner if you don't have one already - it's one thing many women wish they had in a guy's shower.

6. Get a bathmat. If you're always having to deal with a wet floor, the logical solution is to buy a mat that will soak it up when you step out of the shower. It's also a nice thing to have when tile floors get chilly in the winter.

7. Go for the gusto with fresh flowers. If you know a female guest will be coming over to your place, impress her by placing a small vase of flowers on your bathroom vanity. It'll speak to your romantic side.

Your bachelor pad bathroom can be a classy and unexpected space that's a joy to visit. A few simple changes can make all the difference. Check out more options!

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Seven Ways to Keep Your Bathroom Smelling Fresh

Along with the kitchen, the bathroom has a reputation for being one of the most odorous rooms in the home. Needless to say, there's a lot that goes on in the bathroom - which means there are a lot of smells to go with it. Fortunately, maintaining a freshly scented half or master bath is easy once you realize how many options are at your disposal. Here's a list of several ways you can keep your bathroom smelling fresh.

1. Open up those linen cabinets and launder your towels. With frequent use, towels, bathrobes and washcloths can take on a musty quality that can stink up your whole bathroom. Adding baking soda and white vinegar into the wash cycle can strip them of funky residue and retard mildew growth. Also, it helps to hang your towels up immediately after using them so they'll fully dry in between each use.

2. Light a scented candle. With so many specialty candle shops in existence, you shouldn't have a problem finding a scent that will freshen up your bathroom. Plus, the ambiance created by a little candlelight is flattering and relaxing - perfect for a spa-like bathroom.

3. Keep your bathroom accessories clean. For example, your toothbrush holders should get a regular scrubbing, and once your toilet brush starts to look like it's seen better days and gives off a scent to match, it's time for a new one.

4. Keep a cup of white vinegar in the shower when you're not using it. According to TLC, this can help to soak up odors in the stall when you shut the door or curtain.

5. Check your drains. If you can't seem to find the source of the odor, perhaps it's coming from your drains. There might be a clog that's slowing things down and causing a backup of smelly bacteria and gunk. Use a plumber's snake to manually remove the blockage or pour a chemical product down there to dissolve the issue.

6. Buy luxuriously aromatic hand soap. Every time you and your guests wash your hands, you'll be able to breathe in the lovely scent of whatever soap you happened to choose.

7. In between washings, use linen spray to freshen up robes, towels, bath mats and shower curtains. Many have nice scents that are long-lasting.

Shop new bathroom accessories to give your bathroom a boost.

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Are Shower Panels Worth It?

If you're about to embark upon a full-scale bathroom remodeling project, having a clear idea of which major fixtures will be included is vital to select the components and other hardware that will bring the space together. 

If you're mulling the thought of installing a large shower in your space, a shower panel should be at the top of your list of priorities. This is one of the most cutting-edge bathroom accessories on the market that will streamline the look of your washroom and allow you to enjoy a new era of luxury in your home. But are shower panels worth it? Here are a few benefits that could convince you to incorporate one into your space.

1. Versatility. Instead of using a single shower head, many shower panels are available with multiple water outputs, such as swiveling water jets, an overhead rainfall faucet and a handheld sprayer. Some are even fitted with a spout at the bottom for those who would like to install the device over a bathtub. The sleek surface of these devices is also extremely easy-to-clean, which will increase its overall lifespan and limit the amount of extensive cleaning regimens you'll have to perform on the device.

2. Economical. Compared with the investment in a large bathtub, shower curtains and other accessories, a shower panel can be a great bargain for bathroom remodelers. These devices are available at just about every price point, so homeowners will be able to find the ideal mixture of features that works with their space constraints. Many of these products are made from durable materials like stainless steel, so they will be a long-lasting investment that will continue to pay dividends.

3. Space-saving. Since most shower panels are mounted directly to the wall of a bathroom and connected to the room's plumbing, they can dramatically open up the interior design of a washroom. There is barely any need to allot space for the panel and it will only take up a small amount of space on your wall. When coupled with glass shower doors and an influx of light in the space, these devices can make a bathroom feel much larger than it actually is.

Are shower panels worth it? Yes. Your bathroom remodeling project will be filled with tough decisions, so make this an easy one. 

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Use a Shower Niche to Boost Storage and Design

As you approach the process of installing a shower panel or other bathroom accessories, you may look into small storage options that can hang from your showerhead or attach to the wall. However, these products don't last and do nothing to improve the look of your shower. 

Think about creating a small shower niche inside of your shower that will blend in perfectly with your décor and give you that bit of storage you need in the shower 

This shower niche is a chance for you to improve the room's storage capacity and boost the design of the shower. When installing your shower, instruct your contractor to leave a small indentation in the wall - you can then use the area inside to decorate with mosaic tile to infuse the area with a pop of color.

After installing a small shelf, you can keep your shampoo, washcloths and sponges within reach. This is one of the most unobtrusive ways to improve the storage capacity of your shower and will jazz up the look of your space.

Storage space is always at a premium in bathrooms, but thankfully there are ingenious ways to pack more into your washroom without inhibiting traffic flow. A shower niche is one of the easiest ways to do that. Make it a part of your shower plan!