Use creativity and crafts to transform your space. When you move into a new home, unexpected costs can often drain your decorating budget. But there are other, more affordable ways to make changes. See how Hester updated her seaside home.
Reuse and upcycle existing pieces
Old furniture can be used to give a room a new look. �Almost all of our furniture is from our old house, just used in a different way �Many of the chairs are vintage that have moved to five different houses, and I repainted an old dresser to match seaside colour scheme
Update with colour
The kitchen was Hester�s first project in the new house. Updating the cupboard doors and handles gave the room a fresh look without the need for a whole new kitchen. To avoid expensive retiling, she�s used colourful splashbacks to brighten up the space
Add personal finishing touches
Photos are personal, so make the way you display them unique too. Hester created a gallery in the living room using an empty frame, string and mini pegs. �It�s easy to update regularly with different pictures � although they�re almost always photos of Kermit!�
Make your workspace feel like the most inspirational spot in your home. Hester uses the wall behind her desk as a mood board for her craft projects � she uses washi tape so it�s quick and easy to update. Hester�s desk came from a reclamation yard It doesn�t have enough storage for her, so she keeps all her craft essentials in a portable trolley next to it.
Design your own mural
Mix monochrome walls with rich-coloured bedding. Painting shelves the same colour as the wall keeps the attention on the objects you�ve chosen to display. Hester customised the wall above her bed when she couldn�t find a wallpaper that was right for her: �I took a Sharpie and just doodled all over it with Dutch phrases, as I�m from Holland, and jokes and cartoons. Reading it gives me a positive start to the day.�
How I made my home decor
How would you describe your style?
�I like to mix and match old with new. And I love the texture of reclaimed timber, especially when it has patina or chipped-off paint.�
Where do you get your inspiration?
�When I was growing up, my family were always making stuff. Mum was making clothes and soft furnishings, and she taught me how to use the sewing machine, and my dad was brilliant, he could build anything with timber. Now, I find Instagram amazing, as I can see into homes from all over the world.�
What advice would you give to someone renovating their home?
�The most important thing to remember when doing crafts or a DIY project is just to do it. If it goes wrong, you can take it apart and start again. I like to do it without overthinking it � it�s quite nice when it�s a bit wonky