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The DIY Decorator’s top 5 budget decorating tips

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Since its inception in 2015 The DIY Decorator has amassed an impressive online following. Almost 90k people tune into Perth-based interior decorator Zoe Gilpin’s Insta-feed and blog to take advantage of her keen eye for bargains and learn how to style fabulous spaces on a budget – rooms that look a lot more expensive than they are. Today, Zoe shares her top five tips on how to create stylish spaces without breaking the bank.

Styled by Zoe, this bedroom look was created entirely from Target wares
Styled by Zoe, all of the items in this room are from Target. The Easycraft wall panels from Bunnings were a DIY project that Zoe undertook.

Shop smart: Plan before you spend
“
Going into a home decorating project without a plan can be costly,” says Zoe who thinks it’s worth spending time creating a digital mood board to this end. “Planning exactly what you need not only helps you stay within budget but avoids having to return or swap items that aren’t working in the scheme,” says Zoe.

A moodboard by Zoe
A moodboard by Zoe

And while it sounds like strange advice when budget is top of mind, you should refrain from buying too much in the first instance. Start with bare minimum of items and work up from there – as is often the case, less really is more “Minimal often works best. My tip is to work out what each large furniture item needs. For example, how many cushions does the sofa need? Or how many decorative items should sit on the entertainment unit?” says Zoe.

A Kmart bedside looks rather luxe when paired with a Beacon Lighting lamp and a piece of Darren Palmer Collection coral from Myer
A Kmart bedside looks rather luxe when paired with a Beacon Lighting lamp and a piece of Darren Palmer Collection coral from Myer

Mix pricier items with budget ones
Like the savviest of fashion girls, Zoe is a fan of mixing high-end pieces with high-street finds and even second-hand pieces. “This is my top tip for creating your own unique style that suits your home and doesn’t look like a copy of a catalogue,” says Zoe.

“An interior created with items from all walks of life – designer, budget and small business – tells a far more interesting tale,” says Zoe who explains that this technique is a great way to balance the books too. “Spent too much on that coffee table? Even out the budget by spending less on the items to go on it,” says Zoe.

Zoe salvaged this cane chair from the side of the road and the cane chest from a second hand store. The rug, plants and planters are from Bunnings.
Zoe salvaged this cane chair from the side of the road and the cane chest from a second hand store. The rug, plants and planters are from Bunnings.

Spend on larger items & save on smaller ones
When it comes to dividing up your funds, it’s best to channel more of your dollars towards the larger items – think furniture pieces such as beds, sofas and dining suites. Not only do cheaper products usually not stand the test of time, but quality pieces have a greater resale value.

Conversely, Zoe advises spending less on the smaller finishing touches. “To save a few dollars, opt for cheaper products when it comes to items such as vases, cushions and lamps. These items don’t get used and are simply to look at, so their quality isn’t as important,” says Zoe.

Top tip: Upgrade an inexpensive cushion by swapping out the original insert with a feather one for an instantly more luxe result.

Embrace DIY
Given the name of Zoe’s blog, it’s no surprise that she’s a big proponent of DIY and not only do they impart a sense of achievement, but they are a great way to save a few dollars too.

Again, Zoe recommends browsing second hand stores, scrolling Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree to find unique items and give them a second life. “Whether it be a paint project or an upholstery project, it only takes a few inexpensive products from a craft or hardware store to help you create your DIY masterpiece,” says Zoe.

This bedroom features a black Kmart mirror that Zoe painted gold to suit the scheme
This bedroom features a black Kmart mirror that Zoe painted gold to suit the scheme

Go green
That the explosion of indoor greenery took place at a similar time to a global economic downturn is no coincidence. A pop of greenery is a fabulous, inexpensive way to really lift a room.

Greenery styled by Zoe
Greenery styled by Zoe

“Buying a nice plant, large or small, and popping it in to a planter that suits your home decor style, instantly adds life to a room. If you like a more natural look consider housing your plants in decorative baskets. When it comes to choosing the plant, it can be a simple green leaf plant or something with flowers,” says Zoe who cites easy-care plants such as devil’s ivy, giant elephant ears and rubber plants as some of her favourites.

Zoe Gilpin
Zoe Gilpin

Photography: Zoe Gilpin

For more on The DIY Decorator | Budget DIY ideas: Our six most popular posts!

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August 13, 2019

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New @kmartaus home has dropped! Hit up the link i New @kmartaus home has dropped!

Hit up the link in bio for more and links to buy. Enjoy!

#kmarthack #kmarthome #kmartaus #kmartstyling #kmartaustralia #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger #interiorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #bargainhomewares #bargainbuys
Take a scroll through the stunning new art on line Take a scroll through the stunning new art on linen collab from @grottilotti and @linen_house We love it! ❤️

And even if you're not in the market for new linen, the bird cushions would look fab on a sofa. The pink one might be finding its way to my house...

More info on the homepage now via link in bio.

#grottilotti #artistcollaboration #australianartist #australianart #australianartists #bedlinen #linenhouse #boldbedroom #colourfulbedroom #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #heartyourhome #jenbishop #bedroomrefresh #bedroomgoals😍 #linenaddict  #cockatoos #australianbirdsofinstagram
I'm absolutely loving the simple yet on trend scal I'm absolutely loving the simple yet on trend scallop design and colour pop of these lampshades from new brand @soffle_lights 

Read founder Sophie Cartwright's top tips for transforming your rental home on the blog now. Via link in bio.

Which colour is your fave?!

#lampshademaker #lampshadedesign #lampshademaking #floorlamps #lampshades #scalloped #sofflelights #lightingdecor #rentaldecor #rentalhome #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
While we featured a gloriously colourful home on M While we featured a gloriously colourful home on Monday, this one is a masterclass in serene neutrals! And how good is this bunk room?!

Take the tour on the blog now. Via link in bio.

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Washable rugs, eco-friendly play mats, reversible Washable rugs, eco-friendly play mats, reversible linen, gorgeous wallpaper and the chance to win a beautiful bouclé recliner chair!

Today's kids room roundup is full of loveliness if we don't say ourselves!

Via link in bio now.

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A glass shower screen is not the only option! In A glass shower screen is not the only option!

In this 80s villa reno, @trentinidesign took inspiration from an archway typical of the era and used it throughout the home.

The bathroom was transformed from a classic three-piece set up that included a shower, bath and vanity. Kathryn removed the bath and split the room in half and designed an arch to sit between the two zones. 

“I wanted something spectacular. Rather than having a vanity with a piece of glass like you would typically see, I was really trying to push myself as a designer. It was costly but it worked out well and the feedback has been great."

Swipe for the before and follow the link in bio to see the rest of this home.

#bathroomdesignideas #bathroomtrends2023 #showerscreen #showerscreens #archways #apartmentrenovation #interiorsblogger #interiorsaccount #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #realreno
One half of popular parenting podcast @wedonthavet One half of popular parenting podcast @wedonthavetimeforthis, turns out former Neighbours actor @gemma_peanut is even more multi-talented than we thought! Will you check out the joyful and colourful reno of her holiday home (and airbnb) @yo_caba_caba?!

Head over to the blog via link in bio to read all about why she went bold and full of pattern in this project, which is a stark contrast to her zen and neutral Northern Beaches abode.

There's also plenty of details about where things are from etc.

"I’m not an interior designer so I just chose what I liked and followed my gut. Ultimately this home has been an opportunity to explore my alter ego – it allowed me to do things that I wouldn’t normally do.”

📷 @tanikablair_photography 

#interiorsblog #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #gemmapeanut #wedonthavetimeforthis #parentingpodcast #parentingpodcasts #holidayhousesofinstagram #cabaritabeach #airbnbstyle #airbnbstyling #colourandpattern #wallpapergoals #patternedtiles #featuretiles #poolgoals #sparkjoy #yocabacaba #boldinteriors #funinteriors #colourfulkitchen
Not many friends in life fall into the unofficial Not many friends in life fall into the unofficial family category and they're a special gift. So ends three weeks with @danisteve81 who left her husband and son in the UK (I'm forever grateful they lent her to me!) to come and cheer me up and help me in the most practical ways after I spent Christmas and New Year in hospital. There were tears and I miss her so much already but how amazing to have had all that time together as adults. Such a rare treat and would never have happened without having been through something so challenging. Silver linings and all that. So many other friends have also been incredibly thoughtful and kind. There aren't many times I'd say this without cringing but I am 100% blessed!

I still cannot believe we have been friends since we were 12! 12! Are you still close with your childhood besties?
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Amy Collins Walker

About Amy Collins Walker

Amy is our regular feature writer, an experienced journalist and interior stylist living in Perth, Western Australia. Find out more about her styling work at http://www.amycollinswalker.com/

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