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Besser block raised garden bed with screening bamboo
A retaining garden bed with drainage system built using Besser blocks on a cement slab base to plant screening bamboo trees to block a neighbours view into the backyard. The project Our neighbours have just had a super large renovation and their balcony lights shine all the way into our bedrooms. We needed to build a…
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Upcycled painted chest of drawers
Paint, varnish, stencil work and new handles helped to transform a bedside chest of drawers unit. The project I had an old set of drawers in the garage that were practical but very marked and ugly. I thought I would try to make them more attractive and individual. After sanding the body, the drawer fronts and all the…
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Chalkboard wardrobe doors for kids bedroom
Wardrobe doors in a kids bedroom transformed into huge chalkboards simply using chalkboard paint. The project D.I.Y. chalkboard wardrobe door using Dulux Chalkboard paint. Steps Step 1 Clean area thoroughly with sugar soap. Step 2 Tape in preparation for painting and begin primer if needed - depending on your surface you…
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Garden stepping stones on a budget
Low-cost D.I.Y. stepping stones for a rambling garden path made using chicken wire and cement as a budget alternative to bluestone or travertine pavers. The project I am currently creating a sanctuary garden in my backyard under a massive magnolia tree. When I first bought my home the yard was pretty bland, and under the…
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D.I.Y. ceiling access panel
Step-by-step instructions for a ceiling access panel installation, also commonly known as a manhole. The project A friend had an extension to his house, with a roofline that prevented internal roof access from the old to the new. So, he asked me to install a manhole that would allow some additional roof storage space.…
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Upcycled timber coffee table
Detailed sanding and a varnish finish helped to transform a table found at the side of the road. The project I found an old coffee table on the side of the road that was being thrown away, as it had definitely seen better days. It was made of wood so I could see that it just needed a good sanding and a coat of varnish to…
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Upcycled provincial-style library bookcase
A modern black finish from a paint sprayer, plus a ladder, lighting and brass fittings all helped to transform an old provincial-style bookcase. The project An old provincial-style bookcase repaired and updated with a modern black and brass finish. New additions include a top crown, light fittings above the shelves, modern…
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D.I.Y. linen cupboard using Melamine
A bespoke laundry linen cupboard with shelves and drawers built using Melamine and iron-on edging. The project I spent ages looking for a linen cupboard for this space, but found them to be too short, too shallow, too wide or too hard to assemble. So after converting my Kaboodle base cabinet into drawers, I decided I could…
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Upcycled mid-century modern bedside table
A timber veneer mid-century modern bedside table was upcycled using paint and a new handle, forming the basis for a bedside makeover. The project An on-the-side-of-the-road bedside table find was the inspiration for the theme for this makeover. The old bedhead had recently received a white coat of paint to cover the…
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Girl's room makeover with wallpaper and panelling
Wallpaper and panelling were at the heart of this bedroom makeover for a special granddaughter. The project Our home is a three bedroom home with a sitting room at the front. This room housed my nana's couch that folded out to a double bed for our guests to sleep. When our daughter-in-law and granddaughter moved in with…
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Succulent tower using terracotta pots
A five-pot terracotta succulent tower that is easy to make and great those with limited garden space. The project I love growing different types of succulents. There are so many varieties, sizes, colours and textures. They are so versatile and easy to grow and care for. I would love to share a succulent tower I created…
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Country-style kitchen renovation using recycled cabinetry
A family-sized, country-style timber kitchen using recycled cabinetry, Oak shelving and leftover floorboards for benchtops. The project Renovating our kitchen was the first step in making our "matchbox" of a home liveable for our large food-driven, home-cooking, tea with jam and bread, singing family. Enclosing the back…