Tanya Mukendi began posting home improvement hacks online in the middle of the pandemic whilst working as a key worker for the NHS. Now millions follow her home inspo advice. Here she shares her top tips.
Improving your home doesn’t always have to come with a hefty price tag. From decluttering and cleaning to clever DIY projects and styling tips. There are plenty of ways to enhance your living space without breaking the bank.
Declutter and organise
The first step to improving your home without spending money is to declutter and organise. Take on one area at a time, such as a wardrobe or a set of drawers. Remove everything from the space, carefully evaluate each item, and keep only the things that you truly need or that bring you joy. Find a designated spot for each item and group similar items together. Use storage solutions like baskets or dividers to keep things organised. Go through each room and identify items that you no longer need or use. Clear out the clutter to create a more spacious and inviting environment. Consider donating items you no longer need to charity or hosting a swap with friends to refresh your space without spending a dime. This method can create a sense of order and calm within your living space.
Deep cleaning
I’ve always believed that a clean home feels instantly more welcoming and pleasant. Take some time to really deep clean your house, paying attention to the often overlooked areas like skirting boards, mattresses, and behind furniture. Grab a microfiber cloth and a gentle cleaning solution to wipe down these surfaces. You can even use natural cleaning products like vinegar and baking soda for an eco-friendly and budget-friendly approach. And don’t forget to give those hidden spots under furniture and in corners a good vacuum and mop to make sure every nook and cranny is sparkly clean.
This can instantly make your home feel so much tidier! No need to tackle everything all at once – create a cleaning schedule for yourself, spread out the tasks throughout the week or assign some to your family.
DIY projects
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DIY projects are an excellent way to improve your home for little to no cost. Consider repainting old furniture, upcycling materials for new purposes, or creating artwork from household items. You can create a unique and customised gallery wall by framing postcards, small prints, or even fabric swatches. This is a great way to showcase your personality and add a special touch to any room in your home.
I like to repurpose old mason jars and use them as candle holders or use leftover fabric to make cushion covers. It’s a fun way to let your creativity run wild and transform your living space with personalised DIY projects.
Rearrange and restyle
Rearranging furniture and decor can give your home a new look. Experiment with different layouts to breathe fresh life into your living space and maximise it. Simply moving furniture, artwork, and decor items around can completely change the feel of a room.
Changing the placement of large furniture pieces, like sofas and chairs, can create a more functional and visually appealing layout. Additionally, you can play with different colour schemes and textures to enhance the overall look and feel of the room. You could also consider swapping items between rooms to create a new atmosphere without spending a penny. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and try unconventional arrangements to see what works best for your space.
Embrace nature
Incorporating natural elements into your home can really enhance its visual appeal and overall atmosphere. You can spruce things up by gathering some fresh greenery from your garden. Use a variety of natural elements such as branches, leaves, and flowers to craft elegant and effortless arrangements that bring the beauty of the outdoors inside.
Additionally, consider incorporating natural materials like wood, stone, or bamboo into your home decor to introduce warmth and texture to your living space. These materials not only add visual interest but also create a cosy and inviting ambience. Maximising natural light can further elevate the natural aesthetic of your home, while also enhancing its sense of openness and tranquillity.
Repurpose and reimagine
Look at your existing belongings with a fresh perspective and find new ways to use them. For example, you can repurpose a wooden pallet as a DIY coffee table, turn old wine bottles into decorative vases for flowers or use a wooden ladder as a stylish bookshelf.
I enjoy using old mason jars as stylish organisers for small items like cotton balls, q-tips, or spices. Another creative way is to transform an old dresser into a TV stand by removing the drawers and adding shelves for media components.
You can use old fabric or scarves to reupholster chairs for a fresh new look. Or repurpose vintage suitcases as unique bedside tables or decorative storage in the living room. The possibilities are endless. By reimagining the potential of your possessions, you can breathe new life into your home without spending anything.
Sustainable swaps
Consider swapping out your conventional household items for more sustainable alternatives. Replace plastic containers with glass jars, switch to reusable cloth napkins instead of disposable ones, or opt for a bamboo toothbrush. Making these sustainable swaps not only reduces waste but also gives your home an eco-friendly update without breaking the bank.
Tanya’s advice is to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve
Common mistakes
When you are improving your home, it is important to avoid common pitfalls. Firstly, skipping proper planning and rushing into home improvement projects without a clear idea can result in wasted time and resources. Take the time to research and plan your renovations carefully to achieve the best results. Another mistake to avoid is overcrowding your space with excessive decor. Cluttering your home with too many items can make it feel smaller and chaotic. Lastly, forgetting about functionality when making changes to your home. Avoid sacrificing functionality for the sake of aesthetics. It’s crucial to maintain a balance between style and practicality.
Hack Your Home: Clean, declutter and style to create a space you love! By Tanya Mukendi is published by Harper Collins £14.99
