January is traditionally a time for new beginnings and good intentions, but instead of the usual health and fitness pledges, why not make this the year you tackle those home improvement projects you’ve been thinking about for ages?
From learning a new skill to getting brave with your creativity, here are 10 DIY resolutions to embrace in 2024...
And when you're ready to start planning your makeover, check out the home decor trends we'll see in 2024 to get you feeling inspired.
1. Level up your skills
Learning to do some simple jobs around the house can not only save you money, but it can also be really rewarding into the bargain. If you don’t have a DIY-savvy relative or friend who can pass on their knowledge, check out your local adult learning centres to see what courses they have on offer, or head to a specialist DIY school, such as thediyschool.co.uk.
And don’t forget to arm yourself with a good basic toolkit. You can also explore our how-to section, for DIY tutorials on everything from upcycling a chair to insulating a loft.
2. Finish what you started
There’s nothing more unsettling than being surrounded by half-finished DIY jobs - so take the bull by the horns and make sure your projects get over the finish line in 2024.
To make tasks seem less daunting, ask yourself some questions before you start to help keep you accountable and focused - for example, what’s the budget, how long it will take, how will it benefit my home and is it urgent? Make a list of everything that needs doing in order of priority. Then set aside a few hours each weekend, or even once a month, to tackle one project at a time.
3. Go green
Whether it’s the materials you use or the benefits they offer to your home, there’s a host of reasons to be more environmentally friendly when you make home improvements like fitting good insulation, water-saving devices and low-energy lighting.
‘Insulating your home effectively not only reduces energy consumption but also leads to substantial cost savings,’ says Oliver Creevy, co-founder and managing director at Insulation Advisor. ‘Whatever you’re insulating, there are sustainable options available, such as aerogel, ThermaCork or even cotton or denim.’
Reduce landfill by investing in good-quality tools that will last a lifetime, and choose to use repurposed or recycled materials in your projects wherever you can. When you're decorating, opt for eco-friendly paint to minimise the amount of toxic chemicals you're bringing into your home - plus, you'll be being kind to the planet!
4. Stick to your budget
It's so easy to get carried away and blow through your budget when it comes to home DIY projects. ‘Budgets are usually broken because hidden costs and tools haven’t been factored in,’ says Ryan McDonough, interiors expert at myjobquote.co.uk.
‘Create a detailed plan before you start, so you can set a realistic budget. Then add a contingency fund in case prices rise or problems occur.
‘To save up for a project, set goals to keep you motivated. You can make those goals more tangible and realistic if you have a proper plan. Compile a list of the tools and materials you need and put the estimated cost by each item. As you save your money, tick off the items you can afford to buy, so you can see your progress.
‘Put your money into a dedicated savings account, so you’re less likely to dip into it. Find one with a high interest rate as it will give your savings a boost. Keep track of your spending as your project progresses. Use a spreadsheet or app to subtract your purchases and other costs from your remaining budget.’
5. Quit impulse projects
Whether you’ve been inspired by a home makeover show or you’ve seen a look you love in the latest issue of Your Home, decorating on a whim is rarely a good idea.
Anna Elkington, director of Melody Maison, explains that capricious decorating decisions are a risky business: ‘With a lack of planning and preparation nine times out of ten something is bound to go wrong. You may run out of a certain object or realise you don't have the correct tool for the job, which can stop you in your tracks. With new ideas, it’s best to write them down and revisit the project at a later date. This will allow you to think it through fully and provide sufficient time for planning and execution.’
6. Find your signature style
Just as it can take a while to find your fashion sense, discovering your interior decorating style can take experimentation and effort. Look for inspiration on sites like Pinterest or interior design blogs and magazines (like ours!). Make a physical or digital moodboard and combine small details from various pictures to find a style that suits you.
Marianne Shillingford, creative director at Dulux, has this top tip for discovering your signature style: ‘Dive into your wardrobe! We all express ourselves through clothes. Look at what colours appear the most in your wardrobe as this shows what you gravitate towards, which means it’s a great indication of what colours you should be painting with. These colours are often reminders of happy memories and make you feel great when you wear them – their motivational qualities will work wonderfully in your most productive spaces.’
Browse some of our style guides to find looks that work for you!
7. Create a home gym
If getting fit and saving money are are both on your agenda for 2024, creating your own exercise area at home is a great way to kill two birds with one stone!
If space and budget allows, a garden room or converted garage is an ideal place for your workout equipment, but a spare bedroom can quickly be transformed into a suitable space too.
Steven Rinaldi, founder and CEO of strength brand PRIMAL suggests: ‘If you don’t have space for a treadmill or a resistance bike in your home, invest in small, functional fitness equipment like dumbbells and resistance bands. This way, you can get your equipment out for a well-rounded workout, then easily pack it away into a cupboard.’
8. Design a mindful space
Life can be hectic, especially in the run up to Christmas, so it’s important to create an area in your home where you can get away from it all and feel calm. This could be a spare bedroom, a space on the landing or an alcove under the stairs – anywhere you can get away from the hustle and bustle and create some me-time.
‘Designing a mindful space in your home begins with making intentional choices,’ says Tasha Green, founder of Weaver Green. ‘Begin by choosing a soothing colour palette with soft, earthy tones like muted greens, blues and neutrals. Then incorporate soft, comfortable pieces, such as rugs, cushions and throws to create a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation.’
Get more ideas about how to bring mindfulness into your home.
9. Unleash your creativity!
Buy Wall Arch Stencilling Kit from DizzyDuckDesigns (£26)
Make 2024 the year you become a braver decorator! If you’re not naturally confident, peelable wallpaper and stick-on tiles make it easy to create a style statement without a long-term commitment, but even painting your walls in a bold shade can easily be reversed if you change your mind later.
Justyna Korczynska, senior designer at Crown Paints, suggests: ‘Pops of colour can go a long way, so if you’re a nervous decorator, start small and add a splash of colour in an unexpected place, or try out an accent wall. Experiment in less visible rooms to get an idea of your style before tackling the rest of your space.’
Emma Bestley, co-founder and creative director of YesColours, adds: ‘You can add extra interest to your space by painting a wall mural. You don’t need to have artistic flair – simply start by pencilling abstract shapes onto the wall and follow these lines to paint your very own masterpiece.’
10. Banish clutter for good
This is one new year’s resolution that all too often slips as our busy lives take over, but allocating some time to blitzing through your clutter is ultra-rewarding.
Elaine Penhaul, decluttering expert and director of Lemon and Lime Interiors, suggests walking through each room with a notebook, identifying the areas you want to improve. ‘Take notice of overflowing bookcases or overstuffed wardrobes, then allocate everything into “skip, store and show” piles,’ she says.
Once decluttered, your spaces are much easier to clean, too. Sue Caldwell, managing director at Clean Living International, suggests: ‘Focus on high-footfall rooms, such as the kitchen and bathroom, if you’re short on time, as they tend to harbour the most bacteria. When these rooms are clean, somehow the rest of the house feels much cleaner too! Likewise, simply running the vacuum or mop around can instantly make the entire home feel cleaner.’
Want to stay up to speed with the latest home styling ideas and inspo all through 2024? Find out more our magazines and discover our amazing subscription offers!
