If you think you need a lot of money to renovate and decorate your home, you are most definitely wrong! These 17 DIY bloggers shared with us their creativity and tips on how they, with almost no money, make interesting and useful stuff around the house.
With a bit of their help and ideas, you can add a new vibe to your home or simply surprise someone you care about with a nice and unique gift.
We made a selection of the best DIY bloggers and listed them in no particular order, as each one of them is unique in their own way and definitely worth your time.
1. Brittany Bailey – Pretty Handy Girl
1. You in 11 descriptive words?
A Creative who likes to buck the trends and break stereotypes.
2. What is that “special touch” what makes your blog/work different/unique/authentic?
When I write tutorials for the blog, I want the reader to feel that I’m right there by their side helping them take on that new project one step at a time. I get great joy from empowering people to pick up a power tool or learn a new skill via my blog.
3. Exclusive tip, how to or recommendation for YouQueen readers?
Having trouble picking out paint colors for a room? Buy a big sheet of poster board (or foam board) at the dollar store. Paint your sample(s) on the poster board and place the big paint chip you just created in your room.
I suggest spacing a few around the room since light and shadow will vary depending on which wall you have the sample on.
4. YouQueen’s Random Question: How do you spend your free time?
Believe it or not, I love to spend my free time in our garage making things. The smell of fresh sawdust and the buzz of a power tool is what makes me happy. Yesterday I lost all track of time in our garage while building a Lost & Found center for my son’s elementary school.
You can visit Brittany’s blog at www.prettyhandygirl.com
2. Diane Henkler – In My Own Style
1. You in 11 descriptive words?
Creative, friendly, observant, savvy, water-loving, outdoorsy, resourceful, confident, dreamer, goal getter, happy
2. What is that “special touch” what makes your blog/work different/unique/authentic?
I worked in retail display where we had to decorate a store in hours and on a dime. I used the tricks and tips I learned while working in the profession in my own home. I wrote a book about it entitled, Instant Decorating.
It is no longer in print, but my blog is where I continue to share my stylish budget friendly decorating ideas.
3. Exclusive tip, how to or recommendation for YouQueen readers?
There are traditional ways of doing things and getting things done. These are great, but there are also many options out there that will get you to your endpoint. Don’t follow the path of others.
Know about them, but don’t settle, search further and you will find what is right and will work for you alone. Who knows, it may lead you to create the next big thing.
4. YouQueen’s Random Question: What is your life motto?
“Life is too short to be the caretaker of the wrong details”
You can visit Diane’s blog at inmyownstyle.com
3. Mandi Gubler – Vintage Revivals
1. You in 11 descriptive words?
Fearless, A Creative Tornado, always on the hunt for treasures the world can’t see.
2.What is that “special touch” what makes your blog/work different/unique/authentic?
I think the thing that makes Vintage Revivals so different is that I’m not afraid to try anything. If I can dream something you better bet that I’ll jump in with both feet and figure out how to make it happen.
3. Exclusive tip, how to or recommendation for YouQueen readers?
If you LOVE decorating with color, your best friend is white walls. It give you the freedom to use a million crazy colors. Don’t decorate your home for anyone else, if you love something than its on trend.
4. YouQueen’s Random Question: What is your all-time favorite movie?
My all-time favorite movie is Newsies! Seriously, who doesn’t love a vintage Christian Bale!?
You can visit Mandi’s blog at www.vintagerevivals.com
4. Beth Hunter – Home Stories A to Z
1. You in 11 descriptive words?
Creative. Passionate. Analytical. Introspective. Values-oriented. Intuitive. Encouraging. Self-confident. Complex. Determined. Independent
2. What is that “special touch” that makes your blog/work different/unique/authentic?
I’m incredibly tenacious, resourceful, willing to take risks, and I love to teach as I learn. What this means for my readers is that if I can accomplish something, I believe they can too! My goal is to encourage women to find authentic beauty within the home.
In a nutshell, I don’t take myself too seriously, I improvise as I go along, and most importantly I believe in creating beauty out of chaos and sharing my home stories with others.
3. Exclusive tip, how to or recommendation for YouQueen readers?
Spray paint is my DIY weapon of choice! It’s inexpensive, easy to use, instantly gratifying, and its creative uses are endless. Over the years, I have spray painted everything from furniture, to Christmas ornaments, to table runners. You just can’t go wrong with a good can of spray paint.
4. YouQueen’s Random Question: Best vacation you’ve ever taken
My husband and I traveled through Indonesia for several weeks and stayed at this inexpensive boutique hotel in Bali called Bumi Ubud which had adorable villas with private gardens and a gorgeous infinity pool overlooking the rice paddies.
Bali was one of the most exotic and beautiful places I’ve ever been to. If you ever get a chance to visit, be sure to order grilled red snapper on the beach and order chocolate terang bulan from a street vendor!
You can visit Beth’s blog at www.homestoriesatoz.com
5. Julia Konya – Cuckoo 4 Design
1 .You in 11 descriptive words?
Creative, anxious, artistic, scatterbrained, authentic, sarcastic, OCD, eclectic, thrifty, handy, independent.
2. What is that “special touch” what makes your blog/work different/unique/authentic?
I’m trying really hard to do my own thing. While I like trends and also incorporate them into my blog, I still want to be authentic to my style and believes.
And most of the time I am driven to finding the cheapest way possible to accomplish a project or look for my readers.
3. Exclusive tip, how to or recommendation for YouQueen readers?
My number one tip for readers is that they shouldn’t be afraid to tackle a project. Life goes on if it fails and you will learn from failure as much as you learn from success. In the worst scenario you can still hire a professional.
I think the only area where this doesn’t apply is electrical work where a failure can end really badly! One of my latest and scariest projects (HERE) ever was when we cut our new sectional in pieces to make it fit through a door and then put it back together. But we felt so accomplished when we succeeded.
4. YouQueen’s Random Question: Where would you go in a time machine?
If I could travel in a time machine then I would love to see how things used to be in my home country of Germany during the Renaissance. I love reading historical fiction books mostly which were written during this time period and I’d love to see how it really during that time.
I have visited so many medieval castles and it would just be so interesting to see them how they used to be.
You can visit Julia’s blog at www.cuckoo4design.com
6. Tamara Cannon – Provident Home Design
1. You in 11 descriptive words?
Down-to-earth, genuine, hard-working, goofy, thrifty, determined, compassionate, creative, driven, analytical, and fun-loving.
2. What is that “special touch” what makes your blog/work different/unique/authentic?
Being able to explain things in a way so that even a beginner diy-er can complete the project I’m sharing is top priority. Also I am as thrifty as they come. I have read DIY tutorials where the price of the supplies makes the DIY just as expensive as buying one in the store. When I share a DIY you can be sure you are saving a lot of money!
3. Exclusive tip, how to or recommendation for YouQueen readers?
Paint is a big deal and choosing a paint color can be daunting. A paint tip I’ve taught and used time and time again is to get samples of 3 or 4 paint colors you are interested in and paint each one on a piece of poster board.
This way you can take the posterboards to different parts of the room as well as see the paint colors one at a time! This tip has worked for me every time!
4. YouQueen’s Random Question: If you could try out any job for a week, what would you like to try?
Interior Designer. I have decorated my own home and have helped friends and family with their spaces but I would love to try it out on a professional level for a week! Who knows maybe one day I will! :-)
Visit Tamara’s blog at providenthomedesign.com
7. Lindsey Allen –Better After
1. You in 11 descriptive words?
Easy-going, perpetually bemused, off-beat sense of humor kind of girl.
2. What is that “special touch” what makes your blog/work different/unique/authentic?
I think the unique thing about my blog is the fun personality that I (try my best!) to bring to it. I definitely don’t take myself too seriously and am always aiming to give other people a laugh, whether through an impromptu haiku contest or my Mystery Thrift Off series or just taking my readers on a voyage through the terrifying ‘free’ section of Craigslist.
At the same time, I aim to give them something worthwhile too, whether it’s a unique approach to DIY or a helpful how-to.
3. Exclusive tip, how to or recommendation for YouQueen readers?
My blog is all about home improvement, whether through updating a nightstand or renovating an entire kitchen. But sometimes we get so focused on the way things look, we forget about all our other senses!
How does your space FEEL? Does it smell nice? Do you play your favorite music? These are the things that really make a house not just a home, but YOUR home.
4. YouQueen’s Random Question: Your favorite quote?
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis
You can visit Lindsey’s blog at www.betterafter.net
8. Christina Hibbs – Christina’s Adventures
1 .You in 11 descriptive words?
I am a lover of old houses & restoring their former beauty
2. What is that “special touch” what makes your blog/work different/unique/authentic?
We do about 90% of the renovations on our home ourselves. We have two little kids (ages 2.5 and 8 months) that make everything we do just a little crazier, but make it so much more fun too. We’re fixing up our 1902 Victorian house with an elegant farmhouse style.
Doing almost all of the work ourselves, with a 2 year old & a baby means every project is truly an adventure!”
3. Exclusive tip, how to or recommendation for YouQueen readers?
Don’t expect everything to come together at once. To get a collected feel in your home, it will take months and years of searching for the “right piece”. Mix thrifted, vintage and new pieces together to get a truly unique style that feels like you!
4. YouQueen’s Random Question: Best way to relax after hard day?
Put my phone away & have a dance party with my babies. Or wine. Wine works too :)
You can visit Christina’s blog at christinasadventures.com
9. Kim Demmon – Today’s Creative Life
1 .You in 11 descriptive words?
I put this question on fb to my friends and family.
Real (my sister said this). Loyal. Generous. Feisty. Innovative. Creative. Compassionate. Tireless. Motivated. Integrity. Genuine. And 2 extra that I thought were funny. Phat (I think that means I’m cool). Mr. Cravis – that was from a neighbor…. who moved. :)
2. What is that “special touch” what makes your blog/work different/unique/authentic?
I think it’s the realness. It’s a creative lifestyle that’s attainable and help women feel great about their abilities. Or maybe it just has a good design and beautiful photos. :)
3. Exclusive tip, how to or recommendation for YouQueen readers?
You hear it all the time… but it’s REALLY OK to say no!
4. YouQueen’s Random Question: Is there something you are terrible at but love to do anyway?
Yes! I’m terrible at a lot of stuff, but if I enjoy it, who cares! I don’t feel like I’m that great of a “crafter”. My ideas always seem so easy and yet, rarely turn out the way I had envisioned. I have friends who are just naturals, but I’m not.
It may help if I’d watch a tutorial, or read directions, but who has time for that? I create recipes, crafts, Home DIY all because I LOVE it! It’s just who I am and I create for me. You don’t have to be a professional to be creative.
You can visit Kim’s blog at todayscreativelife.com
10. Linda Keesee – Mixed Kreations
1 .You in 11 descriptive words?
Diy’er that loves creating with different medias, woodcrafting, repurposing, designing jewelry.
2. What is that “special touch” what makes your blog/work different/unique/authentic?
I am passionate about creating, and wanted a way to share my love of creating with others, that is when Mixed Kreations was born. Being a all around diy’er I don’t stick with one media, my creating is ever evolving.
3. Exclusive tip, how to or recommendation for YouQueen readers?
Mixed Kreations is the place to follow the creative life and journey of a diy’er. You will find easy diy projects, and tutorials in a wide range of media’s, from wood, jars, tin cans, and even handmade jewelry.
I share lots of projects that can be made in a day with leftover scrap wood, and recycled items.
4. YouQueen’s Random Question: Things you love and hate to do?
Things that I love to do.
I love to paint on my crafts, gardening, nature and taking walks in the woods, spending time with the family, animals, and wearing my blue jeans.
Things I hate to do.
I hate to paint walls in the house, iron, vacuum, navigate through the traffic & hustle and bustle of the big city, dressing up.
You can visit Linda’s blog at mixedkreations.com
11. Jennifer Stagg Design
1 .You in 11 descriptive words?
Driven, hard-working, creative, mother, service-oriented, loving, out-going, complicated, organic, I’m out of words!
2. What is that “special touch” what makes your blog/work different/unique/authentic?
I write from the heart— hence my blog name. I try to keep things real, organic, and free-flowing. It’s a space to share, learn, and try new things.
3. Exclusive tip, how to or recommendation for YouQueen readers?
Just roll up your sleeves and try something new! It may fail, but it may turn out awesome. Either way, you’ll learn and grow and you’ll (most likely) have something you made to show off!
4. YouQueen’s Random Question: What is something you have tried and will never do again?
Cleaning out insulation in an attic. Our renovation had a huge squirrel problem in the attic and we decided to tackle it ourselves. It was miserable, messy, took forever, and if we ever need it done in the future, paying a professional will be worth every penny.
You can visit Jennifer’s blog at jenniferstagg.com
12. Brooke at All Things Thrifty
1 .You in 11 descriptive words?
Spiritual, Family-Oriented, Dedicated, Personable, Ambitious, Determined, Outgoing, Creative, Obsessed with Color, Educated, Sushi Lover
2. What is that “special touch” what makes your blog/work different/unique/authentic
COLOR! I love color so much that I can’t resist it. I am completely obsessed with colors, and my home is FULL of it!
3. Exclusive tip, how to or recommendation for YouQueen readers?
Don’t be afraid to try new things in your home! Paint can be easily painted over. Don’t strive for perfection. Life is messy, and that’s what makes it colorful, mismatched and fun.
4. YouQueen’s Random Question: Food recipes are big part of your blog. Which one would you recommend as “Must Try” to our readers?
Ok, this recipe is an ABSOLUTE must try! Everyone who tries these brownies are instantly your best friend forever. :)
You can visit Brookes’s blog at allthingsthrifty.com. All Things Thrifty was drummed up in 2009 by Brooke Ulrich, a former college professor who lives in Southern Utah with her four wild kids and husband Dan.
13. Dinah Wulf – DIY Inspired
1. You in 11 descriptive words?
Happy, creative, kind, anal-retentive, workaholic, resourceful, thrifty, natural leader, organized
2. What is that “special touch” what makes your blog/work different/unique/authentic?
My tag line for DIY Inspired is “Repurpose, Reinvent”. Many of my articles are about taking something old and turning it into something new and useful. So, each trash to treasure project is very unique because you’ll never know what I’ll find on the hunt.
3. Exclusive tip, how to or recommendation for YouQueen readers?
Creativity is something that is learned. It develops over time and through experience. Don’t be afraid to try something new and fail. It’s that vulnerability through practice that helps you grow in the long run.
4. YouQueen’s Random Question: What you do to feel better when you are upset?
I experience pure enjoyment when I’m working on a craft and DIY project. Creating something with my hands calms me and makes me happy. If I’m down, I peruse the contents of my craft room or hop in my car and go to a local thrift store or flea market for new inspiration.
You can visit Dinah’s blog at www.diyinspired.com
14. KariAnne – Thistlewood Farm
1. You in 11 descriptive words?
Creative, Spontaneous, Vivacious, Inventive, Resourceful, Romantic, Whimsical, Unpredictable, Adventurous, Extravagant, Nostalgic
2. What is that “special touch” what makes your blog/work different/unique/authentic?
I try to bring a fresh approach to decorating and look at things from a new angle. I like to repurpose items and give them a new use and a new life. I also like to combine different decorating styles to add my own unique twist on a space.
3. Exclusive tip, how to or recommendation for YouQueen readers?
I think one of the best tips for decorating your home is to invest in a few quality pieces of furniture with a neutral base. Keeping the walls and large-scale furniture neutral provides the perfect foundation for color and personality with accents and accessories.
4. YouQueen’s Random Question: What was last gift you gave to someone?
We exchange hand-made gifts every Christmas with our family and we created simple farmhouse trays from scrap lumber. We painted them white and added handles for the perfect home decor piece from our home to theirs.
You can visit KariAnne’s blog at www.thistlewoodfarms.com
15. Kirsten Nunez – Wild Amor
1 .You in 11 descriptive words?
Imaginative, passionate, determined, and curious day dreaming detail-oriented sassy independent introvert.
2. What is that “special touch” what makes your blog/work different/unique/authentic?
My work is heavily influenced by concepts rarely seen in the mainstream DIY industry, such as the underground music scene and the marriage of edgy & feminine. I also love to add interesting twists to trends and fads.
3. Exclusive tip, how to or recommendation for YouQueen readers?
When it comes to creativity, don’t be afraid to try something different, even if it seems unrelated to your main interest or skill. Try everything and anything at least once. The more varied your inspirations are, the more unique your work will be.
4. YouQueen’s Random Question: One place in the world you would like to stay for a year?
I’d love to live in Portland, Oregon, for a year. Maybe one day! (If you asked me last year, it would have been San Francisco, California. But I’m living that wish right now, for one year!)
You can visit Kirsten’s blog at wildamor.com
16. Lauren Gores Ireland – You & Lu DIY Blog
1 .You in 11 descriptive words?
Passionate, Patient, Creative, Dedicated, Inspired, Sensitive, Aware, Bubbly, Honest, Excited, Hopeful
2. What is that “special touch” what makes your blog/work different/unique/authentic?
My team and I are all about ease and accessibility! Every project is designed for the person who’s balancing a busy life, while still longing to channel their creative side — think chic, celebratory and fuss-free DIYs that always encourage togetherness. You don’t have to be a crafting queen to indulge in my ideas!
3. Exclusive tip, how to or recommendation for YouQueen readers?
Metallic paint is your best friend! You can turn any ordinary object into a chic masterpiece. Imagine everything from vases, to side tables, to dried leaves, to ornaments — all draped in gold or silver. It gives your favorite pieces a modern, rich twist, without the headache of a big cost.
4.YouQueen’s Random Question: What is your exercise routine?
I often joke I eat enough kale to cancel out my cupcake addiction… But really, a little exercise helps too! Mike Alexander, owner of LA’s MadFit Gym, trains me three days a week. I do a lot of circuit training — think lunges, resistance bands, and quick-hit cardio.
On days I workout solo, I aim to run two to three miles outdoors. You can see some of my workouts on You & Lu, under the Wellness tab. I’m also a lover of couples yoga!
You can visit Lauren’s blog at www.youandlu.com
17. Lana Red Studio
1 .You in 11 descriptive words?
Creative, innovative, passionate, experimental, authentic, artist, adventurous, dreamer, traveler, sarcastic, perfectionist.
2. What is that “special touch” what makes your blog/work different/unique/authentic?
Reading the Lana Red Studio blog is what you could call an ‘activity’. The goal is to be inspired and start working on your own personal creativity and projects. Whether that is upcycling an old shirt, braiding your hair, baking tasty goods or travelling the world.
I write articles and Do-It-Yourself projects with my readers skills in mind: following trends is something that everyone can do, but defining your own style is the goal on Lana Red Studio.
3. Exclusive tip, how to or recommendation for YouQueen readers?
Don’t throw things away but repurpose them! Upcycling is my favourite activity in the world (yes, the whole wide world;) Whether you simply repaint a piece of furniture, or turn an old dress into a cushion cover.
The possibilities are endless and you will personalize your style and home at the same time.
4. YouQueen’s Random Question: One DIY post from your blog you would recommend
I would definitely recommend my Vertical Wall Garden DIY. It is fun, easy and most of all affordable. You can use it in any kind of home and customize it to your own taste!
You can visit Lana’s blog at www.lanaredstudio.com
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