10 easy DIY hacks that will make your home look expensive – and anyone can do them over the bank holiday

1. Switch out your curtains

Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more

For an instant spring switch-up, swap heavy drapes for something lighter, such as white muslin (see below). There’s a wide selection starting from just £5.50 per metre at theclothshop.net – ideal for draping loosely over a simple curtain pole and bringing an airy feel to any room. Thanks to its tight weave, muslin frays slowly, so you can either leave the edges raw for a relaxed look or hem them for a more tailored finish.

2. Dye your bedlinen

Bored of seeing the same sheets on rotation? Just change their colour. Dylon sells a selection of shades ranging from Jeans Blue through to Peony Pink (£9.99, dylon.co.uk). Remember to add salt to the wash load if it is not included in the packet, and run an empty hot wash afterwards to make sure all the dye has been removed from the drum. If you already have colourful bed linen but would prefer white, Dylon also sells a Pre-Dye so you can strip away strong colour before dying your sheets white (£7.99, amazon.co.uk).

3. Give the front door a glow-up

Spring is the perfect time to give your front door some TLC. Alongside a fresh coat of paint, swapping out tired hardware such as the door handles and letterbox will make all the difference. We love the antique brass designs from corston.com, with sprung handles starting at £99.60. For a more budget-friendly update, wickes.co.uk offers brass letterboxes from £20.

4. Fake reeded glass

Window film is an easy way to get the look of reeded or fluted glass without the faff or cost of replacing anything. Use it to upgrade plain glass doors or cabinets, or apply to the lower half of windows for added privacy without losing light. First, clean the glass thoroughly, then measure and cut the film, leaving a slight overlap. Mist the surface with water, apply the film and smooth out any bubbles with a piece of card. Finally, trim the edges neatly with a sharp blade for a clean finish. Try the reeded glass film at £51 for 1.5m at purlfrost.com.

5. Regrout, don’t retile

Before you commit to the cost and chaos of new tiles, try refreshing what you already have (see right). A grout pen is a speedy way to brighten tired lines and make tiles look like new. B&Q sells a pack of two white grout pens for £9.99 at diy.com. If you fancy something a little more colourful, Rust-Oleum offers grout paints in 100 shades at £12.99 for 250ml at rustoleumcolours.co.uk. These can be applied directly to the wall with a paintbrush. Start by giving the grout a thorough clean to remove any dirt, grease or mildew, then let it dry. Work in small sections for better control and wipe away any excess from the tiles with a damp cloth before it sets. Once the first coat has dried, go back over any patchy areas for an even finish.

6. Revive tired wood

A wood stain is an easy way to bring tired flooring or furniture back to life with minimal effort. Go for a darker shade to make pieces look more expensive, while still letting the natural grain show through. Not looking to change the colour? A clear varnish will work just as well. Ronseal’s Diamond Hard Floor Varnish is £50 for 2.5 litres at diy.com, and dries in around 30 minutes. Perfect for a speedy refresh.

7. Jazz up internal doors

We all have leftover paint pots from past projects, so why not put them to good use? A fresh coat on internal doors or banisters (left) is an easy way to add colour and character without spending a penny. Start by removing or covering handles, then lightly sand the door and wipe away any dust. If the door is varnished or a darker colour, apply a primer first. Then paint thin, even coats, following the grain for a smooth result.

8. Punch up your wall pattern (without the wallpaper paste)

Turning your walls into works of art can be as easy as having a steady hand and a stencil. Stripes are a timeless choice – and look great in any colour – while scallops are ideal for adding a dash of fun. Try idealstencils.co.uk for everything from stars to florals and leaves. Prices start at £4.49 for a feather design.

9. Add a tile moment

Instead of tiling a whole wall, consider using tiles to ‘zone’ an area, such as above a fireplace, around a bath or as a headboard. We love the new Twelve collection of wall tiles in Double Green, which cost £42 per metre at claybrookstudio.co.uk. The same effect as a full wall at a fraction of the cost.

10. Reframe your artwork

Updating your frames is a simple way to rediscover pieces you already love. Start by measuring up your artwork, then opt for clean, understated frames in a consistent finish – or paint existing ones – for a more cohesive, considered look. Adding a mount instantly elevates each piece for a gallery feel. Find a wide range at sohoframes.co.uk.

Interiors and styling: Surrounded by Color.