DIY Section

DIY

Simple and ambitious projects you can do at home, explained step by step.

The wooden-slat headboard, chic and easyDIY

The wooden-slat headboard, chic and easy

The detail that changes everything Even spacing between the battens makes 90% of the look. Use a wood offcut as a spacer between each slat: that's what…

The wooden plant stand that shows off your plantsDIY

The wooden plant stand that shows off your plants

The detail that changes everything Size the opening to your planter, not the other way round. A stand built to fit the pot looks intentional and pro; a…

The moulded vintage-style mirror, using decorative trimDIY

The moulded vintage-style mirror, using decorative trim

The detail that changes everything It's the 45° mitre cuts that make everything: crisp corners give a pro frame, sloppy ones give away the DIY. Take your…

A large abstract canvas to paint yourselfDIY

A large abstract canvas to paint yourself

The detail that changes everything The secret to a good abstract isn't talent, it's the palette: 3-4 tones that go together (pull them from your decor)…

A decorative shelf from a simple wooden crateDIY

A decorative shelf from a simple wooden crate

The detail that changes everything It all comes down to the finish: a raw crate looks like a 'market box', a well-sanded and stained one looks like a…

Concrete candle holders, raw and warm decorDIY

Concrete candle holders, raw and warm decor

The detail that changes everything For clean concrete, mix it really smooth (not too much water) and tap to release bubbles: that's what avoids surface…

Revamp an old chest of drawers (paint + handles)DIY

Revamp an old chest of drawers (paint + handles)

The detail that changes everything Success comes down to prep: a well-sanded (or primed) piece and two thin coats give a pro, durable finish that won't…

A wooden wall coat rack, in one hourDIY

A wooden wall coat rack, in one hour

The detail that changes everything It all comes down to hook alignment and the choice of hooks: straight brass hooks alone make a simple board elegant.…

The rattan sunburst mirror that wakes up a wallDIY

The rattan sunburst mirror that wakes up a wall

The detail that changes everything The secret to a good sun is regularity: evenly spaced sticks in a star, worked in opposites. Two rings of different…

A wooden entryway bench, simple and sturdyDIY

A wooden entryway bench, simple and sturdy

The detail that changes everything Strength comes from corner brackets and choosing real solid wood: that's what separates a bench that lasts from one…

Wooden wall shelves in one afternoonDIY

Wooden wall shelves in one afternoon

The detail that changes everything What separates a 'DIY-looking' shelf from a 'designed' one is the wood and the level: a real solid plank (not…

The caned headboard that transforms a bedroomDIY

The caned headboard that transforms a bedroom

The detail that changes everything The secret to crisp caning is tension: soak it before stapling and stretch it from the centre to the corners. As it…

The faux-travertine coffee table (no real stone)DIY

The faux-travertine coffee table (no real stone)

The detail that changes everything The secret to a believable faux travertine is restraint: blended veins, never drawn, and a strictly matte finish. Gloss…

The macramé hanger that dresses up your balconyDIY

The macramé hanger that dresses up your balcony

The small detail that changes everything The secret so it doesn't look 'crafty' is the cord: thick and properly matte, never shiny, plus two minutes…