What began as a simple cost-saving measure six years ago has blossomed into a full-fledged passion for Laura Deller, a 41-year-old part-time science teacher and mother of two from Bedford. While renovating her four-bedroom 1970s house, she decided to tackle the project room by room, teaching herself DIY skills along the way. Today, she has become an Instagram DIY expert under the handle @houseprojectuk, specialising in budget-friendly transformations using high-street brands like B&Q, Dunelm, Home Bargains, and notably, Ikea.
The Posh Bookcase Project
One of Laura's favourite endeavours is the creation of a stylish bookcase that mimics bespoke carpentry without the hefty price tag. She utilised Ikea's Ivar pine shelving components, enhancing them with hardwood ply, coving, and decorative mouldings.
Materials and Time
- Ivar shelving components: 3 cabinets, 6 side rails, 6 shelves
- Cost: £375
- Time to complete: 4 days
Step-by-Step Guide
- Assemble the Ivar shelving units as per the instructions.
- Clad the sides with 9mm hardwood ply, securing it with a nail gun.
- Anchor the unit to the wall using screws.
- Determine the gap between units based on room size; Laura opted for 15cm.
- Fill gaps between cabinets with 9mm hardwood ply for a seamless appearance.
- Measure the width of each cabinet, draw semi-circles on hardwood ply, and cut with a circular saw to create arched fronts.
- Attach the arched fronts to the Ivar frame using No More Nails adhesive and a nail gun.
- Sand the entire unit, apply wood primer, and paint with an eggshell finish, such as Farrow & Ball's Inchyra Blue.
- Once dry, arrange decorative items on the shelves.
The Under-Stair Storage Solution
Laura transformed an awkward dead space under her stairs into a hidden storage compartment, perfect for DIY supplies or adaptable for shoes and bags.
Materials and Time
- 1 vertical 4-cube Kallax storage unit
- 1 4x4 Kallax storage unit
- Cost: £69
- Time to complete: A weekend
Step-by-Step Guide
- Measure the highest point of the space and trim the vertical Kallax unit to fit, securing it with a nail gun.
- Attach low-profile caster wheels to the base of the 4x4 Kallax unit using screws and washers.
- Cut a piece of 12mm MDF at an angle with a jigsaw and attach it to one side of the 4x4 Kallax unit for a boxed-in look, adding Drona boxes for tidiness.
- Add decorative mouldings along the edges for a fancy finish, fastening with adhesive.
- Lightly sand the unit, apply MDF primer, and paint with a shade like Little Greene's Lamp Black.
- Once dry, install a door handle, such as one from B&Q.
The Bed Nook Creation
In her son's room, which doubles as a playroom, Laura designed a bed with integrated storage to maximise space, customising a high-sleeper with Kallax units.
Materials and Time
- 2 Billy bookcases (40cm wide)
- 1 vertical 4-cube Kallax unit
- Cost: £110
- Time to complete: A weekend
Step-by-Step Guide
- Build two Billy bookcases and secure them to the walls adjacent to the bed.
- Place the Kallax shelving unit underneath the bed, securing it with timber screws if necessary.
- Use 12mm MDF to box in any visible gaps between the Kallax unit and the bookcases.
- Sand, prime, and paint the bookcases and Kallax unit with a roller, using a colour like Dulux's Oakley Park for a cohesive look.
Laura's Top Tips for DIY Beginners
For those new to DIY, Laura offers practical advice to ensure success and build confidence.
- Start Small: Begin with achievable projects like putting up a peg rail, creating a gallery wall, or painting furniture for a quick dopamine boost.
- Measure Carefully: Always measure twice and cut once. Utilise timber merchant cutting services, such as B&Q's offer of five free cuts followed by a 50p charge per additional cut.
- Decorating Order: When painting a room, start with the ceiling, then the walls, and finish with the woodwork. Consider colour drenching all surfaces in the same paint for a unified scheme.
Laura Deller's expertise is now captured in her upcoming book, Nailed It: The Essential Guide To Doing It Yourself, published by Pavilion on 26 March, priced at £20. Until 15 March, it is available for £17 with free UK delivery on orders over £25.
