Do you remember the days of setting up your first home or refreshing a space after the kids have left for college? We all know that making a house feel like a home often comes with many expenses, from furniture to the little decorative touches that add personality.
But it’s not uncommon to find a stunning piece that captures your heart, only to have your excitement deflated by an exorbitant price tag. For many of us, the challenge lies in balancing the desire for a beautiful home with the need to stay budget-conscious.
But what if we told you that you could transform your living space without breaking the bank with some creativity and elbow grease?
One Kmart shopper, Amanda Hyland, has become the talk of the town with her ingenious DIY (Do-It-Youself) project that turned a $29 Riley Wave Table Lamp into a vibrant masterpiece reminiscent of the $199 Cora Table Lamp from Paola & Joy.
Hyland’s love for the lamp’s peach and purple hues was strong but not quite strong enough to justify the nearly $200 price tag. So, she rolled up her sleeves and embarked on a colourful DIY journey that led to an impressive $318 saving.
Her story is a testament to the power of DIY in achieving a personalised and budget-friendly home aesthetic. She ventured to Spotlight to pick up her supplies, selecting the Jasart Byron acrylic paint in Coral for $6 and the Montana Marble Gold Spray Paint in Lilac for $21.
With these tools in hand, she transformed two bedside lamps for $80.80, a far cry from the $398 the designer versions would have cost.
Hyland encouraged those who might be intimidated by DIY projects: ‘Anyone can do this.’
Her method is straightforward: ‘Pick the colour paints you want to use. Spray paint the base of the lamp and use a small paint brush and tube of acrylic paint to paint the lampshade.’
‘Don’t be afraid to add colour to your home or try a little bit of DIY on Kmart or op shop items to make them more your style. I love to have fun decorating my home with colour. It makes me happy every time I walk in the door,’ she said.
Hyland’s eclectic and colourful style often clashes with the neutral trends that dominate store shelves, which has led her to become quite the DIY aficionado.
‘I love to buy Kmart items and paint them to match my colourful aesthetic. I have painted the textured white coffee table using Kmart pink clay chalk paint. Also vases, mirrors, pots, bowls, as well as table centrepieces. I like to use chalk paint, spray paint and test pots of paint from Bunnings.’
Her story has inspired many other Kmart shoppers, and social media users have expressed their excitement and plans to replicate her project.
‘[Oh my god], I’m so stoked to see this worked [because] I was going to do the exact same thing! Amazing,’ one user wrote.
Another commented, ‘Love this!!! I might need to copy this for my bub’s big girl room when it’s time.’
‘The colours you’ve made it elevate this lamp. And you did it for low $. Well done,’ said another.
The community’s response highlighted a growing trend among Australians to seek cost-effective ways to refresh their homes.
For those looking to follow in Hyland’s footsteps, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Choose the right paint for the material you’re working with—acrylic for fabric shades and spray paint for metal or plastic bases.
- Don’t be afraid to mix and match colours to suit your style.
- Always clean and sand the surfaces before painting to ensure the best finish.
- Consider using painter’s tape to create clean lines or patterns.
- Seal your work with a clear varnish to protect and make it look professional.
By embracing the DIY spirit, you can save money and create a home that reflects your personality and style. It’s a fantastic way to breathe new life into your space and discover a new hobby.
Would you try this project? Or do you have any DIY successes or tips? Share your stories in the comments below.
Also read: This Kmart find is the game-changing desk gadget you need!
