Skip to content

  • DIY Projects
  • Renovations
  • All Posts
  • Lifestyle
  • Products
Courses & Plans
Shoe Makes New
Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest TikTok

FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM

Shoe Makes New
Home / Alex Shoemaker

Author: Alex Shoemaker

Alex Shoemaker is an experienced journalist and DIYer. He started shoemakesnew.com in 2020 with his wife, Emma. He loves making his house more functional for his family.
After replacing our traditional dining setup with a built-in banquette, our small dining area became more functional, spacious, and inviting.
DIY Projects

This Banquette Upgrade Made Our Dining Space So Much Better

After replacing our traditional dining setup with a built-in banquette, our small dining area became more functional, spacious, and inviting.

Read More This Banquette Upgrade Made Our Dining Space So Much BetterContinue

sanded vs. unsanded grout
DIY Projects

Sanded vs. Unsanded Grout: Choosing for DIY Tiling Projects

Discover the key differences between sanded and unsanded grout for DIY tiling projects. Learn when to use each type, tips for mixing, and how to choose the best grout for floors, backsplashes, showers, and more!

Read More Sanded vs. Unsanded Grout: Choosing for DIY Tiling ProjectsContinue

What to Do After Closing on a Home: A New Homeowner Checklist
All Posts

What to Do After Closing on a Home: A New Homeowner Checklist

Learn exactly what to do after closing on a home with our comprehensive guide for new homeowners. From changing locks to transferring utilities, we cover essential next steps.

Read More What to Do After Closing on a Home: A New Homeowner ChecklistContinue

Murphy Bed vs Sleeper Sofa: Which is Better for Guest Rooms?
All Posts | DIY Projects

Murphy Bed vs Sleeper Sofa: Which is Better for Guest Rooms?

Trying to make the most of a small guest room?…

Read More Murphy Bed vs Sleeper Sofa: Which is Better for Guest Rooms?Continue

rubber mulch vs. wood mulch
Products

Rubber Mulch vs. Wood Mulch: Which Is Better for Your Garden?

Explore the pros and cons of rubber mulch vs. wood mulch for your landscaping needs. Compare durability, cost, maintenance, environmental impact, and more to make the best choice for your garden.

Read More Rubber Mulch vs. Wood Mulch: Which Is Better for Your Garden?Continue

What to Do Before Closing on a Home
All Posts

What to Do Before Closing on a Home: Including FREE Checklist

Discover what to do before closing on a home, including inspections, final walkthroughs, closing costs, and essential paperwork to ensure a smooth buying process.

Read More What to Do Before Closing on a Home: Including FREE ChecklistContinue

cozy breakfast nook bench
All Posts | DIY Projects

Comparing Drawer vs. Flip-top Storage for Breakfast Nook Benches

Discover the best storage options for breakfast nook benches in small kitchens. Compare drawer and flip-top storage, learn pros and cons, and choose the perfect solution to maximize your space. Whether for easy-access, hidden storage, or child-safe options, find out which storage style fits your needs and budget.”

Read More Comparing Drawer vs. Flip-top Storage for Breakfast Nook BenchesContinue

Electric vs Gas Fireplaces
DIY Projects

Why We Chose Electric Over Gas For Our DIY Fireplace

Discover the pros and cons of electric vs gas fireplaces for DIY home renovations. Learn about cost, heating efficiency, installation, and which option is best for your project.

Read More Why We Chose Electric Over Gas For Our DIY FireplaceContinue

Composite Wood Fencing vs. Traditional Wood: What’s the Best Choice for You?
DIY Projects | Products

Composite Wood Fencing vs. Traditional Wood: What’s the Best Choice for You?

Discover the true differences between composite wood fencing vs. traditional wood. Compare costs, durability, and maintenance requirements to make the best choice for your home. Expert insights on materials, installation, and long-term value.

Read More Composite Wood Fencing vs. Traditional Wood: What’s the Best Choice for You?Continue

Pros and Cons of a Washer/Dryer Combo
All Posts | Products

Pros and Cons of a Washer/Dryer Combo

Wondering if a washer/dryer combo is right for you? Discover the pros, cons, drawbacks, and maintenance tips to decide if it fits your lifestyle.

Read More Pros and Cons of a Washer/Dryer ComboContinue

Page navigation

1 2 3 Next PageNext

Follow us on the 'GRAM

For daily life, project updates, tips & tricks and probably relatable memes.


shoemakesnew

shoemakesnew

A thrifty Aussie mum with the audacity to DIY anything. Old house, new projects, & life back home after a decade abroad šŸ› ļø
āœ‰ļø: sarah.d@farq-media.com

I knew live edge would shelves would be perfectttt I knew live edge would shelves would be perfectttt for the treehouse vision in our 4-year-old’s room but I had a little look online and they were about $300 each which I definitely could not justify. So I went to my trusty old Facebook Marketplace and found there was a warehouse across town selling slab offcuts and I got enough for four shelves for $100! 
Which means I basically ✨made✨ $1100. 

#liveedgeshelves #liveedge #diyprojects #kidsinterior #kidsroom
To be fair I don’t think anyone has ever or will e To be fair I don’t think anyone has ever or will ever describe me as chic in this lifetime but still šŸ’… what are you adding to this list?
I will die on the hill that paint is the absolute I will die on the hill that paint is the absolute best way to transform a room (especially if you’re newer to projects and don’t have a full renovation budget), so take this as your sign to choose a colour and go for it! #ad

The colour I used in here (Benjamin Moore Smoke) isn’t too saturated or dark or baby blue, and it was the perfect anchor for this whole room vision. Leaving everything white wouldn’t have had these cosy vibes at all!

After all the amazing responses to our kitchen-turned-kids room reveal last week, @benjaminmooreaustralia is giving you all a special discount to start your own project! Use code Emma10 for 10% off + free freight on all AU website orders between Aug 3-17.

Comment PAINT and I’ll send you the link to their website directly to check out all their (3,500+!) colours. 

#benjaminmooresmoke #benjaminmoore #bluebedroom
Designing this kitchen-turned-kids room came at a Designing this kitchen-turned-kids room came at a time when 90s classics (The Sandlot, Parent Trap, Matilda, etc) are going platinum in our household so I was going for a mashup of our 4-year-old’s favourite things. 
He at one point said he wanted ā€˜rainbow’ so I tried to fit as many colours as possible and I’m also to be honest a bit emotional that his little Dino traveled stuffed in a suitcase on a cargo ship halfway across the world to get back to his spot in the middle of the bed 😭
Anyway I’m so proud of this room and also jealous my kids are cooler than me.
Follow on Instagram

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2026 Ā· Shoe Makes New Ā· Hello You Designs

sponsored
Scroll to top
Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest TikTok
Search