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Home / Renovations

Renovations

Follow our full room renovation journeys, from planning to stunning before-and-after transformations. Whether you’re tackling a major home update or seeking inspiration for your next big project, explore our tips, progress, and real-life results.

How To Make DIY Built-Ins with IKEA Cabinets
DIY Projects | Renovations

How To Make DIY Built-Ins with IKEA Cabinets

AKA my foolproof formula for DIY built-ins that look custom…

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DIY Renovations That Added the Most Value to Our Homes
All Posts | DIY Projects | Renovations

DIY Renovations That Added the Most Value to Our Homes

Discover the best DIY renovations that add value to your home. From kitchen remodels to bathroom updates, learn which projects offer the highest ROI and transform your space with these expert tips.

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Pros and Cons of Butcher Block Countertops
All Posts | Renovations

Pros and Cons of Butcher Block Countertops

Discover the pros and cons of butcher block countertops in this comprehensive guide. Learn about durability, installation tips, and creative uses beyond the kitchen. Perfect for DIY enthusiasts and home renovators looking for a warm, budget-friendly countertop option.

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Pre-Mixed vs. Powdered Thinset: Which Tile Adhesive is Better
All Posts | Renovations

Pre-Mixed vs. Powdered Thinset: Which Tile Adhesive is Better

Planning a tiling project? Learn whether pre-mixed or powdered thinset is best for your DIY needs. This guide compares performance, cost, and suitability for various tiling tasks, from backsplashes to large-format tiles. Discover mixing tips, working time differences, and which adhesive is right for your project.

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black kitchen cabinets
All Posts | DIY Projects | Renovations

Black Kitchen Cabinets Pros and Cons

Considering black kitchen cabinets? Discover the pros and cons we’ve experienced after 2 years. Learn about maintenance, cleaning, room ambiance, and why black might be the new neutral for your kitchen renovation.

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cloudy tiles grout haze remover
All Posts | DIY Projects | Renovations

Easy Ways to Remove Grout Haze from Cloudy Tiles

Cloudy tiles left behind after wiping off fresh grout from your tile is probably one of the most annoying parts of any tiling project, but thankfully removing grout haze is a pretty easy job!

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DIY composite fencing
All Posts | DIY Projects | Renovations

The Easiest DIY Composite Fencing Kit

Transform your backyard with the easiest DIY composite fencing kit from Creative Surfaces. Discover the benefits of composite fencing and enjoy a straightforward installation process for a modern, durable, and stylish fence.

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Mediterranean inspired patio
All Posts | Lifestyle | Renovations

Mediterranean Inspired Patio and DIY Outdoor Living Space

Transform your outdoor space with a Mediterranean-inspired patio. Discover design tips, decor ideas, and see our stunning patio reveal for inspiration and a stylish backyard makeover.

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tile sources
All Posts | Products | Renovations

FAQ: Tile Sources Throughout Our Home

Explore the best tile sources for your home renovation. Discover where to find quality tiles that are affordable and stylish to enhance every room in your house.

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how to choose kitchen cabinets
All Posts | DIY Projects | Renovations

How to Choose Kitchen Cabinets for Your Style and Budget

Learn how to choose kitchen cabinets with our complete guide. Discover the best materials, styles, and finishes to match your kitchen design and maximize functionality.

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shoemakesnew

shoemakesnew

A thrifty Aussie mum with the audacity to DIY anything. Old house, new projects, & life back home after a decade abroad 🛠️
✉️: emma@shoemakesnew.com

We have these massive windows in our kitchen (one We have these massive windows in our kitchen (one is two metres and one is three, which is like 6-10 feet each), and I emphatically love them but the morning sun is annoying and I had this vision of whimsical flowy cafe curtains to give them some pizzazz. 
I priced out some brass and some wood rods and they were all really thick curtain rods, they didn’t come in long enough sizes, or they were literally more than ONE THOUSAND dollars so I bought a dowel and grabbed some scrap wood and thought I’d just do it my damn self 🤷‍♀️ 
It took a few prototypes and honestly the brackets are still a bit rough but from afar they’re fine and it saved me so much money I’ll get over it. Plus hopefully the focus is going to be on the pretty wispy curtains I’m whipping up next so follow along to see if I can pull it off! 

#diycurtains #kitchenrenovation #kitchenreno
We have these massive windows in our kitchen (one We have these massive windows in our kitchen (one is two metres and one is three, which is like 6-10 feet each), and I emphatically love them but the morning sun is annoying and I had this vision of whimsical flowy cafe curtains to give them some pizzazz. 
I priced out some brass and some wood rods and they were all really thick curtain rods, they didn’t come in long enough sizes, or they were literally more than ONE THOUSAND dollars so I bought a dowel and grabbed some scrap wood and thought I’d just do it my damn self 🤷‍♀️ 
It took a few prototypes and honestly the brackets are still a bit rough but from afar they’re fine and it saved me so much money I’ll get over it. Plus hopefully the focus is going to be on the pretty wispy curtains I’m whipping up next so follow along to see if I can pull it off! 

#diycurtains #kitchenrenovation #kitchenreno
I feel like not enough DIYers talk about how long I feel like not enough DIYers talk about how long it takes to build up the skills and confidence and tools to renovate. 
It was seven years between our first kitchen renovation and this one and we had a lot of fails and YouTube tutorials and pivoting in between that have all made this one feel kind of… easy? Now that I’ve put it out there I’ll probably wake up to a water leak tomorrow lol 
But I do hope this is a reminder that you can do cool things no matter what level you’re at 💪 

#DIYkitchen #DIYrenovation #renovationjourney
Our sweet boy who’s always by our side whether w Our sweet boy who’s always by our side whether we’re DIYing or traveling or reading on the couch or at the park 🫶
He’s the best family dog ever and also why do people upload the absolute least flattering photos ever of adoptable dogs?

#dogsofinstagram #adoptdontshop
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