Small home improvements can make a significant difference to your living space, and you don't need extensive expertise to achieve impressive results. With the right tools, careful research, and thoughtful planning, the satisfaction of admiring your own handiwork is truly rewarding. UltraTile brand manager Josh Jinks has shared three accessible projects that can be completed within 48 hours, promising to elevate your home.
1. Give Your Front Door a Fresh New Look
First impressions count, and a fresh coat of paint can completely transform your home's entrance. Pair it with polished or new exterior hardware like handles, letterboxes, and house numbers to boost your property's kerb appeal, suggests Jinks.
What You'll Need:
- Sandpaper (120 grit)
- Painter's masking tape
- Exterior paint (satin or semi-gloss)
- Paint roller and tray (or angled brush for details)
- Cleaning cloth or sponge
- Screwdriver (for hardware removal)
How to Do It:
Start by cleaning the door's surface with soapy water and allow it to dry completely. Sand the door lightly to ensure a smooth finish and help the paint stick. Apply painter's tape to protect hinges and edges before painting. Apply one to two coats of your chosen exterior paint, using a roller for large areas and a brush for detailed spots. While the paint dries, remove and clean your door's hardware for a full refresh. For an entirely new look, consider replacing the handles and numbers for a complete makeover.
2. Add a Splashback or Decorative Tiling for Instant Style
Decorative tiles are trending, and a striking splashback behind your sink or hob doesn't require a major renovation. A feature wall in a glossy finish makes a chic focal point. With patience and planning, you can install real tiles over a weekend and enjoy a sleek, professional finish, suggests Jinks.
What You'll Need:
- Tile adhesive (ready-mixed for walls is easiest)
- Notched adhesive spreader
- Spirit level
- Tile spacers (2mm-3mm typical)
- Tile cutter (manual snap cutter for straight cuts; tile saw or nippers for corners)
- Grout (powdered or ready-mixed)
- Grout float
- Sponge and bucket (for clean up)
- Silicone sealant (for edge finishing)
- Masking tape and dust sheets (optional but helpful)
How to Do It:
Clean the wall area thoroughly and remove any flaky paint or debris. Mark a straight guide line for your first row of tiles. Spread adhesive evenly, place tiles using spacers, and press firmly. Check alignment regularly with a spirit level. Allow adhesive to dry as instructed before applying grout. Fill joints with grout, clean off residue, and finish edges with silicone for a clean look.
3. Modernise Your Cupboard Hardware
If your cabinets feel dated, try updating the hardware, suggests Jinks. New knobs or handles can modernise the look of kitchens, bathrooms, or bedrooms without replacing any furniture. With a broad range of sleek designs such as mixed metals, contemporary matt black, or vintage-inspired knobs with antique brass effect, it's a quick win to update your decor.
What You'll Need:
- Screwdriver kit or drill with screwdriver bits
- Tape measure or ruler
- Pencil (for marking holes)
- Wood filler and putty knife (if patching old holes)
- Sandpaper (fine grit)
How to Do It:
Clean your cabinets using a gentle cleaner. Remove existing handles or knobs. If changing the style or placement, fill the old holes left by your old handles and sand the surface smooth. Measure and mark the new hole placements carefully. Drill pilot holes and attach your new hardware.
