We spruced up our kitchen with Facebook Marketplace and £10 Amazon bargains – people say it ‘looks so much better now'

The Sun

22-05-2025

ARE you keen to give your home a revamp this year - but don't want fork our a small mortgage?
Now, one woman has proved a house transformation doesn't necessarily require spending thousands.
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Lauren Marie, from Batley, near Leeds, was able to give her kitchen a quick and easy overhaul ''on a semi budget'', thanks to shopping on Facebook Marketplace and Amazon.
Thrilled with her DIY makeover, Lauren took to social media and posted on DIY On A Budget Official, a private Facebook group with 2.2million members, to share a before and after look at her jaw-dropping project - and it's left many open-mouthed.
The DIY fan also explained how she was able to keep the costs as low - which included not just scoring epic deals online but also upcycling her current furniture.
One of the main features that social media users love are the brick-effect slips that Lauren had attached as a splash feature.
These, as well as the modern kitchen table, were spotted on Facebook Marketplace and set her back just £30.
While Lauren didn't replace cupboards, they still looked brand new - thanks to chic black handles to replace the existing white ones.
Another fabulous element that tied everything together was the wooden-effect worktop - which immediately gave the room that cottage feel.
Lauren wrote in the post: ''Chairs were my old grey ones but bought black chair covers from Amazon £10!''
As well as this, she also purchased a new sink from Victoria Plumbing and paid £80 for it - still keeping things relatively affordable.
Showcasing the gorgeous makeover, the thrifty DIY fan said: ''It's taken a lot of patience and time but so happy with it.''
I transformed my council house hallway for under £60 - the old laminate has vanished but critics say it 'looks cheap'
'Looks so much better'
The epic transformation has since taken the internet by storm, with the post amassing over 40 likes and heaps of comments.
Social media users flooded to share their thoughts, as many praised Lauren.
One person said: ''Fab.. kitchen looks soooo warm.''
''Great job, looks so much better, love it,'' another chimed in.
''Looks lovely,'' a third wrote, adding a thumbs-up emoji.
10 DIY hacks for under £1 each
These simple and affordable DIY hacks can help you get creative while saving money
Homemade Air Freshener:
Mix baking soda with a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Place it in a small jar with a perforated lid to keep your home smelling fresh.
Upcycled Tin Can Planters:
Clean and paint empty tin cans to use as stylish planters for herbs or small plants.
Custom Phone Stand:
Use a sturdy piece of cardboard or an old plastic credit card to create a custom phone stand. Decorate it with washi tape or paint.
DIY Lip Scrub:
Combine sugar and a bit of honey or coconut oil to make a natural lip scrub. Store in a small container.
Personalised Bookmarks:
Use old greeting cards or decorative paper to create unique bookmarks. Punch a hole at the top and add a ribbon for a finishing touch.
Decorative Mason Jars:
Paint or decoupage old mason jars to use as decorative vases, storage containers, or candle holders.
Easy Cable Organiser:
Use empty toilet paper rolls to organize cables and cords. Decorate the rolls with colorful paper or tape.
Magnetic Spice Jars:
Attach small magnets to the lids of small jars and stick them to a metal board or fridge for easy-access spice storage.
Handmade Coasters:
Cut out squares from old corkboard or felt and decorate them with paint or fabric to create custom coasters.
Natural All-Purpose Cleaner:
Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of essential oil for a pleasant scent. Use it to clean surfaces around your home.
More budget-friendly makeovers
With Brits looking to spruce up their homes on the cheap, hundreds have taken to social media to show off their wallet-friendly home glow-ups.
Recently, one woman shared how she did up her kitchen for just £30 after she was quoted a whopping £600.
Meanwhile, someone else made their council house go from drab to fab with a lick of paint, spending a mere £75 in the process.
Another woman stunned people with her kitchen reno that came up to under £100.