I was tired of my boring stairs so I did them up myself using Dunelm and The Range bargains – it cost me just £50

Scottish Sun

09-05-2025

Plus, ten DIY hacks that will transform your home for just £1 each
DI-WOW I was tired of my boring stairs so I did them up myself using Dunelm and The Range bargains – it cost me just £50
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A CASH-SAVVY homeowner has revealed how she did up her stairs on a tight budget of just £50.
It's no secret that big home projects can oftentimes set you back a fortune - but as recently proved by one woman, there's no need to spend thousands to transform your living space.
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One thrifty woman wowed social media users with her epic makeover for just £50
Credit: facebook/diy on a budget official
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The DIY lover did up her stairs using bargains from Dunelm and The Range
Credit: facebook/diy on a budget official
Money-smart Lori Beach left people stunned with her epic stair makeover - and not only did she spend less than £100, the results look so good you might think it was a professional job.
Before the jaw-dropping glow-up, the staircase featured a basic dark grey runner, as well as walls that had beige paint peeling off them.
To give the area a brand new look, Lori tackled the grubby wallpaper and gave the bannister a fresh layer of white paint - which matched perfectly with the rest of the aesthetic.
As the walls were still looking a bit plain, the thrifty DIY fan decided to spruce them up with panels which she had purchased from B&Q.
Wall panels have become all the rage as of recent and popular home goods stores offer a huge variety of ready-made panels you can simply attach with some adhesive.
However, if you're on an even tighter budget, plenty of DIY lovers have showed how to make your own panels with no faff.
Responding to curious Facebook users, Lori said: ''I drew the panelling on my wall how I wanted it to look then I measured form there.
''I used a mitre saw [to cut the angles of the panelling] but I had to watch some YouTube videos as my mitre saw only goes up to 45 degrees.''
During the epic glow-up, Lori also changed the colour of the panelling and gave it a lick of paint in grey to create a stark contrast with the darker runner.
Another brand new addition to the dark staircase were the small lights by the sides, which instantly gave the space a more modern look - and are sure to come in handy at nighttime.
I transformed my council house hallway for under £60 - the old laminate has vanished but critics say it 'looks cheap'
The final touch was the gorgeous floral wreath she had snapped up from The Range, adding extra fake peonies and roses on top for a fuller look.
Sharing the stunning transformation on the popular DIY On A Budget Official page, Lori said: ''Stairs panelling done. Another project ticked off the list.
''Total cost of the transformation came to about £50. I had some of the items left over from previous projects.''
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.
' I want to do this in my hall'
Needless to say, the fabulous results have since taken the internet by storm, with Lori's post racking up over 70 likes and dozens of comments.
More than 50 people raced to praise the thrifty DIY whizz, as one said: ''I think this looks soo classy.''
Someone else was inspired to transform their home too, as they confessed: ''I want to do this in my hall.''
A third chimed in and tagged their pal: ''I like this for the hall, stairs and landing.''
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