Ali wanted to make this a destination space rather than a standard utilitarian bathroom. It needed to feel bigger, gain surface area and be inspired by a trip to India. Storage was an issue to address as well as heating. The Style Counsel employed combination tactics to make this room feel bigger. A top half wall of mirror made the biggest change by making the room optically wider. Custom built cabinetry painted in a seamless continuation of the wall colour added to the sense of space and a free standing bath appears more airy. Surface space was maximised by building a narrow surface across the basin wall using the off cuts of the travertine floor, unifying the design. We introduced a formica shower wall printed with a photograph by Ali's photographer husband, taken on their India trip, which holds particular resonance to this room design. The travertine chevron floor design and the curtain print are both taken from the photo. Underfloor heating takes the edge off a cold winter floor.

This was a long narrow dark space with an old beamed ceiling, which was two low for a shower. My brief was to create a warm deconstructed bathroom that gave the feeling of bathing outside, but with the privacy and protection of bathing inside. The key to making it work was opening up the original small window at the end to become French doors and then turning the bath at an angle to the French doors, so that it gave the feeling of meeting the garden outside rather than being lined up against the wall. The bath has the beautiful glow of copper, but is acrylic inside, which makes it far more practical and comfortable. The wallpaper has 3 coats of varnish making it waterproof, mould proof and fungus proof. I upcycled the vanity unit from an old Ikea unit, creating a painted copper finish for the top and treating the rest with paint and crackle glaze. The unit houses towels; cleaning materials; spare loo roll; and toiletries in the drawer. The towel rail is heated, the mirror has a light behind it that can be changed from warm to cool and the wall lights are dimmable for added atmosphere.

My bathroom was a renovation project I took on last year. The aim was to add some charm with use of panelling, reclaimed wood & thrifted items! IG @makinghomematter

My bathroom is full of pattern, texture and colour. The floor is stencilled and complimented by a vintage Turkish rug. The sink is handmade from Morocco and the windows are dressed with laser cut shutters.

One of my favourite bedrooms I have done. Awkward ceiling angles called for a bespoke headboard. The burl-effect frame was hand painted and padded upholstered headboard attached. The entire room was colour drenched in setting plaster by Farrow and Ball, to blur the lines between ceiling and wall.

Our bedroom has a sense of luxury through its rich textures and carefully chosen decor. The ceiling features bold, wide stripes that create a dramatic yet elegant visual effect, lending an air of sophistication. The large wire wall art piece adds a touch of grandeur, drawing the eye and contributing to the room's opulent vibe. I’ve added woven suspended shades and a large clay vase, which adds an organic warmth to the room. These elements contrast beautifully with the polished surfaces, creating a balanced environment

My bedroom is inspired by Blanche Devereaux’s from The Golden Girls and The Beverly Hills Hotel, it gets a lot of love on Instagram.

What was once a garage is now a cozy guest bedroom, transformed into a relaxing space to enjoy. The calming green walls set a serene tone, while pops of color add vibrancy and warmth. It's become the perfect retreat for guests to unwind and feel at home.

I added wood beading and new handles to the cupboard doors, painted the marble effect on the tiles and gilded the worktops, and painted the cabinets

I transformed our son‘s old nursery into my creative room/home office. I wanted it to be bright, colourful and inspirational while also bringing the beautiful english countryside we’re surrounded by inside.

This dining area is in my rental flat and almost everything in it is upcycled. When I moved in it was white and beige, but I wanted to create a more organic leafy feel with a bit of a New York loft style edge, a delicious space to eat in. So I set about painting and transforming nearly every surface. The first key move was to paint the wall in bright green, which set the tone for the rest. Then I added the turquoise blue to the window frame and glass lampshades (from Ikea), which softens the green. The dining table was a shiny yellow pine table that my landlord said I could keep, give away or take to the dump, so instead I made it into black marble with black gloss spray paint and a special effect white marble spray paint. I wrapped the battered silver rental fridge in green vinyl; and upcycled my 20yr old Ikea wardrobes for storage and to hide the bin and microwave, by making ombre zig zag panelling and painting them. The rug under the table is a synthetic outdoor rug that is water and stain resistent and very easy to clean!

I have attached photos that show the evolution of the dining space. What began as an awkward area with an off-centre window, became a cosy dining nook. I designed this space from scratch and got a professional joiner to build the U shaped seating, which includes push-fit drawers that offer lots of storage for my kids toys.

This is my own dining room and, as is true for my entire house, has been a work in progress. I'm still very proud of the copper units which I had installed ten years ago now. I bought copper sheets which I patinated using Liver of sulphur to give an aged effect. They provide a focal point to the space as well as very useful hidden storage and a Tv within

Our diner is in our south facing open plan extension on the back of the property. It was plain white and grey when we moved in (photo 2) , and lacked warmth and any personality. Over the last few years We've added a built in bench (made from ply and Ikea boxes) vintage pull down lighting, vintage cafe chairs from Mexico and Michael English pop art posters. It's separated form the kitchen by a vintage plan chest (on casters so it can be moved) that's topped with a beautiful piece of terrazzo form surface design Katie Gilles. next to the diner is the new pink ply cabinet, which is amazing for storage and the ribbed glass cupboard holds my vintage treasures.

The heart of the home. This orangery space adjoined to the kitchen has seen a lot of laughter and celebrations over the last 10 years living here. It has also been decorated with many different looks over the seasons, including a seasonal branch. As this side of the house is north facing, the glass brings in much needed light at the same time as framing the garden beautifully. It has seen quite a bit of renovation recently with the kitchen extension next door and the most recent addition of the herringbone wood floor has warmed it up massively and I'm so pleased with the supporting pillar glow up, it now all feels light, it flows well with the period features in the house.

We made a faux beam using pine wood lengths and it cost under £30! It’s my favourite DIY and the one people as about most. It has become a feature in our home. I made it 2 years ago now so I could probably have made it better now as I’ve learnt so much much but this was one of your first ever DIYs so I’m proud of it!

I transformed this old cabinet using Annie Sloan chalk paint and transfers. The cabinet was a plain dark wood initially, it was painted with chalk paint in turquoise then transfers in old white.

I built a library nook in this unused corner. I built it myself by hand. No IKEA hacks.

Microcemented the bathroom

I built these arched bookcases by myself - it was my biggest build. I used the Ikea Ivar cabinet as the base carcass and from that, built vertical and internal panels / arched frontages and added moulding and coving. It has anchored the living room and created a place for my books and collectibles aswell as great practical storage. I filled, caulked and painted it in Inchrya Blue eggshell. It is one of my most popular Instagram projects and one I am very proud of. I created tutorials for this and have enjoyed seeing others recreate this in their own home.

Submission for: @ourhouseinlondon Instagram account We’re excited to share our garden and outdoor space, a self-built space that has become a beloved extension of our home. Designed with a modern touch, we’ve created different areas within the garden to suit our needs. It’s a place where we can relax, dine, and spend quality time with family and friends. One of our favorite features is the pergola, which we customized ourselves to serve as a focal point and a charming spot to gather. The pergola and seating area is nestled amidst the greenery, offering peaceful spots to relax and enjoy the surroundings creating a magical ambiance that makes the garden feel special, especially in the evenings. Soft lighting throughout the garden adds to the peaceful atmosphere, highlighting the greenery and making every corner feel warm and welcoming. We’ve chosen plants that offer a mix of textures, bringing life and vibrancy to the space without overwhelming it. This garden is more than just a visual delight; it’s a peaceful retreat where city life feels far away. We hope our garden brings as much joy to others as it does to us, serving as an inspiration for urban gardening.

Our garden has been a HUGE project over the past few years. It was previously a concrete jungle, with crazy paving and weeds but with a lot of hard work we have added a new path and patio that I stencilled, a pergola, a log cabin, an outdoor kitchen and an above ground pool. My mission was to make it feel like we were on holiday and it most definitely does that!

The additional of pots and sculpture can not add a lovely garden element to paved areas but also enable you to plant productive plants & fruit trees. You can move them around for seasonal interest which means even more flexibility. Included in the planting is a fig, plum, cherry, dwarf apricot & citrus trees as well as herbs like Bay, rosemary, thyme, mint & sage. These flowering plants all attract birds and insects too. I have chosen other plants for interesting foliage and a mix of complimentary pots to create an interesting 'garden feel' which is great when you don't have the space or are unable to have garden beds & still want to have garden. Add some outdoor furniture so you can sit and enjoy the space!

We designed all of the garden space ourselves and did all of the renovation work apart from the tiling.

I’ve had so much fun designing our garden over the years. I was very mindful that I wanted it to be a sociable, usable, happy space which was essentially a total continuation from the inside living space & most importantly, which we could use & enjoy all year round. The verandah & outdoor kitchen are both covered by a totally waterproof roof, which means we don’t have to worry about the furniture being left outside all year round. The outdoor bath is a new addition. We enjoy cold water dipping but also there’s nothing better than a soak in a warm bath out here at the end of a hard day's gardening taking in the views. The garden isn’t just a showpiece. We have two greenhouses & raised beds for veg & cut flowers too. There’s also a 5-a-side football pitch at the bottom of the garden.

This was such a small and awkward space to design. With two electric fuses on both walls under the stairs I needed to come up with a solution how to hide them and make the best use of the space. We also needed somwhere to keep our shoes so easy access to both, shoes and fuses was important. I needed this space to have a nice welcoming feel to compensate for the size and the lack of natural light. And I wanted to use colours that I love. The l shape storage houses all.of our shoes and gives easy access to the electrics too. The addition of a curtain adds to a cottagey feel plus the stripy fabric is a perfect match to the carpet on the stairs. Although small in size, this space is now pretty and practical.

This hallway was a dull, white, scruffy, unloved space that sat in the centre, in the heart, of my rental flat. But as a rental, everything I did to it had to be non permanent in case my landlord wanted me to put it back to neutral when I left. As it is in an old Victorian building, I couldn't wallpaper the walls, so I hand painted the mural up the stairs. The stairs are completely wooden and I wasn't allowed to paint any of the stripped wood, so I created the blue stair treads by painting wood textured self-adhesive wallpaper, cutting it to size and sticking it on. I painted the door frames and the left hand wall in the hallway a pale pink to bring some warmth and joy down the corridor, but the white on the right hand side keeps it fresh and light. The neutral grey runner adds texture and comfort and grounds the brighter colours. The end result meant that the moment we stepped into our flat from the grey London streets outside our hearts were lifted and we smiled.

Totally transformed what used to be a very dark and boring entry. I hated it and it was the first thing that you saw as you came in, so I made it my mission to make it a happy, personal, calm and funky first impression and everyone loves it.

I hand painted the old floor as a marble checkerboard, stripped and restored the stairs, and put up a gallery wall stretching onto the ceiling

My DIY home account were I try to inspire others to create, upcycle and make their own furniture and DIY their home on a budget. My home is a 1920s 3 bed semi in Wigan. This is my passion and I have grown my account to 400k in less than 18 months. My instagram is @casacrank

I started my Instagram account in 2020 to document the renovation of my home. What began as a hobby became my full-time occupation and obsession! I now live and breathe interiors and use my account as a platform to inspire, educate and energise others. Anxiety has always been a demon in my life and I use my account to demonstrate how interiors can bring joy and serenity through colour, texture and pattern. I put a lot of time and thought into my posts, providing people with advice and ideas to equip them with the knowledge and confidence to transform their own homes. A lot of my tips are delivered via reels so I have included examples of a caption, post insights, overall look and feel of my account as well as two photos.

I love to inspire my audience to be brave with DIY and adding colour to their home. I provide detailed DIY tutorials including IKEA hacks and a DIY patio and pergola.

I have grown to 206k followers and have a very engaged audience. I am well liked by other creators as am very supportive of others.

Creating a living room that’s full of personality but is relaxing has been a labour of love. Pictures 4 and 5 show the before photos. I have tried to work with mid century pieces reflecting the age of the home, but in a contemporary way

my living room combines style and comfort. The green sofa is the perfect spot to unwind, paired with a rust checkerboard rug for warmth and a touch of pattern. The gallery wall adds a personal, artistic touch, while the gold drip table and rustic urn introduce a mix of glamour and earthy charm. Soft, textured furnishings enhance the cosy vibe, and the seagrass lamp and cactus bring in natural elements. Together, these pieces create a serene, stylish space where I can truly relax.

Green is the most calming color, and every time I open the door to this living room, I can’t help but sit down. The space instantly makes me feel relaxed and at peace.

Seen so many people use this design to inspire theirs over the past 2/3 years and had this room go viral with multiple million views and 77k followers just showing this DIY media wall installation

Overall I wanted my living room space to have a serene, modern feel with a touch of vintage charm, characterised by a soft colour palette, natural materials and comfortable furnishings.

One beautifully blue room. This kids’ room was the ultimate blank canvas. Due to the small square footage of the property, it was not feasible to have a separate playroom. The room had to work hard, been able to server multiple function, a place to maintain all the toys, books, clothing and allow sleep overs. We began by reconfiguring the layout of the weekend retreat. Inspired by the children's favorite DC Comic superheroes, Spiderman and Batman, we reincorporated robe climbing wall, echoing the spiderwebs often shot by Spiderman. The lower half acted as the lair more familiar with Batman with a walkthrough space. This lower section doubles as a reading nook, ideal for sleepovers. The bed has been handprinted in Edward Bulmer's Azurite blue reflective of the heritage of the family. Each storage opportunity in the room has been maximised with each step hidden with storage drawer and bookshelves at every part of the bed. We wanted to create a fun room that would spark joy and imagination in the young children. Upon seeing, the children requested to video call Augustine and shared their gratitude.

A Victorian house room that was recently converted from the old occupant's teenage boy's blue bedroom to our baby girls nursery.

We have a lot of love for our youngest daughter’s bedroom. It’s fun and cute, with a dreamy mural, hot air balloons leading into the scene of the mural landscape, a slide and cloud rug with a hot air balloon light. Every little detail in the room sparks joy and feeds the imagination.

I was quote between £10-18k from a range of contractors to have 5 metres of wardrobes installed in my spare bedroom. This definitely wasn’t within budget so I designed my own walk in wardrobe using IKEA PAX as the base. I customised the wardrobes by framing them out & adding personalised touches. By adding these additional touches, I took the installation from high street to high end and gave it a real designer look and feel. I managed to achieve this look for < £3k in the end, saving £15k.

I specialise in DIY and creative home styling on a budget - I eat, sleep and breathe it! I'm passionate about affordable interior design -not the off-the-shelf, mass-produced kind. I love creating 'bespoke on a budget' interiors which are personal, unique & creative whilst functional creating a connection with your home. I share budget-friendly inspiration on my Instagram, blog and the articles I write for magazines and I even have an online course dedicated to it. I have hundreds of projects, so I found it hard to pick just 5 examples! Photo 1: DIY microcement kitchen. I transformed a tired, uninspiring kitchen for under £1000 by upcycling, thrifting, savvy sourcing, creative DIY and microcement. Photo 2:DIY mountain mural spanning 3 walls in a bedroom for £25 using tester pots of paint. This was the ultimate escape in lockdown. Photo 3:Budget sofa styled with Facebook Marketplace finds, foraged branches and charity shop buys showing home styling on a shoestring budget doesn't need to be boring. Photo 4: This wall of built-in shelving is actually an IKEA BILLY bookcase hack DIY'ed for £350. Photo 5:Marble side table from upcycled tiles - cost... free! There's a glimpse of my microcement coffee table too.

I took a free, outdated coffee table from Facebook Marketplace and transformed it into an elegant, curved centerpiece. I dismantled the table, reshaped the top into a sleek oblong, and repurposed the under-shelf into two stylish arched legs, discarding the bulky originals. After sanding off the old varnish, I finished it with Frenchic’s Browning Wax, giving it a rich, sophisticated look. This project shows how you can create a high-end, custom piece on a small budget, turning something old into a chic, standout piece. I

Taking this bathroom from blank new build bleurgh to stylish shower room was done using scraps of wood, bargain end of line tiles and cost less than £250. I hand built the vanity unit to create more storage space and laid the tiles whilst 36 weeks pregnant during a July heatwave. Finishing the space with a new radiator I plumbed in myself and gold and marble accents, a hand painted artwork and statement light fixture, the space was completely transformed from its boring blank space with no personality or wow factor to a stunning en-suite I was so proud of looking at each day.

We are so proud of what we achieved here with such a tight budget! This whole transformation cost under £3000! We love the garden and spend a lot of time outside, however with a full house renovation we knew we needed to be really savvy with our money. We upcycled the shed, sanded the floor painted the outside and built a bar and seating area out of MDF. We added a decking area which we built ourselves including solar lights and up lighters to create an atmosphere in the evening. For the bottom decking we had a vision, we wanted to create something a bit different, so we built a hot tub surrounded with a tropical border and turn this area into a real outdoor entertainment area with projector, sunken hot tub and dining and relaxing areas. We used offcuts of wood where possible, repurposing the old garden fence to build the tropical border and did all the work ourselves to help keep cost down. The title for the two decking areas cost £2700 and we are so proud of what we have achieved!

This was a fun build. The table base was originally a fire pit stand, retrieved from a skip.. then many hours of collecting & glueing on bottle caps. Then finished with a concrete grout.. its a fab talking point & very sustainable

The gold drip table from Rockett St George stands out as a brilliant example of quirky home decor. Its dynamic design, featuring a striking gold drip finish, infuses any space with a sense of whimsy and sophistication. This playful yet elegant piece transforms an ordinary setting into a conversation starter, reflecting a unique blend of artistry and functionality. Its bold, unconventional look adds character and charm, making it the perfect embodiment of a fun and distinctive accessory that elevates home interiors with a touch of creative flair.

I have suspended a disco ball in my bay window which gives off disco sparkles on a sunny day, it really provides the funnest contrast to the traditional features of the room and makes for a whimsy focal point

My wavy, pastel office desk was designed by myself and a small business named Plane & Sanded. We wanted to create something bespoke and unusual but user friendly and fun! It’s become an iconic, well known product in my home and has gone viral multiple times on IG.