While many interior design and home improvement projects are best left to the pros, some are
easy and safe to do on your own. For example, as we discussed in a previous post The Budget-
Friendly Magic of Paint, you can breathe new life into a space with a brush and fresh coat of
paint. Coupled with strategic furniture additions and vibrant wall art, you can transform any
room, even with a small budget. Given this level of accessibility, it’s no wonder that more
Americans are hopping on the DIY bandwagon.
According to an Angi survey cited by Money.com, eight out of 10 homeowners have undertaken
at least one DIY home design or improvement project since 2020. Despite this enthusiasm,
however, DIY-ers often face challenges. Another survey from BJ’s Wholesale Club reveals that
out of 2,000 respondents, about four in 10 Americans have experienced more DIY failures than
successes, with 45% admitting to completely butchering a home improvement project.
Fortunately, there is an abundance of ebooks and other online resources available to help
homeowners master the art of interior design and home improvement. This article will explore
some of these valuable tools and suggest ways they can be leveraged to create a space you’ll
love.
DIY Home Improvement YouTube channels
YouTube has become an invaluable resource for DIY enthusiasts. There are countless channels
dedicated to home improvement and interior design, offering step-by-step tutorials, tips, and
inspiration. Channels like House Improvements, See Jane Drill, and Stud Pack provide
comprehensive guides on a wide range of projects, from basic repairs to intricate design
makeovers. Take the House Improvements YouTube channel. There, you’ll find in-depth video
explanations of things like cutting floor tiles, installing crown molding, and building a wall
frame. On the other hand, See Jane Drill has more beginner-friendly videos on installing
baseboard corners, replacing broken furniture, and tips for caulking a bathtub. Videos offer a
visual representation of the process, making it easier to understand and replicate the steps.
YouTube is particularly beneficial for learning specific techniques. Watching professionals
demonstrate methods can help you grasp the nuances of different design tasks. Additionally, the
platform serves as a great source of inspiration, showcasing various styles and innovative
solutions. If you encounter a specific issue during your project, there’s likely a video addressing
that exact problem. Many channels also have active communities where you can ask questions
and get advice from other DIY-ers.
Online Communities For Design Lovers
Online communities provide a platform for design enthusiasts to share ideas, ask for advice, and
showcase their projects. These communities are a treasure trove of information and inspiration. A
standout in this category is the online hub HouseFriends, a subscription-based platform that
crowdsources home decor opinions and recommendations from other members. Established by
designers Linny Griffin and Clare Keane, the goal of HouseFriends is to create a community
where solo designers can get expert guidance without hiring a professional. With a subscription,
members can access a private Slack design community, curated Pinterest boards, and design
workshops. Both professionals and novices contribute to HouseFriends, offering diverse
perspectives and solutions on home improvement.
You can find similar design-focused groups on Facebook that don’t require a membership, such as
What They Don’t Teach You in Design Schooland Ivy Design Network. Browsing through the
user-submitted photos and project galleries of these communities can spark new ideas for your
own space. Or, you can post your own design plans and progress photos to elicit helpful feedback
and suggestions from fellow design lovers.
Everand’s eBooks on Interior Design
Ebooks have become a popular medium for learning about interior design due to their
accessibility and depth of information. The digital library Everand offers a wide range of ebooks
that cover various aspects of home improvement and interior design. Ebooks on the platform are
authored by renowned interior designers who are experts in the field, providing reliable and
professional advice. Under Everand’s Home & Garden category, you can find trending home
improvement titles like Home Sweet Maison by Danielle Postel-Vinay and For the Love of
Renovating by Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum.
In Home Sweet Maison, Postel-Vinay goes on a deep dive, uncovering the secrets of the French
home aesthetic. Beyond giving useful home interior decorating and design tips, she teaches
readers how to foster warmth, beauty, and rituals inherent in the French home. Meanwhile, For
the Love of Renovating walks readers through the entire house renovation process, from
developing a design to scheduling and budgeting. Having access to ebooks like these means you
can easily refer back to specific sections as you work on your project. Ebooks can also be
accessed anytime and anywhere, making them a flexible learning tool.
MasterClass’s Home Makeover Courses
MasterClass courses are taught by leading interior designers who share their professional secrets
and techniques. Each course is organized into a series of easy-to-follow lessons that build your
knowledge. Classes on the platform are known for their high production value, which typically
includes clear visuals and engaging content. It’s also very hands-on, as some courses come with
downloadable workbooks, project assignments, and opportunities to submit questions to
instructors.
Last year, the streaming platform released an interior design course taught by Shea McGee, host
of the Emmy-nominated show Dream Home Makeover. McGee’s session breaks down her
approachable design and decoration process into eight sections. She covers topics like creating a
mood board and design plan, making a floor plan, picking and placing furniture, crafting your
personalized lighting design, and more. Through the course, members learn how they can
transform any room in their house in a way that aligns with their personal aesthetic and spending
strategy.
Although many DIY projects come with their share of challenges, the online resources outlined
above can enhance your chances of success. From YouTube tutorials and online communities to
Everand’s ebooks and MasterClass courses, these tools offer a wealth of knowledge and
inspiration. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just starting out a home improvement project,
these resources can help you create a space that reflects your style and meets your needs.
Happy designing!
XO,
Ana
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