Dowsing & Reynolds

7 easy DIY home decor updates to make before Christmas

Get ready for the festive season with easy DIY home decor projects that you can complete in a weekend.

From revamping the guest bathroom to swapping out your kitchen handles, Ally Dowsing-Reynolds and ufurnish.com founder, Deirdre McGettrick, share their quick tips for putting the finishing touches on your home ahead of Christmas.

Image courtesy of @our_greenhouse_reno

“When it comes to Christmas, I always start walking around my house, thinking about who’s coming to visit and that prompts me to do the DIY home decor tasks that have been on my list all year!”

Ally Dowsing-Reynolds, Co-Founder, Dowsing & Reynolds

1. Refresh the kitchen 

Ally Dowsing-Reynolds, co-founder of Dowsing & Reynolds, suggests swapping out the handles in your kitchen to transform your space.

“When it comes to Christmas, I always start walking around my house, thinking about who’s coming to visit and that prompts me to do the DIY home decor tasks that have been on my list all year!

If you want a really easy upgrade, choose handles with backplates – they’ll cover any existing screw holes so you don’t have to.”

Image courtesy of @northernstyling

2. Make your dining table work for every occasion

Deirdre McGettrick, founder of ufurnish.com, says, “A really great idea if you’re struggling for hosting space at Christmas is an extendable dining table – they’re really versatile, with some beautiful designs on the market.” 

Image courtesy of @aflux_interiors

3. Create a spa-like bathroom

Ally suggests sprucing up smaller bathrooms like your en-suite or the downstairs loo as an easy win.

“You’ll find you can often switch the tap out yourself, and even that small change makes such a huge difference to the space.

Complete the look by accessorising with matching towel rails and robe hooks to create a spa-like retreat in your own home.”

4. Cosy up the guest bedroom

“There’s no better feeling than sleeping somewhere that feels cosy while the snow falls outside,” says Ally.

“Try peppering some extra lamps throughout your guest bedrooms to create an ambient sanctuary for your family and friends, and finish it off with some festive scented candles that bring a sense of comfort.”

Image courtesy of @ourhoppyhouse

5. Make it multi-functional

Deirdre suggests, “If you’ve got guests coming to stay this Christmas, consider investing in a good quality sofa-bed – that way you can still make the most of the space the rest of the year round.”

Image courtesy of @welcome_to_number.1

6. Don’t forget to treat yourself

“Create your ideal Christmas scene by treating yourself to one thing you’ve always wanted for your home,” says Deirdre.

“This year, I got myself a drinks trolley – it’s fully stocked with whiskey, brandy, vodka, gin… I also got some new glasses that are on display which look really lovely.

My final touch will be an ice bucket – I have this image in my head of the James Bond films where they pour their guests a drink and put a perfect cube of ice in it, so that’s what I’m going for!”

7. Add personality with shelving

“Now’s the time to do smaller jobs like putting some shelves up. Style them with fairy lights or festive foliage to add a little cosy Christmas magic,” suggests Ally.

Shop finishing touches

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Written by: Ally

Meet Ally, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer here at Dowsing & Reynolds. Ally’s passion for understanding customers and love of home interiors combine to make her one of the most innovative members of the team, constantly striving to push the Dowsing & Reynolds brand to new heights.

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