You want your home to look fabulous, but why spend thousands on updates when you can do it yourself for pennies on the dollar? The increase in popularity of sites like Pinterest, Instructables and Craftsy demonstrates that more and more people are interested in turning their drab décor into something fab.
Once you got your project laid out, it can sometimes take a substantial of time to search for the perfect materials for your do-it-yourself project. To help you out, here is a list of our top recommendations of places to find materials to make your DIY project a success.
Fabrics, glitter and knick-knacks
Most DIY beginners start with smaller, less time consuming projects. Slipcovers, beaded lampshades and fancy frames can easily be completed in a few hours with the right tools.
For kid-friendly projects, try Oriental Trading and Save On Crafts. For fabrics, hot glue and décor items, Hobby Lobby, Michaels, and Jo-ann Fabric and Craft Stores have both retail stores and online sites you can quickly peruse during your coffee break.
Décor
Some projects need larger pieces to work with. Crate and Barrel and Rejuvenation
feature home goods that are classy and can be incorporated without a lot of hard work or creative thinking. IKEA carries easy to assemble furniture pieces that can be used for your DIY projects without costing a fortune.
Thrift stores
Shows like Flea Market Find© , American Pickers© and Pawn Stars© have renewed our interest in retro and vintage pieces. At garage sales, flea markets and thrift stores, you can find some really great deals, but not everyone has time to go on an all day treasure hunt. Online thrift stores and auction sites provide the perfect alternative for finding inexpensive and vintage pieces. The only drawback is you don’t get the thrill of haggling over the price.
eBay, an international auction site, is extremely popular and features unique items you might not be able to find elsewhere. If you’re looking for one of a kind, eBay is the place to go. Organizations like Goodwill have several regional online thrift stores, like Shopgoodwill.com where you can search through the eclectic assortment of donated items. Thredup.com, Webthriftstore.com and Niftythrifty.com also feature a variety of used personal and home goods that can be used for creating everything from blankets to party décor.
Hardware and specialty stores
Major DIY projects often require special tools and hardware. Retailers like Home Depot, Ace Hardware and Lowes carry everything you’ll need from lighting fixtures to concrete. Online lumber yards Rockler and Constantines Wood Center offer tools and unique lumber pieces for just about any application.
For retro or vintage households, try Old House Parts Company, Liz’s Antique Hardware or Capital Salvage. With a little paint or cleaning, these pieces become stylish additions to your home, as well as great conversation starters. If your budget is tight, Habitat for Humanity has nonprofit home improvement stores where builders and remodelers donate their extra goods, plus your purchase goes towards building much-needed homes in your community and across the globe.
DIY projects not only save you money, they can give your home character and added function. Make your hunt for project materials quicker by trying the top shops listed here for all your décor, hardware, craft products and specialty goods needs.
Sources:
http://lifehacker.com/where-to-get-cheap-materials-for-all-your-diy-projects-514486682
http://www.homedepot.com/c/diy_projects_and_ideas
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20308889,00.html
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/cheapest-best-online-sources-for-diy-project-craft-supplies-200228
http://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/design-101/the-best-online-shopping-sites-for-your-home
http://www.designsponge.com/
http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/topics/home-improvement
http://keyringapp.com/blog/3189-save-some-green-with-diy-projects
http://www.joann.com/projects/
http://www.lowes.com/how-to-library
http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/5-tips-save-money-home-renovations.aspx
https://www.pinterest.com/goodwillvalleys/goodwill-diy-for-home/
http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/2015/04/29/10-great-websites-for-diy-beginners
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/interiors/10018677/Interiors-how-to-redecorate-your-home-on-a-budget.html
http://www.supercompressor.com/home/easy-ikea-hacks-for-your-apartment-best-diy-projects
http://www.younghouselove.com/
