Taking on a renovation or interior design project can seem daunting and time consuming but with careful planning and preparation it can easily be done over a weekend, and planned to suit all budgets.

This article was featured in our Home & Garden 2026 supplement – you can read the full supplement here!

If you’re confident in wielding a paint brush and have minimal DIY skills, it can be done on your own or with assistance from a friend or family member to help move any heavy items.

A room which can easily get a new lease of life over the course of a weekend is a bedroom.

It’s a room where we spend a big part of our life, and should be a room which is in essence a sanctuary, a place to unwind, relax and recharge at the end of a busy day.

A bedroom makeover, is a relatively simple project that can be done with little cost, or if you do have a larger budget then it’s an opportunity to put your stamp on the room and make it your own. 

Start by considering how you want the room to look, are you going for a complete makeover with new furniture, flooring and painting, or a simple update with a paint re-fresh and new bedding.

Get inspiration from magazines, websites and social media, and consider whether you want a classic look which won’t date, or an on trend look that will give a completely different vibe to the room.

Also work out what your budget is and work within it.

If you’re planning to get your project completed in a weekend, then preparation is key to getting it done in such a short time frame.

Plan ahead to make sure the space is ready to start.

If you need any new light fittings installed, book an electrician in plenty of time and if you’re ordering new furniture take into account any long lead times in delivery and get your order in as soon as you can.       

Shop local where you can, as well as supporting local businesses, you may find that delivery times may be shorter and a local firm may, for a small extra charge be able to help assemble any flatpack items if DIY isn’t your strong point.  

Once you have furniture ordered and tradespeople booked, the next step is to completely declutter the room and have a deep clean in the run up to your planned weekend to renovate.

Remove unused items, clear out wardrobes and give the room a deep clean, vacuuming floors and washing windows.

When you’re ready to start, if you need electrical work done, that make sure that gets done first. Good lighting can really make a room, mix overhead fixtures with bedside lamps and wall sconces, and if possible add dimmer switches.   

Painting a room is one of the most effective ways to transform a bedroom.

Choose a colour palette that generally creates a soothing atmosphere. Consider accent walls or wallpaper for added texture and interest. 

If you’re confident, painting can easily be done yourself. 

The evening before you plan to paint, wipe all the walls first with a damp cloth or sugar soap to remove dust and grease.

Fill any nail holes or cracks, let them it dry and sand it smooth. 

The next step is to apply masking tape to skirting boards, window frames, doors and light fittings, cover the floor with protective sheets, and you’re ready to paint. 

Start early morning and choose a quick drying paint, and wait for the first coat to dry fully before a second. 

The following day you should be ready to move your furniture back in. 

If your budget doesn’t stretch to purchasing new furniture, rearranging your existing furniture can maximise space and improve flow in the room.

If your budget allows, invest in key pieces such as a comfortable bed, bedside tables, or a stylish wardrobe.

Upcycling or repainting old furniture can also give them a fresh lease of life.

Once you’ve painted, and installed your furniture. The final touch is putting on fresh new bedding.

Investing in new bedding,  can instantly transform a room, and plush bedding, throws, and cushions can be picked up at reasonable prices from most department stores. 

To finish off the room, add personal touches, just as photographs, or artwork but aim to keep them minimal rather than adding clutter.  

Once your makeover is complete, keep your bedroom tidy and periodically update accessories to keep it looking fresh.

Small updates, like swapping out cushions or changing wall art, can keep the space feeling new throughout the year.

A bedroom makeover doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive, with careful planning and creative touches, you can create a space that’s both functional and inspiring and perfect for rest and relaxation.

Once you’ve transformed one room on our own, you’ll be eyeing up your next challenge!