This chaise lounge, made entirely from recycled materials, was inspired by a friend’s request. When she asked if I could build one, I doubted I had the skills to pull it off. I can’t work from plans—I only make projects up as I go. That’s why I choose recycled materials: if the build fails, I haven’t lost any money. Amazingly, it turned out so well that it now takes pride of place in my front-room window.
I had seen a repurposed piano on Pinterest and immediately knew I had to try one myself. But instead of a desk or bookshelf, I decided mine would become a Piano bar/Drinks cabinet. After spotting an upright piano on Facebook Marketplace for $120, I jumped at the chance. In hindsight, that was steep—many people give them away if you’re willing to collect. Like all my projects, I wanted to make this one truly my own.
From the moment I first spotted an elegant wine barrel coffee table, I dreamed of building one that felt more like fine furniture and reflected my style. In this guide, How to Create a Custom Wine Barrel Coffee Table, I’ll walk you through every step—combining photos from several tables I’ve made—to show you exactly how to remove odours, cut and sand the barrel, craft graceful arch legs, and finish your piece with stain, polyurethane, decorative bands and a personalised resin-sealed decal.
When my sister asked for a pallet daybed for her entertainment area, I jumped in. Pallet Daybed for an Outdoor Entertainment Area is the project that turned a pile of mismatched pallets into a sturdy, two-seater lounge they can enjoy with drinks and a view, rain or shine. The space is sheltered, but heavy rain sometimes blows in, so I designed this build to handle wet weather and come apart for easy transport.
When my daughter bought her first home, she wanted a stylish bedroom straight away, on a tight budget. This DIY barn quilt headboard delivers a bold, geometric statement for a king-size bed without the designer price tag. Built from 12 mm plywood and scrap timber, the pattern echoes classic quilt blocks but feels modern in a stained-or-painted finish. Go big or go home, right?
I turned a pile of old kitchen cupboard doors into a modern, stain-finished timber headboard—an upcycled build that looks custom. My sister wanted a headboard for her granddaughter’s room at her place, but she didn’t want it painted. She needed a piece she could dress with playful kids’ bedding, yet still feel right for adult guests.
I’m always on the hunt for free furniture to upcycle, and this old study desk was perfect for a DIY LEGO desk and activity table with storage. My plan was simple: cut the desk to toddler height, reinforce the frame, turn the drawer fronts into LEGO-style bricks, and keep the top flexible so it works for building, drawing, and crafting.
Patio coolers made from old eskies are all over Pinterest, but I wanted to make something larger and more eye-catching. That’s why I created this Ned Kelly-themed patio cooler using a broken freezer—a fun, functional and totally unique addition to any outdoor space. With plenty of room for drinks and ice, a drain tap, and rustic style, this DIY patio cooler is perfect for your next backyard party.
If you want Christmas magic without a full tree, this Corner Christmas Tree Shelf is a smart alternative. The triangular shelf hugs any corner, looks like a minimalist tree once decorated, and doubles as everyday storage after the holidays. It’s a fast build from plywood, strong enough for décor, and easy to paint to suit your style. A corner footprint saves space in small rooms. The shelves give you styling zones for baubles, lights, and keepsakes. After Christmas, remove the festive decorations and style the space with plants, books, and frames.
I’ve been saving a stack of old wood slices for years, waiting for the right project. Today I’m turning one into an African Sunset Wooden Suncatcher that pairs a warm resin “sky” with a vinyl silhouette of the bush. The colours shift with the light, so the view looks different from every angle—just like the real thing. Although I live in Australia, I grew up in South Africa, and those long drives through game parks inspired this piece.
