26-year-old woman saves hundreds of pounds with stunning DIY transformation

A 26-year-old woman has saved hundreds of pounds with a DIY fireplace renovation, using just some paint and a roll of vinyl. 
 
Little-Loans.com has partnered with Olivia Batten to inspire Brits on how they can give their home a new lease of life on a budget. Olivia renovated her fireplace for just £110, whereas replacing the fireplace could have cost up to £3,000 (source: Household Quotes). Liv commented:  
 
“Our fireplace was looking tired and outdated, and didn’t fit with our living room decor plans. We considered replacing the tiles or ripping it out altogether, but this would have cost hundreds of pounds. Instead, we transformed the fireplace using vinyl and paint which cost just £110 in total, and I couldn’t be happier with the results.”   
 
Olivia Batten is a Digital Copywriter living in Bristol. She shares her budget home transformations on her TikTok account, @livloves. 

 
How did you transform your fireplace on a budget?  

“The fireplace renovation was easy enough to do, and so cost-effective – a great solution for those who don’t want the costly option of retiling or knocking it down completely. 
 
“First we used fire-resistant spray on the fire gate to upgrade it from chrome to black, which is more in line with the aesthetic of our living room, and much more modern.  
 
“Then we sanded and painted the wooden surround black to match. Finally, we applied the vinyl wrap all over and styled the fireplace with candles and flowers to contrast with the sharp features of the fireplace design.”  

How much did you save with the DIY fireplace transformation?  
 
“The fireplace renovation cost around £110. The vinyl was £90, and the paint was £20. I also borrowed some spray paint, and I used flowers and candles we already owned. 
 
“If you wanted to transform your fireplace for even less, look for discounts on vinyl as this is the biggest expense. The final touches, such as candles and flowers, also make all the difference; have a look in charity shops for some budget buys.” 

What advice would you give to someone wanting to undertake a similar transformation?  
 
“This kind of renovation is simple enough that anyone could do it! The most challenging part is probably applying the vinyl. Only peel small sections off at a time – this will help you to remove air bubbles and is easier to reapply if it’s not properly lined up.”  

How did you plan the design of your fireplace?

“We loved the look of a printed surface on a Victorian fireplace. I thought picking a bold print would create a nice focal point in the living room, and the black and white would be easy to match with the rest of the room.”  

Commenting on Olivia’s story, Dan Whittaker from Little-Loans.com said:  

“People may be put off doing DIY at home due to lack of know-how, but the benefits are endless. Namely, you can make massive savings rather than shelling out for a professional, but it also means that you can transform your space exactly how you want it – plus, you learn a new skill. 
 
“Olivia’s fireplace transformation is a fantastic example of the benefits of DIY. Not only did she transform her living space on a budget, but the results are arguably just as good as that of a professional.”   

These influencer-saving tips have been created in partnership with Little-Loans.com to share ways Brits can save money on home renovations