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B&Q unloved rooms revamp - review thread for MNers getting stuck in! NOW CLOSED

453 replies

TheOtherHelenMumsnet · 17/05/2013 11:30

This thread is for the 20 MNers who have been chosen by B&Q to revamp an unloved room in their home.

Those selected have been sent a B&Q giftcard to buy the things they need to give their unloved room a makeover. They've undertaken to complete the makeover by 3rd June, and will be keeping us up-to-date on how their revamps are going on this thread as well as posting photos.

Please do follow their stories and add your own comments if you want to show some support!

Below are the questions we'd like testers to answer but please feel free to add your own comments too. Please give us a bit of info about the room you're revamping and what you plan to do with it in your response.

  • Why is your unloved room unloved? What do you want to change about it? What has stopped you until now?
  • Where did you get your inspiration for doing up the room from? What sort of style are you going for etc?
  • Have you had much help along the way with the revamp? If so, who from? And what sort of help - practical or ideas-based?!
  • How did you find your shopping experience at B&Q? Were the staff helpful? Did you find anything in store you maybe didn't expect to beforehand?
  • Did you use any of the help and advice that B&Q offer? This includes their videos on YouTube, leaflets and classes in store etc. If so, how useful was that help and advice?
  • If B&Q could do anything more to help you next time you visit, what would it be?
  • Have you had any feedback on what you've done with the room from family/friends? Has the transformation had a big impact on you and/or your family?


If you're not an official tester but would like to be in with a chance of winning a £200 B&Q giftcard, please post on this thread to tell us about your own room revamp successes (or failures!) - we'd love to hear from all MNers who have a room makeover story to share!

Thanks very much
MNHQ
OP posts:
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JParkson · 17/05/2013 18:41

Squee! Firstly, thank you thank you thank you for this!

We will be decorating our master bedroom and our living/main room (all will be clear on the photos)

We had our voucher delivered yesterday, and DH went on a wallpapering course this morning :)

He got so fired up by it that we went shopping as soon as he got back.

3 hours and £324.02 later we have wallpaper, paint, curtains and cushions, as well as all the little gimmicky things DH needs to do the decorating

He was a bit, um, bemused that he had to put his hand in his pocket, and had the cheek to ask whether I actually needed the cushions... Envy

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JParkson · 17/05/2013 18:42

Ah, just seen the 'questions' in the OP... Will answer those later as I'm about to cook our evening meal

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JParkson · 17/05/2013 23:35

Why is your unloved room unloved? What do you want to change about it? What has stopped you until now?
Our bedroom has been neglected since buying the house 7.5 years ago, apart from putting some blinds up and installing a wardrobe which is pretty much built in (it wasn't meant to be, but that's a whole other story!).

I want to freshen it up, as it's quite boring, and is in desperate need of some TLC. Up till now, we've I've only managed to inject some colour by buying cheap and cheerful duvet sets.

Money has been the chief problem. When we have come into a little money, through DH's bonus scheme, or when I was made redundant, we focussed on rooms we felt needed it more, such as retiling the bathroom so we could shower in the bath. Or redecorating DS's room, as his was quite neutral too when we bought the house. Or buying blinds for throughout the house. Our bedroom is a space we left until absolutely necessary to do things with - we installed a ceiling fan a couple of years ago - an absolute godsend with DD1's pg. And we bought our wardrobe after the cheap one we were using fell apart. And most recently, we bought a bunkcot - yet another god-send with 2 DDs and a 10yr old DS who (very understandably) didn't want to share his room with a girl any more!

Where did you get your inspiration for doing up the room from? What sort of style are you going for etc?
It probably sounds cheesy but I do love watching the shows where homes/rooms get refurbished. Sometimes to re-sell the house, and sometimes to thank the house owner. As well as giving the room more identity, we are looking to sell in about a years' time, so although we are personalising the house, we're also mindful that the room has to be neutral enough that someone could move in and live with it.

I've always had a picture in my head of a room I can feel relaxed in, and we've had our fair share of awful bedrooms over the years! The worst was a mess of my own making... I became obsessed with the colour blue, and had everything blue! Blush In a teeny tiny attic bedroom at my parents, DH and I decided after that faux pas that blue was off the menu! We'd never felt so visually cold ever!

Have you had much help along the way with the revamp? If so, who from? And what sort of help - practical or ideas-based?!
Er, not really! DH is very keen to DIHS (do it him self :o ) so is looking for every opportunity possible to kick me out of the house.

To be fair, our house is quite small (2 bed coach-house), and so having me and 3 kids rampaging round will make this quite a challenge!

This weekend, DH is focussing on the bedroom, as he can shut the door and crack on with it. And in a weeks' time, he'll be doing the main room. So I'll be off to my MIL's for a couple of days, so he can really knuckle down and do it. I have suggested on more than one occasion that one or both of my brothers may be able to give him a hand, but he tends to pull a face at me and change the subject.

How did you find your shopping experience at B&Q? Were the staff helpful? Did you find anything in store you maybe didn't expect to beforehand?
I quite enjoyed pottering round the wallpaper and curtain departments to sort out the bedroom. And it was nice knowing that I could buy 6 cushions without having to worry too much about whether I could then afford the wallpaper (or similar)

DH really enjoyed the course he did, and was waxing lyrical about the lady who was running it. He ended up buying some of the equipment he used on the course to help with the wallpapering, so I'm really keen to see how it all works out. (Shh, don't tell him this, but she taught him how to use polyfiller...! I've been trying to tell him for years that he was doing it wrong... but tonight, I have beautifully prepped walls ready for painting and papering!)

DH is sold on B&Q - we used to use another well-known DIY store, mainly because they were conveniently close, and I could collect reward points there. He's declared that whenever we need such supplies, B&Q is where he'll go (I'll hold him to that, as I'm signing up for their club card thingy)

Did you use any of the help and advice that B&Q offer? This includes their videos on YouTube, leaflets and classes in store etc. If so, how useful was that help and advice?
DH did the course, and will be doing the majority all of the decorating, so I have no idea whether he'll use the YouTube and leaflets. I'll make him aware of them though.

If B&Q could do anything more to help you next time you visit, what would it be?
No complaints from either me or DH so far. Staff were very friendly and helped when we asked for assistance.

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ChippyMinton · 18/05/2013 08:19

I've had a few days to plan what to do and today is the day to kick off the actual work - just waiting for DH to vacate our bedroom!

  • Why is your unloved room unloved? What do you want to change about it? What has stopped you until now?


Doing our bedroom, as it's been untouched since we moved in 8 years ago. I made a half-hearted start on painting the walls green but didn't like the colour. Curtains are DD's hand-me-down purple ones, carpet is gray and the bedding is blue. I'd got to point where I didn't notice the mish-mash Blush. We have built-in wardrobes that dominate the room, so my challenge is to detract attention from them and make it fabulous.

We don't have much time for decorating, as there's always upheaval and lots of prep before the actual painting/papering can begin. House is old so it's usually in response to a calamity that rooms get done eg leak above DD's room, ceiling fell down in the front room, hideous internal window got smashed so we removed it and re-built the wall in the back room etc. Next priority should be the downstairs loo with its leaky toilet - not as exciting as doing our bedroom though Grin


  • Where did you get your inspiration for doing up the room from? What sort of style are you going for etc?


I've set up a Pinterest board to gather ideas. I usually go for plain walls but as DH offered to wallpaper, I've been looking at wallpaper too. Hoping for an eclectic boutique hotel vibe, mixing in old and new and revamping and updating the furniture. Hard to describe without sounding poncy lol.

  • Have you had much help along the way with the revamp? If so, who from? And what sort of help - practical or ideas-based?!


My friend (who has a lovely home) and I loaded 3 trolleys with stuff at B&Q yesterday, as I couldn't decide between two colours schemes. Wallpaper samples were pinned up behind the bed, and the matching cushions, curtains, lampshades set out in front. Then everyone who came in the house was invited to vote - 11 in total and only 12 votes for my favourite Confused Might have to declare the vote null and void.

  • How did you find your shopping experience at B&Q? Were the staff helpful? Did you find anything in store you maybe didn't expect to beforehand?


The staff were lovely. It was pretty quiet, which helped, as we were draping lengths of wallpaper around curtain displays and piling up lampshades and cushions, and inviting random customers and staff to comment.

The Colours range made it easy to co-ordinate lampshades and soft furnishings. Found some gorgeous handles for the wardrobes which will tie it into the colour scheme.

  • Did you use any of the help and advice that B&Q offer? This includes their videos on YouTube, leaflets and classes in store etc. If so, how useful was that help and advice?


Have looked at the videos, and will be signing up for a class. To be fair though, DH and I are fairly confident DIY-ers, so feel able to get on with the project in the meantime.


  • If B&Q could do anything more to help you next time you visit, what would it be?


Will have a think. The store was pretty well laid out but some of the signposting could be better.

  • Have you had any feedback on what you've done with the room from family/friends? Has the transformation had a big impact on you and/or your family?


Not yet, but will keep you updated.
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PastaBeeandCheese · 18/05/2013 08:53

Ooo. I'm very jealous of the MNetters picked for the revamp. I'd love a B&Q gift card to help me make a toddler bedroom for DD who will need to clear out the nursery for a new baby!

We have just revamped our unloved conservatory and made a playroom.

We have other reception rooms and it was just a bare brick horror when we moved in with cracked floor tiles.

I mainly ignored it but as DD's toy collection grew it seemed a good idea to revamp it and find a way to heat it so toys could be put out there.

I started by having it plastered and visited B&Q to choose paint and flooring and get heating advice.

We chose a soft green paint from Dulux Endurance range and bevel lock oak flooring. The guy advised us we could lay it straight over the tiles if we had the clearance under the door which fortunately we do. DH insisted on buying a scary looking saw to cut the flooring to size.

All the convection heaters they had for sale were fugly but the sales assistant in fires showed us how we could install an electric fire which we have done. Really heats the room quickly when there isn't any sun.

The room is lovely now. The doors lead out into the garden so aside from being a great place for toys I can sit and enjoy the sunshine and keep an eye on DD pottering in the garden.

Good luck to the revampers. Looking forward to seeing pics!

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nevergoogle · 18/05/2013 13:00

Count me in!

I'm doing my living room as it's the most used room and the room we've done least to since we moved in 5 months ago. It's unloved because since moving in DH and I have been working full time and after buying the house there was nothing left in the decorating piggy bank.

I've uploaded some before pictures to my profile for you to see and maybe give me some ideas of what to do.

We currently have mismatched donated furniture, and no pictures or shelves up. If fact there is one picture which is hung where it is as that's where the hook was already from the previous owner and looks wrong with our picture. The paint on the coving is flaking due to the previous owners penchant for sellotaping balloons up for parties I think.

Before I found out I'd been selected I already had purchased some retro curtains funded by my MIL and had started to think about how I could decorate the room with their colour scheme in mind, so I'm going to stick with that plan. I also have shelf brackets already but need the wood. A new sofa cover for the red one was ordered a while ago. (Come on ikea, don't let me down), and i'm thinking of dying the greeny one.

In my mind it will be fabulous and I've entertained myself with a pinterest mood board to imagine how it will look for months now. But now it could become a reality, I'm a bit overwhelmed with such a big project in a short period of time.

I like retro/70's, I like geometric patterns, I love mustard/chartreuse/grey/duck egg blue colour schemes.

I'm off to clear the room now so we can get started tomorrow.

Thank you so much B&Q and Mumsnet!

NGx

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Londonseye · 18/05/2013 18:44
  • Why is your unloved room unloved? What do you want to change about it? What has stopped you until now?


Our unloved room is the bedroom. It's been the same since we moved in, very slapdash attempt to make it liveable prior to moving in, but nothing since. It is a dumping ground for things that have no home. We want to repaint it all and make it something that is a bit more of a sanctuary and ours. Bedrooms should be a space you feel is your own, and we don't have that right now. We will eventually need new wardrobes, and doors etc. Mainly it has been time and money that has stopped us. We always had other things to spend money on or fix, because our room was functional so was alway put on the back burn.

  • Where did you get your inspiration for doing up the room from? What sort of style are you going for etc?


We are going for a Moroccan feal. I like warm colours, of blues, oranges and yellows etc. We got inspiration by looking online at images we both liked. It had to be a bit of a fusion since there are two of us sharing it. It's a bit of give and take.

  • Have you had much help along the way with the revamp? If so, who from? And what sort of help - practical or ideas-based?!


Nope we have pretty much done it all ourselves. We are both practical and artistic so our concept wasn't hard to see to fruition.

  • How did you find your shopping experience at B&Q? Were the staff helpful? Did you find anything in store you maybe didn't expect to beforehand?


Staff were really nice. We shopped the other day and spent £176 of our voucher. We did find a bench of bargain items and managed to get 3 sets of curtains for our room and the kids rooms for the lovely price of £9 for them all!! We found some throws for our bed which I never expected to find. For paint we went with a mixture of the Colours range and it was really easy. We got bedside lamps etc as well.

  • Did you use any of the help and advice that B&Q offer? This includes their videos on YouTube, leaflets and classes in store etc. If so, how useful was that help and advice?


We did get a leaflet on wallpapering but decided not to do that. We also picked up one on hanging doors for further down the line.

  • If B&Q could do anything more to help you next time you visit, what would it be?


Honestly? Nothing, the staff were helpful.

  • Have you had any feedback on what you've done with the room from family/friends? Has the transformation had a big impact on you and/or your family?


It is getting done as we speak. Painting is all done, needs finishing touches, so will report back with this and before and after photos.
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eteo · 18/05/2013 19:40

Thank you for picking me!

  • Why is your unloved room unloved? What do you want to change about it? What has stopped you until now?


The room used to be nursery but my children moved to a bigger room and since it had been a dumping ground. I love to convert into study room.

  • Where did you get your inspiration for doing up the room from? What sort of style are you going for etc?


I wanted it to be white with a features wall. Looking at silver, black brownish wallpaper. But today after visit the shop, I changed my mind. I picked a pick wallpaper instead.
There are so many examples at the store but I am too overwhelming! In the end, I just went for anything that look pink.

  • Have you had much help along the way with the revamp? If so, who from? And what sort of help - practical or ideas-based?!


My children influence me and I changed my mind and decided to get something pink!

  • How did you find your shopping experience at B&Q? Were the staff helpful? Did you find anything in store you maybe didn't expect to beforehand?


Yes, everyone is very helpful. The shop is not very well stocked as everything is all over the place. Boxes everywhere.
There are so many soft furnishing which are so pretty.

  • Did you use any of the help and advice that B&Q offer? This includes their videos on YouTube, leaflets and classes in store etc. If so, how useful was that help and advice?

Yes, I watch the how to paste wall paper. It was good. I will try to do it tomorrow night!

  • If B&Q could do anything more to help you next time you visit, what

would it be?

To stock up their paints.

  • Have you had any feedback on what you've done with the room from family/friends? Has the transformation had a big impact on you and/or your family?

Will let you know!
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eteo · 18/05/2013 19:55

This is my unloved room. It is like a dumping ground.

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Londonseye · 18/05/2013 19:56

Aw crap. See this has spurred us right on. New bedroom furniture arrives on the 3rd of June Grin. Then we will get carpets for the whole of the upstairs, the kids rooms are getting decorated next week. The voucher has helped us greatly but it's going to end up costing three times that Blush. But we need it, so this revamp just gave us the motivation to do it!

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eteo · 18/05/2013 19:56

This is my empty room that I am going to do the painting now!

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nevergoogle · 18/05/2013 20:30

Our unloved living room.

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ChippyMinton · 18/05/2013 21:15

Before pic of our bedroom, with wallpaper samples pinned up.

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ChippyMinton · 18/05/2013 21:18

Cleared and ready for decorating - it looks a million times better without all the clutter and hand-me-downs Smile

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nevergoogle · 18/05/2013 21:30

Looks like a good room Chippy, have you decided on a wallpaper and paint?

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katiewalters · 18/05/2013 21:49

We have chosen to do our bedroom (mine and my partners), as it definately needs a revamp. It is boring, magnolia walls, and it has been that way since we have been here nearly 4years now. We have never done anything to it, as there always other things that you need to spend money on, such as bills, the kids, etc so we've never had any spare money to do anything to it. Its bland, needs brightening up with some colour, some new accessories, and some more storage would be good. As we only have a large set of drawers which myself and my partner use, but it doesnt hold all of our clothes. We would most likely get another chest of drawers or something, as we wouldnt have room for a wardrobe I dont think, as we are expecting in july, and the babies wardrobe is in our room as it wouldnt fit in my sons bedroom. We havent even got a lampshade, so would definately get some of those. We would get some new, bright, good quality curtains which will be lined. At the moment we have plain brown ones, that were just cheap from Argos, and arent lined, so all the light comes through, and they have been discoloured from where the light shines on them.
We havent decided yet on paint or wallpaper, but I know I want something modern and bright. In the next couple of days we will visit b&q to get all our bits and bobs, so will look around there for inspiration and decided exactly what to get. I will speak to my mom for ideas as well, as she loves decorating, shes does her rooms herself and always has nice colours, ideas and accessories for her rooms.
My partner primarily will be doing most of the revamp. I will help with the choosing of things, and the easy bits, but I am 32 weeks pregnant, so I have an excuse. Im sure he will rope some of his friends in to give him a hand.
I will post a picture of our bedroom.

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ChippyMinton · 18/05/2013 22:00

Either this red & grey paper if we are brave enough to go dark on one wall -
Or this grey with duck egg and lime accents if we keep it light.
Surprisingly they both work with the same neutral paint and grey curtains and lampshades.
I'm going to cover the headboard with charcoal fabric, and finish it with nailhead trim.

Can't see your picture for some reason, nevergoogle. How are you getting on?

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nevergoogle · 18/05/2013 23:01

ooh i like the red and grey best.

we're at the arguing about when we are going to get started point, although DH was working today and was bombarded by a very enthusiastic crazed interior designer instead of his wife when he came home.

I cleared the room today and have moved all of the furniture into the middle of the room.

Hopefully some more progress tomorrow.

I've put some before pics on my profile also, so you might be able to see them there.

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ChippyMinton · 18/05/2013 23:10

Red & grey it is then Wink
Are your new curtains the ones in the pic?
What colour is the new sofa cover?
Have you ventured in store yet?

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nevergoogle · 18/05/2013 23:28

the new curtains are in the before pic, i need to take them up by 4 inches so need to get onto that soon too.
the new sofa cover is supposed to be dark grey (if it ever arrives).
i've been to the most local one which was fine, but then ventured to the Plymouth store which was huge and had much more stock and inspiration.

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ChippyMinton · 18/05/2013 23:37

They look lovely. Charcoal grey is definitely having a moment right now.

Is there a way of telling which are the best-stocked stores, I wonder? The one I went to was pretty big, but there's another I could try too.

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Bakingnovice · 18/05/2013 23:43

Charcoal grey is very in.

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nevergoogle · 18/05/2013 23:56

I think the B&Q Warehouses are the biggest. You can search for stores on the website.

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Babieseverywhere · 19/05/2013 11:02

We will be decorating our children's main bedroom. :)

I am currently planning a budget for the gift card money, measuring up and getting my husband to do the pre photos and we have rashly bought a second hand bed frame to match the paint I have not bought yet !

So our colour scheme is set of a lilac and pink main wall and three walls of a nice warm yellowish cream neutral walls. So I don't need sunglasses when I have to clean up in there.

Will answer all the questions posted by lovely Helen once we have done the shopping :)

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Babieseverywhere · 19/05/2013 13:24

Hmm, I can't find the matching chairs to this chair

Also I might be dong something wrong but I can't get to Kids Wall and Floor page It just takes me to very lovely princess stickers, not kids walls and floors index as I thought it would, iyswim.

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