How to lighten up your living area

Materials you will need:

Pencil
Measuring tape
Pipe cutter/hacksaw
Combination square
G-clamps
Jigsaw
Paintbrush
Screwdriver
5,5m copper tube, 15mm
8 x copper tees, 15mm
4 x copper elbows, 15mm
8 x copper pipe straps, 15mm
4 x Conex Pushfit tees, 15mm
4 x ball casters
UHU quick-set epoxy
Pine plank
12 x 144 x 2 400 mm
3 x 9,5 mm pan head screws
Leftover primer
Leftover enamel paint

Here’s how you do it

The new owners of this home wanted a Scandinavian look for their living room which serves as a dining room too. They have big, heavy wooden furniture and as the floors and window frames are wood too the room felt dark and full.

Step 1

Paint the floors and window frames white to make the room lighter and more airy. Use Plascon Velvaglo on the window frames and skirting boards, and Plascon water-based floor paint on the floor.

Step 2

The row of small windows made the room feel boxy. We made up light, whimsical curtains that hang from ceiling to floor to emphasise the high ceilings and create the illusion of bigger windows. We put up white steel curtain rods to hang the curtains. The curtains are made from linen voile and they’re hung with pewter rings with clips.

Step 3

Spray-paint the original light fittings grey and added large round bulbs to make them more contemporary.

Make the serving trolley

Step 1

Measure and cut the copper tubing into these lengths: P1 4 of 14 cm, P2 4 of 38 cm, P3 4 of 16 cm, P4 6 of 30 cm, P5 2 of 49 cm.

Step 2

Measure 4 lengths of 60 cm on the pine plank. Clamp the plank to your workbench and cut with the jigsaw.

Step 3

Paint the planks with primer, then with two coats of enamel, letting it dry between coats.

Step 4

To assemble the sides of the trolley, attach the copper tubes, tees and elbows as shown in the picture. Attach the Conex Pushfit tees and casters to the bottom of the legs. Use the epoxy to secure the parts together. Make two.

Step 5

To assemble the sides of the trolley, attach the copper tubes, tees and elbows as shown in the picture. Attach the Conex Pushfit tees and casters to the bottom of the legs. Use the epoxy to secure the parts together. Make two.

Step 6

Using the copper straps and screws, secure the planks in place on the crossbars of the sides.

Step 7

Now your DIY is complete! Feel free to arrange your space as you please. We suggest adding some indoor plants to compliment the look and feel of the bright and spacious living and dining area.