DIY Mum Creates Relaxing Spa-Like Bathroom Full Of Flowers For Just £206
- Samantha Bedford, 36, wanted a space in her home where she could relax
- She created a spa at home in her bathroom for just £206
- She built a wooden slatted wall using B&Q plywood and created a gorgeous hanging plant feature using Shein bargains
Your bathroom might seem a world away from a relaxing spa.
But one mum was determined to bring the zen of the spa to her own bathroom.
Samantha Bedford, 36, a full-time mum of two from the West Midlands, really wanted a space in her home where she could relax.
She decided to create a spa feeling at home.
Samantha built a wooden slatted wall using B&Q plywood and completed the look by creating a gorgeous hanging plant feature, using artificial flowers she bought on Shein.
Samantha told money-saving Facebook group DIY On A Budget UK: "The idea of my bathroom was just that I wanted a place where I could really relax and escape the everyday pressures of life.
"I also suffer from a lot of anxiety too so this also helped.
"I wanted it to have a feel like I was in another destination and because I do play relaxing spa music when I normally have a bath, I just rolled with the theme.
“As soon as I had decided that was how I wanted it, the ideas were flowing in my head.
“I researched different spas just to get an idea of how I wanted my finished bathroom to look.
"I am generally very creative and I will try my hand at anything.
"I thought of making a wooden slatted wall but it was working out too expensive to buy the pre-cut slats so I purchased some 5mm plywood from B&Q and got it cut by my brother who has a table saw.
“The 5mm plywood I got from B&Q at £12.97 per board. I used four boards which came to £51.88.
"I wanted the slats one and a half inches wide.
“I painted the wall black with paint leftover from a previous time.
“The gaps are 6mm between each slat on my wall.
“The slats were installed with a nail gun.
"The paint used for the wood is actually fence paint which I had already and it was the colour I wanted too so I also used the same paint on the hanging frame.
“Whenever I had a bath I could just envision plants draping above me with lights too so I had to make it happen, it was my best idea yet!
"I started by looking for some sort of grid but whilst searching online it was all too expensive for my liking, so on a trip to The Range, I found some flexible mesh in their garden centre for £4.99: that was more like it!
“Also, the size was perfect too so there was no need to cut it.
"The wood around the panel I already had so I just cleaned it up, planed and sanded it, cut it to the required size and used the fence paint again to finish it.
“The grid was attached by using galvanized staples.
"I purchased the artificial plants from Shein and used vouchers and points which I got from reviewing previous orders to get money knocked off my order.
“For the plants I ordered nine orchids which would have been £3 per stem but I got them for £2.35 each.
“I got nine vines for inside the frame, they came in a pack of three and would have cost £1.75 each but I paid £1.37.
“I got six hanging vines for outside of the frame for £2.99 each but I paid £2.35 each.
“Overall, the cost for the flowers was £47.35 including delivery.
“They are attached by cable ties and a weaving motion through the grid.
"I screwed in some chainplates which were from my local hardware store which were around £2 for two.
“I attached snap hooks to the chainplates and also to a heavy duty large hook screwed straight into the joist.
“There are microlights also which adds to the atmosphere which cost £2 from Primark Home.
“Most of the expense was on making the hanging plant feature but it was worth every penny.
“The next part was the stones which are actually flower pot toppers.
"I used around five bags at £1.50 from Wilko and one tube with larger pebbles from The Range which were reduced to 75p as there was no lid.
"The flooring is lino and cost £65 with fitting from my local carpet shop.
"Overall I feel like I could have done some things even cheaper but I am overwhelmed how well it all turned out.
"The total including flooring and fitting was £206.
"I feel like I have proven any budget is possible if you really set your mind to it.
“If you plan long enough and shop around it works out better.
“This has inspired me to take it further and also utilise freecycle sites and even charity shops as there's always a chance they could have what you need for either free or a small price.
"I am in love with my new bathroom!
“Some of my friends told me I was missing a trick not getting into interior design as a career.
“Having little confidence in myself, I decided to test the waters by posting a few pictures on social media and the response I got blew me away.
“There is more where that all comes from and I feel like this could be the start to a new journey.
“My kids actually queue up for bathtime now, they are very proud of it.
“If I could give any advice it would be express your own personality in your home, because trends come and go!
“Create a room that reflects your personality and who you are, trends die quickly and who you are is forever.
“Anything is achievable even on a budget if you set your mind to it.
"I feel for me this is the start of something new and I feel this could be my calling!”
Tom Church, co-founder of LatestDeals.co.uk, comments: “Hanging plant features are showing no sign of slowing in popularity, and are a great idea for a bathroom.
“Samantha has done so well on a small budget - I can’t believe the £206 not only includes the slatted wall and the hanging plants, but also includes flooring and fitting too!"
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