Productive things to do at home: 5 DIY Lockdown Projects from Amy Wilson

If you are looking for some inspiration over the next few challenging weeks then look no further, Amy Wilson, renowned interior stylist and founder of Amy Wilson Interiors has put together some ideas for home projects and productive things to do at home during lockdown.

Now is the time to embrace your creativity and find some joy in your home and maybe tick a couple of Christmas gifts off your list too.

1. FURNITURE SHUFFLE

The way we live and enjoy our homes in winter is very different to the summertime so don’t be afraid to have a little furniture shuffle. Bring chairs and sofas away from the walls (even if just a fraction) to make your space more convivial. Light up any dark corners with lamps and candles.

Consider moving a chair into the bedroom for cosy evening reading time. Move any mirrors to walls opposite windows for maximising the power of the low winter sun.

Check out: 26 botanical prints to inject some fauna into your home

2. TURN IT GOLD

I cannot recommend having a go at silver or gold leafing more. It is a simple, relatively cheap and very satisfying way of transforming regular household items. Silver or gold leaf can be bought on-line for a few pounds and a little goes a long way.

Lay the leaf onto plant pots, jam jars, picture frames and see the transformation. Brush away with a dry brush and for extra protection add a layer of varnish. Imagine a little gold leaf on a framed black and white pic as a thoughtful Christmas gift.

3. WREATH MAKING

The key to building the perfect wreath is to go big and max out on foliage. Use fir tree branches , Laurel, Holly & Ivy as the base- sprayed in metallic or neons for a fun alternative. Add in hydrangea heads as these dry beautifully or pick up some cheap supermarket flowers with your weekly shop and swap these out every couple of weeks to keep your wreath looking fresh and new.

Don’t forget something fun and personal- maybe a family photo, some cute xmas decorations, candy canes or go traditional with a large bow. Remember wreaths do not have to stay on the door, hang on your stairs, wall, over the fireplace if you prefer.

4. HOMEMADE WRAPPING PAPER

This is one for the kids. A roll of brown paper and their imagination and the options are endless. Line up the glitter, create your own stamps from old sponges, splatter old tester pots or gather some leaves to paint and print onto the paper.

5. WINTER BEDROOM MAKEOVER

Change your bedding to a deeper richer shade, add in more blankets for layering and pile the cushions high. Consider trailing some fairy lights over your headboard and how about about a few wintry sprigs of Holly on your bedside table? Don’t forget fragrance. Why not make your own reed diffuser with some bamboo skewers and your favourite essential oil fragrance?

So there you have it – 5 home lockdown projects and hopefully something for everyone. With all of these projects the real joy is in the process so take your time and enjoy.