Diy home projects: trend shifts from home office to outdoor space

Our interest in DIY projects has boomed by 800 per cent over the past year but the home office is now so passe. These are the new ‘it’ DIY trends.

Our interest in DIY and craft projects has boomed by as much as 800 per cent over the past year, with an incredible flow on effect to our homes and our lives.

As the pandemic enters its second year, Aussies are moving away from a DIY focus on the home office to an emphasis on outdoor areas, gardening, home organisation and cosying up our castles.

We will spend more than $4000 each on average on home improvement this year with at least one in four Australians planning a DIY project on the Easter long weekend, traditionally the busiest weekend of the year.

“Today’s DIY-ers as the modern day hunters and gatherers.” – Barry Dubois

According to do-it-yourself expert Barry DuBois, from Ten’s The Living Room, DIY is playing a key role in the evolution of modern life.

“I like to think of today’s DIY-ers as the modern day hunters and gatherers, who want to achieve something for their village,” he said.

“They want to make a difference at home, and they head off to the aisles of Bunnings or hardware stores, and bring back stuff to make.”

According to research from national home and lifestyle retailer Bunnings, Aussies are planning on spending an average of $4,100 on home improvement in 2021.

Factors behind the DIY boom – digital magazine app Readly says interest in DIY and craft projects went up a staggering 822 per cent in the past year – are variable.

Lifestyle enhancement, adding value to your home and newfound DIY confidence are all key motives.

Aussies will spend around $4000 each on home improvement this year. Picture: Ivan Samkov/Pexels

“People who usually wouldn’t have the time or belief in their skill set used lockdown as an opportunity to give DIY a go and have ended up finding a new sense of confidence and hobby,” Bunnings General Manager of Merchandise, Tracey Lefebure said.

Ms Lefebure predicts DIYers will also be focusing on their outdoor areas, using the extended weekend to build that dream deck, lay paving or build garden beds with people’s interest in growing their own produce another trend that continues to grow.

Home organisation is another big trend, as people are prepar to hibernate in their homes in the coming cooler months.

Ikea reports home consumers are focusing on rugs, decoration items, and home textiles.

“The surge in these products suggests that people are investing the time into cosying up their homes ahead of the cooler months and creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in their space,” an Ikea spokesperson said.

Matt Carman with daughters Adeline and Lil, who have been progressively fixing their home. Picture Matt Turner.

Matt Carmen’s DIY mega-project is renovating his 1930s character home into something more modern with an open floor plan.

“I suggest you live in a house for a couple of years before you do anything major,” he said.

Mr Carmen said having time to live in a home to see how the natural light affects it throughout the year and where it needs more of it, is integral to future proofing a home.

Stuart Tucker of online trades platform hipages says before any DIY is attempted you should ask yourself ‘Do I have the necessary tools and expertise?’

“Too many homeowners jump into DIY with little to no knowledge of what is required,” he says. “It’s usually uncovered halfway through that they don’t have the right tools, materials or expertise. Always do your research upfront before you get started.”

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Originally published as Diy home projects: trend shifts from home office to outdoor space