ARE you a dab hand with a paintbrush – or a DIY disaster waiting to happen?
Tonight is the final of Interior Design Masters (BBC1, 9pm), with Alan Carr hosting as our best amateur designers battle it out.
If you have grand designs for the coming bank holiday don’t let common mistakes cost you[/caption]If you have grand designs for the coming bank holiday, don’t let common mistakes cost you.
POOR PLANNING: Printed wallpaper can add a pop of colour but without forward planning, you might underestimate how much you need.
Do your sums and buy a couple more rolls than you require (checking unopened rolls can be returned) in case you need to create that repeat pattern perfectly.
Some of Wilko’s most popular wallpaper is reduced, including a pale rustic brick print, £8 for a ten-metre roll, instead of £10.
READ MORE SUN SAVERS
IT’S A COVER-UP: If you are itching to get colour on your walls, remember to protect furniture, sockets and light switches against paint flecks.
A bargain roll of masking tape is £1.30 for 50 metres at Ryman.
Make it go even further by attaching strips to newspaper to cover sockets and skirting boards.
Spread old sheets to protect floors and furniture.
No sheets? Head to a charity shop.
BAD ANGLES: You might think putting up shelves on your own is easy.
But even a slight angle will put your favourite ornaments in danger.
Get it right first time with the £12 spirit level at Robert Dyas, currently just £9.99.
TOOL UP: Using the wrong tools can cost you time and leave you out of pocket.
When painting, pick synthetic brushes over natural.
They are less likely to splay and leave marks you will need a pro to sort.
Wickes has a great value Prodec trade ten-pack of brushes for £10, designed to help you reach difficult spots.
IMPROPER PLANTING: What you plant outside can end up seriously costing you in the long run.
Sturdy roots bring up driveways and stubborn ivy is tough to remove.
The quickest way to save your cash is to ask your local garden centre for advice before you plant to avoid hefty future bills.
TUCK into a toastie using the Swan Carlton rose-gold sandwich toaster, £16.99 at Home Bargains. RRP £29.99.
SAVE: £13
Spread on some creamy Philadelphia, £1 at Sainsbury’s. Usually £1.95.
SAVE: 95p
SUN Savers members can get two FREE tickets to the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, worth more than £120.
To claim yours, simply collect NINE Sun Savers codes before Tuesday, May 10.
ABSTRACT is the latest trend in bedding design.
While I love the Aura double set at John Lewis for £70, I would instead go for the Pink Summer set £16 from George at Asda.
SAVE: £54
COME up smelling of roses with a free bath bomb from Lush.
Simply head to your nearest store to get yours, while stocks last.
But hurry – this offer is valid for TODAY only, to celebrate World Bath Bomb Day.
STYLE your hair perfectly with the TRESemme 5542PU Salon volume blow-dry set.
Was £25, now £20 from Asda.
SAVE: £5
HEAD to the middle of Lidl for character PJs for £4.99, including Sonic The Hedgehog and Frozen’s Elsa.
JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.
Read More on The Sun
Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.
Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!