Real renovations: 10 must-follow Instagram accounts if you're planning home improvements
Spring is one of the best times to tackle a big DIY project thanks to the hopefully warmer weather and longer days. But it can be daunting to decided what to tackle first.
Luckily Instagram is a hive of renovation activity, making it the perfect place for inspiration.
But which accounts should you follow to stay ahead of the trends and feel properly inspired?
Take a look at the gallery above or scroll down below to see our favourite Instagrammers who are renovating their dream house.
Be warned though, you'll want to start your dream project as soon as you start scrolling.
1. Best for Scandi style: Restoring Lansdown
With a love of striking dark decor and mid-century interiors, Instagrammer Kristine is currently renovating her Victorian terrace.
Follow her account for monochrome shades and great vintage-inspired furniture.
Her transformation of a dingy shower room into a stylish compact downstairs bathroom is particularly impressive — especially the on-trend gallery wall.
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bf6iWLRlcaJ/" data-instgrm-version="8"> <div> <div> <div> </div> </div> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bf6iWLRlcaJ/" target="_blank" class="body-link" data-vars-item-name="BL-118356-https://www.instagram.com/p/Bf6iWLRlcaJ/" data-vars-event-id="c23">Evening guys 🌙 What a day yesterday at @occasionalhome! I had a brilliant time poking around all the gorgeous stalls and meeting so many lovely insta-legends including the incredible lady who made it all happen @malmo_and_moss, the gorgeous @jazzierere @lexden_home and @nest_twenty_eight, our fabulous #sassyhomestyle captain @hornsby_style, amazing insta-pioneers @deecampling and @_lisa_dawson_, and the super lovely @_charlottesweeting @vintagecuratorinteriors @matthewshawinterior_styling @jo_rigg.at54 @hels_home @thecraftyfox.uk @daniellellp @angelabuntcreative...and so many more that I can't list you all ❤ Although I'm sure it went mostly unnoticed there may have been a *tiny* amount of prosecco-guzzling going on (cough we cleaned the place out cough 😯) so let's just say I'm not quite feeling fresh as a daisy today. I blame @hornsby_style who bought the first ticket for the prosecco train and welcomed us all on board toot toot 🥂 So I'm off to watch Homeland and then an early night is probably on the cards. Hope you're all having a cozy Sunday . . . . . #inchyrablue #fireplace #fireplace #fireplacemantle #mantle #mantlepiece #mantledecor #fireplacedecor #fireplacemantel #darkinteriors #modernvintage #livingroomdecor #livingroominspo #loungeinspo #lounge #sittingroomdecor #interiorstyled #victorianhome #victorianterrace #victorianhouse #housesoflondon #apartmenttherapy #designsponge #moderninteriors #dslooking #dscolor #colourmyhome #myhomeforhp #midmod</a> A post shared by <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/restoringlansdowne/" target="_blank" class="body-link" data-vars-item-name="BL-118356-https://www.instagram.com/restoringlansdowne/" data-vars-event-id="c23"> Kristine</a> (@restoringlansdowne) on <time datetime="2018-03-04T20:25:32+00:00">Mar 4, 2018 at 12:25pm PS</time> </div>
2. Best for freshening up period features: Renovating No 66
16 months (and counting) into a mammoth house renovating project, art teacher Rachael has put painstaking time and effort into bringing her Victorian home into the 21st century.
She has kept some original features and added modern touches like the gold taps and marble work surfaces.
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Be3RMAIldv_/" data-instgrm-version="8"> <div> <div> <div> </div> </div> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Be3RMAIldv_/" target="_blank" class="body-link" data-vars-item-name="BL-118356-https://www.instagram.com/p/Be3RMAIldv_/" data-vars-event-id="c23">HAPPY DAYS• Last week was a long, busy week! Thankfully this one isn’t... Just wanted to say thank you for the hallway tile input. It’s a keeper, just a lot of graft... anyone fancy helping 😉💪🏻 #tuesday #tuesdaymotivation #busy #busymom #toddlermom #teacher #teachersofinstagram #thankyou #instafamily #tiles #ihavethisthingwithtiles #kitchen #kitchendesign #kitchendecor #kitchendecoration #oakflooring #flooring #bespoke #positivevibes #benice #workhard #behappy #happyday #victorianhouse #renovation #renovating #renovationhouse #diy</a> A post shared by <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/renovating.no.66/" target="_blank" class="body-link" data-vars-item-name="BL-118356-https://www.instagram.com/renovating.no.66/" data-vars-event-id="c23"> Rachael Ball</a> (@renovating.no.66) on <time datetime="2018-02-06T17:26:29+00:00">Feb 6, 2018 at 9:26am PST</time> </div>
3. Best for seeing work in progress: That 1920s House
Liverpudlian Jen keeps it real with her before and after Instagram shots so you can see just how far the project has progressed.
She's currently picking tiles for her kitchen and we can't wait to see what she comes up with.
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BeGaa8qho8b/" data-instgrm-version="8"> <div> <div> <div> </div> </div> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BeGaa8qho8b/" target="_blank" class="body-link" data-vars-item-name="BL-118356-https://www.instagram.com/p/BeGaa8qho8b/" data-vars-event-id="c23">- Art - Nicked some of the very few framed prints I have from round the rest of the house to see how it might start looking at this end of the kitchen. I don’t use this area much yet so would be nice to cosy it up a bit more. Also testing out my throw as a rug as can’t decide what type/colour of rug to go for here. There’s a tatty Ikea one underneath here at the min so anything is an improvement! I’m quite liking the monochrome just not sure with the rest of the kitchen being blue/grey? Wall colour: Strong White by @farrowandball #artwork #monochrome #pink #pinksofa #velvetsofa #jungalowstyle #farrowandball #sassyhomestyle #styleithappy #scandinaviandesign #scandi #rustichome #apartmenttherapy #myhyggehome #interieur #interior4all #interior123 #mynordicroom #homeinspo #sodomino #idealhome #desenio #colourmyhome</a> A post shared by <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/that.1920s.house/" target="_blank" class="body-link" data-vars-item-name="BL-118356-https://www.instagram.com/that.1920s.house/" data-vars-event-id="c23"> Jen...@...that1920shouse</a> (@that.1920s.house) on <time datetime="2018-01-18T18:04:23+00:00">Jan 18, 2018 at 10:04am PST</time> </div>
4. Best for luxurious touches: Lexden Home
The owner of Lexden Home has been painstakingly restoring her Victorian property having bought it after 40 years standing vacant.
One of her latest projects saw vintage-style tiles laid in the hallway and three floors of hallway panelling painted in the social media favourite, Farrow & Ball Hague Blue paint.
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BamUmqkFzNx/" data-instgrm-version="8"> <div> <div> <div> </div> </div> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BamUmqkFzNx/" target="_blank" class="body-link" data-vars-item-name="BL-118356-https://www.instagram.com/p/BamUmqkFzNx/" data-vars-event-id="c23">Dragged the OH to @homesense_ukie yesterday and picked up the giant pouffe. The kids have been bouncing off it all day whilst I'm screaming at them to mind my plants. Yep I've turned into a crazy plant lady 😂 the woven bamboo basket is from @alsohomeuk Also I'm looking for a large Afghan rug (one that doesn't cost an arm and a leg) for this area if anyone knows where I can pick up a bargain please let me know xx . . . #interior #interiorstyling #interior4all #atmine #interiorinspo #myhome #styleitdark #farrowandball #styleithappy #apartmenttherapy #myhousethismonth #cornerofmyhome #sassyhomestyle #interiordecor #homeinspo #housetohome #livingroomdecor #darkinteriors #luxuryinteriorsonabudget #midcentury #midcenturymodern #sideboard #herringbone #parquet #homeideas #stendig #pouffe #myhomestyle #myhomevibe #gallerywall</a> A post shared by @<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/lexden_home/" target="_blank" class="body-link" data-vars-item-name="BL-118356-https://www.instagram.com/lexden_home/" data-vars-event-id="c23"> lexden_home</a> on <time datetime="2017-10-23T17:23:40+00:00">Oct 23, 2017 at 10:23am PDT</time> </div>
5. Best for upcycling fans: Life at Eighty Six
We love seeing the upcycling projects of Jen and Grant in their 1890s Manchester house.
They've recently painted a tired pine chest of drawers matte black and finished it off with luxe gold handles. Follow along to see what projects they tackle next.
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bfln-fRjxzO/" data-instgrm-version="8"> <div> <div> <div> </div> </div> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bfln-fRjxzO/" target="_blank" class="body-link" data-vars-item-name="BL-118356-https://www.instagram.com/p/Bfln-fRjxzO/" data-vars-event-id="c23">When this used to be the room we mixed cement, stored paint and built stuff in...🙃 - #diningroomdecor #diningroomdesign #cornerofmyhome #styleithappy #myhomevibe #chandelier #dailydecordose #mygorgeousgaff #walltowallstyle #homeinspo #midcenturymodern #pursuepretty #interiorwarrior #myhousethismonth #victorianhouse #ikeahack #drinkscabinet #shelfie</a> A post shared by <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/lifeateightysix/" target="_blank" class="body-link" data-vars-item-name="BL-118356-https://www.instagram.com/lifeateightysix/" data-vars-event-id="c23"> Jen & Grant</a> (@lifeateightysix) on <time datetime="2018-02-24T17:30:41+00:00">Feb 24, 2018 at 9:30am PST</time> </div>
6. Best for modern country style: Golden Fox Cottage
Perfect for those dreaming of life in the countryside, Golden Fox Cottage takes followers on a journey as she creates her dream home.
Full of rustic charm, you'll fall in love with the quirky kitchen details and traditional exposed beams.
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BeFy5fAlqhE/" data-instgrm-version="8"> <div> <div> <div> </div> </div> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BeFy5fAlqhE/" target="_blank" class="body-link" data-vars-item-name="BL-118356-https://www.instagram.com/p/BeFy5fAlqhE/" data-vars-event-id="c23">I’ve been looking at some old photos and can’t believe how much our kitchen has changed in the last year (take a peek at my stories to see our renovation story so far) 🏡</a> A post shared by <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/goldenfoxcottage/" target="_blank" class="body-link" data-vars-item-name="BL-118356-https://www.instagram.com/goldenfoxcottage/" data-vars-event-id="c23"> Fox Cottage 🦊🌿</a> (@goldenfoxcottage) on <time datetime="2018-01-18T12:19:02+00:00">Jan 18, 2018 at 4:19am PST</time> </div>
7. Best for exploring your dark side: Becca in Bath
Those with an eye for the dark side will love Becca's moody interiors in her Victorian home.
The cool black kitchen taps are a particular highlight.
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BfscDcfFiO_/" data-instgrm-version="8"> <div> <div> <div> </div> </div> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BfscDcfFiO_/" target="_blank" class="body-link" data-vars-item-name="BL-118356-https://www.instagram.com/p/BfscDcfFiO_/" data-vars-event-id="c23">Sadly no snow where we are this morning but boy does Bath look pretty when the sun shines. Feels like we have hit a bit of a wall in the renovation stakes in that we’re pretty much done with all the big stuff but lots of finishing off to do so there’s not much new to show at the moment. I’ve still got lots of plans for in here and for the other end of the room where our dining table is but these last little bits seem to take forever. I guess that’s what they call #renovationfatigue - anyone else in the same boat??</a> A post shared by <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/becca_in_bath/" target="_blank" class="body-link" data-vars-item-name="BL-118356-https://www.instagram.com/becca_in_bath/" data-vars-event-id="c23"> Becca W</a> (@becca_in_bath) on <time datetime="2018-02-27T09:01:11+00:00">Feb 27, 2018 at 1:01am PST</time> </div>
8. Best for colour addicts: Come Down to the Woods
The self-confessed owner of a 'Peach Palace', Katie has made it her mission to turn her home into a riot of colour and clashing patterns.
A great account to follow when you're struggling to see the light at the end of a very long renovation tunnel.
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BfsSHojFlic/" data-instgrm-version="8"> <div> <div> <div> </div> </div> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BfsSHojFlic/" target="_blank" class="body-link" data-vars-item-name="BL-118356-https://www.instagram.com/p/BfsSHojFlic/" data-vars-event-id="c23">Committing every instagram sin here by posting a photo which wasn’t taken in daylight. Who cares! I’m going to post what makes me happy and this cosy shot does. It’s a lottery at who it gets shown to anyway right? I’ve been reading lots of posts recently on people getting disheartened with Insta. Don’t worry, I’m not going to start algo-bashing but I do understand it can be disappointing if you’ve put your heart and soul into a post. If a post bombs who cares? It’s only instagram, social media can not dictate your worth. Fill your happy cup in as many different ways you can. Talking of which, I’m off to cuddle my bin lids. . . . . #styleithappy #bathroom #bathroomdecor #theartofslowliving #pursuepretty #thatsdarling #tiletuesday #ihavethisthingwithtiles #freestandingbath #sodomino #finditstyleit #apartmenttherapy #designsponge #cosy #metime #selfcare #momentslikethese #interiorandhome #interiores #instagood #interiorismo #interiorwarrior #interiorinspirasjon #interior4all #homeinterior #myinterior #actualinstagramhomes</a> A post shared by <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/comedowntothewoods/" target="_blank" class="body-link" data-vars-item-name="BL-118356-https://www.instagram.com/comedowntothewoods/" data-vars-event-id="c23"> Katie Woods</a> (@comedowntothewoods) on <time datetime="2018-02-27T07:34:23+00:00">Feb 26, 2018 at 11:34pm PST</time> </div>
9. Best for ethical decorators: Suszi Saunders
Determined to create a cruelty free and vegan home, Suszi is renovating her Victorian terrace in the capital.
A fan of bold patterns, the palm print wallpaper and handmade copper pipe radiator in her bathroom are stand out features.
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bfu7D2bFV4R/" data-instgrm-version="8"> <div> <div> <div> </div> </div> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bfu7D2bFV4R/" target="_blank" class="body-link" data-vars-item-name="BL-118356-https://www.instagram.com/p/Bfu7D2bFV4R/" data-vars-event-id="c23">Snowy sunshine this morning in London ❄️☀️❄️ . . . . #victorianhouse #victorianterrace #victorianfireplace #fireplace #fireplacedecor #interiors #interiorstyle #interiormilk #parquet #parquetfloor #crittall #upcycled #darkdecor #darkwalls #greywalls #instahomes #realhomes #beautifulspaces #livingroominspo #livingroomideas #livingroomstyle #styleitdark #mantledecor #farrowandball #plantstyling #myhomevibe #designsponge #manteldecor #windowmirror #antiquemirror</a> A post shared by <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/suszi_saunders/" target="_blank" class="body-link" data-vars-item-name="BL-118356-https://www.instagram.com/suszi_saunders/" data-vars-event-id="c23"> Suszi Saunders</a> (@suszi_saunders) on <time datetime="2018-02-28T08:10:36+00:00">Feb 28, 2018 at 12:10am PST</time> </div>
10. Best for quirky touches: The Old Piggery
This couple is putting a stylish stamp on their Forties pig farm.
The result is an interiors dream thanks to the beautiful copper bath, inky blue textured walls and vibrant green hexagonal tiles.
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba8b12Ajqc2/" data-instgrm-version="8"> <div> <div> <div> </div> </div> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba8b12Ajqc2/" target="_blank" class="body-link" data-vars-item-name="BL-118356-https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba8b12Ajqc2/" data-vars-event-id="c23">I hope you had fun last night celebrating Halloween.We chilled and watched more of Stranger things!!!! We had friends round at the weekend to watch it on our new projector.We don't have much furniture in the house at the moment as we are still painting!! So everyone bought something to sit on!! So funny blow up beds,camping chairs you get the picture.Proper old fashioned slumber party!! Our beautiful green bathroom so so so close to being finished!! 💕 . . . . . . #bathroomenvy #bathroomdecor #bathroominspo #ekbbhome #myhomevibe #colourmyhome #interiorboom #interieuraddict #interiorinspirasjon #encaustictiles #ihavethisthingwithtiles #ihavethisthingwithfloors #ihavethisthingwithwalls #tilestyle #tileenvy #greentiles #hexagontiles #bathroominspo #housebeautiful #flashesofdelight #lovemyrenovation #myhomeforhp #myhometoinspire #inspiremyinstagram #persuepretty #bathroomremodel #industrailfarmhouse #currentdesignsituation #myhomeforhp #bathroomgoals</a> A post shared by <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/theoldpiggery_/" target="_blank" class="body-link" data-vars-item-name="BL-118356-https://www.instagram.com/theoldpiggery_/" data-vars-event-id="c23"> •T H E O L D P I G G E R Y•</a> (@theoldpiggery_) on <time datetime="2017-11-01T07:30:12+00:00">Nov 1, 2017 at 12:30am PDT</time> </div>