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Three contemporary modern D.I.Y. home decor projects

Terrazzo tile side table
Minimalism, earthy, warm, neutrals and stone… If these elements make up your interior style, the next three projects are worth your while. These easy steps by D.I.Y. guru Geneva Vanderzeil will walk you through creating a luxe-looking travertine side table, sculptural artwork and travertine shelves.


Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, safety boots and a mask, for example) and follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Travertine table in living room

Project 1: How to make a travertine side table

Overview
Travertine pavers aren’t just for floors! Turn this luxe-look material into a one-of-a-kind travertine side table that won’t blow the budget. The key to this upmarket upcycle is simplicity. All you need is gorgeous stone pavers, adhesive and an extra set of hands – these pavers are heavy!

Tools and materials: 

  • Angle brackets
  • Construction adhesive
  • Screws (suitable for your wall)
  • Screwdriver
  • Stone and paving sealer
  • Travertine pavers x3

1. Apply glue on long edge

Place a travertine paver on its short edge, then apply construction adhesive along one of the long edges. 

Safety tip: The pavers are heavy, so we recommend having another person help you lift and hold them into place.

 
Gluing terrazzo tiles

White artwork hung on wall

Project 2: How to make upcycled sculptural art

Overview
Art makes a house into a home, but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With this easy D.I.Y. project, you can tap into the trends for organic texture and geometric shapes, and create an eye-catching artwork that’s totally unique. We’ve stuck to a neutral palette, as the 3D shapes make enough of a statement without calling on colour for impact. 

Tools and materials: 

  • Abrasive paper
  • Cardboard
  • Framed canvas (recycle a cheap print or secondhand artwork)
  • Hot glue gun and glue sticks
  • Jointing compound
  • Paintbrushes
  • Painter’s tape
  • Pencil
  • Scissors
  • Thin sheets of foam
  • White paint

1. Tape and paint canvas

Tape off the frame of the artwork and paint the canvas in white paint to form a base. 
 
Person applying primer with a paintbrush to the edges of the bedside table.

Terrazzo tile shelves

Project 3: How to make travertine shelves

Overview
Too good to waste, these broken travertine tiles inspired another gorgeous D.I.Y. project! Triangular pieces of paver with right angles sit perfectly in a corner, creating beautiful floating wall shelves that capture the rustic beauty of this natural material. 

Tools and materials: 

  • Broken pieces of travertine paver
  • Construction adhesive
  • Angle brackets
  • Stud finder
  • Screws (suitable for your wall)
  • Screwdriver 

1. Select the paver pieces

Select pieces of broken paver that have two right angles and are roughly the same size. 
Broken tile pieces arranged on dropsheet

Create your own Ultimate Upcycling D.I.Y. Starter Kit

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.