DIY and interior design can feel intimidating, especially when so much advice makes home improvement sound more complicated than it needs to be.
From bathroom updates to wall panelling projects, there are plenty of common misconceptions that can stop people from getting started. Some believe you need to strip a room back completely before renovating. Others assume wall panels are difficult to install, only suitable for flat feature walls, or that practical products can’t deliver a premium finish.
In reality, modern materials and considered design have made many interior updates far more achievable. With the right preparation, the right product and a clear understanding of the process, homeowners can transform their spaces with confidence.
To separate assumption from reality, we’ve spoken to leading DIY and interiors creators who have used Naturewall products in real homes. Here, they help debunk five of the most common DIY and interior design myths, showing how simple, stylish and accessible home renovation can be.
One of the biggest problems with DIY myths is that they convince people a project is far more difficult than it actually is. As a result, many perfectly capable, would-be decorators never get started, even when the job is well within their capabilities.
By challenging some of the most common misconceptions in interior design, we hope more people will feel confident enough to tackle projects themselves and enjoy the satisfaction that comes from transforming their own space. Before looking at our top five myths, it's worth first seeing how with the right mindset and tools, the amazing Ali from @shemadehome transformed her child’s bedroom.
Some might say that as part of the preparation for a refresh, you have to strip every wall back to basics, or your work will fail. This is certainly a myth, and Abbey Brown from @casacrank has proven it.
We most commonly hear this myth when discussing tiles, and whether you can cover over them. Spoiler alert - you certainly can.
While renovating her parents' bathroom, Abbey used Sivara Dove Grey Marble Effect PVC Waterproof Shower Panels to transform the shower area without the existing tiles. As long as the surface is secure, suitable and properly prepared, quality shower panels can be installed directly over tiles, helping to reduce mess and, importantly, save valuable time.
These lightweight panels are easy to lift, cut to size and fit around existing pipework. Thanks to their tongue-and-groove design, the panels simply slot together to create a seamless finish, while their waterproof construction makes them ideal for use around the shower.
Abbey's project highlights how modern bathroom panels can make renovations far more accessible for DIYers. Rather than facing the prospect of stripping a wall back to its bare essentials, it is possible to achieve a fresh look with less disruption, less mess and a much quicker installation process.
The presumed complexity of any DIY task can make some people feel as though it's beyond their abilities. While some tasks like re-wiring a plug or installing a dishwasher can be very taxing, DIY panelling is much easier than many believe.
DIY expert Scott Baggaley from @scott_diy explains that success comes down to proper preparation rather than years of expertise. Before installation, he recommends measuring the area carefully and checking that the wall surface is stable and not flaking. Once the surface is ready, panels can often be installed quickly using adhesive, helping to simplify the process.
For more detailed projects, such as working around plug sockets, Scott advises drilling pilot holes in each corner before cutting out the opening with a jigsaw. Finishing touches, including trims and edge details, can then help create a clean, professional-looking result.
"It is an all-in-one solution that is really quick to achieve," says Scott.
The reality is that wall panelling doesn't have to be reserved for professionals. With careful planning, the right tools and a suitable product, almost anyone can achieve impressive results themselves.
Wall panelling is often perceived as solely for flat surfaces. However, as proven by Scott, flexible wall panels exist for use in far more creative ways.
"You can create a nice sweeping curve which softens the room," says Scott.
By using Arborelle Flex wall panels, Scott has demonstrated how panelling can be applied to curved walls, alcoves, bay windows, columns and even furniture projects. Thanks to their flexible design, the panels can wrap around an array of curved or angular features to create bespoke, high-end finishes that would traditionally require specialist joinery.
Beyond their design flexibility, the panels are also DIY-friendly. They can be cut to size, installed using adhesive and fitted either floor-to-ceiling or as a half-height feature with a decorative trim. Scott notes that with the right preparation, they can be installed over a variety of existing surfaces, helping to transform a space quickly and easily.
While popular for centuries, dark wood finishes have been avoided because many worry they'll make a space feel smaller or too heavy. That said, interior expert and BBC Interior Design Masters finalist Jack Kinsey believes the opposite is true when they're correctly styled.
For his garden office project, Jack chose SlatWall Grand Acoustic Dark Oak Slatted Wall Panels. Drawn to its warm tones, visible grain and wider slats - which create a bold statement while maintaining a natural, timeless feel - Jack created a space that remained bright and relaxing. Rather than overpowering the room, the panels add depth, character and warmth.
To keep the space balanced, he paired the darker wood with neutral flooring, natural greenery and softer textures. Brass hardware adds warmth, while black furniture helps tie the scheme together. The result is a space that feels grounded and inviting rather than dark or enclosed.
Jack also highlights the importance of ordering samples before starting a project. Seeing different tones, textures and finishes in your own home can help you visualise the final scheme and choose a style that works for your space.
Our final myth is that a decorator has to pick between function and form, and that essentially it's one or the other. This way of thinking is completely wrong. With advances in manufacturing and materials, today’s products can offer buyers both a stylish finish, and quality that makes a product stay beautiful and functional for years to come.
As we have seen, Jack’s chosen panels not only offer a striking design feature thanks to their rich wood grain, warm tones and bold slatted profile, but also acoustic benefits that improve the peaceful nature of the room.
Similarly, Scott’s projects showcase how flexible Arborelle panels can be when used to create bespoke curved features. Despite their practical, DIY-friendly installation, the finished result delivers a luxury, designer-inspired aesthetic which can be enjoyed in any home.
Last, but not least, in Abbey’s bathroom refresh, the marble effect shower panels achieve a seamless, contemporary finish, while their waterproof characteristics and easy installation ensure long-term utility.
Across all of these projects, the message is clear: practical features no longer mean compromising on style. Whether it's greater calm from acoustic performance, moisture resistance, wipeable surfaces or simple installation, today's products offer even the most novice of DIYers the tools to create and relax in the most beautiful of homes.
As our experts have proven, many of the most common DIY and interior design myths are simply wrong. Whether it's the complexity of installing wall panels, preparing a bathroom or incorporating darker finishes into a space, the right products and a little preparation can make a big difference.
