20 Creative DIY Home Decor Ideas on a Budget in Ghana

Want a beautiful home but don't have a big budget? You don't need expensive furniture or professional decorators. This guide shares 20 creative DIY home decor ideas using affordable materials readily available in Ghana—transforming your space into a stylish sanctuary without breaking the bank.

Why DIY Home Decor?

Benefits of DIY decoration: • Save 70-90% compared to buying finished decor • Create unique pieces nobody else has • Customize exactly to your taste and space • Use local Ghanaian materials and aesthetics • Sustainable and eco-friendly • Satisfying creative outlet • Easy weekend projects

Where to Find Materials in Ghana

Shopping Locations

Accra: • Kantamanto Market (fabrics, materials) • Makola Market (baskets, local crafts) • Abossey Okai (hardware, paint) • Art Centre (traditional crafts, inspiration) Kumasi: • Central Market (fabrics, materials) • Kejetia Market (everything!) • Asafo Market (hardware) Other sources: • Melcom stores (affordable basics) • Local carpentry shops (wood offcuts) • Beaches (driftwood, shells) • Nature (leaves, branches)

20 DIY Decor Ideas

1. Kente Cloth Wall Hanging

What you need: • Kente fabric strips (Kantamanto Market, GH₵ 20-50) • Wooden dowel or branch • String or twine • Scissors How to make: • Cut kente into vertical strips (varying lengths) • Fold top of each strip over dowel • Secure with glue or sew • Tie string to dowel ends for hanging • Hang on wall Cost: GH₵ 30-60 Time: 1 hour Why it works: Celebrates Ghanaian culture while adding vibrant color.

2. Painted Terracotta Pots

What you need: • Plain terracotta pots (GH₵ 5-15 each) • Acrylic paints (GH₵ 10-20) • Paintbrushes • Clear sealant spray (optional) Design ideas: • Geometric patterns • Adinkra symbols • Ombre color fade • Polka dots • Stripes and chevrons How to: • Clean and dry pots thoroughly • Paint base coat (white helps colors pop) • Add designs once dry • Seal with clear coat for outdoor use Cost: GH₵ 25-50 for 3-4 pots Time: 2-3 hours (including drying)

3. Bottle Cap Mosaic Art

What you need: • Collect bottle caps (soft drink, beer caps) • Wooden board or canvas • Strong glue • Spray paint (optional, to color caps) Project ideas: • Ghana flag design • Abstract patterns • Initials or words • Geometric shapes How to create: • Plan design on paper first • Paint caps if needed (let dry) • Glue caps to board following design • Fill entire surface for impact Cost: GH₵ 10-30 (mostly free caps + glue) Time: 3-4 hours

4. Rope Basket Makeover

What you need: • Inexpensive plastic baskets • Rope or jute twine (GH₵ 15-30) • Hot glue gun or strong adhesive How to transform: • Start at bottom of basket • Apply glue and wrap rope tightly around • Continue wrapping upward in spiral • Cover entire exterior • Secure end with extra glue Cost: GH₵ 30-50 Time: 2 hours Result: Stylish storage basket that looks expensive!

5. African Print Cushion Covers

What you need: • African print fabric (GH₵ 15-25 per yard) • Basic sewing supplies or fabric glue • Old pillows or pillow stuffing No-sew option: • Cut fabric squares 2x pillow size • Place pillow in center • Tie opposite corners together • Adjust and fluff Sewn version: • Cut two fabric squares (pillow size + 1 inch) • Sew three sides • Insert pillow • Sew or button fourth side Cost: GH₵ 20-35 per cushion Time: 30 minutes (no-sew) or 1 hour (sewn)

6. Palm Leaf Wall Decor

What you need: • Palm fronds or large leaves (free from nature) • Picture frames (GH₵ 10-20) or make from cardboard • Spray paint (optional, for frames) How to create: • Press leaves flat (place under books for 1-2 weeks) • Paint frames if desired • Mount dried leaves in frames • Hang in group of 3-5 for gallery wall Cost: GH₵ 30-60 for multiple frames Time: 30 minutes (plus drying time) Tip: Clear tape can preserve leaves longer.

7. Wooden Crate Shelves

What you need: • Wooden crates (GH₵ 20-40 each, or free from markets) • Sandpaper • Wood stain or paint • Wall mounting brackets How to make: • Sand crates smooth • Paint or stain as desired • Mount on wall (horizontally or vertically) • Stack multiple crates for more storage Uses: • Book storage • Plant display • Bathroom organizer • Kitchen spice rack Cost: GH₵ 40-80 per crate (including mounting) Time: 2 hours

8. Tin Can Lanterns

What you need: • Empty tin cans • Hammer and nail • Spray paint • Tea light candles or LED lights How to create: • Fill can with water and freeze solid • Draw pattern on exterior • Hammer nail through pattern (ice prevents denting) • Thaw and remove ice • Paint exterior • Add candle or light inside Cost: GH₵ 10-20 for materials Time: 1 hour (plus freezing time) Perfect for: Outdoor ambiance, patios, events

9. Fabric Headboard

What you need: • Foam board or plywood • Batting or thin foam • Fabric of choice (2-3 yards) • Staple gun or strong adhesive How to make: • Cut board to desired headboard size • Layer batting over board • Stretch fabric over batting • Staple or glue fabric to back of board • Mount to wall behind bed Cost: GH₵ 80-150 Time: 2-3 hours Impact: Transforms bedroom instantly!

10. Painted Accent Wall

What you need: • Paint (1-2 liters, GH₵ 40-80) • Painter's tape • Roller and brush • Drop cloth or old sheets Design options: • Solid accent color (easiest) • Horizontal stripes • Geometric shapes • Ombre fade effect • Stenciled pattern How to: • Choose wall and color • Tape off edges cleanly • Apply 2 coats for coverage • Remove tape while paint slightly wet Cost: GH₵ 60-120 Time: 3-4 hours (one day with drying) Biggest impact per cedi!

11. Macramé Plant Hangers

What you need: • Cotton rope or jute twine (GH₵ 20-40) • Wooden or metal ring • Scissors • Potted plant Basic technique: • Cut 4 pieces of rope (2 meters each) • Fold in half over ring • Create square knots down the length • Join sections at bottom for pot holder Cost: GH₵ 25-50 Time: 1-2 hours (beginner) YouTube tutorials: Search "macramé plant hanger beginner" for step-by-step guides.

12. Mirror Frame Upgrade

What you need: • Plain or old mirror • Decorative items (shells, beads, bottle caps, wood pieces) • Strong adhesive • Spray paint (optional) How to transform: • Clean mirror frame thoroughly • Plan design layout • Glue decorative items to frame • Let dry completely • Seal with clear coat if needed Cost: GH₵ 20-60 (depending on decorations) Time: 2-3 hours

13. Ladder Towel Rack

What you need: • Old wooden ladder or make from branches • Sandpaper • Paint or stain • Wall hooks for leaning stability How to create: • Sand ladder smooth • Paint or stain as desired • Lean against bathroom wall • Hang towels on rungs • Secure top to wall for safety Cost: GH₵ 30-70 Time: 2 hours Bonus: Also works for displaying blankets in living room!

14. Gourd Decorative Bowls

What you need: • Dried gourds (local markets, GH₵ 10-20) • Knife for cutting • Sandpaper • Wood stain or paint How to make: • Cut gourd in half • Remove seeds and pulp • Sand smooth inside and out • Stain or paint exterior • Seal with clear coat Uses: • Fruit bowl • Key holder • Decorative display • Plant pot Cost: GH₵ 15-30 Time: 1-2 hours

15. Photo String Display

What you need: • String or wire (GH₵ 5-15) • Small clothespins or clips (GH₵ 10) • Photos printed or instant prints • Two nails or hooks How to create: • Hang string across wall • Clip photos to string with clothespins • Arrange in pleasing layout • Easily swap photos anytime Cost: GH₵ 20-40 Time: 30 minutes Perfect for: Bedrooms, offices, memory walls

16. Painted Glass Bottles

What you need: • Empty glass bottles (various sizes) • Acrylic paint or spray paint • Rubbing alcohol (for cleaning) Techniques: Painted Vases: • Clean bottles with alcohol • Paint exterior solid color • Let dry completely • Use as flower vases Ombre Effect: • Mix paint with water (light to dark) • Paint bottles in gradient • Group together for impact Cost: GH₵ 15-30 for paint Time: 1 hour (plus drying)

17. Fabric Bulletin Board

What you need: • Cork board or foam board (GH₵ 15-30) • Fabric (GH₵ 15-25) • Batting (optional) • Staples or glue • Ribbon (optional, for crisscross pattern) How to make: • Cover board with batting if using • Stretch fabric over front • Staple or glue fabric to back • Add crisscross ribbon with thumbtacks • Hang on wall Cost: GH₵ 40-70 Time: 1-2 hours

18. Concrete Candle Holders

What you need: • Cement mix (GH₵ 15-25) • Plastic cups (molds) • Cooking spray • Tea lights or candles How to create: • Mix cement according to package • Spray cups with cooking oil • Pour cement into cups • Press smaller cup in center (for candle space) • Let cure 24-48 hours • Remove from molds • Sand edges smooth Cost: GH₵ 20-35 for multiple holders Time: 30 minutes (plus curing time) Modern industrial look!

19. Woven Wall Hanging

What you need: • Wooden dowel or branch (GH₵ 5-10) • Yarn or fabric strips (GH₵ 20-40) • Scissors • String for hanging Weaving techniques: • Cut yarn in various lengths • Loop around dowel • Create patterns with colors • Add beads or feathers for interest • Trim bottom into shape Cost: GH₵ 30-60 Time: 2-3 hours

20. Repurposed Furniture Makeover

What you need: • Old furniture piece • Sandpaper • Paint or stain • New hardware (optional) Transformation ideas: Old Dresser: • Sand and repaint • Change drawer pulls • Add contact paper to drawer interiors Worn Table: • Sand top smooth • Stain or paint • Add stenciled design Dated Chair: • Reupholster seat • Paint frame • Add cushion Cost: GH₵ 50-150 depending on piece Time: 1-2 days (including drying)

Tips for DIY Success

General Guidelines

Start small: • Begin with quick, easy projects • Build confidence before tackling complex ones • One project at a time Measure twice: • Plan before cutting or gluing • Sketch design first • Check measurements carefully Quality over speed: • Take your time for better results • Let paint and glue dry properly • Don't rush the process Work safely: • Use proper tools correctly • Work in ventilated areas • Protect surfaces with drop cloths

Making It Look Professional

• Clean lines (use painter's tape) • Consistent color schemes (2-3 colors max) • Proper proportions and scale • Quality finishing (sand smooth, seal properly) • Display thoughtfully (grouping creates impact)

Color Schemes for Ghana Homes

Trending Combinations

Earth Tones: Terracotta, cream, olive green, brown Coastal Vibes: Navy blue, white, natural wood, coral Afrocentric: Rich yellows, oranges, reds, with black accents Modern Minimalist: White, grey, black, with one bold accent color Natural Bohemian: Cream, terracotta, sage green, natural fibers

Budget Breakdown

Transform entire room for under GH₵ 500: • Accent wall paint: GH₵ 100 • 3-4 DIY cushions: GH₵ 100 • Wall art (2-3 pieces): GH₵ 80 • Plant hangers and pots: GH₵ 60 • Storage baskets: GH₵ 60 • Decorative accessories: GH₵ 100 Total: GH₵ 500 for complete room refresh!

Conclusion

You don't need a large budget to create a beautiful home. With creativity, basic materials, and a few hours of work, you can transform any space into a stylish sanctuary that reflects your personality. Start with one or two projects from this list this weekend. Focus on pieces that will make the biggest visual impact in your space—often an accent wall or large wall art. Remember: Imperfection adds character. Handmade items tell a story that mass-produced decor never can. Embrace the process and enjoy creating a home you love. Continue improving your space: Learn how to save money on monthly expenses and discover how to start a business with zero capital. Subscribe to Universal Blogger Gh for weekly DIY ideas and home decor inspiration!