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There’s nothing quite like the feeling of looking at a finished room and saying, “I did that!” Whether it’s freshening up your kitchen or creating clever storage solutions, DIY gives you the chance to infuse your personal touch into your home. And the good news? With a little bit of planning and the right tools, it can be more cost-effective too!
Cameron Gray, National Product Training Manager of Kaboodle Kitchens (and a DIY enthusiast himself!) knows this better than anyone. He’s all about making DIY not just achievable, but fun. Recently on the Building with BuildHer podcast, he shared some tips, insights, and some words of encouragement for the handy DIY dreamer.
So here’s how you can start nailing those DIY projects:
Start with a Plan
Every great DIY project begins with a plan. Cameron stresses how important it is to have a clear idea about what you want and where everything’s going to go—especially when it comes to your kitchen. “The layout is something that, if you don’t get that right, that’s a problem,” he explained. “Make sure the layout’s correct and then the colour and style is something you can swap over when time requires.”
For kitchen design, he recommends organising the space into zones — storage, cleaning, and cooking — resulting in a smoother experience every day. The placement of major elements like the fridge, sink, and cooktop is crucial, but so are the small details. Think about how you’d normally flow through your space. Where should you keep mugs so they’re near the kettle? Would the cutlery drawer be easier to access if it were closer to the dishwasher? These details might sound small, but they make a world of difference in everyday life.
To make things easier, you can try Kaboodle’s free 3D planner tool. Cameron says it’s handy for mapping out your ideas and visualising how everything comes together. It’s drag-and-drop simple and makes the daunting task of designing feel like a fun game.
Know Your DIY Lane
Look, it’s tempting to think, “I’ve got this!” and tackle the entire project solo. But Cameron suggests being realistic about your skill level. “DIY is definitely doable, but you need to acknowledge where you’re at,” he says.
For example, assembling flat-pack cabinets is something most people can manage after building one or two. But levelling those cabinets? That’s a job that takes patience and precision. “It’s that levelling process because you want to make sure everything is square and level,” Cameron warns. If it feels a bit beyond your comfort zone, consider bringing in a pro for just that step. Then, you can take over the fun bits like attaching doors and drawer fronts.
The key is to take it step by step. DIY projects don’t have to be done all at once; the slower, more methodical route often leads to better results (and much less stress).
The Power of Modular and Customisable Designs
One of the best things about Kaboodle Kitchens is how flexible their products are. Cameron describes them as “boxes” that you can get creative with. While Kaboodle offers modular cabinets in ready-to-go sizes, they also have customisable options for those oddly shaped spaces.
But the uses go far beyond kitchens! These cabinets work perfectly in bathrooms, bedrooms, living rooms, and even laundry rooms. Some people have transformed Kaboodle products into wardrobes, TV units, and hallway storage solutions. Others have done more unique projects, like designing built-in pet feeding stations! Cameron’s encouragement is simple—“Whatever your imagination can think up, you can put these wherever you want.”
Tools and Tricks to Make Your Life Easier
The right tools can take your project from “it’s okay” to “wow!” Cameron shared how simple things—like Kaboodle’s handle drilling template—can make such a difference. “A template is just one simple little thing that can help that end look amazing,” he said.
Even if you’re new to DIY, the process itself can help you build your skills. Cameron shared how he wasn’t originally from a carpentry background but grew confident over time. “I had to learn these as a DIYer,” he said. “But now I’m comfortable putting in a flat-pack kitchen.”
It’s okay to start small, make mistakes, and learn as you go. DIY isn’t about nailing perfection—it’s about creating something to be proud of, no matter the learning curves along the way.
Add Personality Without Breaking the Bank
DIY isn’t just about creating functional spaces; it’s your chance to add personality and style. Cameron’s advice? Start with budget-friendly basics and layer them with small luxuries to make your project unique. Kaboodle’s standard modular cabinetry offers a versatile canvas, while a standout detail—like placing a stone countertop or using vintage handles—can elevate the entire look. “Handles are something you can continually change to suit your style,” Cameron said.
The great thing about Kaboodle is that their cabinet sizes have remained consistent. That means you can change the look over time without redoing everything. “You can effectively re-skin your kitchen,” he explained, referencing the ease of swapping out cabinet doors or end panels once you’re ready for a refresh. With over 40 colour options and new trend styles rolling out every two years, staying stylish is simple.
Easy Access and Expert Help isn’t Far Away
One of the best things about Kaboodle is how accessible their products are—you can easily find them at Bunnings stores across Australia. Whether you’re in a large warehouse or a smaller store, you’ll have access to a wide range of their modular and customisable cabinetry options. And if what you need isn’t on the shelves, the turnaround for ordering Kaboodle products is impressively quick, so there’s no long wait to get started on your project.
Plus, Bunnings offers different levels of consultation services to help you along the way. You can pop into the store to chat with staff who can guide you on choosing the right products, or if you need a little extra help, Bunnings also provides in-home consultations. This service gives you the chance to work closely with a professional in your own space, making sure your project comes together just the way you’ve envisioned.
Find Inspo and Guidance
Sometimes the hardest part of a project is just getting past all the choices. To take the guesswork out of it, start by browsing galleries and tools like Kaboodle’s inspiration gallery or their style quiz. These resources can help you figure out what you like and give you options that suit your taste.
If you’re still stuck, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional. Kitchen designers or experienced specialists can suggest layout improvements, highlight potential problems, and make your vision even better. Their expertise can turn a checklist of “wants” into something that works seamlessly.
Design for Now and for You
At the end of the day, your home is yours, and it should reflect your personality and style. If you’re bold and love bright colours, Cameron’s advice is to go for it. “If you like it right now, get it right now. And if you don’t like it in five years, you can swap it out,” he reminded us.
Making DIY fun again means letting go of perfection and focusing on what makes you happy. Don’t get stuck designing for “what might be popular 20 years from now.” Focus on making your space a true reflection of who you are today, quirks and all.
Final Thoughts
DIY is more than just ticking off a to-do list or flexing your inner handyman—it’s about turning your space into something that reflects you. And the best part? Seeing the finished product and thinking, “Wow, I actually did that!”
So grab your tools, channel your creativity, and don’t sweat the small stuff. After all, the beauty of DIY is in the doing. You’ve got this—and with the help of Kaboodle, your home’s about to look amazing because of it!
Click here to listen to the podcast episode in full, or if you’re ready to get started, visit:
