Months of lockdown has meant many have had more time on their hands than usual, and with the odd sunny day thrown in, most have spent it in the garden.
With free time and nothing else to do, there’s been a huge boom in DIY home renovations over the last few months too.
One Nan spent her lockdown determined to transform her garden on a budget.
Tanya Knight, 52, spent £44 completely transforming her patio into a modern grey space, receiving thousands of likes when she shared the photos online, reports BirminghamLive.
Tanya told money-saving community LatestDeals.co.uk: "I’m a key worker and mother of a disabled son who I have been shielding since March. I have two protective bubbles for him as he needs 24-hour care.
"I find switching off difficult, so I set myself a project to transform the garden and patio.
"The patio idea came from Facebook groups and after I accidentally dropped paint on my patio. I sponged it and it had a lovely effect.
"I repainted the patio using cement and sand mix and washed. I painted the lot in Dulux masonry paint slate grey and went over the gaps twice for coverage.
"I then used black masonry paint, one part paint to 15 parts water, and sponged over, carefully avoiding the edges. For the darker bits, I used two parts paint to six parts water.
"I sponged and allowed the sponge to run dry as this gives a great pattern. I then sealed it to protect it.
"It cost £44 in total and I managed to get grey paint in lockdown. I got it delivered as I try not to shop due to the risk to my son.
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"I paid £22 for the paint and the rest was spent on sealer, sponges and jugs for mixing black paint and water in."
Tom Church, co-founder of LatestDeals.co.uk, added: “I’ve really enjoyed reading about so many amazing patio transformations during the lockdown, and Tanya’s is one of my favourites!
“The chic grey look can be emulated easily and affordably - just follow Tanya’s helpful instructions and if you’re isolating, all the materials can be ordered safely online.”
