A Liverpool interior designer demonstrated how limited funds could turn an outdated dining room into a chic, boutique-hotel-style retreat. Bradley Dreha, a Liverpool-based interior designer, stylist, and content creator, completed the renovation for his parents’ home, earning finalist status in the Best DIY Creation category at the uFurnish.com Home Awards 2026. The achievement highlighted that sophisticated design need not depend on a large budget. Dreha had previously appeared as a contestant in series 6 of BBC One’s Interior Design Masters, further showcasing his expertise in transforming spaces on a budget.
The room had remained unused for two decades, but Dreha recognized its potential. He restructured the layout by advancing a wall to form an arched alcove, a solution he had long envisioned for the space. Rather than investing in custom seating, he constructed booth-style benches from flat-pack materials, covering them in fabric patterned after Missoni and installing LED strip lighting beneath the arch. This created an ambiance reminiscent of a high-end hotel dining area, all while keeping costs low. The benches also served a dual purpose, incorporating concealed storage—a practical addition that maximized the room’s functionality.
The centerpiece of the redesign was a custom cocktail station. Built from a basic white flat-pack side unit, Dreha painted it bright yellow, applied fluted wood moulding strips, and wrapped the top in marble-effect vinyl over MDF. Even the decorative gold-leaf artwork, which unified the color scheme, was hand-painted. The ceiling, once overlooked with textured surfaces, became a standout feature through the addition of ceiling panels, moulding strips, and a palm-tree mural, all contributing to the room’s cohesive theme. Dreha treated the ceiling as the “fifth wall,” ensuring it played a key role in the space’s overall aesthetic.
The entire project cost £800, a fraction of the £8,000 estimate from a professional contractor. Techniques like using a lower heat setting from a lighter flame to smooth vinyl wrinkles proved how minor adjustments could enhance materials. The peel-and-stick tiles behind the seating reinforced his approach: delivering high-end appearances with minimal financial commitment. Dreha’s goal was to prove that high-quality design could be accessible to anyone willing to experiment with creative solutions.
His parents are delighted with the transformation, which now feels like a “cocktail bar or restaurant,” according to Dreha. The project shows how DIY creativity and thoughtful design choices can raise a space without relying on a high budget.
