DIY By Ayesha Interview
Q. Your page feels like a quiet rebellion against expensive interiors. How did DIY and upcycling become not just a skill for you, but a philosophy?
It started very organically. I loved beautiful interiors, but I never related to the idea that good design
had to be expensive or exclusive. When I began experimenting with old furniture and simple materials, I realised that creativity and intention matter far more than budget.
DIY and upcycling slowly became a philosophy because they taught me to pause, reuse, and rethink value. Instead of discarding something, I learned to ask what it could become. What I share through my page is that belief: that design should feel accessible, meaningful, and rooted in individuality, not price tags.
Q. The transformation of your childhood home struck an emotional chord with many viewers. How does working with familiar spaces change the way you design?
I wouldn’t frame it as emotional as much as practical, shaped by growing up in a middle-class household. One constant reality in such homes is clutter which is not because of excess, but because we don’t discard things easily. In many ways, that’s a strength; it reflects better use of resources and a mindset of reuse rather than waste.
When I design familiar spaces, my focus is on making them feel calm and renewed without forcing unnecessary consumption. I often prioritise covering open shelves and introducing closed storage, because not everyone is comfortable spending on decorative pieces just to fill space. Instead, I work with soft, calming colours, functional cabinets, and thoughtful storage solutions.For me, good design is about making a space feel new while staying honest to how people actually live.
Q. You often speak to people who ‘can’t hire a designer.’ What do you think mainstream interior design gets wrong about accessibility?
To be honest, I’m not a professional interior designer, and I’m very clear about that. I speak for people who are building their homes on their own without architects or designers, simply because they can’t afford one. I come from the same place myself.
I don’t see myself in competition with interior designers at all. We cater to completely different people. They serve clients who are ready to invest in professional services, while I guide those who are doing the best they can within their budget. My work is about giving confidence and clarity to people who want a better home, without adding pressure on their pocket.Minimalism looks simple, but it demands restraint.
Q. What’s your decision-making process when editing a space or deciding what not to add?
For me, editing a space starts with removing what isn’t being used. If something hasn’t been used in the last year, or even a few months in case of small, inexpensive items, I let it go. I also make it a point to donate things that occupy space but can be useful to someone else.When I add anything back, I choose handmade, washable pieces that are easy to maintain and bring warmth.
I prefer wood and bamboo because they feel earthy, are durable, and can always be repainted when they lose their charm. One simple rule I follow is to either match the design or match the colour, works everywhere, whether it’s furniture, décor, crockery, or planters, and that restraint is what keeps the space calm.
Q. Upcycling is often seen as a compromise. How do you ensure that sustainability doesn’t come at the cost of aesthetics?
Aesthetics are simply what pleases your eyes, and recycling your own furniture will always and always upgrade your home. The kind of memory we have with that furniture is totally connected to the person who owns it. When we upgrade it by refurbishing, we always have an image of what it used to be, and the sense of satisfaction it gives is unmatched.When you use the right kind of transformation to match it with your upgraded home, it becomes even more satisfying and empowering. It can never feel like a compromise.
Q. When you’re creating, are you thinking first as a designer or as a content creator and has that balance shifted over time?
I don’t think of myself as a designer or a content creator. I’m just a person who loves making spaces beautiful for living, and when I see potential, I can’t stop myself. My focus is always on making things functional, aesthetic, and relatable for everyday homes. Over time, the balance has shifted a little and I’ve become more aware of how to present ideas so they’re inspiring and easy to understand online. Content is just the way to share those solutions, not the starting point.
Q. For someone intimidated by DIY, what’s the first project that builds confidence without risking failure?
For anyone intimidated by DIY, I always suggest starting small and useful. If you want to change something in your interior, start with painting a wall on your own, adding new cotton curtains, a few frames, carpets, or warm lights.. simple changes that can transform a space without risk. If someone wants to try furniture refurbishing, I would suggest starting only with painting and avoiding any tools for the first project. The key is picking something forgiving, so you can focus on learning and enjoying the process. Once you see how much a small change can transform a space, your confidence naturally grows.
Q. As your audience grows, do you feel pressure to scale up projects, or do you consciously stay rooted in small, doable transformations?
Yes, I do feel that pressure sometimes, but it’s also very important to stay true to why I started this page. If I can’t help the people I started it for, or if I start spending more on projects that my audience can’t relate to, the purpose of the page won’t be served.
That’s why I focus on transformations that are practical, doable, and genuinely helpful and also the kind of changes that my audience can actually try at home.
Q. Your work has a calm, cohesive visual language. How long did it take you to recognise your ‘Signature style’?
Since the beginning, I’ve always shared the way I actually work and what I genuinely love. The core hasn’t changed , only my confidence has grown, which is why you can see a small difference between my earlier and current videos.I’ve never tried doing a lot of different things just to attract attention, because I want to connect with people who can truly relate to me. I’m completely okay with slow and consistent growth; meaningful connections matter more than fast numbers.
Q. If you had to redesign one everyday object that people completely ignore at home, what would it be and why?
It’s not really a redesign, but one addition I think can fit in every home and enhance even the smallest corner is an indoor plant with a nice planter and warm lighting. Replacing a harsh white LED with a warm light makes a huge difference; it instantly changes the vibe and adds life to any space.
Bio:
Ayesha is a DIY furniture creator and the founder of diy_by_ayesha, known for transforming everyday furniture into sustainable, thoughtfully designed pieces that make design accessible and personal.
Interviewed by: Nidhi
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