DIY decor toolbox essentials
There’s nothing worse than being halfway through a project only to realize that you forgot to buy an essential piece on your last trip (one of many, of course!) to the hardware store. You scour through your junk drawers and rummage through your toolbox to no avail. To make life a little easier for all those DIYers out there, we’ve created master checklists of all the materials you’ll need for your next painting project or wallpapering job. Click on the next page to see the contents of our well-stocked toolboxes – they might even make Bob Vila jealous (well, we like to think so!).

Painting is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to spruce up a room or breathe new life into an old piece of furniture. With the right tools and some careful planning and preparation, you’ll be able to achieve results like a pro. High-quality tools and materials are an investment but will last longer (for all those projects you’ve been meaning to get to) if properly cleaned and stored and will make your painting experience a whole lot smoother.


Paint toolbox checklist
1 Canvas drop cloth
2 Paintbrush
3 Rubber mallet
4 Paint can opener
5 Stir stick
6 Rollers of various sizes
7 Foam brush
8 Paint can spout
9 Sanding block
10 Notebook, pencil and calculator
11 Paintbrush and roller cleaner
12 Putty knife
13 Wall scraper
14 Metal tray and plastic liner
15 Roller cage and cover
16 3M scotchblue painter’s tape

Wallpaper can add instant drama to whatever it’s applied to and, thankfully, the tools and materials required aren’t costly – you probably already have most of them in your toolbox. When it comes to the installation process, preparation is key, along with the ever-so-important essentials to set your wallpaper straight and seamless to hang. You’ll also need time and patience, which, unfortunately, you can’t buy at your local hardware store!


Wallpaper toolbox checklist
1 Canvas drop cloth
2 Plastic tray
3 Foam smoother
4 Plastic smoother
5 Metal ruler
6 Level
7 Measuring tape
8 Pencil
9 Seam roller
10 Sponge
11 X-acto knife
12 Paste brush
13 Plumb bob
14 Chalk