Room Makeovers with Jenni Yolo: 10 Tips from the DIY Expert

At Little Cocalico, we are always inspired by makers who bring creativity, intention, and personality into the spaces they design. That’s exactly what Jenni Yolo brings to the room. 

As a DIYer, interior designer, and the voice behind I Spy DIY, Jenni has spent more than a decade helping people rethink how they approach their homes. Through her work and on Makeover by Monday on HBO Max, she has become known for transforming spaces using a thoughtful mix of thrifted finds, DIY projects, and custom details.

Rather than relying on one source, Jenni layers all three to create rooms that feel collected, personal, and full of character. Below, she shares the tips that guide her room makeover process, from the first spark of inspiration to the finishing details.

Jenni Yolo’s Room Makeover Tips

1. Start every room with a muse

When I start designing a room, I always begin by finding a muse. It is usually a thrifted or antique piece that really speaks to me, something that has a mix of colors I can use as a reference point for everything else in the space.

It could be a quilt, a wallpaper, or a piece of art, but it is always something that sets the tone and direction for the room. From there, I build around it and let that one piece guide the rest of the design.

2. Let one piece guide your entire vision

I use that initial inspiration piece as the guiding light for the entire design. I do not worry too much about sticking to one specific style or time period. I am naturally drawn to antiques, but I think it is more interesting to mix them with modern pieces so a room does not feel tied to a single era.

As I go, I layer in pieces that I love, making sure the colors and materials all connect back to that original inspiration.

3. Thrift for pieces with quality and history

I am always looking for items that are handmade and feel well constructed. Older pieces tend to have a certain weight and quality to them, like real brass versus something that is just gold-painted. You can usually tell just by picking something up whether it was made to last.

I am also drawn to original artwork, especially pieces with signatures or prints that were made in limited runs. Anything handmade or one of a kind really stands out to me.

4. Train your eye (before diving into thrift stores)

DIY projects are one of the best ways to create something unique while staying within a budget. They give you the opportunity to design pieces that feel personal and one of a kind, rather than something you could find in a store.

An upholstered headboard is a great example. Buying one can cost thousands of dollars, but making your own can result in a beautiful, custom piece at a much lower cost.

5. Use DIY to make high-end design more accessible

DIY projects are one of the best ways to create something unique while staying within a budget. They give you the opportunity to design pieces that feel personal and one of a kind, rather than something you could find in a store.

An upholstered headboard is a great example. Buying one can cost thousands of dollars, but making your own can result in a beautiful, custom piece at a much lower cost.

6. Be selective about what you DIY

DIY is not always the most affordable option. There are times when making something yourself can end up costing more than simply buying it, especially when you factor in materials and time.

Part of the process is learning which projects are worth it. Start small, and over time it becomes easier to decide what makes sense to DIY and what is better to purchase.

7. Use custom fabric to make a room feel tailored

One of the best things about custom textile printing is the ability to choose the material that works best for your specific project.

I tend to gravitate toward Natural Linen blends from Little Cocalico for many of my projects, but different uses call for different fabrics. Drapes might need a lighter-weight linen, while upholstery calls for something more substantial. Custom printing gives you that flexibility so the final result feels intentional and tailored.

8. Add pattern through simple, high-impact pieces

Printed fabrics are one of my favorite ways to finish a space. A large lumbar pillow can instantly pull a bed together, and it is one of the easiest updates you can make.

Curtains are another favorite. Using a printed fabric can bring a lot of drama into a room. And if wallpaper is not in the budget, fabric is a great way to introduce pattern on a larger scale.

9. Invest in quality to elevate every project

Working with high-quality materials makes a noticeable difference in the final result. A better fabric can completely change how a project looks and feels.

I love working with Little Cocalico because they ethically source their fabrics, and the quality is beautiful. Their Natural Linen Cotton blend has such a nice texture and works well across so many different types of projects. Even a simple DIY feels more elevated when the materials and printing are done well.

The selvage is the finished edge that runs along both sides of a woven fabric. It is typically tighter and more stable than the rest of the fabric.

Why it matters: The selvage helps you identify grain direction and prevents fraying along the edges. It is also a quick indicator of fabric consistency and quality.

Example: Selvage is important for quilting or patchwork projects, where aligning fabric correctly and preventing fraying makes a difference in the final result.

10. Layer thrifted, DIY, and custom pieces for a finished look

The goal is to create a space that feels unique and full of character. The best way to do that is by layering pieces that each bring something different.

Start with a thrifted piece that inspires you. Build in DIY elements that make the space feel personal. Finish with custom textiles that tie everything together.

That is how a room starts to feel collected instead of decorated.

What’s Next?

Now that you have a roadmap for mixing thrifted finds, DIY projects, and custom pieces, it is time to make it your own. Start small or go all in, but keep your vision at the center. Whether you are refreshing a single corner or rethinking an entire room, this approach gives you the flexibility to create something that feels layered, personal, and truly finished.

If you are ready to take the next step, consider how custom textiles can bring everything together. With Little Cocalico, you can design fabric or home decor items that fits your exact space, color palette, and style, turning a good room into one that feels completely yours.

And if you want more real-life inspiration, behind-the-scenes projects, and practical tips, follow Jenni for ideas you can actually use today.

About the Author

Jenni Yolo is a DIY enthusiast, designer, and renovator. As founder of I Spy DIY and host of the popular Makeover by Monday show, Jenni spends her days rehabbing 100+ year-old homes with her husband, Mr. Yolo, designing spaces, hunting for thrifted treasures, and creating DIY decor —often with her two daughters at her side. You can follow Jenni’s journey on Instagram and browse her exclusive design collections here.