Kmart shopper's 'genius' $17 hack for nursery wows Aussies: 'What a brilliant idea!'

The savvy mum shared her affordable idea that rivals a $232 product.

Using inexpensive placemats from Kmart, the woman created an intricate wall hanging for her son's nursery, saving herself $215.00 Photo: Facebook/Kmart
Using inexpensive placemats from Kmart, the woman created an intricate wall hanging for her son's nursery, saving herself $215.00 Photo: Facebook/Kmart

As a parent, finding clever and affordable hacks is like striking gold. One ingenious mum has done just that, and her budget-friendly Kmart hack has fellow shoppers singing her praises. Sharing her creative solution in a popular Kmart hacks and decor Facebook group, she showcased a stunning wall hanging she created for her son's nursery.

Using just $17 worth of Kmart placemats, she managed to recreate a look that rivals a $232 Rattan Wall hanging from a specialised Thai art store. "Obviously it's not as nice, but for an 8-month-old baby who won't care, I'm happy," she wrote alongside a picture of her creation.

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"I could have died when I looked them up and saw the price," she added.

The comparison to the high-priced artisanal version had many group members gasping in disbelief.

Indeed, the reaction from fellow shoppers was overwhelmingly positive.

Not as nice?" one person questioned. "It looks amazing! Super creative!"

Another chimed in, "Yours looks better," with a third agreeing, "Yeah, WAY better."

Kmart offers a variety of placemats starting from as low as $2 each, providing an affordable option to recreate pricier wall art. Photo: Kmart/Thai Home Shop
Kmart offers a variety of placemats starting from as low as $2 each, providing an affordable option to recreate pricier wall art (right). Photo: Kmart/Thai Home Shop

One pragmatic shopper noted, "Could never justify hundreds on something like that."

Offering some practical advice, the mum shared her method for attaching the placemats to the wall. She used 3M hooks and flat 3M Velcro strips, reassuring everyone that "they've stuck so far," though she did clarify that her baby doesn't yet sleep in the room.

"What a brilliant idea! I'm all for a bargain!" exclaimed another enthusiastic member.

It turns out, this crafty idea isn't entirely unique. Several group members shared their own versions of DIY Kmart wall art using similarly unlikely items.

"I did the same thing a few years ago! Placemats and fruit bowls are such an easy way to make art - and so much better than the alternative prices," one person shared.

Another added, "Op shops are good for this as well!"

However, one user offered a word of caution, sharing a less-than-ideal outcome: "I did the same thing and they went mouldy."

Other group members shared their creative use of baskets and placemats to create wall art. Photo: Facebook/Kmart Hacks & Decor
Other group members shared their creative use of baskets and placemats to create wall art. Photo: Facebook/Kmart Hacks & Decor

In a world where nursery decor can quickly become expensive, this mum's Kmart hack is a refreshing reminder that creativity and resourcefulness can go a long way.

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And while not every DIY project is perfect, the support and shared ideas from the online community make it clear that there are plenty of ways to create beautiful spaces on a budget.

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