The Superwoman Behind Banyoabode: A Peek On How Kirstin Young Makes DIY Look Easy (and How You Can Too)

We’ve all been sucked into that endless doom scroll, watching DIY projects on social media and thinking, “I can totally do that!” Next thing you know, you’re scrambling to gather as much information as possible and find yourself lost in a sea of tips and tutorials, wondering, “Where do I even begin?” (Seriously, I swear our algorithms are out to get us!)

Enter Kirstin Young - a DIY powerhouse and mum of two, known for documenting her home reno journey and DIY projects on @banyoabode. Whether she’s thrifting and refurbishing furniture or renovating her home, Kirstin’s approach is all about creating spaces that work for everyone, one project at a time. She’s been there, done that, and makes it look so easy, turning her passion into a career while keeping things relatable and straightforward for her followers. Today, we get a peek behind the scenes of her creative process and discover what keeps her motivated through the challenges and triumphs of DIY life. 

Introducing Kirstin

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself! How did you get started with DIY renovating and woodworking? Was this something you’ve always been passionate about?

Hi, I’m Kirstin. I bought my first home with my partner in 2018, and it was a total fixer-upper, which I was really excited about! I’d always wanted to try my hand at DIY, and this felt like the perfect opportunity to get stuck in.

Growing up, my mum always fixed up our homes, so I had this belief that I could at least give it a go. Like most people, I started small—ripping up carpet, painting walls, adding trim to a pantry door—and it just grew from there.

My true passion for renovating really kicked in once we had our own place. Before that, the most I’d done was paint a chest of drawers... which I later had to sand back and redo because I didn’t prime it first! But that’s the fun part—I love figuring out how things work and learning new skills as I go.

2. Where do you go to learn about DIY? How did you get started and develop the skills you have now?

YouTube is my go-to for everything DIY—it’s honestly where I’ve learned most of my skills. I started small by upcycling furniture for our home, which really sparked my passion for woodworking. I found I loved working with timber and figuring out how to bring old pieces back to life or give them a new purpose.

My first big project was our bedroom. It had grey carpet, chipped windows, no cornice, and a wardrobe in the strangest spot. One day, I told my partner I was “just checking what was under the carpet”... and by the time he got home from work, the whole room was ripped up and completely out of action for months!

I leaned on YouTube to teach me how to patch walls, paint properly, add cornicing, refurbish windows, and sand wooden floors. Of course, there are things I’d do differently now, but with every project your confidence and skills grow.

I really got started from curiosity and a drive to create a beautiful home without spending a fortune—and that’s still what motivates me today.

3. What gets you out of bed in the morning? What are your passions and dreams that keep you going?

Well, these days what literally gets me up in the morning are my two little ones! But beyond that, what really fuels me is the joy of creating. It’s funny—growing up, I never saw myself as creative. I didn’t do art or woodworking in school; I was more into tech and never really explored that side of myself. But once I started renovating and building, I realised creativity looks different for everyone—and mine shows up through design, problem-solving, and bringing ideas to life with my own hands.

I get so much joy from seeing a beautiful design or a piece of furniture and thinking, How was that made? Could I build that? Even though I don’t always have hours to spend in the garage right now (hello, mum life!), that creative itch is always there. I’m constantly dreaming up new projects, mentally taking notes when I see clever design details, and finding ways to make our home more functional and beautiful.

My passion is building a life I love—both in my home and for my family. Creating spaces that reflect who we are, working with my hands, learning new skills, and showing my kids what it looks like to chase something you're passionate about... that’s what keeps me going.

Balancing Life & DIY

4. You’re a young mum juggling family life, a renovation, and a job. How do you manage it all? Any tips for balancing it all while staying sane?

I’ve learned to embrace the chaos a little and let go of the idea that everything has to be done quickly or perfectly. With kids, every project just takes longer, and that’s okay. The silver lining is it gives you a lot more time to really think through your design, research your products, and in the end, the final result is often better than if you just rushed to get it done. Or at least that’s what I tell myself to stay sane!

My partner and I try to prioritise our hobbies and downtime because when we each get time to do our own thing, we’re happier humans—and better parents and partners. For me, renovating is both a passion and a creative outlet. I’m lucky that my partner doesn’t mind living in a bit of chaos, because I’ll be honest—my tools don’t always get put away!

One tip I always share is to make sure you have at least one space in your home that’s calm and free from reno mess. It makes such a difference having somewhere to reset and take a break from the dust and to-do lists.

5. As someone who is always working on a project, what would you say is the most rewarding part of being a DIY-er?

The most rewarding part of DIY for me is the process—I love problem-solving and figuring things out as I go. Even when something doesn’t work out the first time, it always ends up working out because I learn how to fix my mistakes. That feeling of making it work and seeing the finished result is so satisfying

Challenges

6. DIY can definitely be tough! What’s the most challenging aspect of it, and what would you recommend to other first-time DIY-ers about spraying, sanding, or big projects?

Yes, DIY can definitely be tough—but that’s also what makes it so rewarding. The most challenging part is when things don’t go to plan.

Looking back, a lot of my early frustrations came down to the tools I was using. And when you’re just starting out, it’s hard to justify spending more on quality tools, especially if you’re not sure how often you’ll use them. But honestly, the right tools can completely change your experience—they make the job smoother, faster, and give you a better result.

There’s that old saying about "A bad workman blames his tools" but sometimes, it is the tool! I started with a super cheap spray gun—it technically got paint on the wall, but the finish wasn’t great, and it wasted so much paint. Once I upgraded, I couldn’t believe the difference.

If I had one big tip for beginners, especially with spraying, sanding, or tackling bigger projects, it’s this: don’t rush the prep. Prep work takes time—probably 80% of the job—but it’s so worth it. A clean, smooth surface and proper taping or masking makes the actual painting part feel easy.

Also, be kind to yourself. Mistakes happen, and that’s where the learning is. Every project teaches you something new—even the frustrating ones!

7. Have there been any major hiccups or funny moments along the way? What's one of your best learnings after all the DIY projects you’ve done?

Oh, so many hiccups! A standout was during our big renovation while I was pregnant with our first. Our only working bathroom got demoed before the concrete was poured—which then got delayed for months. I had to trek downstairs to a front yard portaloo in the middle of winter... while pregnant. If you’ve been pregnant, you know how often that trip happened. Good times!

Another was building our 1800mm vanity box myself—very pregnant and on a deadline—because I just thought, “Yeah, I can totally do that.” It’s still missing its drawer to this day, but I’ll get to it!

What I’ve learned is that there will always be hiccups. Being able to problem-solve and pivot is key. Go with the flow, don’t take it too seriously, and try to laugh your way through the chaos.

8. We know renovations come with their challenges! What do you think is the biggest barrier to taking your projects to the next level?

Time and budget are definitely big barriers, but another one for me is self-doubt. I’ve never done most of the things I want to do before—I'm not a tradie, I’ve just learned by doing. So every new project still comes with a bit of procrastination and overwhelm because I’m figuring it out as I go.

Right now, I’m working on my kids’ room and actually ripping down walls—something I’ve never done before!

I try to break things into small, achievable tasks so that when I do get a pocket of time, I can jump straight in. It’s a slow process, but it’s how I grow—and that’s what I love about it.

GO Industrial & Banyoabode

9. How did you first discover GO Industrial and decide to work with our team? What made you choose airless spraying, dustless sanding, and other gear carried by GO Industrial?

I first saw professional painters using Graco sprayers and then noticed other DIYers on Instagram using Graco sprayers from GO Industrial —which caught my eye even more when I realised they’re Brisbane-based (love supporting local!).

After struggling with a cheap hand sprayer on my pool fence—constantly refilling it and wasting paint—I knew I needed an upgrade. I reached out to GO Industrial on Instagram, and they were so helpful.

I was ready to splurge on a top-tier sprayer, but they actually recommended one from the DIY range that was more suited to my needs. That really stood out—they weren’t just trying to upsell me, they genuinely cared about helping me get the right gear.

The sprayer they recommended is still going strong and gives an amazing finish. I’ve since added a handheld Graco sprayer for smaller jobs. I love that their products are trusted by pros, the prices are great, and delivery is quick. Even though I’m a DIYer, I want to do things properly, and having the right equipment makes a huge difference.

10. How have you found the gear you’ve gotten from GO Industrial in your work? Did it make a noticeable difference in your projects?

The GO gear has definitely made a noticeable difference in my work. From the first time I used the sprayer, the finish was so much smoother and more professional than anything I’d achieved with cheaper tools. The sprayer is faster, more efficient, and uses less paint, saving me both time and money. The dustless sanding system has been a game-changer too. It’s made sanding cleaner and more manageable, and I can see a huge difference in the final result. The quality of the gear is just on another level, and it’s helped me take my DIY projects to a more polished, pro-like finish. I feel way more confident tackling bigger projects, knowing I have the right tools for the job.  

Design Process & Inspiration

11. What's your design process like when tackling a new project? How do you find inspiration for your renovations?

My design process starts with gathering inspiration from Pinterest, Instagram, and the space itself. I focus on creating functional, timeless designs that suit our family. After sketching ideas, I plan out the details like materials and finishes. I also enjoy experimenting with new techniques and tools as I go, keeping things flexible to stay creative and make adjustments when needed.  

Advice for Others

12. What advice would you give to your younger self when you were just starting out?

I’d tell my younger self: keep going, you’re doing great. The biggest thing I’d remind myself is that it’s okay to make mistakes, and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Every project you start, no matter how big or small, is a chance to learn and grow.

Don’t rush the process—embrace the learning curve and trust that the skills and confidence will build over time. The imperfections and setbacks? They’re all part of the journey. You’ve got this! 

13. What advice would you give to aspiring DIY-ers who are just starting out?

Power tools can definitely be daunting, especially because they can be dangerous, and injuries can happen. My advice is to watch all the safety videos, always wear the correct gear, and take your time until you feel comfortable. If you’re feeling hesitant, start with tools like a sander or spray gun—they’re great for beginners and much safer as you build your confidence. Most importantly, go for it! Enjoy the process and remember that you’ll only improve with each project.  

Future Plans

14. Lastly, what's next for you? Any exciting projects in the pipeline?

Right now, I’m focused on my kids’ rooms. I’ve already ripped down the walls and added insulation. Next up, I’ll be adding wall panelling, trim, building a new wardrobe, refinishing the windows, and then painting and styling everything. It's a big project, but I'm excited to see it all come together!

DIY can feel intimidating, especially when you’re just starting out, but as Kirstin’s journey shows, we’ve all been there—and it’s comforting to know we’re not alone in the struggle. Creators like Kirstin are redefining what it means to take on projects with confidence and creativity. Yes, DIY can be overwhelming at times, but with the right tools and guidance, it doesn’t have to be. And Kirstin is proving that, one project at a time.

At GO Industrial, we get it—having the right tools makes all the difference. We’re passionate about empowering DIY-ers with the best gear to help make your projects smoother and more efficient. Whether you’re just starting out or are already a seasoned pro, we’ve got your back. #ReliableGearReliablePeople

So, whether you’re about to dive into your first project or need a little extra nudge to keep going, remember: it’s all about the love for DIY and the satisfaction of bringing your vision to life.

If you’re ready to tackle your next project, check out our socials or our DIY resource hub to grab Kirstin’s recommended gear. Don’t forget to use the code BANYOABODE at checkout!