Doing home improvement projects by yourself is a popular trend. Over the last year, more than half of the Americans who improved their homes did so on their own, with Gen Xers being the most likely to go for DIY. Indeed, hiring a contractor can be both intimidating and expensive. But with a little bit of time and creativity, you yourself can make it sparkle.
We’ve collected below a set of neat DIY ideas that can turn your home from drab to fab in no time.
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Spice up your kitchen with easy DIY projects
There are many easy DIY projects that you can carry out to transform your kitchen into a more stylish and functional space. Whether you want to add some color, texture, lighting or storage space, there is a project for you. Below you will find some of the easiest DIY projects for your kitchen that you can do on a weekend or perhaps just a Saturday.
Breathe new life into your old cabinets
Give your kitchen cabinets a new look by changing their color. This simple update can revive your kitchen and make it look more lively. No matter if your cabinets are worn out or you just want a different style, painting them can do wonders.
Another small project with a big impact is replacing your kitchen cabinets with other hardware. For a unique style, hunt for antique pieces in shops and websites or, for a fun and funky look, paint handles and knobs in a color that pops against your cabinets.
Adding light underneath or inside your cabinets will give them an instant facelift. And the best part is that you can get magnetic strip lights for a bargain and install them yourself in no time.
Install a Julia Child inspired kitchen pegboard
The walls of your kitchen can easily become your creative playground for creating extra storage, which is particularly important if you are downsizing.
For example, a DIY kitchen pegboard is a wonderful way to mix form and function in a simple yet beautiful design.
Inspired by the kitchen of legendary chef Julia Child, this storage solution lets you keep everything within reach while cooking. The pegboard can house your favorite pots, pans and other utensils, completely upgrading the way you cook.
Order the peg board online for as little as $75 and ask a friend to help you make sure it’s level, then drill it into the wall.
Not only will your kitchen look better, but you can stop storing heavy items in hard-to-reach cabinets. This will save you time and energy, as you won’t have to meticulously rearrange nested pots and pans every time you need to use them.
Add green interest with hanging planters
Plants are the perfect way to add some life and color to your kitchen. You can hang them from the ceiling or the wall and save some precious counter space. Plus, plants are not just pretty to look at, they are also natural humidifiers and promote fresh air.
You can grow some fragrant herbs in your kitchen, like basil, rosemary, mint, oregano, cilantro, thyme, parsley and sage, as they are easy to care for and handy for cooking. You can also choose some flowers or houseplants that clean the air and make your kitchen cozy, like African violets, ferns, begonia, impatiens, jasmine, English ivy, aloe vera, cast-iron plants, spider plants, Chinese evergreens, the African spear plant, heartleaf philodendron, and the string-of-pearls plant.
Turn your bedroom into a dreamy retreat
Many people desire a cozy and relaxing space where they can unwind and sleep well. Luckily, there are some easy and affordable ways to transform your bedroom into a sanctuary of comfort and style.
Wallpaper your bedroom walls to create a colorful and textured look
Some 20 years ago, wallpaper was considered outdated, a hard-to-remove reminiscence from the 80s. But just as many other retro trends, wallpaper has rolled right back into style. The good part is that these days, the styles, colors and patterns are delightfully varied, so you are bound to find one that represents your personality and tastes.
As for the installation, it’s as easy as it gets. In fact, compared to its vintage counterparts, today’s wallpaper is easy to put up and take down, making it a go-to for DIY enthusiasts.
Build a DIY headboard
Nothing spices up a bland bedroom like a stunning headboard. This simple piece of furniture can transform a dull and ordinary room into a chic and cozy space. A headboard with a pop of color or an interesting texture can make all the difference to a bedroom with a neutral theme.
And now to the doing part. You may be surprised to find out that an attractive new headboard is easier to make than you think. You can use plywood, foam, batting, fabric and a staple gun to create a cozy and elegant look. Choose fabrics and colors that match your style and decor. You can also add some nailhead trim for extra flair or express your unique style by making your headboard from recycled materials.
Add a touch of color with pillows, bedding and rugs
Pillows are a great way to spice up your bed, sofa or chairs. You can have your pillows chime with your bedding by choosing matching or contrasting colors or have some fun and mix things up with different colors, patterns and sizes.
Bedding is another key factor that can make or break the vibe and style of your bedroom. Match your bedding with your wall colors or use it to bring a new color scheme to your room. You can also layer your bedding to create a cozy and snug look, for example by using a quilt, a duvet or a comforter in different colors.
Don’t forget about the floor of your bedroom. Rugs can help you add some warmth and softness to your floor, as well as some color and interesting patterns. Choosing the right rug will define your space and create some contrast and interest in your room.
Get crafty and make your own artwork for the walls
Artwork is a simple way to change the vibe of a room. Artworks, especially the larger pieces, usually have equally large prices, plus it can be a challenge to find something that matches the atmosphere of your living space.
Even if you are not an artist, there are some tips and techniques that will make your artwork look fancy, and they will cost you just a few hours and a few art supplies.
For example, you can create an abstract painting with a few swirls of watercolor on a blank canvas or create a modern monochromatic design that will spark a conversation at your next dinner party.
Large-scale abstract art pieces for sale typically have equally large price tags. But with a few swirls of watercolor paint on a blank canvas, you can create your own free-form masterpiece for a fraction of the cost.
DIY your way to a cozy and stylish living room
Is your living room living up to its potential? Or is it just a room that didn’t get the attention it deserves? As this is the space where family members relax, watch TV, have coffee or entertain guests, it should be a perfect mix between functionality and design. DIY projects can help you revamp your living room and add a touch of personality within a limited budget.
Build a unique bookshelf
To create new storage space, you might want to add some features to your living room — you can easily build a bookshelf using some metal pipes, fittings and wood boards. Shelves made from industrial pipes can create a variety of styles for your space, from a sleek and modern look to a cozy and rustic feel.
This project is sturdy and stylish, and it will give you a lot of space to display your books, plants or collectibles.
Make your own coffee table
When DIY meets upcycling, you have an opportunity to achieve a successful outcome with a special character. This is the case, for example, for a charming DIY pallet coffee table. One of the simplest ways to make one is to use a single pallet board as the top and attach some legs to it. You can use metal hairpin legs, wooden blocks or even wheels to create a mobile table.
You can also paint or stain the pallet wood to match your decor. Should you wish for extra features such as storage space or a glass top to your coffee table, you can stack two or more pallet boards together and cut them to size. You can also use the gaps between the planks to fit some baskets or drawers for extra storage.
Make any room look amazing with these DIY tips
Are you looking for a way to revamp your home without spending too much time or money? Do you want to make your rooms more inviting, stylish and personal? If so, you’re in luck. You can make any room in your home look more spacious, bright and original with these four easy steps:
Refresh any room with a fresh coat of paint
Painting walls is actually one of the simplest (and most relaxing) DIY tasks you can do. Plus, when you follow the right steps, you may be able to finish it in just a day. With a little practice, you’ll be a DIY master and never need a contractor again.
Start by measuring the room and multiply the height of each wall by the width of your work area. Remember to buy a little extra paint for wastage. Every paint tin will tell you the coverage of its content, but the rule of thumb is that a gallon will cover around 100 square feet, or the size of a smaller apartment bedroom.
The first thing to do after getting the paint you want is to get the room and its walls ready. Move as much furniture as you can out of the way entirely and move the rest into the middle of the room and cover it with dust sheets.
Remember to also lay down sheets to protect your floor. Tape them to the baseboards to keep them in place while you work. Sand the surface of the walls, if necessary, apply a primer, and then paint your room the color of your choice, whether it’s one of the classic and smooth shades of white or a bolder, brighter tint.
Elevate your lighting scheme with statement fixtures
Does your lighting feel dim or dull? Upgrade your ceiling lighting with a new fixture, a modern pendant, a classic chandelier, or a funky floor lamp – the options are limitless.
You can start by deciding what you want the eye to see first in each room. This will be the spot that catches your attention, and you could consider adding a stunning light fixture (or two) here. Since this light fixture will probably be the biggest one in the room, the rest of the space should follow its lead.
A dimmer switch is a simple way to add sophistication to your lighting, and it’s ideal for the room where you entertain your guests. A dimmable light source will let you customize the lighting for every occasion.
If you can’t install a dimmer right now, you can still create lovely ambient light with some table or floor lamps. Experiment with different colors and textures of lampshades to find the one that matches your room design.
Don’t neglect your garden patio — you can also make this space more inviting by adding a string of lights or a few whimsical solar-powered lamps.
Adorn your windows with new treatments
When did you last change your curtains? Windows can make a big difference in a space, but many people don’t pay enough attention to window treatments when designing their homes. Window coverings can have a practical and decorative effect, helping create balance in a room, depending on your space and how much natural light you can access. Whether you choose rich and flowing drapes, sleek coverings, classic curtains, Roman shades or relaxed shutters, window treatments are sure to inspire a better view at home.
Consider the room’s function when choosing window treatments — besides being aesthetic, they also control the amount of light entering. While the bedroom could benefit from blackout curtains for sleeping in late during the weekend, your kitchen will require transparent curtains that let natural light welcome you for the morning coffee.
How self storage can help during your DIY projects
Self storage can be a great help for your DIY plans. If you are working on a large project, such as remodeling your kitchen, you may need to temporarily store furniture and other belongings out of the way.
For example, a storage unit with a size of 10′ x 10‘, which many people choose, can hold up to 800 cubic feet of items. To know how much stuff you can fit in a storage unit, you need to find out its total volume, where this size guide will come in handy.
Self storage is a budget-friendly alternative that can provide you with a safe and secure place to keep your belongings in while you work. You can see how much self storage costs in a few of the largest US cities below.
In addition, self storage can be a great place to store your DIY supplies. This could include things like paint, tools and materials. Having all your supplies in one place will make it easier to get started on projects and keep your workspace organized.
While painting your bedroom, you could store your furniture and belongings in a self storage unit to keep them safe from paint spills and dust. If you are building a DIY headboard or a bookshelf for your living room, you could store the materials in a self storage unit until you are ready to start working on the project.
Overall, self storage can be an asset for anyone who is planning to engage in DIY projects. It can help you to save space in your home, keep your belongings safe, and make your projects easier to complete.
You don’t need to spend a fortune or hire a professional to transform your home from dull to dazzling. With some DIY projects, you can unleash your creativity and personalize your space to suit your tastes and needs. Whether you want to spice up your kitchen, breathe new life into your old cabinets, wallpaper your bedroom walls, or make a statement with a DIY headboard, there is a project for you.
So, what are you waiting for? Get inspired by these DIY projects and start transforming your home today! There is no better way to add your unique personal touch and make your space feel like your own.
