Updating your home doesn’t have to mean a complete renovation or spending a fortune. With a little creativity and some DIY skills, you can refresh your living space in ways that are easy, budget-friendly, and totally customized to your style. Here are 10 simple DIY projects that will give your home a fresh, new look!
1. Create a Gallery Wall
A gallery wall adds personality to your space and allows you to showcase your favorite photos, artwork, and mementos.
Materials:
- Picture frames of various sizes
- Artwork, photos, prints
- Hanging hooks or picture-hanging strips
- Tape measure and pencil
Instructions:
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- Choose the wall where you’d like to create your gallery.
- Arrange your frames on the floor to determine your layout.
- Use a tape measure and pencil to mark where you’ll hang each frame.
- Hang your frames using hooks or adhesive strips.
- Step back and enjoy your personalized gallery wall!
2. Repaint Your Furniture
A fresh coat of paint can completely transform an old piece of furniture, giving it a modern, updated look.
Materials:
- Sandpaper
- Primer
- Paint (chalk paint or furniture paint works well)
- Paintbrush or roller
- Sealer (optional)
Instructions:
- Sand the surface of the furniture to remove old paint or varnish.
- Apply a coat of primer and let it dry completely.
- Paint the furniture in your chosen color, applying 2-3 coats for even coverage.
- If desired, seal the paint with a clear coat for durability.
- Let the paint cure, and enjoy your “new” piece of furniture!
3. Make Your Own Floating Shelves
Floating shelves are a chic way to add storage and display space without taking up too much room.
Materials:
- Wooden planks (cut to your desired length)
- L-brackets or floating shelf brackets
- Screws and anchors
- Drill and level
Instructions:
- Measure the area where you’ll install the shelves and mark the placement on the wall.
- Attach the brackets to the wall using screws and anchors.
- Secure the wooden planks onto the brackets.
- Use a level to ensure the shelves are straight.
- Style your shelves with plants, books, and decor items.
4. Revamp Your Entryway with a DIY Coat Rack
A DIY coat rack is a functional and stylish addition to any entryway, helping to keep your space organized.
Materials:
- Wooden board
- Hooks or knobs
- Sandpaper
- Stain or paint
- Screws and anchors
- Drill
Instructions:
- Sand the wooden board to smooth the surface.
- Stain or paint the board in your desired color, and let it dry.
- Attach hooks or knobs evenly along the board.
- Mount the board on the wall using screws and anchors.
- Hang your coats, bags, and hats in style!
5. DIY Accent Wall with Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
Peel-and-stick wallpaper is an easy way to create an accent wall without the commitment of traditional wallpaper.
Materials:
- Peel-and-stick wallpaper
- Tape measure
- Scissors
- Utility knife
- Squeegee or credit card
Instructions:
- Measure the wall where you’ll apply the wallpaper.
- Cut the wallpaper to size, leaving a little extra for trimming.
- Starting at the top, peel off the backing and smooth the wallpaper onto the wall.
- Use a squeegee or credit card to remove air bubbles.
- Trim excess wallpaper with a utility knife for a clean finish.
6. Upgrade Kitchen Cabinets with New Hardware
Switching out cabinet hardware is a quick and affordable way to give your kitchen a new look.
Materials:
- New cabinet handles or knobs
- Screwdriver
- Measuring tape
Instructions:
- Remove the old hardware from your cabinets using a screwdriver.
- Measure the distance between screw holes to ensure the new hardware fits.
- Install the new hardware, making sure it’s securely fastened.
- Step back and admire your refreshed cabinets!
7. DIY Hanging Planters
Add some greenery to your home with hanging planters, perfect for small spaces or adding life to a blank wall.
Materials:
- Small pots
- Rope or twine
- Hooks
- Scissors
Instructions:
- Cut three pieces of rope or twine, each about 3 feet long.
- Tie the ropes together at one end, and evenly space out the strands.
- Place the pot in the center and weave the rope around it to hold it in place.
- Tie the other end of the rope and hang the planter from a hook.
- Add your favorite plants and enjoy!
8. Stencil Your Floor or Backsplash
Stenciling is an affordable way to add patterns and personality to a plain floor or backsplash.
Materials:
- Stencil
- Paint
- Painter’s tape
- Small foam roller or stencil brush
- Sealant (optional)
Instructions:
- Clean and prep the surface you’ll be stenciling.
- Secure the stencil to the surface with painter’s tape.
- Use a foam roller or stencil brush to apply paint over the stencil.
- Carefully remove the stencil and repeat the process until the entire area is covered.
- Once dry, apply a sealant for durability, if needed.
9. DIY Rope Basket for Storage
A DIY rope basket is a great way to add stylish storage for blankets, toys, or laundry.
Materials:
- Rope (cotton or jute)
- Hot glue gun
- Plastic or cardboard container (as a mold)
- Scissors
Instructions:
- Start by coiling the rope tightly and hot gluing it together at the base.
- Continue coiling and gluing as you work your way up the sides of the container.
- Once you’ve reached the desired height, cut the rope and glue the end in place.
- Let it cool, remove the container mold, and you’ve got a custom basket!
10. Refinish Old Frames for New Wall Art
Give old picture frames new life by refinishing them and creating custom wall art.
Materials:
- Old picture frames
- Sandpaper
- Paint or stain
- Spray adhesive (optional)
- Artwork or photos
Instructions:
- Sand the frames to remove any old paint or varnish.
- Paint or stain the frames in your desired color, and let them dry completely.
- If desired, spray the backs of the frames with adhesive and attach new artwork or photos.
- Hang the frames on your wall for an instant decor update!
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