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Since the pandemic, more people have been working from home, so improving the look of our homes has become important for many of us. But another trend since the pandemic—inflation—has made this a challenge.
Fortunately, no global virus can kill our creativity. Here are some budget-friendly DIY projects for every room.
Grab Some Paint Cans
Painting your cabinets or walls can significantly alter the appearance of the space. Go bold with a contrasting shade, or pick a color that fits your current decor.
For a more distinctive touch, consider applying a fake finish or stenciled design. For a long-lasting finish, carefully prepare the surface and apply high-quality paint. When painting, cover furniture and floors with drop cloths.
Upgrade Your Hardware
Modern, elegant hardware can replace outdated knobs on cupboards and doors to give a room an instant makeover. Whether your style is sleek and contemporary or rustic and vintage, choose the hardware to go with it.
If you want to give your place a new look without doing a complete makeover, installing new hardware is an easy and affordable solution. To guarantee a good fit, measure the existing holes before buying new hardware. Consider matching your new hardware to the room’s other finishes, like the faucets or light fixtures.
Create a Gallery Wall
One simple approach to occupying bare wall space is to hang family photos or customized artwork. Combine frames with the same color or design to create a unified effect. Our gallery wall is one of my partner and I’s favorite additions to our home. For a more dynamic display, try combining various sizes and angles. Select a large piece of art and arrange several smaller ones to form a gallery wall to create a statement. Remember: Trying out a few configurations before settling on a final design is okay.
Hanging Herbs
Hanging potted herbs from windows or walls adds elegance and greenery. Installing hooks or brackets allows lightweight pots to be held securely without damaging the walls.
Choose herbs that grow well inside, such as parsley, mint, or basil. To keep your herbs healthy, give them regular watering and make sure they get enough sunlight.
Mason Jar Organizers
If you want to create a wall organizer for toothbrushes, cotton balls, and other tiny objects, mount mason jars on a wooden board. This do-it-yourself project is a cheap way to improve the appearance and organization of your bathroom. You may also use this method to arrange cooking items or pens in other rooms of your house.
For some easy DIY, fasten and secure mason jars to an organizer board using screws or adhesive. Hang the board on a wall.
Handmade Kitchen Island
Paint and add new hardware to transform an outdated dresser or table into a kitchen island.
Paint the island a color that complements the current decor in your kitchen, then select hardware to complete the look. To make things more mobile, add wheels. Consider including shelves or drawers for storage.
Seat Cushion Update
Add comfort and style to wooden chairs by making your own fabric seat cushions that complement your dining area.
Measure the dimensions of your chair seats and cut foam padding to fit. Choose a durable fabric that can withstand daily use and is easy to clean. Sew the fabric into cushion covers, leaving one side open for inserting the foam padding. Attach Velcro or ties to the cushion covers to secure them to the chair seats.
Decorative Throw Pillows
Sew your throw pillows from distinctive materials to give your seating a pop of color and pattern.
Choose textiles that complement your décor, and consider combining various patterns and textures to create a layered effect.
Sew the fabric together using a sewing machine, leaving a side open for stuffing. Pack the pillows with polyester fiber fill or pillow inserts for a plusher finish.
For a seamless appearance, hand-stitch the open side closed.
Cabinet Makeover
If you’re tired of your dated kitchen cabinets, you don’t have to replace them to dramatically improve your kitchen’s look.
Instead, there are a few ways to make your cabinets look better for less. You can remove and paint cabinet doors using long-lasting, wear-resistant paint.
For a bigger change, consider permanently removing the doors to create open shelving. Since the shelves will now be exposed, you’ll want to be sure they look nice, so cover them with adhesive paper. Smooth away any air bubbles in the adhesive paper before cutting and measuring it to suit the shelves.
Window Treatments
Make your own drapes or curtains to give the space a personalized touch.
Select a fabric that complements your interior design and is suitable for the amount of light control and privacy you want.
Measure your windows to determine the amount of fabric you need. Hem the fabric’s edges and make rod pockets or hanging tabs with a sewing machine. Install curtain rods or tracks above the windows to transform a room and hang your curtains instantly.
DIY Coffee Table
One of my home’s most complimented features is my custom coffee table, made with wooden pallets.
Convert wooden crates or pallets into a distinctive coffee table—sand, paint, or stain to match your home’s style.
Once you have measured the size of your crates or pallets, cut a piece of plywood to fit the top of the table. Use screws or nails to fasten the plywood to the boxes or pallets.
Sand the table’s surfaces and edges to remove any rough patches. Match the table’s color or stain to your interior design, then apply a clear coat for protection.
Custom Bookends
Craft unique bookends from materials such as bricks, stones, or repurposed toys painted to harmonize with your interior design. Opt for weighty materials that support your books effectively and enhance your decor. Personalize them with paint or decorations for a distinctive touch.
To ensure stability, use adhesive or mortar to anchor your materials firmly. Position these custom bookends on either side of your shelf, ensuring your books remain upright while adding an artistic flair to your space.
Plate Racks
Create or alter a wooden rack to display your favorite dishes or vintage finds. Measure your plates and determine the necessary spacing between the rack’s shelves.
After cutting the wood to the appropriate dimensions with a saw, assemble the rack using screws or nails. Next, sand the rack to smooth out any rough edges, then paint or stain it to complement your home’s decor.
Finally, ensure the rack is securely mounted to the wall with suitable anchors or brackets to support the weight of your dishes.
Repurposed Ladder Shelf
Use an old wooden ladder as a chic shelf for towels, toiletries, ornaments, and more.
Measure the width of the ladder and cut shelves to fit between the rungs. Attach the shelves to the ladder using screws or brackets for a sturdy construction. Clean the ladder, sand and paint it if necessary, and lean it against the wall.
Update the Backsplash
For a simple and quick kitchen makeover, install a new backsplash using peel-and-stick tiles.
Using a utility knife, measure the area you wish to cover and cut the tiles to fit. Starting at the bottom and working your way up, remove the backing from the tiles and adhere them to the wall. Press them down firmly to ensure they stick correctly.
Fill the spaces between the tiles with caulk or grout for a polished appearance.
Reupholster a Chair
Use new fabric to breathe new life into an outdated chair.
Remove the chair’s old padding and fabric with caution. Cut the new padding and fabric to size using the existing components as a guide. Secure the new fabric and padding to the chair frame with a staple gun, pushing the fabric taut as you go.
Decorative Dish Towel Hooks
Incorporate some style into your kitchen while making your dish towels easily accessible by hanging them from hooks or knobs. If necessary, use anchors and screws to install them firmly.
Floating Shelves
Install floating shelves to showcase decorative objects, plants, and books without occupying floor space. This is my family’s favorite way to declutter while filling up empty wall space.
Determine the placement of your shelves and use a level to ensure they are straight. Install brackets or cleats to fasten shelf supports to the wall studs. After positioning the shelves on the cleats or brackets, fasten them firmly. Arrange your books, plants, or other items on the shelves for an eye-catching display.
Save Money and Take Control of Your Space
We hope you are excited to try these budget-friendly DIY projects for every room. With these tips, you can save money and take control of your space, reflecting your personal style. Relax and enjoy the comforts and the feeling of accomplishment from some successful DIY time. Sometimes, the little things make a home worth living in.
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