Must-Try DIY Home Enhancements for Ultimate Comfort, Peace, and Joy

DIY Home Projects That Won’t Break the Bank

Transforming your home doesn’t have to drain your wallet or take up all of your free time. I even promise you it doesn’t have to last 6 months sitting in the corner unfinished, making you wonder why you did it in the first place. With a little creativity and some smart shopping, you can tackle DIY home projects that are both affordable and impactful. Here’s a roundup of some budget-friendly projects that will add charm and functionality to your living space.

1. Refresh Your Walls with Paint

A fresh coat of paint can completely transform a room. Whether you choose a bold accent wall or a soothing neutral, paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to make a big impact. It’s amazing how a change in color can refresh your space and even improve your mood.

Supplies Needed:

• Paint: Choose a high-quality paint that suits your desired finish (e.g., matte, satin, or gloss). I usually use a Paint & Primer Combo in Satin
• Paint Rollers: Invest in good rollers for a smooth application.
• Painter’s Tape or Edger: Essential for clean lines and protecting trim.

Steps:

1. Prep the Room: Move furniture away from the walls and cover floors with drop cloths.
2. Clean the Walls: Remove dust and grime to ensure the paint adheres properly.
3. Tape Off Areas: Use painter’s tape to protect trim and other surfaces.
4. Apply Primer: If necessary, apply a primer to cover dark colors or stains.
5. Paint: Use a roller for large areas and a brush for edges and corners.
6. Second Coat: Apply a second coat if needed for full coverage.

2. Create a Gallery Wall

Turn a blank wall into a gallery of memories and art. Use a mix of frames in different sizes and styles to create a visually appealing display. This project not only personalizes your space but also allows you to showcase your favorite photos and artwork.

Supplies Needed:

• Picture Frames: Choose frames in various sizes and styles for a dynamic look.
• Wall Hooks: Ensure they are sturdy enough to support your frames. I use these for drywall, these work beautifully for our old plaster, and these if the frame is light enough/not glass

Steps:

1. Select Your Art and Photos: Pick a mix of prints, photos, and artworks.
2. Plan the Layout: Lay the frames on the floor and arrange them until you find a layout you love.
3. Measure and Mark: Use a level and measuring tape to mark where each frame will go on the wall.
4. Hang the Frames: Start with the central piece and work your way outwards.

3. Upgrade Your Lighting

Swapping out outdated light fixtures can modernize your space instantly. Lighting can dramatically change the ambiance of a room, making it feel cozier, brighter, or more inviting.

Supplies Needed:

• Light Fixtures: Choose fixtures that complement your decor. I’m in love with these curved light fixtures for our hallway at the base of the stairs.
• LED Bulbs: Energy-efficient bulbs that last longer and save on electricity bills.

Steps:

1. Turn Off Power: Ensure safety by switching off the power at the circuit breaker.
2. Remove Old Fixture: Carefully detach the old fixture, noting how it was wired.
3. Install New Fixture: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to wire and mount the new fixture.
4. Test the Light: Turn the power back on and test your new lighting.

4. Add Trim or Wainscoting to a Wall

Adding trim or wainscoting can give any room an elegant, finished look. It’s a relatively simple project that can add architectural interest and value to your home. This is perhaps my favorite, as I live in a century old home that once had these features, but they’ve been stripped away over the years. It feels right and like I’m doing the home justice to add them back in.

Supplies Needed:

• Trim or Wainscoting Panels: Choose a style that complements your home’s decor. I get mine from Homedepot or Lowes in the trim department.
• Miter Saw: For precise cuts. This baby miter is everything you need for trim and is so user friendly for those who can’t commit to the real thing. I finished two projects without it and cannot believe how much better it was with it.
• Nail Gun: To secure the trim. This price tag is hefty, I truly needed it because I have old, uneven textured walls. You could potentially get away without it using liquid nail if you have drywall.

Steps:

1. Measure the Wall: Determine the amount of trim or wainscoting you’ll need.
2. Cut the Pieces: Use a miter saw to cut the trim to the correct lengths.
3. Install the Trim: Secure the trim to the wall using a nail gun.
4. Fill and Sand: Fill any gaps or nail holes with wood filler, then sand for a smooth finish.
5. Paint: Paint the trim to match or complement your walls.

5. Update Cabinet Hardware

Giving your kitchen or bathroom cabinets a facelift can be as simple as changing the hardware. New knobs and pulls can instantly refresh the look of your cabinets and give your space a modern touch.

Supplies Needed:

• Cabinet Knobs and Pulls: Select a style that complements your decor. Amazon or Ikea is great for these.
• Screwdriver Set: Necessary for removing old hardware and installing new pieces.

Steps:

1. Remove Old Hardware: Use a screwdriver to take off existing knobs and pulls.
2. Measure and Mark: Ensure the new hardware is aligned correctly.
3. Install New Hardware: Attach the new knobs and pulls securely.

6. Add Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

Peel-and-stick wallpaper is an easy and affordable way to add a splash of color or pattern to your walls. It’s perfect for renters or anyone looking to change things up without a long-term commitment. Just remember, they truly work best on smooth surfaces. That is how my daughter’s nursery went from accent wallpaper to mural. Putting my husband’s art degree to good use.

Supplies Needed:

• Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper: Choose a design that suits your style. I loved the company Wallblush for the ease of use and quality of product.
• Wallpaper Smoothing Tool: To ensure a bubble-free application, this may or may not be needed. Sometimes just a flat edge will do.

Steps:

1. Measure and Cut: Measure your walls and cut the wallpaper to size.
2. Peel and Stick: Apply the wallpaper, starting from the top and working your way down.
3. Smooth Out Bubbles: Use the smoothing tool to remove any air bubbles.

7. Update Your Bathroom Fixtures

Replacing outdated bathroom fixtures can give the space a fresh, modern look. This project is relatively simple and can make a big difference in the overall feel of your bathroom.

Supplies Needed:

• Faucet Set: Choose a modern design that complements your bathroom. This one is my vibe.
• Showerhead: Upgrade to a high-pressure, multi-function shower head for a spa-like experience.

Steps:

1. Turn Off Water Supply: Ensure the water supply is turned off before starting.
2. Remove Old Fixtures: Carefully remove the existing faucet and showerhead.
3. Install New Fixtures: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the new fixtures.
4. Check for Leaks: Turn the water supply back on and check for any leaks.

8. Create a Custom Backsplash

A kitchen backsplash doesn’t have to be expensive. You can create a custom look using peel-and-stick tiles or even paint. It’s a great way to add color and texture to your kitchen.

Supplies Needed:

• Peel-and-Stick Tiles: Easy to apply and remove.
• Tile Cutter: For precise cuts. Just remember the less expensive you go with these tools, the more likely you are to have a few broken tiles, but they are user friendly.

Steps:

1. Clean the Surface: Ensure the wall is clean and dry.
2. Plan Layout: Arrange tiles to fit your space.
3. Apply Tiles: Start from the bottom and work your way up.
4. Cut Tiles: Use the tile cutter for edges and corners.

9. Personalize Your Entryway

Make a great first impression with a personalized entryway. Add a bench, hooks for bags and coats, and a shelf for shoes to create a welcoming and organized space. We love our mirror and console table. We are also in talks about maybe adding something practical now that my son is older.

Supplies Needed:

• Entryway Bench: Provides seating and storage.
• Wall Hooks: For coats, bags, and keys.
• Shoe Rack: Keeps shoes organized and off the floor. We got ours from Ikea for in our office closet.

Steps:

1. Choose Location: Decide where your entryway setup will go.
2. Install Hooks: Securely attach hooks to the wall.
3. Place Bench: Position the bench in a convenient spot.
4. Organize: Add a shoe rack and baskets for additional storage.

10. Build a Raised Garden Bed

A raised garden bed is a fantastic way to add greenery to your yard without much hassle. It’s perfect for growing flowers, herbs, or vegetables, and it can be customized to fit any space.

Supplies Needed:

• Wood Planks: Choose untreated wood for building the bed. Best not to order these online, unless from your hardware store for delivery if your car is too small.
• Soil: High-quality soil for planting. I don’t have a particular favorite, I’d ask your local nursery.
• Seeds or Plants: Select your favorite herbs, flowers, or vegetables.

Steps:

1. Choose Location: Pick a sunny spot in your yard.
2. Build the Frame: Assemble the wood planks into a rectangular frame.
3. Prepare the Ground: Remove grass and level the ground where the bed will sit.
4. Fill with Soil: Add soil to the bed, filling it up to the top.
5. Plant: Sow seeds or plant seedlings according to their requirements.

Conclusion

DIY home projects don’t have to be expensive to make a big impact. With a little creativity and some affordable supplies, you can transform your space and make it truly your own. Happy DIYing!

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