It’s easy to feel the strain of home renovation projects – some of us don’t have the time or energy to take on big tasks, while others are intimidated by the expense. But there’s a way to bring new life into your home without spending a fortune: do it yourself (DIY) projects. DIY doesn’t have to mean a complete overhaul; with a few simple projects, you can revitalize your home on a budget.
Creating a home that looks and feels the way you want is possible without breaking the bank. From improving the fireplace mantel to adding a colorful accent wall, you can make a huge impact for just a few dollars. Here are 10 of the best DIY projects to transform your home on the cheap.
First off, swapping out the handles and knobs on your cabinets and drawers can give your kitchen a facelift in no time. Not only is this a cheap and easy way to spruce up the look of your kitchen, but it can also help with organization. Buy stylish, new knobs to label certain drawers for spoons, forks, and other kitchen tools.
To instantly add character to any living area, add some plants. Houseplants increase quality of air, reduce stress, and can be had for little cost. Plant some small herbs to make your kitchen smell great in an instant. If you’re not a plant person, hang some art or wall decals instead. Both are great ways to give your home an artistic edge without breaking the bank.
If you’re feeling a bit more ambitious, give your fireplace mantel a makeover. Paint it white for a fresh look, or even make it look shabby chic. Be sure to carefully measure the mantel before buying any paint or supplies so you know exactly what you need.
Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of color to give any space a major transformation. Paint your walls a new shade or use stencils to create a unique pattern. If the idea of repainting the walls makes you nervous, simply adding large pillows, blankets, and new window treatments are great options for an equally effective transformation.
Another fun way to refresh your home is by reorganizing your furniture. Moving the furniture around can immediately make your room feel brand new. Keep in mind the size, shape, and style of the furniture to make sure it looks aesthetically pleasing.
Need to add a pop of light to a room? Put together your own lamp or craft your own ceiling fixtures. You can use thrift store finds and unused materials like mason jars, wine bottles, and repurposed wood. Your finished product will be the envy of your neighbors.
Every room needs a good rug. Stick with neutral colors like black, grey, and tan to keep things looking timeless. Or, you can make your own unique rug by using fabric remnants. Choose pieces of fabric in complementary colors that contrast each other for a fun mix and match.
Every room needs good lighting. Change out the bulbs in your existing fixtures for LED bulbs for an instant energy efficient makeover. If you want to get creative, you can even make paper lanterns or craft drum shade lamps with items you can find around the home.
Does your kitchen or bathroom need a splash of color? Use leftover paint or fabric scraps to make unique kitchen tiles. Place these colorful pieces around your countertops or backsplashes for an instant upgrade.
If you want to go all out, you can also make your own furniture, curtains, and shadow boxes. Using old boards or sheets, you can build end tables, headboards, and more. To build an interesting display, consider making a shadow box or art wall with sheet music, family photos, timeless keepsakes, and other sentimental pieces.
Making your own furniture is surprisingly easy, and these projects make great canvases to showcase your creative spirit. Gather some scrap wood and leftover paint to create side tables, magazine racks, and end tables. Hang up a colorful scarf instead of a curtain for the bedroom. Paint and distress old dressers, nightstands, and chairs to give your bedroom an extra pizzazz.
Stop buying random knick-knacks from stores and go the DIY route by making your own decorations. Repurpose old furniture or thrift store finds into inventive décor. Get crafty with pressed flowers, thrift store tea cups, and fabric swathes to create unique wall hangings. Re-create your own décor pieces, from jewelry stands to show-stopping chandeliers, to give your home an original flair.
It’s incredible how far a few changes can go. Give your furniture a thorough cleaning and you’ll be amazed at the end result. Utilize paint in different shades to make one wall stand out and give a room an updated feel. You can even use old lining paper to wallpaper accent walls to give your rooms a dramatic makeover.
Been wanting to really spruce up your living room or bedroom but don’t know where to start? Windows are a great starting point. Installing new drapes and fabric blinds can have a huge impact and add a subtle touch of color to any room. You could also try making fabric-covered panels and installing them on the walls.
You can save a ton of money updating your home on a budget if you know where to look. Taking on a DIY project will not only make your home look newer, it will also give you a chance to express your creativity. So, which of these projects will you choose to revitalize your home?