Sprucing up your living space? Why not start with a creative DIY project and watch it transform into a home where friends and family can gather and relax in comfort. With a few tools, some extra effort and a bit of imagination, you can breathe life into your home with projects that suit your style, inspire creativity and add function.
One of the most enjoyable and economical ways to add character to a room is to master a few simple painting techniques. From sponging to ragging to faux finishes, you can create the perfect backdrop for any room. Personalize your walls with decorative stencils, glossy finishes, stripes and other creative accents to wow your guests.
Another idea is to build your own bookshelf or entertainment center. Use salvaged wood, recycled steel piping or other reclaimed materials for an upcycled look that’s cost-effective and one-of-a-kind. You don’t have to be a master carpenter to build something useful; if you’re willing to put in the time and effort, you can find plenty of free tutorials and plans that will teach you the skills needed.
Does your home have a green thumb? Add a vibrant splash of color to your space with a mini-garden or indoor plants. You can build a vertical garden, create an herb wall or arrange a vine-covered trellis for supporting climbing plants to add a bit of nature and greenery to your decor. You can also employ some of that salvaged wood to build a windowsill herb garden and unique display boxes for indoor plants.
Turn a boring against-the-wall nook into a bright and cozy nook for reading. Surround it with fabric-covered walls or hang a colorful drape behind it to create a soothing atmosphere. Paint the area in warm and inviting colors , add throw pillows and a fuzzy rug for extra comfort, and use a rolled up futon or daybed as a bench for lounging.
Make a statement with lighting. A handcrafted lamp can add warmth to any room; make one from unusual materials such as driftwood, seashells, coiled rope, and more. You can also invest in energy-saving LED lights and fix them in the hallway, around the top of the mirror, or at the kitchen counter. For a snazzy but cost-effective solution, repurpose old bottles or jars as lamp bases and fill them with sand, seashells, glitter, etc.
Bring the outdoors into your living room with one-of-a-kind birdhouses. Create cubbies for extra storage, mount a wildflower shelf, hang a bird feeder, and add a mailbox for that postman at the front of the house. You can also make a seed-catch tray to keep little critters away and a wall-mounted plant hanger for adding a vertical element.
Install a window treatment that fits the style of your room and also adds a practical solution for privacy and light control. With hundreds of colors, designs, and textures to choose from, you can make sure the windows become a seamless extension of the room’s decor. There are lots of no-sew window treatments you can make, such as a Swiss popover top or a faux Roman shade.
Rethink your fireplace. Re-stucco or add a textured plaster finish to create a unique focal point of your choice. Develop an interesting mantel from reclaimed wood and surrounding it with an array of antique finds. For a non-traditional look, cover the wall with river stones, bricks, wooden planks, or recycled material.
Bedrooms are always welcomed to a makeover. Create a dreamy headboard from old doors or window frames; upholster it with printed fabric and choose a different headboard design that fits with your color scheme. Hang a garland of fabric strips above the headboard and add a throw rug to make the area comfy and inviting. A wall decal or painting that speaks to you can also be placed for an artsy twist.
Why not jazz up your outdoor space? Install a multi-tiered vertical planter or build a succulent wall to introduce texture and color to your patio, balcony, or yard. Use fence posts and pallet wood to construct a trellis and add an array of annual and perennial plants to create a living wall piece. Creating a terrarium or mini-garden is a fun and rewarding project that can easily fit in any outdoor area.
Be creative with your kitchen backsplash. Transform your kitchen with an eye-catching mosaic backsplash made with colorful tiles or change it up with a bright paint job applied in a vertical stripe design. If you’re feeling adventurous, incorporate a chalkboard for writing down grocery notes and recipes.
Give your furniture a personal touch. Re-covering furniture with colorful fabrics and patterned wallpaper can instantly liven up a room. Choose a slipcover for your couch instead of buying an expensive new sofa and bring out your personality with custom fabric prints.
Making the same old dishes for dinner night after night? Packing an old antique suitcase with memorabilia and books can give your dining area a comfortable and stylish upgrade. Add a mix of chairs, a few houseplants, and colorful tableware for a unique dinner setting.
Let your hallway speak for itself. Hang a series of framed canvases to feature your favorite photographs or artwork. Place a trellis with a fragrant climbing vine above it, and install a floating shelf where you can display some interesting objects. If you’re looking to add warmth and depth to your hallway, you can cover the walls with a warm wool fabric.
If you’re a neat freak, use the door to your advantage by installing an over-the-door rack. Hang up a variety of items, such as towels, scarves, coats, and accessories. You can make one yourself by using coat hooks, leather straps, and wooden dowels.
Take on the challenge of living room takeovers. Tackle a fireplace makeover, add a built-in storage wall, or update your seating area. Swap out light fixtures with wall sconces, add floating shelves for additional storage, and switch out the area rug with one that complements the color palette of the furniture.
Painting your home doesn’t have to be a chore. Create an accent wall and just go crazy with big, bold colors. Use custom stencils to make the wall truly unique and consider painting the ceiling, too. Opt out for a glossy enamel for wood furniture, or use spray paint to restore old metal furniture to its original color.
Take a chance by transforming a small room into a fun and inviting spot. Add a mini-bar in the corner, paint a mural on the wall, and experiment with lighting. Make accent pieces from vintage pieces you find in thrift stores, and upcycle old furniture pieces into conversation pieces.
Walls are just the beginning. Reimagine your living and dining area with an eye-catching wall covering. Whether it’s a mural with a stunning view of beach or a subtle geometric pattern, wall coverings are an easy way to add a bold and unique touch to any room.
Don’t limit yourself to one room; infuse pieces of art, sculptures, and antiques throughout every room. Take inventory of the pieces you already have and select pieces that will tie them all together. Embrace the rustic look with flea market finds and turn it into a custom display.
Keep your space fresh and exciting with the right accents. Accent pieces like wall art, decorative bowls and trays, and throw pillows can bring a room from drab to wow. Try bringing in new colors to the room based on the latest trends and create a color theme for a space that reflects your style.
Don’t forget about basics. Give your everyday items a lasting impression with DIY upgrades. Repaint cabinets and shelves with fresh accent colors for a new look and personality, and add embellishments like glass knobs and painted door fronts for an unexpected twist.
Decorative items don’t have to be expensive. A few simple touches such as a newspaper basket and some file folders can make a room more stylish, or you can add artwork that you’ve picked up from a thrift store and give it a fresh look.
Rearrange your furniture. Take a day to rearrange the layout of your room to break up a dreary space. Start by placing a couple of armchairs in a corner, add an area rug to warm up the space and move furniture away from the walls. Invest in a good quality area rug that fits your space and gives it personality.
Make a statement with accessories. Hang a framed mirror in the hallway for an extra touch of sophistication, switch out outdated curtains for some with a bold pattern, and add a lamp or two with unique bases. Sometimes one or two knockout touches is all it takes to make a room look fresh again.
Time to get organized. Keep your space neat with a few quick and easy organizational tips. Put up shelves and baskets for extra storage, repurpose containers to store items in the bathroom, and keep your desk area tidy with desktop organizers.
Change the lighting in your home. Many DIY lighting projects can be done on a small budget. Easy and affordable solutions include adding dimmers to existing fixtures or creating an interesting statement with pendant lights and hanging lamps.
By tackling a few creative projects, you can bring a whole new life to your home. With salvaged materials, easy designs, and simple DIY techniques, you’ll turn your living space into something that you can be proud of. The possibilities are truly endless!