Do-it-yourself projects can be intimidating. Who needs the headache of all the possible wrong turns along the way? But DIY home improvements don’t have to be a nightmare. With the right planning and preparation, any level of handyman can easily upgrade their home without breaking the bank. By tackling smaller projects, like painting the walls and changing door knobs, even the most novice of do-it-yourselfers can get a sense of accomplishment.
Painting is one of the simplest and most rewarding DIY projects. With a few buckets of paint and easy conversion from brush to roller or sprayer, anyone can breathe new life into a room. Consider changing the color palette of an entire floor, or transforming a single wall by freehand painting a mural. Couple that with a new set of curtains and the room feels completely different.
Next, don’t be afraid to tackle that ancient kitchen. Changing the cabinet doors and handles won’t break the bank and it will have a dramatic effect. Add a new backsplash and crown molding with the same shade of paint will tie everything together for a more professional look.
For a cheap and easy way to spruce up the living room, fabrics are the way to go. Change the pillowcases with seasonal prints, or layer thicker fabrics during the winter and lighter colored ones during the summer. If you want to spruce up the furniture, a can of spray paint can go a long way. Or create an accent wall and use wall decals to give it a new look.
Even a non-handyman can take on specific projects around the home that don’t necessarily require a leather belt full of tools. When looking for an easy, weekend home improvement project, don’t dismiss the idea of creating a floating garden or herb box. It’s easy and won’t tame too much of your time. Simply drill a few holes in a planter and hang it with simple rope or twine. This could easily become a statement piece of your room’s decor.
Finally, get creative and come up with custom projects. If you have an empty corner or wall, simply frame your favorite print with a bit of wood and stain. Or if you’re looking for something a bit more unique, a living wall can be easily constructed with plastic pockets, or even a wine-barrel with some soil for herbs and flowers.
With a bit of imagination and a little effort, anyone can make make small and simple improvements around the home. DIY projects don’t have to be a complex undertaking. All it takes is a bit of courage and a positive attitude and you’ll be surprised with what you can accomplish.
A great way to electrify a room is simply through the use of ambient lighting. There are plenty of options for affordable lamps to be purchase from your local hardware store. Hanging lanterns are a great way to light up a dining room or bedroom, while standing lamps can be used to adorn a living room or study. Additionally, instead of traditional lamps, consider installing LED lights or rope lighting to subtly brighten up a room.
Adding unique doorknobs and handles to doors and furniture can also give a room a new style. Mix and match doorknobs with intricate designs or add little items such as doorstops that create character to the room. You can also switch out the hardware for old shutters and dressers and transform them into something totally new. A few new knobs and a fresh coat of paint can turn a flea market find into a stunning statement piece.
Replacing a toilet seat is another way to do a quick but rewarding job. With a few simple tools and a few minutes, it can update the look of the bathroom and make it look brand new. Don’t forget to check out the decorative toilet seat options, with a range of designs, wood types and colors that enlivens any space.
Wall mounted bookcases are simple and practical, but can really make a room feel homely and inviting. They are cheap and easy to install and can be used to store books, hold trinkets, or simply display different items. For variety, purchase a few frames in different colors or sizes and layer them on the wall. Make sure to add enough space between the frames so that all the pieces can be seen.
Clocks are a simple and cost-efficient way to give a room a new look. Put up a floor clock with a modern face, or purchase a set of vintage clocks to hang from the wall. Clocks also come mounted on the wall, and they range from large analog wall clocks to small, digital, multi-dial wall clocks. Alternatively, why not make your own clock from scratch?
DIY projects can be a lot of fun and with the right planning, even the non-handyman can become the proud owner of some amazing home improvements. Don’t disregard your abilities; you may be surprised at what you can come up with and what you can make. Whether it’s adding some personality and warmth to a room, or just making a home maintenance job easier, DIY projects can really add a spark of joy to any home.