Reclaim Your Home and Get Creative with DIY Projects

Have you ever wanted to reclaim your home and get creative with DIY projects? You don’t need to be a professional contractor to upgrade your home – just a little bit of knowledge, the right tools, and the courage to get started, and you’ll be well on your way.​

You know how they say “A watched pot never boils”? Before you know it, we have a kitchen counter that’s sporting, outdated, murky tiles and a moldy closet that needs to be gutted and replaced.​ That’s right! DIY projects help you take the fear out of home improvement and put a little creative energy into it.​ But how do you get started?

Gathering some inspiration in the form of home and lifestyle magazines or on Pinterest can help.​ Looking up tips on YouTube, or books on DIY projects in your local library are great resources, too.​ Doing some online research to determine what supplies you’ll need is a great start.​ After you’ve gathered your supplies, then allocate a timeline.​ Set a goal to accomplish the task within the set-time, and get to work.​ And if you don’t have the knowledge or time, just hire an expert to help you out!

Focus on smaller projects first to help take the edge off.​ You can paint your living room walls, re-tile the bathroom, or re-do the kitchen cupboards.​ Don’t be afraid to get creative – try out a feature wall, an accent wall, or some cool wallpaper.​ If you’re just starting to decorate, adding simple touches like colorful artwork or even photos of family members can also be a great way to add character and charm to your home.​

Another great way to get creative is by using reclaimed and repurposed materials.​ You can find old furniture online or at thrift stores, or even hit up your local Home Depot or Lowe’s to check out their selection of reclaimed wood or vintage pieces.​ You can also add DIY touches like mason jars and crates for decor, or create a planter box using old pallets.​ Anything that can be reused or repurposed is a great way to not only help the environment but also help you get creative with your design.​

One thing to keep in mind when you’re taking on home improvement and DIY projects is to always work safely.​ Whether you’re working with power tools or just hanging art on the wall, always make sure to follow safety guidelines and read the instructions before you start.​ Having the proper tools for the job is important too; if you don’t have something like a drill, for instance, then rent one instead of trying to do it by hand.​

Now that you’ve tackled the first phase and your space has been transformed, it’s time to start on bigger, more ambitious projects.​ There are plenty of tutorials online for things like adding in a backsplash; making a mini-bar; building a patio or a deck; or even transforming a closet into a workspace.​ The possibilities are endless! And if you think a project is too hard or too time-consuming, that doesn’t have to be the final answer either.​ Look for classes in your local area or even online to learn the proper way to do things and get the most out of your project.​

Do you often find yourself asking, “What are those curtains made of?” Why not make your own curtains or rugs to jumpstart a home interior theme? You can look for vintage fabric online and in stores, or even make your own fabric if you have the time and the inclination.​ Hanging window treatments or a new shower curtain can be easy ways to add a few touches to your home without spending too much.​

Looking for a way to show off your style outside? Plant some colorful flowers or maintain a neat garden to provide a pleasing contrast to the front door.​ You can also start just one project first, like painting the front door – a bright new color and a welcome mat to create a great first impression.​

Incorporating a home office or workstation into a den or a small bedroom is trending right now.​ With desk organizers and plenty of shelving options, you can easily organize a functional workspace.​ Adding a few plants, as well as some family photographs, will also help create a calming, yet productive atmosphere.​