Home improvement projects offer everyone the chance to enhance the comfort, functionality, and aesthetic appeal of their home. Weekend home improvement ideas are ideal for revitalizing the atmosphere of a specific room or tackling long-awaited repairs because they are just the right amount of work to complete successfully. From simple DIY projects to more involved renovations, the weekend allows you to roll up your sleeves, unleash your creativity, and start transforming your home into a space that reflects your unique style and needs.
Remember to prioritize tasks based on your skill level, budget, and needs to keep your weekend projects manageable and productive.
Mini Makeover by Room
A mini makeover in specific rooms is an excellent way to refresh the space without a major renovation. Begin by assessing the current condition and furnishings in the room. Identify any aspects you want to change, such as the color scheme, decor, furniture arrangement, or lighting.
First, declutter the room by removing anything you no longer want. Clean all surfaces, such as the floors, windows, walls, furniture, and upholstery. You can change the look of the room by adding new decor elements such as throw pillows, rugs, light fixtures, and greenery. Finally, don’t overlook details like hardware, trim, and finishes; make sure that all of the room’s elements work together to present a cohesive style.
Install a Kitchen Backsplash
Installing a new kitchen backsplash is a quick and simple way to give your space a new look. Before you start your project, spend some time researching different backsplash styles to see what you like and which options provide the most functionality for your kitchen. Peel and stick tiles, vinyl wallpaper, paint, and metal tiles are simple to install but may not provide the durability that your kitchen requires. Other options, such as wood panels, traditional tile, and stone veneer, may take longer but are more durable.
Make sure to set aside time for measuring your wall surface, purchasing materials, preparing your walls, installing the backsplash, and cleanup.
Add a New Showerhead
Installing a new showerhead is a simple task with significant benefits for your showering experience. New showerheads include a variety of settings, such as rainfall and pulsing, to give you a more spa-like shower. They also have water-efficient models that will save you money over time. For the most coordinated look, select a showerhead with the same or complementary finish and color as your other bathroom hardware.
Update Your Front Door Hardware
Front door hardware is subject to heavy wear and tear, and it can become unsightly and less secure. Installing new front door hardware is a job that produces high visual impact and adds security and functionality. A knob/handle and deadbolt are standard door hardware components, but there are also decorative elements such as a kickplate, door knocker, and decorative doorbell. Investigate various styles and finishes to find options that complement your front door color and home’s design. When selecting door hardware, consider additional factors such as security and durability.
Prep your door by removing the old hardware. Clean the door before installing your new hardware. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding new hardware. Test the functionality of the new door, making additional adjustments as needed. Regularly clean and maintain your door to promote the longevity of the door and hardware.
Complete Outdoor Cleaning
Completing all of your outdoor cleaning projects may not be possible in just one weekend, but if you create a comprehensive list, you can work through it over a couple of weekends.
A major item on your list should be pressure washing your main surfaces, like your home’s exterior, driveway, walkways, and decks. This list should also include washing windows, cleaning debris out of your yard, replacing burnt out bulbs and sensors, and organizing and cleaning outdoor furniture.
Add a Feature Light Fixture
A weekend is not long enough to install new light fixtures throughout your home, but you can buy and install a feature light fixture in specific rooms. Consider light fixtures with a style that elevates the look of the room or adds more functionality to the space.
Options include chandeliers, pendants, flush-mount fixtures, and ceiling fan lights. Measure the proportions of the room before you decide on the right fixture. Whatever light you choose, you should maintain at least a 7 foot clearance in walking zones. Hang dining room fixtures between 30-36 inches above a dining table.
Improve Your Weatherproofing
Enhancing your home’s weatherproofing is a practical and cost-effective weekend project that will enhance your comfort and your home’s energy efficiency and durability.
Begin by examining areas that are most susceptible to the encroachment of the weather, including doors, windows, attic hatches, electrical hatches, and plumbing penetrations, as these openings deteriorate over time. Apply new weatherstripping and caulk around these elements to create a tight seal as needed. Look around the exterior of your home as well as the interior and pay attention to openings and gaps in the siding and foundation. If you have time, you can also consider upgrading or adding to the insulation in areas like the attic, walls, and floors.
Install Window Boxes
Window boxes are a gorgeous way to enhance your home’s exterior. Window boxes are ideal for homes without unique architectural detail or for home’s without a large front garden area. Begin by planning and assessing the type and size of window box that would work best for your home. Consider your home’s style, the sunlight, and the width of the windows. Choose a box in an appropriate size and material; common types include wood, metal, and plastic.
Use the appropriate brackets and hardware to mount the window boxes on your windows. Ensure proper drainage by drilling holes or adding gravel to the bottom of the boxes. Consider adding a protective layer between the window boxes and your house to prevent rot and moisture damage. Fill the boxes with soil and seasonally appropriate plants. Be sure to monitor the boxes and add water as necessary.
Organize Your Main Entry
Backpacks, shoes, leashes, and coats can quickly clog entryways and exits in crowded households. Weekends are an excellent time to better organize this space so that your home can function more smoothly throughout the week.
Before you start installing anything new, declutter and clean the area. Evaluate your space and how your household members use it. Consider the amount of storage space you require for shoes, bags, coats, and other small items.
Consider furniture elements that can help you organize your space. Some options include console tables with drawers and shelves, coat racks, vertical shelves, cabinets, and storage benches. Optimize large furniture pieces with smaller-scale organizing elements such as baskets, boxes, and hooks. Finish by adding decorative elements such as mirrors and lighting to make the space more welcoming.
Elevate With New Window Treatments
Improving your home with new window treatments is a rewarding weekend project that has a significant visual impact and can make your home appear more expensive. Think about the specific room where you want to add new window coverings and evaluate the natural light, privacy needs, and the way you use the room.
Consider options like blinds, shades, and full-length curtains. Alternative options like cafe curtains or sheers still allow in natural light but help to maintain privacy. Neutral-colored curtains in high-quality fabrics such as linen, cotton, and velvet improve the appearance of any room, but some rooms benefit more from colorful patterned curtains that complement the overall color scheme.
Install Smart Home Devices
Smart home devices are a great way to increase your home’s security, efficiency, and functionality. Evaluate your home systems to determine which smart home devices will benefit your home and lifestyle the most. Consider smart door locks, thermostats, lighting, security cameras, outlets, and speakers. Rank the available devices based on price, functionality, style, and personal preferences.
Choose the ones that work best for you and install them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This may include installing hardware, connecting wires, and integrating it with a central hub. Set up automation routines and test them to ensure they work properly before finishing the job.
Create an Outdoor Walkway
An outdoor walkway that connects areas or helps to define a shapeless area can improve the appearance and functionality of your home. Assess the best area for the walkway as well as the most fitting materials to provide the look and durability you want. Common materials include concrete pavers, natural stone, brick, gravel, and wood.
Prepare the area by clearing away vegetation and debris. Use a shovel to cut away, level, and smooth the area. Create a stable base using small gravel or crushed stone. Begin laying the primary material according to the design and pattern you desire. Leave a small gap between each piece and level with a rubber mallet. Once you have completed laying the walkway, add filler, like sand, polymeric sand, or smaller gravel, to create stability between the large pieces. Edge the path to prevent erosion.
Refresh Your Front Entrance
Refreshing your front entrance is a simple but impactful home improvement. Begin by giving your front area a deep cleaning. Pots filled with seasonal flowers and greenery will brighten up your space. A new entry rug will improve the surface. Bring more seasonal color to your entrance with a fresh wreath. Make the entrance more inviting by incorporating a bench or a set of chairs with comfortable cushions. If your house numbers have become worn and outdated, consider replacing them with sleek, modern designs.
