The year is just getting started, and for many of us, this is a great opportunity to plan new DIY home projects to improve our living spaces. Refreshing your home does not always require a major renovation; in some cases, a few simple DIY projects can have a significant impact on how your space looks and functions. Whether you want to update your decor, improve organization, or add a touch of warmth, small changes can revitalize any space. Best of all, DIY projects allow for personal touches that add to their unique style, making your space feel even more like your own.
The beauty of these DIY projects is that they can be completed in very little time, and you can easily tailor them to fit any budget. Some require no money at all, just a little time and old-fashioned elbow grease.
An Entryway Makeover
A stylish entry is a great way to make a good first impression and set the tone for the rest of your home. You can either focus just on the look of the room or, if necessary, add more functionality to this small space to make it more suitable for your family’s comings and goings.
First, give the area a thorough cleaning and clear out the space so that you can visualize what will work best. Consider the color of the entry and if you want to change it up with a fresh coat of paint or a splash of wallpaper on an accent wall. Next, choose an anchor piece of furniture, such as a console, bench, or wall storage unit, that fits the space and meets your needs. Any piece with hidden storage is a bonus. Add extra functionality with wall hooks, shelves, or a coat rack to hang bags and coats.
As a finishing touch, consider adding a large mirror to reflect light and enlarge the space or a vibrant piece of wall art. To complete the look, add a few decorative accents like a basket, a plant, or a large sculptured bowl or vase, along with an area rug for comfort.
Paint a Room a Fresh Color
Most of us have enough expertise to paint a single room, and there is no more impactful way to give your home a fresh look. Whether you want to update your room’s color palette from a cool shade to a warm one or give it a more vibrant presence, paint will transform any space. If you want to make this a more affordable project, wait until the paint goes on sale or look for “oops paint” on clearance shelves at home improvement stores. To reduce the amount of paint you need to purchase, you might also think about painting just one focal wall.
Start by selecting a color that complements your existing decor and the color palette of any rooms that are visible. Some of the most popular colors right now are warm and tend to be more saturated. Dark and moody colors have also become popular for making a home feel cozy and intimate. To make your painting project go more smoothly, follow the best practices for prepping the walls and preparing the room.
Refinish Outdated Furniture
Rather than purchasing new furniture for your entryway or study, consider refreshing an old dresser or hutch that you already own or can find at a vintage or thrift store. This is a great budget-friendly choice and will help to add character and layered interest to your home.
Find a piece that has a structure that you like and is made of quality material like natural wood. Start by cleaning the piece thoroughly. Painting is the easiest way to refresh a piece of furniture without having to sand or strip all the old finish. Just lightly sand it down to remove any old imperfections and give the paint a better surface to which it can adhere. Gel stain is another option if you want to give the piece a new color without having to sand off all the old stain. Swapping out the hardware and adding decorative details, such as a wallpapered interior, will complete the look and give it an elegant touch.
Rearrange a Room (or Rooms)
Rearranging a room is a simple but powerful way to refresh your space without spending a dime. Reimagining the layout of one of your rooms can improve its style, functionality, and flow.
Begin by considering the space, including elements such as focal points, function, and normal traffic flow. Focal points might be a fireplace, set of windows, or piece of statement furniture. Arrange all of your main pieces to highlight this focal point. Experiment with different arrangements to optimize the main function of the room, such as for conversation, watching television, or eating. Don’t be afraid to rearrange several times to try to find the best furniture layout. Even if you don’t want to rearrange your larger pieces, small adjustments of wall art or rug placement can update the look of the room.
Swap Out a Light Fixture
You may not have the time or budget to change all the outdated light fixtures in your house, so consider just swapping out the most prominent options. An updated light fixture is an excellent way to update the style and elevate the ambience of any room. Consider a statement fixture that blends with the other lights in the room. Make sure it is dimmable so you can adjust the amount of light as needed.
If you haven’t worked with electricity before, it is always a good idea to watch some online videos or read tutorials to help you get started. Start by turning off the power at the breaker and carefully removing the old fixture. Check the condition of the wall or ceiling and ensure that the new light covers the hole or any discoloration before attaching the new light. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to connect the new wiring, typically black to black and white to white, with a grounding wire as needed. Secure the new fixture.
Declutter a Room
Decluttering is another DIY project that does not require any financial investment. It is a process that always makes a room appear more spacious and tidy, and it can be completed gradually rather than all at once if you want to spread it out over a couple of weekends.
Assess everything in a room that you want to declutter and sort the items, whether mentally or physically, into piles for keeping, donating, or discarding. Start by clearing off surfaces, such as coffee tables, countertops, dining tables, and shelves, to give the room an immediate sense of order. Add more storage to the room, such as baskets, bins, and shelves, if you need to keep certain objects close but want to give them a more permanent place. Rearrange your remaining items with intention. Keep the items on display at a minimum to keep the room looking clean and tidy.
Repaint Your Front Door
Whether you are trying to increase your curb appeal for an upcoming sale or just refresh the look of your home, painting your front door is a good place to start. Choose a bold, classic, or trendy color depending on the style you want to create. White, black, blue, green, and red are some of the most popular and classic front door colors.
Begin by removing the hardware or taping it off to avoid marring it with paint. Clean and sand the door to create a smooth surface. Select a high-quality exterior paint in high or semi-gloss and apply it with a brush or roller. If you need more than one coat, make sure to allow enough time for drying between them. Complete the fresh look with potted plants on either side and a new doormat.
Update Cabinet Hardware
Sometimes the simplest ideas are best, and updating your cabinet hardware is certainly a prime example. Replacing your cabinet hardware with an option in a modern style and finish is a quick and cost-effective way to give your kitchen or bathroom a new look without replacing the cabinets.
Look for hardware that matches the aesthetic you have or want to create—sleek and minimal for a contemporary vibe or vintage-inspired for a classic touch. For the easiest transition, look for hardware that matches the current cabinet holes.
Install Floating Shelves
Shelves are a great addition to walls where you want to add more storage or just create decorative appeal. These work well in almost any room, including the kitchen, entry, home office, bedroom, and bathroom.
To install, measure and mark the spots on the wall where you want to add shelves. Ensure that they are level and evenly spaced, if there is more than one. Floating shelves are frequently equipped with hidden brackets, giving the impression that they are floating without any visible support. The installation process requires only basic tools such as a drill and screws, but make sure there is adequate support for the items you wish to display.
Refresh Your Soft Textiles
A room refresh is often just as easy as replacing your faded and worn soft textiles like throw pillow covers, lap blankets, curtains, and even rugs. Choose just a couple of elements if you are trying to keep your budget down. Consider colors and patterns that work with the existing colors and patterns in your space. Lightweight cotton and linen work well in warm summer months or if you want a coastal vibe. Velvets and wools add cozy texture and depth in cold, winter months. A new rug, while perhaps most costly, can instantly transform a space and tie a new color scheme together.
