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For a lot of people, do it yourself projects are intimidating. DIY projects also tend to have a negative connotation at times. Because of this mindset, people think that if they take on a project it will look janky or will LOOK like it was a DIY. Another thing I have noticed is that people think that they need to be stockpiled with a whole bunch of knowledge before starting a diy project, but the secret is YOU JUST NEED TO START. So let’s leave all of our preconceived notions behind us because I am here to show you 9 chic diy projects for home that will instantly elevate your space to the next level.
I have always been a diyer. Being able to work with my hands and be creative is something that has always been appealing to me. My projects were always kept pretty small though. The most I did was paint furniture and I was content doing that – until we bought our very first house.
When we bought our first house I was still intimidated to do certain things, but I started to see how much more we could do on our own. I often felt like I couldn’t always clearly articulate my vision, so when we hired someone to do the work it wasn’t always what I had envisioned in my mind.
Buying our second home I have decided to take on as much as I can on my own (with my husband’s help a lot of the time). There is something empowering about knowing that you brought your vision to life. And while certain projects should be left to the professionals if your new to the DIY game, there are plenty of simple projects that you can do to make your house look magazine worthy.
This post is all about do it yourself projects.
Do it yourself projects
DIY Canvas Art
I thought that I would start with this one because it is so so so easy and can make such a big impact! As an artist/creative person I really appreciate art, but it can be so hard to find something that fits your space (size wise and style wise) so why not make your own? And no, you do not need to know how to stretch canvas or anything like that.
A super awesome inexpensive tip is to go to Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Ross… any of those discount stores and find canvas art that is on clearance. It doesn’t matter what it is because we’re going to be covering it up anyway! Take it home and basically you’re just going to cover it up by using some sort of textural element. I have seen a few different methods from using plaster to clay to joint compound. There are many different tutorials for this, but it’s pretty straight forward! And if you’re not big on texture you could just paint something right over top the canvas! It just depends what look you’re going for.
Below is a great little tutorial for one of the methods I listed above. This is so so easy and looks like a super expensive piece of art!
Add Wood Detail
A GREAT way to add some depth and character to your home is to add some moldings, decorative trim, chair rails… you name it! Don’t be intimidated because you may not even have to use power tools! For cutting shoe, quarter round and some decorative trim, you can use this hand tool (linked here and below) that you can easily adjust to the angle you need. After you cut it’s as easy as nailing (or gluing) it up to the wall, door etc and then filling in nail holes, caulking and painting!
Here is our home below. We added some MDF and peg hooks (linked here!) and it totally transformed this space. We also added some molding to our builder grade doors at our old house and it completely changed the vibe of our home! My point is, the simplest thing can have the biggest impact.
Wallpaper
Wallpaper is back, baby and it makes my wallpaper loving heart so happy! There are so many different kinds of wallpaper out there, so you can surely find something that will work for you!
I have tried 3 different application type: prepasted, peel and stick and paste the paper. Most people think that peel and stick would be the easiest BUT peel and stick was actually the most difficult to work with. Of course as far as prep work and process it is not as involved, but this type of wallpaper can stretch and stick to itself a lot which can cause a headache. That being said, I do think any of these methods are fairly easy for a newbie to DIY and the look of wallpaper is so transforming.
If you’re thinking about adding some wallpaper to a space just watch a couple youtube videos and you will be all set.
DIY Planters
One of the easiest DIYS that you can do is turn your planters from basic to beautiful. To do this all you need is paint, baking soda and a paint brush or sponge. You can also add dirt to take it up a notch and make it look even more vintage. You won’t believe how easy it is and just how gorgeous they look after you’re finished.
I have a whole detailed post here: DIY Grecian Bust Pot
Oven Cleaner
If you are not familiar with this method of redoing furniture be prepared to have your mind blown.
I don’t know who came up with this or how they came up with it, but all you do it spray oven cleaner on your piece of wood furniture that you are looking to strip, wait 30 mins, scrub with soap and a brush and then rinse clean. Sometimes you might have to do this a couple of times but the end result is truly stunning. I have seen so many people do this and the transformation is always beautiful.
Do it yourself projects: Hang Curtains
Hanging curtains is such a simple way to instantly transform your home. All you need is a level, a drill, hammer, anchors and screws. One important note about hanging curtains: People tend to hang their curtains too low. Hang them high and wider than your actual window. Doing this will draw the eye up and make your windows and space seem larger than they actually are. It will INSTANTLY level up your room to designer level.
This pin has some great dos and don’ts for hanging curtains.
Do it yourself projects: Paint!
Majority of the time when people tackle paint projects, they paint the walls. And I totally encourage that for any space – you do not need to hire someone to paint. But, I also encourage you to paint other things! Paint the trim! Paint the doors! Heck, maybe even paint the ceiling! When your home is unique to you and has those special details it makes a house feel custom. And people pay big money for custom. It is truly amazing how a little paint can totally elevate your space. You can even use lime wash if you want to add a textural element. Look at these gorgeous paint before and afters below:
Switch out light fixtures
I think that the light fixtures in a home act as the jewelry and they are quite an easy switch out. Of course, you must be very careful in making sure everything is shut off before working with any electrical! Once that has been done it is pretty straight forward in switching things out but of course, follow instructions and take your time.
This is a beautiful option from Amazon for a flush mount.
Another beautiful chandelier.
And another.
DIY Stairs
Now, I saved this one for last because it definitely is the biggest undertaking. After you knock out a couple of the other DIY projects and feel confident in your abilities, I would definitely recommend redoing your staircase. A lot of times the staircase is one of the first things that people see upon entering your home. It is the first impression. This is a project we recently completed and it totally changed the feel of our house. We had a very orange 90s staircase before. With some paint and a runner it modernized everything and now fits better with our style.
You can find the whole staircase remodel here.
Thank you for being here and going through my 9 do it yourself projects to elevate your home. I truly believe that if you do these things, your house will start to feel more like a custom home that is absolutely beautiful and your own. Have a blessed week!
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