Q: I’d love to fix up my home this summer, but I can’t afford to do a full-blown renovation. Are there any home improvement projects I can do myself?
A: Absolutely! With a bit of creativity, the right tools, instructions and the willingness to roll up your sleeves and get to work, you can spruce up your living space without having to spend big.
Here are 10 home improvement ideas you can tackle on your own.
- Paint your walls and cabinets
Painting is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to freshen up your home’s interior. Whether you want to brighten up a room with a new coat of paint or give your kitchen cabinets a modern makeover, painting is a DIY project that anyone can master with a little patience and attention to detail. Remember to properly prepare the surfaces, use high-quality paint and brushes and protect surrounding areas with painter’s tape and drop cloths.
- Install a backsplash
Instantly enhance the look of your kitchen or bathroom by installing a stylish backsplash. Choose from a wide variety of materials, from ceramic to peel-and-stick to reclaimed wood, to easily create a custom look that suits your taste and budget. Not sure how to get your backsplash onto your kitchen walls? You can look up simple-to-follow tutorials online for step-by-step instructions on measuring, cutting and installing your tiles.
- Upgrade your cabinet hardware
Give your kitchen or bathroom a quick facelift by swapping out outdated cabinet hardware for new knobs, handles or pulls. This simple and affordable upgrade can dramatically change the look and feel of your space. Choose hardware that complements your existing decor style and consider mixing and matching different designs for added visual interest. You’ll find a huge variety of cabinet hardware at home improvement stores and online sites.
- Installing floating shelves
Floating shelves are super-practical for storage and can also serve as decorative elements that can showcase your favorite books, photos or knick-knacks. Installing your floating shelves is very simple and only requires basic carpentry skills. Customize the size and design of the shelves to fit your space and style preferences.
- Create a gallery wall
Transform bare walls into personalized works of art with a gallery wall display. Gather a collection of your best photos, artwork or fun, decorative mirrors and arrange them in a visually pleasing layout. Experiment with different arrangements on the floor before hanging them on the wall to find the perfect configuration. Use picture-hanging hardware to securely mount each piece and create a cohesive gallery wall that reflects your personality and the tone you’re trying to set for this room.
- Add wainscoting or a beadboard to your walls
Enhance the architectural interest of your home by adding wainscoting or beadboard to your walls. These decorative wall treatments can add texture, depth and character to any room. Whether you prefer classic raised-panel wainscoting or the simplicity of beadboard, there are DIY-friendly kits available that make installation a breeze. Dedicate a weekend to the project, work carefully and you can achieve professional results!
- Upgrade a light fixture in a central location
Light fixtures can really set the tone for a room. Swap an outdated light fixture in a central location of your home, such as the kitchen, entranceway or living room, for an updated fixture to instantly give the entire room an upgrade.
- Revamp outdoor spaces
Extend your living space outdoors by sprucing up your patio, deck or garden area. DIY projects such as building a raised garden bed, installing outdoor lighting or creating a fire pit can enhance the functionality and aesthetics of these outdoor spaces. Get creative with landscaping, furniture placement and decor to create an inviting and relaxing outdoor retreat for family and friends to enjoy.
- Install a shiplap accent wall
If you love the look of old shiplap walls but live in a modern-style home, this tip is for you. You can have your wall for $50 or less by trimming plywood into planks and then nailing the boards to your wall. Paint or stain the panels in your chosen color and you’ve got your shiplap wall!
- Get new window treatments
Upgrading your window treatments is another easy way to freshen up your living space at a relatively inexpensive price. Choose an area in your home with highly visible windows that can use an update, or go for the one with the most drab curtains or window blinds and switch them for something fresh and new. Watch how this small upgrade transforms the entire room!
There’s no need to drop a boatload of money on home improvement projects this year. With the right tools and the willingness to dedicate some time to getting the job done, you can upgrade your living space on your own without going overboard. Use our tips to get started!
Your Turn: Have you tackled a home improvement project on your own? Tell us about it in the comments!