From painting projects to simple DIY home decor projects, these home DIY ideas are a great way to update your home. We love budget-friendly DIY home projects and hope this list will inspire you to dust off those painting supplies or tools.
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What does DIY stand for?
DIY can mean do-it-yourself and depending on your abilities this could mean a lot of different things for different people. Home DIY projects are the perfect way to help you update your home decor on a budget. Just be careful as there are some DIY projects that are best left to the professionals.
What is the best cheap DIY home improvement project?
Hands down our favorite way to makeover rooms is with paint. Go beyond just painting walls. Look at ceilings, moldings, and cabinets, too.
Learn from our experience that the cheapest paint is not always the best paint. Buying quality paint for your DIY home projects will always save you money in the long run.
It is no secret that we think paint projects are the best way to add a new look to your space. Use paint to showcase your personal style. From painting a blank wall to other surfaces you wouldn't think to paint, it is an easy way to make a big difference in your home.
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Paint A Tile Backsplash In Your Kitchen
Did you know you can paint that old tile backsplash? We are still shocked that this project was completed over a weekend and looks so good. Beginners can do this simple DIY project following our step-by-step guide and quick video tutorial.
If you love your brick fireplace but not the color, whitewashing may be for you. This DIY may only take you a few hours as long your brick is in good condition. Learn how to cheaply update your brick with diluted white paint. We search high and low to make sure used the best products that will last.
If you don't want the hassle or mess of installing wallpaper consider making your own using a paint pen. Create an accent wall anywhere in your home during the afternoon. Everyone will be amazed that you were able to create a fun focal point for under $10!
We are huge fans of getting rid of that 90's honey oak color. You can see that at first, we updated with white paint and then decided to add a bold cabinet color as the years went on.
Are you sick of the same boring kitchen island? Painting it with a fun and bold color can really modernize your kitchen. This island color is so great that it inspired the next DIY project below.
We loved our green kitchen island so much that inspired our next weekend project. The two-toned cabinet painting trend makes this project doable on a weekend (at least the painting part). We always recommend letting the cabinet doors cure as long as possible before putting it all back together.
Seriously these oak cabinets look amazing now. Due to the size of this bathroom cabinet, this really wasn't that bad of a weekend painting project. Add new hardware and you will feel like you completely transformed the small bathroom without breaking the bank.
There is no need to replace your whole bathroom vanity if your cabinets are in good shape. Use the painting step-by-step tutorial listed in the above link and just get a premade counter to truly create a new look. This finished bathroom is one of our favorite home DIY ideas.
Paint An Oak Railing & Banister To Modernize Your Stairway
Update your staircase this weekend by using two different colors or paint. We just love how we were able to update our staircase in this weekend's do-it-yourself project.
And if you are looking for a gray paint color here is a great post about some of the most popular gray paints from Sherwin Williams (and a few uncommon ones you may want to consider).
Do you want to easily add some fun personality to a space? Accent walls (here are 20 awesome accent wall ideas) add character to any room. Even this complex wall was done on a weekend. You can use painter's tape for all sorts of designs. We know that kids' rooms are a great place to have some fun and think outside the box.
Create a unique wall mural in your home using chalkboard paint. This chalkboard wall idea used a frame design to give each child a place to put their awesome drawings. Beginners can easily use chalkboard paint on walls or other home accessories. Just make sure you "prime" the freshly painted wall before drawing with chalk.
Use that leftover spray paint and create unique one of kind home items. This spray paint marbling tutorial will show you all you need to know for this fun process.
Stand out in your neighborhood with a unique mailbox. Okay, we know that this one might be only for Van Halen fans, but a fresh coat of paint will help improve your curb appeal easily.
DIY Organization, Storage Space and Declutter Ideas
You always feel better after decluttering and organizing. Sometimes it can be as simple as creating a place for things to go. Here are some DIY home organization projects to try.
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Add DIY Laundry Room Cabinets & Shelving
Use stock cabinets (painted of course) and farmhouse brackets to give yourself extra storage in your laundry room. The extra height from the cabinets made this worth adding to your DIY to-do list.
Build a large pegboard to help keep your garage, craft room or basement organized. Use your own DIY containers or buy cute craft cups to keep your garage or craft supplies organized.
Are you sick of all the shoes laying around your entryway or garage. This simple wooden shoe rack can help everyone finally have a place for their shoes.
DIY Basement Waterproofing (before organizing that closet)
This might not be the most glamorous DIY home improvement project. but you will have peace of mind knowing that you are helping keep your basement dry. Please note that if you have severe water problems, it is probably best to call a professional to help you out.
Doesn't everyone have a craft supply closet? If not, this weekend might be the time to make one using wood and farmhouse brackets. Consider taking the doors off the closet to create a more open space.
Do you get a lot of brown boxes sent to your house (don't worry we won't tell). Repurpose those boxes by covering them with cloth and add fun rope or other elements. Great for storage and the environment. Need more repurposing ideas? Check this list of 31+ DIY projects out.
This cute file cabinet makeover was done using spray paint and contact paper. We just love the fresh and modern-looking file cabinet. This is a true cheap furniture makeover.
Nothing says clutter in your home like papers from school and beyond. Save all those memories and projects in an organized file box for your little ones.
Once you build shelves for one room, you may just want to keep going. Here is a way to use that old reclaimed wood to create another pipe bathroom shelf.
Build A DIY Corner Shelf For Under Your Mounted TV
Are you sick of seeing wires around your mounted television. This corner shelf is the perfect DIY solution to help you hide those wires while still having a place for your cable box and DVD player (yes…we said, DVD player).
These shadow box frames have been a game-changer for us. Not only do they display our children's artworks, but they also easily store artworks. You will be happy once you build these DIY frames.
Create a specific place in your home for your child's creativity to run wild. You will be amazed at what they can create when given the freedom to do so.
After you build shelves and declutter you want to try some these DIY cleaning ideas for your home using items you probably already have.
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How To Easily Clean Carpet On Stairs
The next time you notice your stairs looking a little dingy consider a good DIY cleaning. You can use homemade cleaners or a large steamer to get a fresh and clean feel.
Sometimes you feel better just hanging something on the wall in your home. Truly create a space you love and one that showcases those memories.
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DIY Easy Kid Art Displays
This art display idea is way simpler. By reusing pallet wood you can easily make an art display to show off your child's creativity.Here are 18+ DIY art display ideas you may want to try soon!
Use Ikea spice racks to add fun and cheap DIY shelving to a child's room. Not only will these shelves help you stay organized but they can act as easy wall decor. Get other DIY baby nursery shelf ideas here.
Use a mixture of kid artworks and adults to create a fun picture wall in your home. You can mix and match frames or keep to one style. The choice is yours. Here are 12+ other picture wall ideas you want to check out.
Are you in need of large artwork for a playroom or child's bedroom and you don't want to pay the expensive prices for large artworks? Why not create your own string art with an inspiring or personalized message to hang on the walls.
Showcase your family in matching frames. We love how this 9 grid square picture wall turned out. We will always cherish the memories in this black and white photo wall.
Sometimes a certain product or home idea can make a huge impact on your home.
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Update Your Drop Ceiling
Get rid of those dated drop ceiling tiles and replace them with new vinyl covers. We could not believe how much brighter our basement become with this simple home improvement project.
We are fans of painting things, but sometimes you can upgrade a space by not painting. This kitchen is a great example of DIY kitchen ideas you can do to update oak kitchen cabinets without painting.
You won't believe that this half bath's floor was redone for under $40. Get rid of your dated floor and learn how to install peel and stick flooring for an upgraded look. We are happy to finally not have carpet in the bathroom anymore.
Home DIY (do-it-yourself) refers to home improvement projects that you tackle yourself. There are many advantages to learning how to improve your home on your own.
When should you not DIY?
If you are lacking the skills, tools or patience for a DIY project then it is best to leave it up to the professionals. We like to leave plumbing, electrical and structural changes to professionals with proper insurance and guarantees.
Is DIY becoming more popular?
Youtube, blogs and DIY websites are helping people feel confident to tackle home DIY projects on their own. According to Yahoo, there is an expected “growth of USD 121.47 billion between 2021 and 2026.” A combination of access to knowledge, some people staying home more, more DIY home decor items such as ready-to-assemble furniture, and new DIY products (such as specialty paint kits) all have contributed to this expected growth.
Are DIY projects cheaper?
Most of the time, DIY projects will save you money. However, there are times when it may end up costing you more due to a lack of knowledge or buying power of materials. The biggest advantage to do-it-yourself home improvement projects is that you are able to customize your project for your home while using better materials.
DIY home ideas and simple updates can add value to your home while not breaking your budget. Even beginners can gain confidence by tackling easy ideas first. There is nothing better than giving our space a whole new look on your own.
Erin Nutter is the DIY enthusiast, writer and photographer behind TheDIYNuts.com. She loves sharing her passion for do-it-yourself projects along with her husband, Eric. As an artist, mother, and lover of all things DIY she hopes to inspire you to be creative to make a life and home you love.