10 Easy DIY Home Projects That Look Expensive But Aren’t | Transform Your Space Today
Want to give your home a fresh new look without very costly? You’d be amazed at what you can do with just a few basic tools and some creativity. A DIY home makeover lets you put your personal stamp on your space while saving money.
Whether you’re a first-time DIYer or a weekend warrior looking for new projects, we’ve got you covered. From quick accent wall updates to stylish organization hacks these 10 simple projects will transform your home into a magazine-worthy space. Best of all you won’t need any special skills or expensive materials to get started.
Creating a Stunning Gallery Wall With Personal Photos
Transform a blank wall into a personalized art display that tells your story and adds character to any room.
Selecting and Arranging Photos
Start by gathering 10-15 of your favorite photos that share a common theme or color palette. Mix up your photo sizes for visual interest – try combining 5x7s 8x10s and a few statement pieces in 11×14. Before hanging anything lay out your arrangement on the floor and snap a photo of your preferred layout. Create balance by spreading out similar-sized frames and leaving 2-3 inches between each piece. Include a mix of portraits landscapes and detail shots to add dimension. For the most cohesive look stick to either all color photos or all black and white prints.
Choosing Complementary Frames
Pick frames that match your room’s existing style – sleek black frames work great for modern spaces while whitewashed wood suits farmhouse décor. Keep your frame selection to 2-3 different styles max to avoid a cluttered look. For a designer touch mix frame widths but stick to the same finish – try combining 1-inch 2-inch and 3-inch wide frames in matching gold tones. Consider using matching matting in white or cream to create a high-end gallery feel. You’ll need about 8-12 frames depending on your wall size but buy a few extra to account for last-minute layout changes.
Transforming Old Furniture With Paint and Hardware
Give your dated furniture a designer-worthy makeover with fresh paint and new hardware. This budget-friendly transformation can completely change the look of dressers cabinets or side tables.
Picking the Right Paint Type
Choose chalk paint for most furniture projects since it doesn’t require priming and sticks well to most surfaces. For kitchen cabinets opt for cabinet paint that’s specifically designed to withstand moisture and frequent touching. Here are the best paint types for different surfaces:
- Chalk Paint: Perfect for vintage pieces wood furniture and quick makeovers
- Cabinet Paint: Ideal for kitchen and bathroom cabinets due to its durability
- Milk Paint: Great for raw wood and achieving a distressed farmhouse look
- Acrylic Paint: Best for metal furniture and modern pieces
Always test your chosen paint on a small hidden area first. Don’t forget to sand glossy surfaces lightly and clean thoroughly with a degreaser before painting.
Updating Cabinet Handles and Knobs
Swap out old hardware for an instant style upgrade that takes just minutes. Here’s what you’ll need to ensure a perfect fit:
- Measure the distance between screw holes on existing handles
- Count the total pieces needed (include extras for backup)
- Consider mixing knobs and pulls for visual interest
- Choose finishes that match other room elements
Popular hardware finishes include:
| Finish | Best Used With |
|---|---|
| Matte Black | Modern & farmhouse styles |
| Brushed Nickel | Contemporary designs |
| Brass | Vintage & glam aesthetics |
| Bronze | Traditional decor |
Pro tip: Buy one piece first to test the look and feel before investing in the full set.
Crafting Custom Floating Shelves for Display
Transform any blank wall into a stylish focal point with DIY floating shelves that offer both functionality and modern appeal.
Materials and Tools Needed
- 1×8 inch pine or oak boards (cut to desired length)
- 2×4 inch lumber for wall brackets
- Wood screws (2.5 inches)
- Drywall anchors and screws
- Wood stain or paint
- Level
- Drill with bits
- Stud finder
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Sandpaper (120 & 220 grit)
- Wood glue
- Safety glasses
- Dust mask
Installation Tips and Tricks
- Locate and mark wall studs using your stud finder – they’ll provide the strongest support for your shelves
- Cut your 2×4 brackets 2 inches shorter than shelf depth for a truly “floating” look
- Pre-drill holes in your brackets at 45-degree angles for stronger support
- Sand all wood surfaces before staining or painting to ensure a smooth finish
- Mount brackets to studs using 2.5-inch screws for maximum stability
- Apply wood glue between the shelf and bracket for extra security
- Use a level twice – once for brackets and again after attaching the shelf
- Space shelves at least 12 inches apart vertically for proper styling
- Consider adding small L-brackets underneath for heavier items
- Test weight capacity gradually starting with lighter decor pieces
Installing Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper Accents
Transform any room with modern peel-and-stick wallpaper for a designer look without the commitment of traditional wallpaper.
Choosing Strategic Placement
Start by identifying high-impact areas that’ll create stunning focal points in your space. An accent wall behind your bed or sofa makes the perfect canvas for a bold pattern. Consider smaller areas like the back of a bookshelf staircase risers or kitchen backsplash for unexpected pops of style. Powder rooms work great for dramatic patterns since their small size won’t overwhelm the space. For a subtle approach try framing sections of wallpaper like artwork or applying it to closet interiors. Pick spots that naturally draw the eye but avoid areas with heavy moisture or direct sunlight that could affect adhesion.
Application Techniques
Clean your walls thoroughly with a degreasing solution and let them dry completely before starting. Measure your space twice and cut panels with an extra 2-3 inches on each side for precise trimming. Work with a partner to handle large panels and start from a corner using a level to ensure straight placement. Peel back about 12 inches of backing at a time working top to bottom smoothing out air bubbles with a plastic scraper as you go. Use a sharp utility knife against a metal straightedge for clean cuts around outlets and corners. For stubborn bubbles create tiny slits with a pin to release trapped air. Let panels overlap slightly at seams then cut through both layers for perfect matches.
Adding Dimension With DIY Woven Wall Hangings
Transform blank walls into artistic focal points with handcrafted woven wall hangings that add texture and personality to any room.
Selecting Natural Fibers
Choose cotton rope or macramé cord as your base material for a classic natural look. Wool roving works perfectly for creating chunky textures while jute adds rustic charm to your design. Pick 2-3 complementary materials in different thicknesses (4mm 6mm & 8mm) to create visual interest. You’ll need about 50-100 yards of your main fiber depending on your project size. Natural white cotton provides a clean modern aesthetic but you can also experiment with dyed fibers in muted tones like terra cotta sage or navy to match your decor. For beginners start with medium-weight cotton rope which is both affordable and forgiving to work with.
Basic Weaving Patterns
Master three essential weaving techniques to create stunning wall art: tabby weave soumak knots & rya knots. Start with a simple tabby weave (over-under pattern) for your background. Add texture by incorporating soumak knots which create diagonal lines across your work. Create fringe effects with rya knots at the bottom of your piece – space them 1-2 inches apart for a full luxurious look. Mix these patterns in horizontal rows to build interesting compositions. Keep your tension consistent as you weave by gently pulling each row snug but not too tight. For added dimension try alternating between tight & loose sections in your design.
Upgrading Light Fixtures With Modern Touches
Transform dated light fixtures into stunning focal points with these budget-friendly techniques that deliver high-end results.
Spray Painting Old Fixtures
Give outdated brass or chrome fixtures new life with metallic spray paint. Start by removing the fixture carefully leaving the wiring intact then clean thoroughly with degreaser. Cover any electrical components with painter’s tape and newspaper. Choose a spray paint designed specifically for metal surfaces in trendy finishes like matte black oil-rubbed bronze or brushed gold. Apply 2-3 light coats holding the can 8-10 inches away using steady sweeping motions. Let each coat dry for 30 minutes before the next application. This $10 update can make your fixtures look like expensive designer pieces from high-end lighting stores.
Installing New Pendant Lights
Switch out basic builder-grade fixtures with stylish pendant lights to instantly elevate your space. Before starting measure your ceiling height to determine the ideal cord length – pendants should hang 30-36 inches above tables or counters. Turn off power at the breaker then remove the old fixture. Connect the new pendant’s wires matching black to black white to white and ground to ground. Secure the mounting bracket adjust the cord length and attach the canopy cover. Choose pendants that complement your style – try sleek glass globes for modern spaces or woven natural materials for boho vibes. Most pendant installations take under an hour and cost $50-200 per light.
Making Custom Canvas Art for Empty Walls
Transform blank walls into conversation pieces with DIY canvas art that perfectly matches your home’s style and color scheme.
Choosing a Color Palette
Start with your room’s existing colors as inspiration for your canvas art. Pick 3-4 colors that complement your furniture pieces wall paint or decor accessories. For a foolproof combination use the 60-30-10 rule: 60% dominant color (like sage green) 30% secondary color (such as warm beige) and 10% accent color (like burnt orange). You’ll want to grab acrylic paints in your chosen colors plus white for mixing lighter shades. Pro tip: snap a photo of your room and use a color palette generator app to identify complementary colors that’ll make your artwork pop.
Simple Abstract Techniques
Create stunning abstract art using basic tools you already have at home. Try the pour painting method by mixing acrylic paint with pouring medium then tilting your canvas to create flowing patterns. For a modern look grab a wide painter’s tape to make geometric shapes then paint between the lines. You can also use household items like bubble wrap paper towels or old credit cards to add unique textures. Don’t worry about perfection – abstract art looks best when it’s spontaneous. Try layering different techniques starting with a solid base color then adding depth with additional patterns or brush strokes on top.
Creating Designer-Inspired Throw Pillows
Transform basic pillows into high-end decor pieces that rival expensive designer versions with these simple techniques.
No-Sew Cover Options
Create stunning pillow covers without touching a sewing machine using fabric glue or hem tape. Start with a square piece of fabric that’s 2 inches larger than your pillow insert on all sides. Fold and iron the edges for clean lines then secure them with fabric glue or iron-on hem tape. For an envelope-style closure fold one end of the fabric 6 inches over and the other end 4 inches creating an overlap. Glue or tape the sides together leaving the overlapped section open for inserting your pillow. Try using drop cloths burlap or even vintage scarves for unique textures. Add fringe tassels or pom-poms along the edges using fabric glue for extra flair.
Mixing Patterns and Textures
Master the designer look by combining 3-4 different patterns in coordinating colors. Start with a large-scale pattern like florals or geometrics as your anchor piece. Add a medium-scale pattern such as stripes or checks in similar tones. Complete the mix with a small-scale pattern or solid textured fabric like velvet or faux fur. Keep your color palette consistent using 2-3 main colors throughout your pillow collection. Mix different sizes too – try 22-inch squares paired with 18-inch squares and lumbar pillows. For foolproof combinations stick to this ratio: 50% large pattern 30% medium pattern and 20% small pattern or texture.
Building a Vertical Indoor Garden
Transform an empty wall into a living masterpiece with a DIY vertical garden that adds natural beauty and improves air quality in your space.
Selecting Low-Maintenance Plants
Choose plants that thrive indoors and require minimal attention. Snake plants pothos and philodendrons make excellent choices for beginners since they adapt well to various light conditions. ZZ plants and peace lilies are also fantastic options as they’re nearly impossible to kill and can tolerate low light environments. For added visual interest mix plants with different leaf sizes textures and shades of green. Start with 4-5 small plants and gradually expand your collection as you gain confidence in plant care.
Wall Mounting Systems
Create a budget-friendly mounting system using wooden boards and mason jars or PVC pipes cut at angles. Install a 4×4 foot grid of treated lumber on your wall using anchors and screws for stability. Space the horizontal boards 12 inches apart to accommodate different pot sizes. Add small hooks or brackets to hang your planters making sure they’re secure and level. For a modern look try mounting sleek metal rails that can hold multiple hanging pots. Remember to place a waterproof barrier between the wall and mounting system to prevent moisture damage.
Designing Custom Door and Cabinet Hardware
Transform your home’s hardware with unique DIY designs that add personality to doors cabinets and drawers.
Material Selection Tips
Start with polymer clay for its versatility and beginner-friendly nature. Choose oven-bake varieties in white black or metallic colors for a modern look. For a more substantial feel opt for concrete mixes specifically formulated for small castings. Wood dowels cut into 2-3 inch segments make excellent handles when paired with metal caps from the hardware store. Consider repurposing materials like leather straps vintage silverware or copper piping for unexpected twists. Match your material choice to your room’s existing metals – brass pairs well with warm tones while chrome works with cooler schemes. Always check weight limits and durability ratings for your chosen materials before starting.
Finishing Techniques
Start by sanding your pieces with 220-grit sandpaper for a smooth professional finish. For polymer clay handles seal with a clear acrylic coating after baking to prevent chipping. When working with concrete add a waterproof sealant to protect against moisture and stains. For wooden pieces apply wood conditioner before staining to ensure even color absorption. Use spray primers designed for your specific material followed by 2-3 light coats of paint. Consider adding protective clear coat finishes like polyurethane for high-touch areas. Create texture by using hammered metal effects metallic rub-n-buff or dry brushing techniques. Let each coat dry completely between applications for best results.
Conclusion: Bringing Your DIY Vision to Life
Start with a small project like custom throw pillows or gallery walls to build your confidence. Once you’ve mastered the basics try more ambitious projects such as floating shelves or woven wall hangings. Remember to gather all materials before starting and take your time with each step. You’ll be amazed at how these simple DIY updates can transform your space into a personalized haven.
