Tackling DIY projects is a fantastic way to add a personal touch to your home while tapping into your creativity, and this article shares clever tips and tricks every DIY enthusiast should know, offering innovative ideas to refresh your living space.
Upgrade Your Kitchen with a DIY Pull-Out Cutting Board
Storing cutting boards can be a pain, but with this DIY project, you can ensure your board has its very own home. By installing a sliding mechanism under your worktop, you can create a pull-out board. Simply choose a board that fits your countertop, and for added convenience, add a hole for easy disposal of scraps directly into a bin below.
Upcycle Old T-Shirts into Reusable Tote Bags
Whether a t-shirt has lost its shape or isn’t the right size, upcycling it into a tote bag is a great way to reuse the fabric. Choose t-shirts that have interesting designs or colors, then cut and sew the pieces together using a simple tote bag pattern. You can reinforce the handles and bottom of the bag for added strength.
Refresh Your Kitchen on a Budget with Peel-and-Stick Backsplash
Whether you’re on a budget or can’t make permanent changes to your home, a peel-and-stick backsplash is a great way to refresh your kitchen and bring in some personality. Realtor says, “Peel-and-stick backsplash tile is one of the best materials you can use to bring your kitchen or bathroom into this decade.”
Eliminate Window Drafts with Insulating Film
Drafty windows can cost you when it comes to your energy bill, so help insulate them with this removable film to prepare for the winter. Simply measure the windows and cut the film to size, then apply it to the window and use a hair dryer to seal and remove wrinkles.
Upcycle an Old Dresser into a Kitchen Island
A kitchen island can be a great way to make use of space in a larger kitchen, so why not make your own by upcycling an old dresser? For a durable surface, add a butcher block top and make the island super versatile by adding wheels. If the dresser needs a refresh, consider changing out the hardware or painting it.
Create Your Own Non-Toxic Household Cleaners
According to Good Housekeeping, “Some of the items in your pantry (like baking soda and vinegar) work as effective homemade all-purpose cleaners and, even better, cost next to nothing.” Try mixing vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils for an all-purpose cleaner, and add a few drops of olive oil for cleaning wooden floors.
DIY Bottle Lamp
Upcycle those fun old bottles by fitting them with a lamp kit. Readily available online, the kits are easy to fit, and you can decorate or etch the bottle for an even more personalized design. Make sure you choose a bulb that adds the right ambiance to your room.
Protect Hardware From Paint
When painting doors, it can be tricky to avoid getting paint on the hinges and hardware. Southern Living says, “Apply a coat of petroleum jelly anywhere you want to avoid getting paint, and it will easily be able to be wiped off in the case of rogue splatters.”
Construct a Simple Backyard Fire Pit for Evening Gatherings
A fire pit is a great way to enjoy your garden in the evenings, so why not build your own? Firstly, make sure to choose a safe, level spot away from structures and overhanging trees, then simply arrange bricks or stones in a circle, layering for stability. Include a gravel or sand base for drainage and fire prevention.
Organize Cables and Chargers with a Homemade Box
Tired of cables cluttering your space? Repurpose a shoebox or wooden box you’ve got lying around the house to help you organize all those chargers. Simply cut holes to feed the cables into the box and fit a power strip inside. Once organized, you can paint or decorate the box to ensure it blends in with your room’s décor.
Convert a Wooden Pallet into a Chic Outdoor Sofa
Ideal Home says, “Pallet garden furniture has a charming, rustic appeal that looks great in any outdoor space.” To make your own, carefully take apart your pallets, sand the timber, and stack and secure the wood to create your base and backrest. Add cushions made from weather-resistant fabric to make a comfy seating area.
Fashion a Vintage Suitcase into a Pet Bed
Choose a hardshell suitcase for structure and durability, then remove one side to allow your pet easy access to their new bed. Add a cushion and a cozy lining fabric to ensure they are nice and comfortable.
DIY Chalkboard Wall
Fantastic in a kitchen, playroom, or kid’s bedroom, a chalkboard wall is an ideal place for to-do lists, reminders, or allowing some creative expression in your home! Once you’ve selected the perfect space, apply multiple layers of chalkboard paint for a smooth finish. For a polished look, consider framing the chalkboard with trim or decorative molding.
Upcycle Books into a Unique Side Table
Whether you already have a collection or you’ve spotted some great finds at the thrift store, this DIY is a fantastic way to incorporate vintage books into your home. Make sure to select hardcover books of similar sizes to create stability, then stack and glue them together. Top the stack with a piece of glass or wood for a functional surface.
Transform a Bicycle Wheel into a Stylish Wall Clock
This project is a great way to use an old or broken bike wheel. Start by cleaning and painting the wheel for a fresh look, then install a clock mechanism at the center, using the hub for mounting. Finally, you can add hour markers around the wheel in a way that suits your style.
Craft a Personalized Wooden Growth Chart for Family Memories
Select a good-sized plank of wood and stain or paint it to match the style of your home, then mark measurements along the edge by painting or burning in the numbers and lines. Once finished, you can mark dates and names along the chart to track your kids’ growth over the years.
Transform an Old Guitar into a Decorative Shelf
Carefully remove the front face of an acoustic guitar, preserving the neck and frame, then install small shelves into the body’s cavity. You can create a custom look by painting or decorating in any way you like, then mount the guitar on the wall to display lightweight objects.
