8 Easy Things You Can DIY

By Christine Ravely Published Aug 19, 2014 11:10 am Updated May 31, 2019 07:07 pm

Looking to update your space? Missing the DIY gene? You can still make noticeable and beautiful changes to your home. Here are the 8 things you can easily DIY.

1. Paint

It’s the No. 1 easiest way to make a big impact on your space with little money and minimal effort. Your must-do for painting: proper prep. You can choose to tape baseboards and lay down drop cloths before you paint, or you can choose to scrape, scrub and be frustrated with the mess you made later. But you can’t have both.

You’ll also want to consider the paint you buy.

The lower grade the paint, the more you will typically deal with drips and coverage issues. If you don’t want to spring for full-price Benjamin Moore (our personal fave) or Sherwin Williams, wait for sales or go with the big box stores’ more high-end lines. You will see a difference.

2. Minor demo

Pulling up old carpet is easy with a few tools, a little time, and access to a dumpster. You can also pull up old tile, but be prepared to use your muscles.

3. Do your flooring

Flooring typically falls into more of an advanced DIY job, but can be easy depending on the area being covered and the material being used. Carpet tiles or vinyl can be offer easy-install, easy-care options. Check out this video to learn how to install vinyl plank tile or install carpet tiles.

4. Refinish furniture

Refinishing furniture is easy, fun, and a great way to showcase your creativity and personal style. All you need is a sander (or some sandpaper if you prefer), your paint or stain of choice, and something to apply it with. If you are using stain, you will also want clean dry towels to remove the excess.

If you’re not sure you want to take the leap on a piece you already have, do a practice run on a cheap garage sale find. See some creative ideas here.

5. Refresh your master bedroom

If you don’t have money for one of those modern tufted headboards make your own! It’s not as hard as it looks. Click here to learn how.

6. Landscape your yard

Even without a green thumb, you can create a lush yard with a little elbow grease. If you need a tutorial, attend a clinic at your local nursery. Be sure to bring pics of your space. You’ll want help determining what you can plant for your space, which will depending on the amount of sun, shade, and water involved, and the time of year. You can also check out these DIY landscaping tips.

7. Update your bathroom

Paint walls
Replace bath mats and towels
Change out globes on bathroom light fixtures (or change out the whole fixture if you’re so inclined)

That’s all it takes for an easy and cheap update that will turn heads. Want to add a little more flair? Try these peel-and-stick tiles in a decorative pattern or do an entire wall.

8. Change out your hardware

This super easy fix can have great impact in a kitchen or bathroom, helping take dated cabinets into a more modern aesthetic. Remember to use a template to cut down on time and help keep your placement uniform.