Tired of your living room setup and think your ensemble could use some modern updates? There are plenty of reasons homeowners decide to renovate, but there’s always that one constant: the budget.
The budget can indeed limit how you prioritize improvements if you’re planning to take on more than one, but do you know that you can still turn your dream home into reality without breaking the bank? Aside from inspiration and a small, homeowner-friendly budget, you only need two other things: (a) time and (b) your willingness to swap hiring professional contractors with personal labor.
Yes, this is about DIY. Doing DIY is an exciting way to personalize your own home while also learning new things along the way. So you end up saving money while also improving your own interior decorating skills.
But before you get too excited about the possibilities, here are some beginner projects that you can perfectly do on your own.
Updated Bathroom Fixtures
If you’re already have plumbing problems, make this a priority instead of waiting for the problem to get worse. Replace your old toilet with a cheaper macerating option that’s also easier to install. If you’re simply redecorating, you can opt to change your outdated bathroom tiles, the old shower that no longer works, or even the builder-grade vanity with perhaps some sconces on the side.
Add Wainscoting
Add character to your plain wall by installing some wainscotting panels on some of your wall’s lacking areas. It’s an affordable upgrade that is perfectly doable on a weekend. You only basic need wood materials and wood handling tools to complete this project.
It’s important to plan your layout first before getting to work. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide from the experts at DIY Network.
Get Creative with Paint
One of the easiest ways to give your home a major refresh without ruining your savings is to change your home’s paint colors. You can opt to paint the entire house with a different color or choose an accent wall to create focus.
If you have wallpaper, you can choose to peel off the old one and install a new set or just get rid of the whole thing and use paint instead.
Refurbish Your Cabinets
You really don’t need to replace your kitchen cabinets if you think they already look worn out. Plan a refurbish project. Revarnish or repaint, install some paneling for a whole new look, and you only pay for paint as so much.
Then perhaps you can extend the makeover by installing peelable backsplashes to completely change your kitchen’s appearance.
Hang Wall Art
Hanging wall art is perhaps the easiest way to shift the mood and change the vibe of your room setup. You can opt for large floor-to-ceiling installations (especially if you’re the creative type), a wall gallery, or a simple home depot painting.
You can even frame your kids’ artworks and proudly put them on display. It would surely make a good talking point with guests.
Build an Outdoor Patio
Love enjoying coffee while basking in the morning sunshine? Or al fresco dining while having animated nighttime conversations with good friends at home? There are plenty of possibilities that can justify adding a beautiful patio to your home. This is perhaps the costliest project on this list but one that is also extremely rewarding.
This DIY video is a great place to begin and find inspiration.
Update Your Windows
If you’re having problems with your windows, perhaps getting them fixed will be more cost-efficient than having them replaced completely.
Updating your window treatments is also an excellent way to refresh the whole house. By choosing heavier drapes or lighter, sheer curtains, you can control the amount of light that comes into the room. Wall height can also be tricked by wisely choosing the length of your window treatments.
Final Word
A lot of people found the DIY journey so much more personally rewarding than hiring somebody else to do the job for them. By taking the reins, they are not only able to personally direct the process but they also discover new things that allow them to appreciate their own living space more. The results say it all. And who knows, you can even start talking about it in your own blog and connect with a network of other DIY enthusiasts.
If you know some more simple DIY tips you want to share, tell us in the comments section!