1. Hang Floating Shelves
There is nothing more boring that static walls. Installing floating shelves gives an instant fresh look, plus you get flexibility. You can align or stagger them, can combine a variety of lengths, and the objects placed on them can be rotated as per the changes in your taste or season. The majority of premade shelves come with installation directions. In any other case, you should attach them to a wall stud as securely as possible. Alternatively, you can use a wall anchor. Measure the width and the height of your shelves to make sure you have room for them, as well as the items on display.
2. Botanical Prints on the Wall
Another great idea to enhance a wall is to create a modern look of botanical prints. Lay back on a black canvas plastic or silk greenery and spray a coat of paint to create a reverse silhouette of the greenery. Then, a special material namely frisket that you can find in the crafts store (model-building section) will help you give the pieces a unique border.
3. Meld your TV with your Decor
Before you tackle the TV’s wall décor, make sure it is hung 3-4 feet above the floor, in order to have a more comfortable viewing. Now, your TV should look more like a black hole against the wall, right? Hang shelves below and around it to help it blend in. You can also hang rectangular art on the same wall with your TV. Given that the shapes are similar, you will have managed to camouflage it somehow! Finally, offset the screen with a few other pieces in black (i.e black picture frames or a dark wood console) and make your big screen TV so eye-catching without spending a fortune!
4. Swap out a Door Knob
Unquestionably, worn-out hardware and tired finishes can make such unappealing elements that spoil a room’s overall look. A fresh doorknob is an extremely easy project that can give new life to a door. All you have to do is just remove the old plate and hardware and get he new one installed. If you follow the manufacturer’s instructions, it will be a piece of cake. A cheaper idea is to paint the old hardware using spray paint appropriate for metal.
Note: If the new hardware is a different size, you may have to stain or touch up paint on the door around the new plate.
5. Tidy up the Pantry
Who can argue that a disorganized house gives the sense of a worn-out house with all that clutter lying around just about everywhere. The kitchen pantry is one of the first places that falls into disorganization. You’ll be amazed by how easily you can give your food storage and shelves a new, fresh look. A few uniform style and size containers, alongside some beautiful decorative labels, are enough to change things around in your kitchen. Start by removing everything from the pantry. Whatever item has expired or is old has no place there anymore. Remove cereals, dry pasta, and similar food staples into larger containers and group like items (i.e. canned soups and crackers), before you label the containers and shelves.
6. Organize your Drawers
Speaking or organizing stuff around the house to avoid clutter and enhance its look, drawers that hold an incredible jumble of items can be tamed with ridiculously easy DIY solutions. Use clear containers or dividers (you can find some really cheap ones at hardware stores) to group like items. Dividers are usually plastic or wire and can help designate space for practically everything, from underwear and socks in the bedroom to school supplies and crafts in the kitchen.
7. Swap out Lamps
A new light fixture can quickly transform a décor and make that space a lovely territory. Although light is usually an afterthought, replacing a fixture that is a bit small in the kitchen with a beautiful series of pendants placed over the work space, or swapping out a lamp in an entry can definitely work amazingly well.
8. Build a Behind-the-Bed Piece
No, it won’t cost an arm and a leg to make a headboard. There are several simple, inexpensive options to do the job. For example, you can paint a hollow-core door and then attached to the wall, Alternatively, you can cover it with fabric (don’t forget to add batting) or you may want to use these ideas on a piece of thick plywood. In a pinch, you can use the mattress as a support and lean the headboard against a wall!
9. Go for a New Window Treatment
A new window treatment will give a fresh pop of color or pattern. With numerous premade options available in the current market, it is highly unlikely you won’t find something that suits your taste. Moreover, you can always make easy updates with minimal-to-no sewing from a piece of decorative fabric. In fact, all you need is finish seams at he bottom and sides and a channel for the hanging rod. Of course, if you have advanced sewing skills, nothing stops you from making more complex, eye-popping window treatments (i.e. Roman Shades).
10. Change your Cabinets
No, by change we don’t mean to throw the old ones away and buy yourself new ones. That would be so costly. Instead, just removing some doors here and there will breathe new life into your kitchen, making your dishes the focal point. To complete the picture, you can paint the inside of the cabinets a beautiful contrasting (or even the same) color.
11. Change the Cabinet Handles
Since we are around the kitchen area, how about updating the cabinet handles? Invigorate kitchen (even bathroom or dresser) cabinets by installing ergonomic hardware. It is not only easy on the wrist and eyes, but also an instant space enhancer. Make sure to take measures of the anchor holes you have and choose an option with the same width.
12. Add Color to an Interior Door
Truth is homeowners are usually more willing to paint a front door than an interior one. Either to assist wayfinding or accent, front doors can undergo a series of restoration to gain a fresher look. However, adding a bright hue can highlight a point of interest and revive a room, so why not considering taking the step?
13. Paint Stair Risers
Another task that requires your arts and crafts skills. Give life to boring and bland risers on interior stairs by using paint. Choose a solid pattern or color to showcase your style personality and see what happens! Just don’t forget to tape off the treads to avoid ruining the existing finish, unless you want to include them (the treads) in your pattern, which is absolutely fine.
14. Use Floor Stencils
Both interior and exterior floors can upgrade tremendously with floor stencils. They can add a focal-point accent color or pattern to a space with limited cost. Pick up a motif or color that matches your existing fabrics or furniture and apply stencil starting from the center of the floor, in small areas at a time. It is strongly recommended to apply a protective finish once you are done, to maintain your work of art! Allow to dry well as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
15. Upgrade a Curtain Rod
No matter what you do, just stay away from plain and cheap curtain rods, unless you want a dull and boring, cheap-looking home. Instead, go for new curtain rods with caps, finials or other decorative extras, as well as ones that change from white to darker tones to add more visual interest and presence.
16. Make a Window Seat Comfy
What a better idea than sitting in a cozy window seat while reading your book! However, a hard bench is nothing close to the relaxing oasis you have in mind. Try adding amenities such as pillows, cushions, a side table, a throw, or a lamp to spruce it up.
17. Tile your Countertop
No, it’s not the time for a high-end countertop update, which is why tile is the perfect option here. This budget-friendly project can give the bath or kitchen a refreshing decorating aesthetic and a nice, clean, contemporary look. Just make sure you pick a single style of tile. If you want to add your personal touches, you may want to consider creating a pattern that contrasts with the color of the tiles or add decorative tile inserts.
18. Add a Wall Decal
Wall decals are among the easiest to apply and the most no-fuss DIY projects that can literally transform a room with a minimum investment of money and time. You just peel and stick them, and if your style changes in a few years, you will have absolutely no problem switching them out. For a kids’ room, you can create a scene (i.e. a tree adorned with photo frames where you can add pictures of the family) while a patterned piece is best for a living room.
Amazing what you can do with just $50! Now, how about jazzing up you house like an interior designer? Or maybe create your very own DIY Zen garden? It doesn’t take much…just a pinch of creativity and a strong will to better your life!
