Stylish DIY Projects to Revamp Your Home in a Weekend
Got a free weekend? Make the most of it by tackling a stylish home update with our favorite DIY projects.
These home improvements can be done in just a few hours or stretched out over a leisurely weekend. Each project allows you to infuse your unique style into a space, whether it’s a quick paint job or a striking mural.
Here are the DIY projects we've tried and loved. They’re simple, impactful, and beautifully executed.
Creative DIY Projects
From paint tricks to sewing projects, here are our favorite ways to enhance a room. Gather your DIY tools, put on your favorite tunes, and enjoy a hands-on weekend with these affordable DIY weekend projects.
1. Create a Unique Gallery Wall with Decorative Plates
Have decorative plates tucked away? Consider showcasing them as a feature on a gallery wall. This project can transform your dining space in just an afternoon.
“Choose a mix of sizes and origins,” suggests Emma Sims-Hilditch, an interior designer. “Plates with personal significance make the design even more meaningful.”
Before starting, measure the wall to position the plates accurately. Once satisfied, attach the plates with hanging wires – consider decorative plate hangers from Walmart.
Besides plates, consider using family photos, mirrors, or decorative baskets for a personalized touch.
Emma Sims-Hilditch is a British interior designer who began her journey making curtains from her kitchen table. Her brand now reflects a timeless English aesthetic with a contemporary twist.
2. Use Paint to Highlight Details
Revamping a space doesn’t always mean painting an entire wall. A touch of paint can breathe new life into old furniture.
“Many of us have an old chest, chair, or table that could use a refresh,” says Helen Shaw, director of Benjamin Moore. “A splash of color on legs or interiors can rejuvenate it without the cost of new furniture.”
If the exterior is in good shape, consider contrasting colors for the interior. This not only revives the piece but enhances its contents.
Milk paint is great for small projects as it requires no primer and dries quickly. Ensure surfaces are clean and sanded before starting. For a professional finish, apply two coats of paint.
Powdered Milk Paint | Shop on Amazon
This milk paint comes in various sizes and colors, perfect for home renovations.
Helen Shaw is part of Benjamin Moore's UK division. As a color expert and international marketing director, she co-founded Shaw Paints, now part of Benjamin Moore.
3. Add Trimmings for a Personal Touch
Refreshing a room can be as simple as updating your soft furnishings. Enhance cushions with unique trimmings or tassels:
1. Choose an old cushion or throw for an update. Gather materials: beading, braids, piping, and tassels.
Online shops like Samuel & Sons and Etsy offer a vast selection of trimmings. Match trimmings with your cushion’s fabric for a classic look, or choose contrasting colors for a modern twist.
2. Measure your cushion’s perimeter for the right amount of trimming.
3. Pin the trimming to visualize the final design.
4. Attach the trim. Hand-sew beading or tassels to prevent machine damage. Use a zipper foot for braids or piping for a neat finish.
Singer Portable Sewing Machine with LED Lighting | $134.99 at Walmart
This machine is perfect for both beginners and experienced sewers, offering 57 stitch applications for various projects.
4. Highlight an Alcove
A simple yet effective project is painting an alcove in a contrasting shade and framing it with trim.
Recreate this look by stenciling a scalloped edge around the alcove and painting it by hand. Alternatively, use MDF to create a 3D border.
Old wallpaper remnants can also be used to decorate a niche. “Wallpaper is making a comeback, as people seek colors and patterns that bring joy,” says Ruth Mottershead, Creative Director at Little Greene.
5. Add Decorative Flair to Staircases
Introduce a splash of color or pattern in your hallway by enhancing your staircase.
This could be as easy as installing a runner and painting banisters or as involved as sanding and restaining wooden steps for a fresh look.
6. Incorporate Greenery
“Spring is the perfect time to embrace houseplants,” says Dr. Katie Cooper, founder of an online indoor plant shop, Bloombox Club. As days get longer, plants thrive.
It’s important to choose plants that fit your lighting conditions. Combine plants of various shapes and sizes, maintaining a cohesive theme.
Consider DIY projects like creating a vertical living wall or crafting a macrame hanging plant holder.
7. Give Your Bedroom a Boutique Feel
Transform your bedroom by upholstering your headboard with fabric that speaks to you. You'll need plywood, wadding, fabric, and trim, plus a staple gun to complete the project.
Consider making a wider or taller headboard for added drama, drawing attention to the bed.
Upholstery 4 in 1 Staple Gun | $18.99 at Amazon
This heavy-duty staple gun is perfect for upholstery projects.
8. Hang or Paint a Decorative Mural
“Murals can add depth to any room, even small spaces,” says designer Paolo Moschino. “They’re perfect for homes with unique wall shapes.”
If you're feeling creative, sketch your design on a primed wall or use a premade stencil from Etsy. Alternatively, choose wallpapers with trompe l'oeil designs for a stunning effect. For a calm bedroom vibe, select images that evoke relaxation, like tropical-themed Tana Grisaille wallpaper. Pair with earthy tones in furniture and textiles for a cohesive look.
9. Add Paneling to a Wall
Wall paneling remains a timeless design trend. Luckily, it's easier to install than ever.
Most DIY stores sell stick-on panels that can be put up in no time, many pre-measured or primed for painting. For best results:
Preparation: Ensure walls are clean and smooth. Any imperfections can affect adhesion.
Measure Twice, Cut Once: Plan your design before cutting. Use a level to mark where to cut for accuracy.
Finishing Touches: Apply paintable caulk along seams for a smooth finish. Use a wet finger or tool to smooth it out before painting.
10. Refresh a Wooden Floor
If refinishing your wooden floors is on your agenda, try painting or varnishing your floorboards.
The bathroom floor shown above was stripped and painted with a checkerboard pattern using Annie Sloan chalk paint, finished with several coats of clear varnish for a warm, vintage look.
11. Update Windows and Doors with Fluted Film
Fluted glass is a trendy choice that’s here to stay. You can easily mimic this look with peel-and-stick film, enhancing both style and privacy.
Simply apply the film to the lower half of your windows for increased privacy without sacrificing light. Look for options like Reeded Glass Window Film from Amazon.
12. Change Out Hardware
One of the simplest ways to upgrade your kitchen or bathroom is by replacing cabinet hardware. This small update can significantly enhance the space without a full renovation.
When choosing new hardware, consider existing decor and select complementary styles. Measure the distance between existing holes before buying new knobs or pulls.
If you find similar measurements, you might replace hardware without drilling new holes. If drilling is necessary, use a hardware template like this Liberty AlignRight Clear Mounting Template from Lowes to mark drilling spots accurately.
Tilden Drawer Pulls
$10.50 - $14
These classic drawer pulls suit various DIY furniture projects.
Stella Knobs
$22.00
Brass knobs that add rustic charm to furniture.
Pill Hardware - Antique Brass
$6.40 - $22
Sleek brass hardware that complements many styles.
13. Make Custom Scented Candles
Crafting custom scented candles is an easy way to fill your home with a unique fragrance that matches your mood or the season.
Start with soy or beeswax for a clean burn. Choose your scents—essential oils for natural aromas or fragrance oils for variety. Consider fragrance layering to create a signature scent.
To make candles, melt your wax in a double boiler, add fragrance oils, and pour into containers with wicks secured. You can also customize the wax color, container style, and add decorations like dried flowers or crystals for a unique touch.
DIY Candle Making Complete Kit | From $29.99 at Etsy
This kit includes everything needed for candle making at home, including wax, wicks, and centering devices.
The secret to a smooth DIY project is having the right tools. Investing in quality tools not only simplifies the work but enhances your overall enjoyment of the process.