11 Easy DIY Home Projects That Will Instantly Update Your Space
Minimal sweat-equity required, these DIY projects can modernize your home, from the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, living room, or elsewhere.
01. Swap in Warm and Inviting Colors
One of the simplest and most impactful DIY projects to modernize your home is to swap in warm and inviting colors. According to Coco Silver, found and designer of Coco Home, “Choosing paint colors that are warm and inviting eliminates the need to compensate for the lack of depth in your walls with furniture and art alone.” She suggests choosing “muddy” blue hues, mushroom grays, and creamy whites, as cool color palettes can be harder to work with.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Painting Walls Like a Pro
Before you start painting, make sure to:
- Clean the walls to remove dirt and grease
- Fix any holes or cracks in the walls
- Prime the walls if necessary
- Apply multiple coats of paint for even coverage
02. Give Your Entryway a Makeover
A little work can go a long way when it comes to modernizing your entryway. According to Shannon Askinasi, lead interior designer at Ash & Pine Interiors, “A wallpapered accent wall, an interesting console table, some ottomans or chairs, and a fun mirror or artwork can make a huge impact and help you make a fabulous first impression on guests.”
How to Create a Welcoming Entryway
Before you start, consider the following:
- Choose a wallpaper that pulls in colors from the adjacent rooms
- Paint the rest of the space the color of the design’s background
- Select furniture and accessories that complement the wallpaper
03. Create a Textural Focal Point
Beyond paint, there are many wall treatments that can instantly elevate your space. According to Regan Billingsley, interior designer, “Textured wall panels, wood slats, solid surface materials, and metal panels add depth and a sleek, contemporary feel.”
How to Add Texture to Your Walls
Before you start, consider the following:
- Choose a material that complements the style of your home
- Consider the durability and maintenance requirements of the material
- Start with a small area to test the material and technique
04. Create a Wall Mural
As an alternative to a piece of art, consider making an entire wall a piece of art. According to Shauna Jones of Shauna Glenn Design, “Painting a mural doesn’t have to be as scary as it sounds. It can elevate the space by adding color and design to a large wall with minimal expense.”
How to Paint a Wall Mural
Before you start, consider the following:
- Sketch out a design on paper before committing to paint
- Choose a paint that is suitable for your wall type
- Start with a small area to test the design and paint
05. Dream Up a Jewel Box Bathroom
For a smaller project that delivers serious wow, consider taking an everyday powder room and transforming it into a jewel box bathroom. According to Jenifer McNeil Baker of Maestri Studio, “Saturated color palettes, rich textures, beautiful patterns, and wow-worthy light fixtures can make this space feel lavish.”
How to Create a Jewel Box Bathroom
Before you start, consider the following:
- Choose a color palette that is bold and rich
- Select a wallpaper that complements the color palette
- Add rich textures and patterns through furniture and accessories
06. Install a Slat Feature
For an earthy, neutral feature that still feels fresh and modern, consider installing a slat wall. According to Todd Goodman of LA Light Photo, “This can be done in an entryway or family room, and it also provides added noise reduction.”
How to Install a Slat Wall
Before you start, consider the following:
- Choose a wood species that complements the style of your home
- Consider the durability and maintenance requirements of the material
- Start with a small area to test the material and technique
07. Paint the Kitchen Cabinets
A kitchen refresh can be beautiful and affordable, and it can be done in a weekend. According to Coco Silver, “No need to tear out countertops or backsplashes that feel dated. Simply paint the cabinets, swap in fresh hardware, and finish it off with vibe-y light fixtures to really make the space pop.”
How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets
Before you start, consider the following:
- Clean the cabinets to remove dirt and grease
- Fix any holes or cracks in the cabinets
- Prime the cabinets if necessary
08. Swap in Some Modern Lighting
According to Audrey Frances Doty, interior designer, “Unique, modern light fixtures can balance the minimalism of furniture and architectural elements, providing substance to the room and intriguing the eye.”
How to Choose Modern Lighting
Before you start, consider the following:
- Choose a finish and silhouette that complements the current space
- Consider the durability and maintenance requirements of the material
- Start with a small area to test the material and technique
09. Change Up Your Mirrors
A fun and easy way to modernize any bedroom or bathroom is by switching out your vanity mirror for a sculptural mirror. According to Audrey Frances Doty, “The sculptural shape of the mirror can be a work of art in itself, adding an unexpected element and a touch of playfulness to your space.”
How to Choose a Sculptural Mirror
Before you start, consider the following:
- Choose a shape that complements the style of your home
- Consider the durability and maintenance requirements of the material
- Start with a small area to test the material and technique
10. Re-Imagine Your Small Decor
According to Regan Billingsley, interior designer, “When we work with clients on styling, we often say that you can take six rooms with the same rug, sofa, and tables, yet create six completely different looks simply by changing the accessories.”
How to Refresh Your Decor
Before you start, consider the following:
- Strip your space down to the basics and remove all art, books, and decorative pieces
- Thoughtfully put back only the items you truly love or have a personal connection to
- Experiment with placing them in new spots
11. Create a Reading Nook
According to Tim Lenz of Barrett Oswald Designs, “A classic reading nook is the perfect place to kick back with a good book, magazine, or digital reader.”
How to Create a Reading Nook
Before you start, consider the following:
- Scout your home for a place that’s perfect for a reading nook
- Add a comfy chair and a shelf or bookcase for your books
- Some soft ambient lighting, a small table for books or a cup of tea, and cozy touches like a throw blanket and a few pillows can bring it all together
By implementing these DIY projects, you can instantly update your space without breaking the bank. Whether it’s swapping in warm and inviting colors, creating a textural focal point, or installing a slat wall, there’s something on this list for everyone.
What are the main benefits of minimal sweat-equity DIY projects for home updates?
These projects can modernize your home with minimal effort and cost.
Which colors are best for painting walls to modernize a space?
Warm and inviting colors like “muddy” blue hues, mushroom grays, and creamy whites are recommended.
What can be done to makeover an entryway?
Install wallpaper, choose an interesting console table, add ottomans, chairs, and a fun mirror or artwork.
How can texture be added to walls for a modern look?
Use textured wall panels, wood slats, solid surface materials, and metal panels.
What is a wall mural and its impact on a space?
A wall mural is a painted design on an entire wall that adds color and design with minimal cost.
What can be done to transform a powder room into a jewel box bathroom?
Use a saturated color palette, add rich textures and patterns, and choose beautiful light fixtures.
What is a slat wall and where can it be installed?
A slat wall is an earthy, neutral feature that also reduces noise, suitable for entryways or family rooms.
How can kitchen cabinets be refreshed without a major renovation?
Paint the cabinets, swap out hardware, and install modern light fixtures.
Why is modern lighting important for home updates?
Modern lighting fixtures add balance and intrigue to a room by complementing existing furniture and architectural elements.
How can mirrors modernize a bedroom or bathroom?
Replacing vanity mirrors with sculptural mirrors adds an artistic and playful element to any space.
What effect can changing small decor have on a room?
Changing accessories can dramatically alter a room’s look and feel.
What considerations should be made when creating a reading nook?
Scout a perfect location, add a comfy chair, shelf or bookcase, and include ambient lighting, a table, and cozy touches.
