8 DIY Projects to Tackle This Year
Home improvement projects can satisfy your creative drive and save money, but it’s often the thought of starting them that stops us. According to studies, the average American home has 8 DIY projects that need to be done.
With just a few essential tools in hand, you may be surprised at how quickly those DIY ideas can become a reality. There are countless ways to show off your skills around the house on a budget, and we’ve put together 8 DIY projects to tackle in 2023.
1. Add Wallpaper
For a room to come alive, a simple shift in wallpaper can add both vibrancy and texture to any room. Instead of relying solely on traditional paint colors for your walls, modern wallpaper comes in an array of styles that transform the atmosphere in a room. Thanks to prepasted options available, adding wallpaper has become easier than ever, making it achievable for anyone to tackle. Just be sure to keep in mind square footage as you shop around for the right wallpaper fit.
2. Backsplash Tile
Adding a backsplash to your walls offers more than just practical utility; it also brings aesthetic charm. With an array of colors, sizes and shapes to choose from, you’ll find the perfect design for your kitchen with nearly limitless options.
Once you’ve picked out the perfect tiles for your project, don’t forget that proper installation is key – measure carefully and make sure those spacers stay in place while laying down mastic on each row of tile. When finished with grouting an hour later, simply wipe away extra residue and that’s it, you’ve updated your tile work all on your own!
3. Add Shelf Space
Add a touch of modern style and storage to your home with the simple addition of convenient floating shelves. From organizing everyday items to displaying artwork or plants, shelving solutions have become easier to create than ever before.
Hanging shelves shouldn’t be intimidating as long as you are set for success with the right tools in place. With some basic skills like using a leveler, securing wall fixings, and drilling holes, you’ll have completed a quick and easy project that adds function to any room.
4. Create Office Space
The hybrid work world is here to stay, and with so many of us navigating remote working lifestyles, creating a space in your home where you can be productive and take care of business is essential. Whether working your office into a nook or dedicating an entire room to your office needs, soundproof materials like solid core doors and upholstered furniture can help reduce sound intrusions from the other areas in the house.
If possible, invest in a legitimate desk rather than the kitchen table. Standing desks have become a hot commodity if your space allows. Be sure to lock in a comfortable chair, considering you’ll be spending most of your time throughout the day in it. Lighting is extremely important when it comes to productivity, and we also recommend some shelving space for organizational purposes. Spruce up the room in whatever way you see fit to make it a comfortable space for productivity – whether it be artwork, candles, a speaker for music, or whatever allows you to work best!
5. Update Knobs and Handles
A subtle change such as a cabinet door knob can have an unexpected impact on the look of your room. Refresh your look without completely remodeling by simply replacing outdated hardware – you’ll be amazed at the difference! Replacing those outdated door knobs with modern hardware is a great way to freshen up the look of the space without needing to commit time or money into larger renovations.
6. Invest in Landscaping
If you’re looking to spruce up the exterior of your home, adding plants to your front yard or along your walkway is an easy way to transform the look of your home. To get the most bang for your buck, we recommend starting with perennial plants which come back year after year such as daffodils or daisies. You will also notice a big difference by simply adding fresh sod or planting grass seed to any bald spots in the yard. Lastly, upkeep on your existing trees and bushes is crucial to keeping your yard in tip top shape.
7. Power Wash
When it comes to the exterior of your home, power washing is a cheaper and quicker way to give your home a fresh look. If done properly, it can look almost as good as a fresh coat of paint. Driveways, patios, and walkways are also on the table for a fresh look. Power washing is an effective way to clean up most anything, including mold, mildew, and ground in dirt.
8. Improve Lighting
A factor often overlooked that can make a huge difference in any space is lighting. With the right combination of accent, task and general lighting, you can create an ambiance that is both functional and stylish. For the kitchen specifically, under cabinet lighting can create a safer environment for food prep, or even serve as a source of light in the darkness of night or early mornings. The creative freedom has no limits when it comes to lighting, so experiment any way you see fit with brightening up the atmosphere of your home.
The possibilities with DIY projects are endless, these are just a few of many ways you can spice up your space this year. Now that we’ve called out a few specific projects to add some life to your home, it’s time to get started.
Pick one project from this list (or come up with one on your own) and get to work adding your personal style to your living space. If you’re still feeling intimidated by the DIY task at hand, keep in mind that 90% of DIYers watch YouTube how-to videos when working on a project. Don’t be afraid to lean on resources to help you navigate the process.
With a little time and effort, you can make your space more personal and stylish without spending a lot of money. Enjoy the process and your home’s fresh look in 2023!