Making improvements to your home doesn't have to cost a fortune if you're willing to do some of the work yourself. There are many simple DIY (do-it-yourself) projects you can tackle to refresh or upgrade areas of your home without professional help. In this article, we will explore 10 of the best DIY home interior projects that can make a big impact without breaking the bank. With a little time, skill, and effort, you can transform rooms in your house with these affordable DIY options.
Painting walls and cabinets
A fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to give a room a totally new look. Updating wall colors or painting cabinets and trim are relatively simple weekend projects for beginners. Make sure to prepare surfaces properly by washing, sanding, priming, etc. Choose colors that suit your style. For cabinets, consider using semigloss or gloss paint for easy cleaning. Painting is one of the highest impact, lowest cost DIY home improvements you can do.
Installing new cabinet knobs and pulls
Cabinets are an expensive upgrade to replace entirely, but you can refresh their look for under $50 by swapping out old or ugly knobs and pulls for new styles. Measure carefully before shopping and choose hardware that complements your kitchen style. Installation only requires a drill or screwdriver, so this is a quick project. Update hardware in other rooms like bathrooms for visual interest. This small change makes a big difference in the kitchen's overall appearance.
Upgrading lighting fixtures
Lighting sets the mood and vibe in any room, so swapping out dated fixtures for new styles can really transform a space. Remove old fixtures and install new ones yourself in just an afternoon.
Choose fixtures suited to the room's usage - pendant or recessed lights for kitchens, sconces or flushmounts in bathrooms. Consider LED or CFL bulbs for cost savings too. A lighting upgrade brightens up rooms and brings instant curb appeal.
Laying vinyl, laminate or tile flooring
New flooring is an affordable way to update dated floors and is one of the more ambitious weekend DIY projects. Choose vinyl plank, laminate, or ceramic wall and floor tiles depending on the room and your skill level. Rent heavy tools if needed and take time to fully prepare subfloors first. Installation instructions come with materials to guide you. With motivation and care, you can tackle large flooring projects solo.
Building furniture like bookshelves
Building furniture you can use like bookshelves, bed frames, or storage units is very rewarding. Source plans online and gather materials, then use basic power tools to cut and assemble. Building furniture takes time but is easier than it looks with the right guidance. Woodworking teaches skills you can apply to other projects plus you save a lot versus buying ready-made. Built-ins like bookshelves also utilize otherwise wasted space ideally.
Hanging wall art and gallery walls
Curating an art display on your walls adds instant personality and visual interest to space. Hang individual frames or construct a gallery wall collage. Make sure to measure placements precisely and use appropriate hangers depending on the wall material. Mix framing styles and sizes for balance. Consider non-traditional “art” like photos, maps, plates, or mirrors too. Proper wall accents tie a room together beautifully.
Upcycling furniture
With vision and some effort, old or damaged furnishings can be transformed into beautiful pieces again through upcycling. Common projects include updating cabinets with new hardware and paint, reupholstering chairs or sofas, or distressing wood pieces. Sand, stain or paint the outsides. Consider redoing drawer interiors too for function. Upcycled pieces show off your creativity and skills while saving items from the landfill.
Installing custom shelving
If you need more organized storage in the home, building custom shelving tailored to your space is a smart option. Choose a material like wood that matches existing décor. Plan shelf placements carefully to make best use of awkward nooks. Use a level, square and measurements for well-aligned results. Nail or screw into wall studs securely. Once installed, custom shelving utilizes every inch of space perfectly.
Tiling backsplashes
Updating your kitchen backsplash with new tiles is a budget-friendly way to freshen up the most used room. Choose marble, glass, or mosaic tiles to suit your style from just a few dollars per square foot. Thoroughly prepare walls and use a level line as a guide. Apply thinset adhesive and firmly press tiles in place. Grout and seal. This relatively easy project greatly improves the kitchen's curb appeal.
Wallpapering accent walls
Rather than painting an entire room, try wallpapering a single feature wall or two for visual interest at low cost. Choose removable, non-vinyl papers that are easy for beginners. Wallpaper one wall, the ceiling, or a focal area above furniture. Prep walls carefully, trim edges neatly and smooth out air bubbles as you hang. Accent walls add pattern, texture and dimension beautifully throughout homes.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many wonderful DIY home improvement projects you can tackle yourself for very modest costs and a lot of personal satisfaction. Taking on basic tasks like painting, lighting upgrades or flooring installs can genuinely transform rooms on a shoestring budget with effort. Consider your skills and needs, then get started on one of these top ten affordable DIY options to refresh spaces in your home. Seeing positive changes from your own hard work is extremely rewarding. With practice over time, you'll gain confidence to take on bigger projects too.
