11 DIY Home Projects To Save Money
It was an honor and pleasure to publish my very first guest post on my blog! Today, I am so excited to have Darlene, who is a freelance writer at Zumper and other popular sites, share her tips on creative and budget-friendly home projects that you can do it yourself over a weekend. Enjoy!
There’s something totally satisfying about decorating your place. Hanging wall art, adding new decorative pieces, getting new house plants, and painting — adding your own personal touch to your space can make your house feel homier and more welcoming. Unfortunately, trips to the home goods store can take their toll on your bank account. Nevertheless, you can still create the home you’ve always wanted while staying on budget. All you need is a little elbow grease and a lot of creativity (or a healthy dose of Pinterest). Here are some DIY home projects that can make your home look incredible for incredibly cheap.
1. Paint terracotta pots for a chic look
Terracotta pots are usually pretty inexpensive, but they’re also pretty drab. Update them with a little paint. You can print or purchase stencils online, or keep it simple with a few lines or shapes. You can also use gold or silver spray paint to create a unique metallic look. Use your creativity and paint your pots to compliment your space.
2. Use reclaimed wood to make floating shelves
Floating shelves are luxurious and stylish, but they can be expensive. Instead of purchasing some, you can make your own. Head to your local lumber yard, and pick up a bunch of wood. The more imperfect and aged the wood, the better.
3. Create a chalkboard
Chalkboards are awesome in kitchens, kids’ rooms, and offices. They allow little ones a place to doodle, and who doesn’t like writing on the walls? They are convenient for shopping lists and allow you to jot down messages to family members, reminders, and everything in between. Personalize your home with this fun DIY project. Just grab a can of chalkboard paint, some wall trim to frame the board, and let your creative juices flow.
4. Think outside the box
Whoever said that you have to use things for their intended purpose? Got an old chair lying around? Take to Pinterest and repurpose it as nightstand or plant stand. Have a collection of pallets you need to get rid of? Pallets make incredible sofas (all you need is cushions) and can also be used to make a bookshelf or toy bin.
5. Create your own wall art
It’s crazy how much we’re willing to pay for someone else’s idea of art yet so readily thwart the inner artist living within us. Instead of paying upwards of $50 for a piece of wall art from your local home decor store, buy a blank canvas and some paint. You can create abstract art by using a ruler to create shapes and coloring them in hue that compliment your living space.
6. Make your own headboard
Does your bedroom look a little drab? Liven it up by making your own curtain headboard. This DIY home project is super affordable and so easy to do. Simply place a curtain rod behind your bed and hang your favorite curtains. Not only can it be accomplished in mere seconds, but anytime you feel like changing the vibe in your bedroom, you can just get a new curtain.
7. Appreciate your plants from an aerial view
Plant hangers are all the rage, and you can easily make your own using hemp, macrame, or any other textiles you find appealing. The hardest part will be learning all the different knots and techniques to actually keep your plant hanging.
8. Spruce up your mantel for the holidays
Using a piece of wood, a little paint, and metal signs from your local hobby store, you can create seasonal pieces to decorate your mantel.
9. Create a makeshift linen closet
More storage space that doubles as DIY home decor? Sign me up! If you’re lacking a place for your linens in the bathroom, fear not. Grab a few wicker baskets and hang them on the wall as storage for towels and washcloths. You can use the baskets as shelves for lightweight items as well.
10. Make your own key corral
No one likes fumbling beneath the couch cushions for car keys before work. Keep your keys in one place with this DIY home project. Stop by your local lumber yard and pick up a thin slice of tree trunk. Then, with some paint and small wall hooks, spruce it up to match your decor. Or keep it rustic and natural by applying a stain or just leaving it as is.
11. Spruce up your home’s lighting
I have a thing for mason jars. They are totally adorable, affordable, versatile, and perfect for DIY home projects. Fill the bottom of a mason jar with pea gravel and drop a real or battery-operated tea light into the mason jar. Then hang it using hemp, chain, wire, or anything else that suits for your fancy. This DIY home project is stylish, affordable, and makes for some pretty great ambient lighting.
No matter your budget or style preferences, with these DIY home projects, you can have your home looking like something out of a magazine in no time. What are your favorite DIY home projects? Did you make any on this list? Comment below, and let me know!
Featured Image Credit: Unsplash.com
Author’s Bio:
Darlene Mase lives in Newnan, Georgia with her husband and daughter. She is a stay-at-home mom and works as a freelance writer for Zumper.com and other popular sites. During her free time, Darlene enjoys traveling, hiking, camping, cycling, gardening, caving, kayaking, or anything else outdoors.
