No Excuses: 3 DIY Projects Too Easy NOT to Make in 2017

published Dec 31, 2016
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(Image credit: Carmen Chavarri)

When we moved to our Canadian home in the middle of the winter, furniture-less and looking for indoor weekend activities, we turned to Home Depot and online tutorials and decided to make some stuff. Here are three surprisingly easy and effective projects we think you should try at home in 2017 — you can see them in our recent house tour.

(Image credit: Carmen Chavarri)

Wall Light Sconce

This is by far the easiest DIY we tackled. It takes all of two steps: screwing a bracket to the wall and wrapping a pendant light around it. The tangle of cords is effortlessly stylish and you can chose a colored pendant to give your space a little pop. But this kind of wall light isn’t the only idea you can DIY.

(Image credit: Carmen Chavarri)

Custom Shelving

DIY shelving in a simple way to add style and function to a room in your home. With this versatile solution you will make the best use of your space. Just measure the area you want to use and have the planks cut at the hardware store (or cut them yourself). Stain the wood and spray paint the brackets to work with the rest of the room or leave them au naturel for an organic and relaxed feeling. (You can also see this DIY idea in our bedroom as nightstands.)

(Image credit: Carmen Chavarri)

Platform bed frame

Making your own bed frame is easier than you might expect. We were surprised by how straightforward this one turned out to be. This bed frame is made with three 2×6 planks running the length of the bed (one on each side of the bed and one in the middle) and a bunch of 1×4 slats screwed across them. Make sure the slats are no more than two inches apart from each other, especially if you have a memory foam mattress. The result is a sturdy and reliable platform, and its low profile will make your bedroom feel more airy and calm.