DIY Before & Afters | Do It Yourself Projects & Hacks

And the closet doors are a work of art!

Sometimes, simplicity is key.

One takeaway here? You can use paint on more than just the walls.

“I'm surprised by how fundamentally different the space looks — and the ability to get there without spending thousands and thousands of dollars,” this renter says.

The after looks so luxe that the family has taken to calling it “the parlor.”

And the change was mostly made with paint!

The new “garage” is super cool and super reversible.

Paint might not be a power tool, but it is a *powerful* tool.

Each square of the new black-and-white floor was individually painted.

These hacks hit almost every room.

It went from “an uncomfortable beige box” to technicolored and oh-so clever.

It’s the perfect complement to navy.

It’s possible to do a transformation as a memorable family project.

The new paint colors were inspired by the sun.

Before, the cabinets, floors, and counters in this kitchen were “way too brown,” the homeowner says.

The homeowners say it “feels like a bedroom” for the first time since it was built.

There's now a dash of color in an unexpected spot.

Stylish minimalism inspo ahead.

Best yet, the upgrades only cost $1,000.

The white paint was a game-changer.

These walls didn’t get toned down — they got turned way, way up.

The new mantel is an eye-catching upgrade.

You can make anything look luxe!

A cool design tip to steal from this bedroom? The new paint color is custom color-matched to the wallpaper.

The after feels like “a swanky restaurant bathroom,” the homeowner says.

“We wanted to transform the space into a whimsical, inviting oasis that welcomed guests and made them feel at ease,” this DIYer says.

No demo needed!

You’ll want to copy the wheeled laundry baskets.

The project is totally reversible — and easy to add on to — if the DIYer decides she wants more or less of the pattern.

The after mixes a modern touch with the home’s historic charm.

“A little IKEA mixed in with higher-end items is always a good idea, in my opinion,” this renter says.

These renters squeezed a super practical (and beautiful!) kitchenette into just 40 square feet

It’s an 1830s Colonial-style home, but you wouldn’t know it from the bathroom’s “before.”

From wood cabinets to (way chicer) wood cabinets.

The homeowner wanted to combine color and comfort.

The matching seating, wallpaper, and curtains are patterned perfection.

Nickel gap paneling is shiplap made easy, according to this DIYer.

So long, stained shower.

The whole transformation cost just $250.

Before, the oatmeal-colored walls made the whole room feel dark despite its large windows.

“I wanted people to be absolutely stunned that this was an IKEA dresser,” this DIYer says.

From four-cubed KALLAX to something MoMA-worthy

Before, the laundry room was “a forgotten room,” this DIYer says.

If you're a maximalist who rents, grab a pencil (and scissors and peel-and stick)!

Now, it’s warm and functional for a family.

The cast iron details are dreamy.

It’s black, white, and bold all over.

“Work with the unique features of the room, and don’t be afraid to mix it up when the mood strikes,” this homeowner advises.

“The new space makes me want to curl up with a book and sip on some coffee,” the homeowner says.

“Cabinets like these can cost over $2,000, so this cabinet costing $600 is a win in my book!” the DIYer says.

“I hope this project is a great demonstration of what can be achieved with paint and pattern,” the homeowner says.

“Painting a piece always is a bit daunting,” this DIYer says, but she made it work.

“This was a very risky project,” the DIYer says. “I didn't know if it would turn out cool or chunky and busy.”

Curtains came to the rescue in this bedroom transformation.

“There were decades' worth of stains in the carpet,” the DIYer says.

The apartment owners had a little over 16 square feet to work with.

The landlord actually reimbursed the renters for the new hardware they picked — it looked THAT good.

“I’m proud that we were brave with our color choice despite some initial apprehensions,” the homeowner says.

Gorgeous plants help add some personality, too!

I even made a new light fixture using a $3 thrift store find.

The furniture flipper behind this project swears by four steps: preparation, priming, painting, and protecting.

The “after” works for all seasons.

The homeowners were specifically looking for something dated that they could redo, and the “before” totally fits the bill.

“I’d say 75% of this room project was just painting,” the homeowner says.

The new vanity is a game-changer.

Get ready to have major plant envy.

The cabinet was a jackpot thrift store find.

As one Instagram commenter says, “Literally would never stop reading books with big cozy socks on in this room.”

This once-plain shoe cabinet is now a stunning entryway statement piece.

The DIY ceiling is a must-see.

And it cost a fraction of a professional custom install.