DIY Before & Afters | Do It Yourself Projects & Hacks

“I've been wanting a new table for the dining room for a while, and this was the perfect opportunity to go a bit ‘extra’ on it,” this DIYer says.

“I DIYed literally almost everything in the room,” the homeowner says. “There’s not a lot you can’t DIY!”

“I always really wanted to add open shelving, but didn’t think it was possible because we were renting,” this DIYer says. Using about $200 worth of materials, she proved herself wrong.

When you live in a small space, you see every inch of it regularly. And when some of those inches are more cluttered than you’d like them to be, it can be stressful — or just monotonous. See how one renter went for a maximalist-but-streamlined change of pace.

The attic had some great features, like built-in wall storage and a big window, but it also had some bad ones — like the moldy carpet and an obtrusive column. Here’s how a DIYer made it all work.

The paint color? Red-orange. The paint location? Read to find out!

The before was too empty to feel like someone really lived there.

The biggest-impact steps: paint and cord covers.

Sometimes all a dated bathroom needs is a new paint color.

The previous homeowner put tons of work into creating a rustic-style space they loved — but when the new homeowners moved in, it didn’t quite suit them. Here’s how they made it their own.

After all, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.

A five-week project using IKEA IVARs and a discount fireplace totally transforms this blank white box.

“I didn't like that my powder room looked like my neighbor's, and my neighbor's neighbor,” this homeowner says of her builder-grade “before.”

“Simply painting a room a bold color can completely transform it,” the designer says.

“By using the existing materials in this space, I saved a ton of money, and let’s be honest – who wants to gut an entire bathroom?” this DIYer says. “It’s dirty and dusty and takes FOREVER. Updating a small bathroom with accent walls is a budget-friendly way to add character.”

When these owners purchased their caravan, it was in much worse shape than they first thought. A complete overhaul brought it back to life.

This smart entryway redo is from YouTuber Alexandra Gater’s first book — and she gave Apartment Therapy an exclusive look at the project.

The “new” blue toilet and sink are must-sees.

There’s a smart IKEA hack in this bedroom redo, too.

This reno only took five days.

“Since this was my first place I owned, I wanted to make the entire space feel like me,” this condo dweller says.

This home was part of a Sears catalog kit, and many of its original features can be seen in the living room today.

The new kitchen feels a lot more inviting.

“The budget for this kitchen refresh was really to spend as little as possible,” this DIYer says.

“It was as boring as a room could possibly be,” this homeowner says of the “before.” The “after” is the complete opposite.

“This makeover made me realize I’m way more into paint than power tools,” this DIYer says.

This DIYer came up with a clever money-saving hack for getting the look of lime washed walls.

Vintage furniture and a fresh light fixture help, too.

“I plan to stay in this place for some time, so the effort put in is worth it,” this renter says. His (totally removable!) updates cost $600.

Wallpaper, tile, and a new mantel take this fireplace from a blank slate to a bespoke and character-filled feature.

This bathroom is a colorful, eclectic mix of high-end pieces and secondhand upcycles.

“I love having my books all together on the wall; it really feels like a feature in the room instead of an afterthought,” this DIYer says. This one’s for the bookworms out there!

These homeowners “wanted something moody, modern and something no one else had.”

"In my opinion, there is no right or wrong way to style your space," this homeowner says. "As long as it brings you joy, it's functional, and it showcases your personality, then it's perfect! Your home is an outward expression of your vibe!"

“Cloffices” aren’t just for adults.

This DIYer "cried real (happy) tears" when she made the discovery during the demo process.

The new cook space isn't just beautiful — its reimagined layout makes it more functional, too.

Now the space has a groovy, bohemian backdrop.

It’s all thanks to wallpaper and gilded accessories.

A mid-century piece became a modern and functional "flo-denza."

This DIY is perfect for art lovers on a budget.

A family has a place to gather for $300.

This is what one DIYer did with her inheritance.

"Never underestimate the power of paint!" this homeowner says of her paint projects — including her countertops which look unrecognizable after a $125 project.

Looking to paint IKEA furniture? Get this DIYer's tips first.

You'd never know it was this DIYer's first-ever furniture flip based on how sophisticated the "after" looks! Read for tons of great beginner-friendly advice.

The 940-square-foot home now flaunts period details.

"Pattern and color are not my usual comfort zone, but I found myself really inspired by spaces that use a lot of pattern play and color," this homeowner says — and several of the prints in the space are totally shoppable.

The makeover mixes high and low to create a unique space that doesn't break the bank, the homeowner says.

A can of paint and a little wallpaper went a long way to elevate the boring fireplace in our newly flipped home.

The bathroom, in its early stages, was "a bland space overall," this homeowner says. See how she added character while still keeping things neutral.

The extensive renovation project made this kitchen, last touched in the 1990s, more functional for a family.

By painting her walls and built-ins the same color, this DIYer created a seamless storage setup. Read more about her painting tips and takeaways.

"Bathrooms love plants, and plants love bathrooms. Get as many in there as can possibly fit!" this homeowner says.

DIYing as much as possible helped keep costs low, and allowed for splurges on bigger ticket items like appliances.

With the right surroundings, even so-called "dated" fixtures can look contemporary.

Tons of time-saving tips from a seasoned DIYer ahead!

You’d never guess this piece of furniture was once a standard IKEA bookcase.

The guiding words for this project: "vintage New England with a twist."

With some clever DIY, this bookshelf is completely unrecognizable.

The "after" is total cottagecore inspiration.

The "after" looks much brighter and cleaner, and the vanity is unrecognizable.

"I have always had very colorful hair and clothes," this renter says. "I decided to surround myself in colorful surroundings."

Whether you have an old hand-me-down dresser or a past-its-prime IKEA one, these DIYs will give you plenty of ideas for giving it a new life.

Lots of DIY and plenty of resourcefulness helped keep costs down in this 2000s builder-grade bathroom makeover.