DIY Before & Afters | Do It Yourself Projects & Hacks

Don't you just love when form meets function?

This primary bedroom has luxe-looking details for less, thanks to some ambitious but well-executed DIY projects.

These homeowners saved thousands on their vanity by DIYing it.

Hilary Farr has to decide whether she loves it or lists it.

It was inspired by a clever IKEA hack.

This is a trick you can steal for your own mural painting projects.

"I’m head-over-heels in love with the colors we used," this homeowner says.

Neutral color scheme and retro-inspired details for the win.

This homeowner duplicates her dream sideboard using an inexpensive IKEA hack.

With school starting, lots of leases renewing or expiring, and both green leaves and warm weather beginning to fade, September marks a time of change for many. That’s why it’s especially fitting that it’s Transformation Month on Apartment Therapy. Throughout the whole month, we’ll be taking a closer look at shifts big and small, from tiny tweaks to major renovations to personal routine changes.We’re kicking things off with the BIG changes.

This bathroom redo was not without its challenges, but the final look is so luxe.

Why go out when you can get a cozy theater experience at home?

This kitchen redo is packed with plenty of small space inspiration.

This workhorse space got an overhaul that's lots more welcoming.

This one belongs in the IKEA Hack hall of fame.

A 9-year-old's new bedroom receives a very pink renovation.

The faux fireplace looks MUCH more expensive than its $300 price tag.

Painting and peeling up the old linoleum made a major difference in this redo.

Preserving their kitchen's original cabinets "saved a tremendous amount of time and money," the homeowner says.

New paint and new hardware also helped give this nightstand duo a more modern look.

The bold wallpaper is a must-see!

"I counted how many times I used the stairs in question over the course of one day, and it was over 30!" this DIYer says. "That’s a lot of time to be in boring decor. It deserved a makeover."

This basement's color palette went from fluorescent orange and sage green to all-white and serene.

See the "Electric Poppies" wallpaper bring this small gray bathroom to life.

Here's what to do with that awkward empty space above early- and mid- 2000s kitchen cabinetry.

Bold wallpaper and floating fixtures bring this bathroom into the 2020s.

"The only thing we would do differently is doing it earlier," these homeowners say of their DIY project. "It has really made the space feel purposeful."

You have to see the "built-in" dresser for yourself. (Hint: It's the same knotty oak one from before.)

A DIY bed, shelving, desk, and mural make for a pretty cool kid's room — and one lucky kid.

A few smart details make these built-ins look totally luxe (even though they were DIY)!

From storage to a sink to ample folding space, the "after" has it all and looks great, too.

Sometimes you just need a persistent (read: pushy) family member to finally finish a project you've been meaning to get to. For my parents, that person is me.

With some budget-friendly, big-impact solutions!

DIYs and vintage finds make a once-dingy bathroom quaint and cozy.

This part-DIY, part-pro reno made the most of a teeny galley kitchen.

This bathroom redo is full of luxe details done through DIY.

"I always shop my own home first and think it worked out," this DIYer says of her high-impact, low-budget entryway redo.

From big box to bespoke, these nightstands get an ultra-colorful and patterned redo.

Even though RVs and campers often come in shades of beige and brown, they don't have to stay that way, according to this intrepid DIYer.

The before? Boring and a little dysfunctional. The after? A dream combo of stylish and practical.

A little contact paper goes a long way in this teeny kitchen.

Is it gray? Is it green? Is it blue? Trick question, it's all three!

The redo was done with two small paint projects that took a few hours each.

In the latest episode of the HGTV series, Jenn gave their home (including the kitchen and living room) some functional and modern upgrades.

This complete basement overhaul was a three-year labor of love.

"Cheers" to a vintage-inspired home for vintage glassware!

A painted fireplace, DIY slat wall, fresh paint, and a DIY ottoman really make this gathering space sing. Now, you can't even tell it's a basement.

This closet redo makes a space for everything.

This homeowner has some great advice for styling shelves.

The results are warm and cozy, but still bright and inviting.

Strategic wallpaper placement helped up the drama in this sophisticated dining room redo.

Because some functional essentials in your home are not so appealing to look at when not in use — like your television. 

Sometimes it just takes a little bit of upgrading for a furniture piece to be functional and presentable in your home.

Home DIYer and blogger Kristen Johnson upcycled her recycling bin contents by giving a plastic planter new life.

Kari Rezac and her boyfriend ditched the carpet and dated features and DIYed a fresh new space.

The new color is bold and bright — just what this windowless bathroom needed.

Major MCM-spiration incoming.

Simple paint projects make a major difference in this now-rainbow-hued room.

The former owner of the piece loves the new look, too.

The multiple projects involved in this room redo help give it tons of character.

The DIY redo includes practical features like desk space, storage, and even a new set of doors.

Journey with us through ROYGBIV to see our favorite, most colorful room makeovers.

"The after is just an entire vibe!" this DIYer says. "It's warm, soulful, and sophisticated."

It's colorful and pattern-happy, but still manages to be a calming escape.

"I love the contrast of using a vintage piece and adding a really modern design," this pro furniture flipper says.

This basement went from "cold, dated, dark, and dreary" to "light, bright, stylish living area."