Easy DIY Projects

This is a pearl of wisdom that I received years ago and wanted to bring back right now. When in need of a really simple, nice, natural material desk, use IKEA butcherblock countertop (which is cuttable, sandable, stainable and paintable) and some cool legs (like the Vika Inge style seen here, which has been replaced with Vika Runtorp).

Get your floors Halloween ready.

The Parsons table is one where the square legs have the same width as the tabletop, regardless of its other dimensions. Its history is characterized by contradiction: created to be a simple canvas for exceptional materials, its design is simultaneously credited to the famous designer Jean-Michel Frank and to anonymous design students. But is the real story even more muddled?

During Meredith Svoboda's final walk-through of her Nashville home, she photographed the dining room, "dreaming of the life I could bring to this room," she writes.

Streamline your home’s energy usage wherever you can? It’s a no brainer, for both your personal finances and for the common good. Simply unplug the vampire appliances sucking you dry, make little tweaks to your mindset, and get your home up to snuff. Just a few little improvements can really bring your numbers down and increase savings over time. Assess Your Home’s Situation: Get a handle on your home’s energy use, and identify what’s needlessly using up resources.

Insects get antsy this season, bugging out over the warmer weather, and emerge from their winter hideouts eager for spring. You’re more apt to share space as they move around and seek out new homes for the season. Instead of warily eyeing them (bracing yourself for a sting or bite), stake your claim and prevent creepy crawlies from winning your turf war.

Spring cleaning is just around the corner. Rather than rallying the mental and physical energy to gather tools and make cleaners right before you start the actual cleaning, get everything ready to go beforehand and stored in the smart and sensible place. Having your supplies organized feels great and makes one less hurdle for you to climb before getting started.

"There's nothing like that instant gratification feeling of completing a project like this over a weekend," this YouTuber and DIYer says of her two-day project.

Create your own autumnal-inspired centerpiece now that fall is finally in full swing.

Personalize your planner to work uniquely for you.

Revamping the exposed brick and the fireplace rescued this living room from its dark motel room roots.

These five spaces embrace eye-catching murals to give you just the inspiration you need. 

Painting a large-scale indoor mural doesn't have to be so daunting. After all, it's only paint!

A Los Angeles couple concealed an eyesore using a clever find from IKEA.

Working with the big stuff that was already in place helped this savvy homeowner create her dream bathroom for a lot less.

You can build your own decorations using a little DIY spirit.

The before was nice, but the after? It's a real stunner.

"We were in the process of renovating our whole bathroom and really wanted a wooden vanity, but the ones we liked were all out of our budget," this homeowner says. IKEA hack to the rescue!

Make your home Halloween chic.

Here's an easy project renters and non-renters can do to spruce up a fireplace for fall.

The builder-grade espresso-shade is long gone from this now-cheery and cozy kitchen.

"I love the classic look and the added closed storage," this DIYer says of her innovative railing swap.

Casual Halloween fans need not apply.

The "after" is perfect for an imaginative, color-loving kid — but adults will find inspo here, too.

This spooky, large-scale DIY can be done for under $120.

The after is cute and clutter-free thanks to a few DIYS. "In terms of design, think about two or three small changes that will make such a difference," this DIYer advises.

From chair rail moulding to a custom headboard, this dreamy bedroom redo has tons of DIY projects to copy.

A dresser in the kitchen?! This DIYer proves it's absolutely a good idea.

Soaking in a nice hot tub of bubbles at the end of the day is a small luxury that can make a big difference. If you make your own, you can choose what scents you want to soak in, and you have the advantage of knowing exactly what’s going on your skin. Also, it can a lot cheaper and just as luxurious as the fancy kinds. The key to a successful homemade bubble bath is to get a good mix of essential oils and the right amount of bubbles.

The end result looks like a much more expensive piece of furniture that would fit in with a ton of different home styles, from traditional to modern farmhouse.

The new scalloped shelving is a must-see!

Space-defining DIYs and savvy secondhand shopping went a long way in this redo.

"When guests walk in, they're usually like ... 'woah,'" this homeowner says of the after.

This bathroom went from bright red to more serene and Mediterranean-inspired.

All under $100.

What was old is new again.

Back in 2020, a handful of TikTokers began showing their followers how to make DIY cloud walls and ceilings using LED light strips, poster board, and a whole bunch of polyester fiberfill. The trend went viral and it’s perfect for the upcoming Halloween season. TikTok user Aurélie Bouti (@aureliestoryy) has been posting videos of her media center cloud wall, and the ambiance it’s creating is just right for spooky season.

"I love how a couple cans of paint transformed a stark, cold bedroom into a welcoming and joyful oasis," this homeowner says.

2022 has been the year of the built-in, and these 11 are the most impressive we've seen.

Making a statement with mirrors has never been easier.

One clever fix: a wall-mounted drying rack.

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.

And it's easier than you think.

So what’s the deal with vinyl spray paint: does it work, or is it a waste of time? I put three different paints to the test on three of the exact same chairs and was pretty surprised with the results. Hint: as it turns out, vinyl and fabric spray paint can actually work! There are some pretty impressive Before & Afters floating around of old, ugly vinyl furniture having been given new life with paint.

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.

Yes, I'm giving you permission to play with your food.

Get more mileage out of your well-loved basics.

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

How to paint plastic without it chipping, cracking or flaking.

Let’s face it, baseboard radiators are ugly. They’re boxy, often institutional beige, and they tend to accumulate scuffs and splotches of rust. But baseboard radiators do serve an important purpose, and those of us who rely on them to heat our homes are more or less stuck with them. Fortunately, there are ways to work around these wall-space-hogging eyesores, and painting your baseboard heater covers to match your home’s walls or trim is a great place to start.

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.

Some snazzy wallpaper and new paint do a lot to make this kitchen feel bigger and more inviting.

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?