The Best Home Hacks

Although closets can be great for stashing coats, scarves, umbrellas, games, sports equipment, and more behind closed doors, recently designers and DIYers have proven that removing the doors can also be quite fruitful — that is, if you want to create an alcove-esque design feature without having to do much demo. (Check out this closet-turned-home office or this cute entryway bench for inspiration!

Adding texture and architectural detail to walls is a surefire way to make a home look custom and character-filled rather than builder-grade — especially in a bedroom.You can see what a huge difference it makes in designer Cerrissa Fitz’s (@piranhadesign) basement bedroom, which she took from “sterile” and “boxy,” as she wrote on Instagram, to an “old-world vibe.”Although Cerrissa is an interior designer, this was her first time dabbling in DIY.

#4 is absolutely mind-boggling.

While living in Germany a few years ago, Morgan Ford, who’s known for being “sunshine personified” among friends, experienced countless gray skies and gloomy days.So when she moved into her new Colorado rental apartment and wanted to update the kitchen, she vowed to design it to cultivate creativity and good vibes all year round.Luckily, the space was already in decent shape. “The kitchen wasn’t bad, but it also wasn’t very inspiring,” Morgan says.

Here’s what happened when I gave this trick a try.

An interior designer gave her home office the perfect balance of calm for working and bold for client meetings (plus, it has such a smart hidden storage hack).

Including PAX, HEMNES and other IKEA superstars.

"There are still a few stray big toy items that cannot fit in the drawers or cabinets, but overall it has the perfect mix of functionality, open space, and design I was craving," the homeowner says of the "After."

This 1921 cottage had a tiny, 75-square-foot kitchen that needed a little TLC. After finding a charming cast iron sink, Alison O’Reilly knew exactly what to DIY — a beautiful sink combination with her antique Hoosier cabinet.

"People can’t believe it’s IKEA," this DIYer says of her expensive-looking "after."

I never expected this product to work for me.

The new scalloped shelving is a must-see!

This IKEA classic shows its versatility once again with a gorgeous, expensive-looking transformation.

This bathroom has the ultimate DIY solutions for concealing ugly tile.

If you need inspiration for an easy, done-in-a-day furniture refresh, read on.

"I knew I wanted to give it a comfortable and practical look: modern-meets-retro," this renter says of her fun revamped kitchen.

The "after" is completely unrecognizable, in the best way possible.

No power tools required.

DIYer Amanda Oleri and carpenter Jason Staebler wanted to add unique charm to their 1980s kitchen, while including a fun spice-storage solution. The couple’s DIY spice cabinet went viral for the smart storage solution.

This DIYer put in lots of sweat equity to create her modern-meets-vintage custom dresser.

This DIYer's advice for renovating on a budget? "Get thrifty." She used secondhand finds and DIYs to get an expensive-looking dining room for less.

"There is life after the boob light," this DIYer says — and there's proof in her super contemporary, streamlined "after."

The room looks unrecognizable and is much more multi-functional.

It’s a DIYer’s dream!

The easy DIY project makes the family's entryway way more functional for them.

A glam IKEA KALLAX hack gives this shelf a new look for $200

It uses a trendy material to make the old piece look brand new.

It has a high-end look without the high-end price.

The before paint color? Meh. The after? Marvelous.

This would be the perfect spot to curl up with a book on a Saturday morning.

"I have seen several cane nightstands and dressers like this online, but they are so expensive! So I made my own affordable option," this DIYer says.

The whole redo is packed with small, smart changes that make a big difference.