Project Ideas

One of the best ways to maximize storage in a small space is to go vertical with your storage. And what better way to accomplish that than with some stylish, handmade shelving? From gold and glam to rustic and industrial, here are ten stylish options to add some storage space to your home. TOP ROW: 1. Minty Gold Shelf Inspiration 2. Under $50: DIY Threaded Rope Shelves 3. How to Make a Modern Pegboard Shelving System 4. DIY Honeycomb Shelves from Reclaimed Wood 5.

Every home has at least one tiny, annoying thing that drives us nuts. And we all need simple but clever ways to finally deal with it. These posts won’t cure cancer but darn tootin’ they will make your days that much more bearable. So get ready to have perfectly folded fitted sheets, straight artwork, and non-slamming doors. I’ll just say it now: you’re welcome.

Light switch plates aren’t something I give much thought to. Until I see a really cute one. Mari, who blogs at Crab + Fish, used washi tape (the craft material du jour) to transform plain light switch plates in her home. It’s simple, cheap and super renter-friendly.As you can see, she didn’t just do one or two switch plates, she liked the look so much that she kind of just kept on going.

Before and afters are some of our most popular posts. And for good reason! Who doesn’t love to see the evidence of a makeover, often performed on a tight budget? Gathered together for your weekend viewing pleasure, here are 20 of September’s best makeovers …• Before & After: Connie’s Ugly to Unbelievable Dresser• Before & After: An Eames Lounge Knockoff, Transformed• Before & After: Free Vanity Mirror Totally Transformed!

If you live in a tiny apartment where a single space serves multiple purposes (your bedroom is your living room is your dining room, right?), the best thing you can do for your furniture is to make it mobile. Adding a fresh set of wheels to tables, bar carts and kitchen islands lets them slide from one side of the apartment to another, filling in wherever they’re needed most. Here’s how to turn those pinch-hitting pieces into veritable MVPs.

Don't let a blah kitchen get you down - pretty it up with one of these DIY projects.

Add some personality and style for almost no $$$.

White kitchens have their place, but these might just be better.

Make yourself a little happier with your home, without throwing money down the drain when you move out.

The littlest things make a huge difference.

Decidedly aspirational, but still highly inspirational.

It adds character and interest to your space, without all the effort.

There’s a certain childish delight in the idea of literally climbing into bed every night and settling into your own private sleep cubby.

Wall trim is a strong visual signal, conveying the architectural style of a room in a glance. Panel molding and chair rails are most closely associated with traditional homes, but wood trim in geometric and repetitive shapes can easily look modern. Use one of these ideas as an inexpensive way to transform flat surfaces with pattern and texture.

Rest easy in your new home.

I learned this one the hard way.

Tired of your stuff? Here's how to refresh what you've already got so it feels brand new again.

Hello, better efficiency!

Proof that any project is possible.

A different kind of shower enclosure is picking up steam.

If you've spent the past couple years binge watching episode after episode of Fixer Upper—this post is for you.

Frazzled. Harried. Hurried. Stressed. Flustered. Vexed. Wind-whipped. Beat. If any of these adjectives apply to you, it’s probably time to take a few moments for some self-care. Here are ten recipes that will help you recharge and unwind, most of which can be created without the hassle of an extra trip to the store. Top Row: 1.

Consider these drawbacks.

Even though I loved the initial result, I wasn't without fear for the future.

There's life in them yet.

Do you know what kind of looks you get when you go to the hardware store and tell the clerk you want to DIY a sliding door? When they point in the direction of “Doors & Windows,” you know it’s time to take matters into your own hands. I needed a door for a lofted space above our living room, and wanted the sliding effect. However, since it was a temporary solution, its construction needed to be simple and easy to do.

Poor ceiling fans- they’re the household appliance everyone loves to hate. Their design, no matter how trendy or modern, just doesn’t cut the mustard in most homes. If we have one, it’s because we need it- and on hot summer days, staring at that ugly household appliance is a heck of a lot better than swimming in a pool of sweat. Here are a few creative options for making the most out of our current ceiling fan situations.

Coffee filter flowers are positively the simplest paper flower to make—and quite possibly the prettiest. Their thin, delicate texture allows light to pass through the “petals” similar to those of real flowers, making them all the more ethereal, and causing you to do a double take. We had a bunch of unbleached coffee filters hanging out in our pantry that I decided to use (although I have no idea how they got there!

Paper flowers are a creative and economic way to add color and cheer to your space. These particular flowers are a favorite because they don’t come across as overly “crafty” and you can make large quantities in hardly any time at all. As an added bonus, construction is simple and requires nothing more than scissors and quick-drying glue. Cardstock or construction paper Floral stem wire (or something similar) Glue gun + glue Scissors 1.

There are plenty of bicycle baskets on the market that are both affordable and attractive, but if you’re a “ride or DIY” type —this project is for you. It’s easy, super affordable, and the best part: your look will be one of a kind! I usually retreat to flea markets or thrift shops when shopping for baskets because they are really easy to find, but for this project I wanted to be able to provide my source just in case you wanted the same basket.

If you’ve ever thought, “what was I thinking when I picked out that color?” while staring at your kitchen mixer, this DIY might just be for you. For around $10 you can repaint to freshen up or completely change the look of your mixer —a pretty sweet alternative to shelling out a few hundred bucks for a new machine!

Paper mâché is an art form usually reserved for kids and camp goers, but why should they have all the fun? Whether you’re prepping for a fiesta and need to make a piñata, or you’re just looking for a fun creative outlet, paper mâché is a great way to get your hands dirty creating cool art.

A cyanotype is a photographic process that produces a cyan blue print. The print can easily be made on a large variety of materials, so I wanted to see what would happen when experimenting with fabric. It worked! The process wasn’t that much different than if you were to use paper, so if you’ve ever tried that method, you’re a step ahead of the game. The best way to come by the chemicals needed for the process is to purchase a kit from Photographers’ Formulary.

Handmade soap is an easy and effective way to add a personalized touch to your bathroom. Whether you’ve got sensitive skin and want to know exactly what ingredients are going into your soaps, or you want to give your guests that ’boutique hotel’ experience while they’re staying with you, it’s fast, fun and totally worth the investment. You can purchase soap making kits that come with everything you need, or gather your supplies individually.

Dying textiles is a great way to give new life to an old blanket or pair of jeans. If you’re working on a small item, a plastic bucket is ideal, but if you’ve got something sizable like a quilt, a large enough container to properly cover and agitate the item in can be difficult to come by. You already knew you could use a top loading washing machine, but did you know you can also use your front loader? Well, you can!

Homemade candles are fun to make and are great gifts that can be personalized by picking out specific containers and scents. Don’t want to fuss with a double boiler and a bunch of candle-making equipment? Don’t have to! Make thoughtful, personalized, homemade candles using just a microwave. I made my candles two ways: with color, and scented (both ways are illustrated below).

Renovation by: Wendy Location: Nevada City We wanted the look of a stacked stone accent wall in our bathroom. However, we were unable to find a stone veneer that would fit behind our toilet. We decided to use reclaimed pine which we got from used pallets. We cut approximately 350 pieces of wood into different lengths and depths all with the same height (2.5 inches). We used a very strong floor glue to adhere the pieces of wood to the wall. After the wall was complete, we painted it a light gray.

I am such a sucker for vintage scarves. I cannot resist them. They are little pieces of wearable art that can also look great around your home. For just a few bucks you can transform your throw pillows by adding unexpected pops of color and texture — and there is absolutely no sewing involved at all so you won’t have to ruin your lovely scarf! Vintage scarves Throw pillows Rubber bands or ribbon 1. Gather a few small throw pillows from around your home.

I’m on a DIY framing kick right now, and dealing with all the artwork I’ve accumulated in the past year. I’ve also discovered rare earth magnets, which are proving very handy for various projects (like this wall organizer). Put the two together and you get a cheap and custom way to temporarily hang artwork that’s easy to swap out when you’re ready to display something else.

As renters, we take what we can get, and what we often get are miniscule (or non-existent) entryways and a lack of built-in storage. This multi-faceted organizer has a variety of ways to hang your stuff — coats, bags, and umbrellas — so they are at your fingertips as you head out the door, and stay tidy when you come back in. As a neat bonus, it also has a magnetized area for keys. You can learn how to make one yourself, right after the jump!

This DIY project is a great use for older box springs, and an affordable way to have a “brand new” bed. It only requires about four yards of upholstery fabric, and can be done in just a couple of hours… Katy from The Clever Bunny had a hand-me-down mattress which was relegated to her guest room. In lieu of a bed frame she chose to cover the box spring with fabric and add legs.

This inexpensive painting ($40 on eBay) needed a frame, but I didn’t want to invest the money in an expensive custom job. After doing a little research, I came up with a DIY floating frame that’s simple and modern, and very easy to make. This particular painting was done on a masonite board, but the plan can be modified for wrapped canvas as well. 1″ x 2″ lengths of wood (in actuality they are about .75″ x 1.

Yesterday I showed you the “before” condition of this poor little table, which was used outside by its previous owner and left to rot and weather. Today I’m showing you how to paint faux marble to use as a replacement table top for any project you have in the works. This is a very easy technique that takes hardly any time or money to do. Round wooden top or decorators table Black paint White paint Sealer Regular paint brush Sea sponge Small feather 1.

I get obsessed with things I see on Pinterest, and this padded headboard (okay, the whole place) is one of my recent fixations. I like the modern, streamlined look of it— but that it’s also more relaxed than a lot of the tufted, nailhead DIY headboards I see all the time.

Piping (or welting if you prefer) adds a nice detail to DIY upholstery projects, and gives added tailoring to cushions and headboards. Choose the same color as your main upholstery fabric, or a fun contrasting color for more zip. It’s also easy and quick to make.

These simple and sweet Easter baskets, made from sugar and string, are a great DIY project for the upcoming holiday. Reader Krys shows you how her grandmother used to make them when she was growing up. Read on to learn to make them yourself: 3 cups sugar Acrylic spray Lace or ribbon (optional) 1 spool crochet thread (350 yards) 3-9 inch balloon Approx.

When remodeling a bathroom, consider adding a recessed shower shelf into your design. It’s a practical and streamlined way to add storage space for shampoos and soaps, without taking away elbow room. Built-in shower niches are also a great alternative to gunky corner shelves and rusty shower caddies. For all of you DIY renovators, read on to learn how to build a shower shelf of your own.

You’d never know it, but this Mid-Century Modern credenza was once disguised in flat white paint. For twenty bucks, it was really hard to resist buying it and testing my skills at striping off paint. Learn how after the jump… 2 quarts paint stripper Mineral spirit Miniwax Wood Finish Stain (I used English Chestnut) Rags Rubber gloves Goggles Mouse Sander 150 grit mouse sander refill Paint brush Plastic putty knife Toothpick Screw driver Respirator 1.

Earlier this week, I showed you my newly renovated sink and backsplash area in my kitchen. If you’re interested in learning how to remove and install your own sink, follow these steps to complete the process yourself! A new kitchen sink that fits both width, length and depth of the existing space Plumber’s putty Your brand new sink!

If photo shoots make you cringe, then Lisa’s Lego-themed family portrait might be more up your alley. It’s cute, but not TOO cute. See how she did it…. Lego Minifigures IKEA Ribba Frame Heavy Cardboard Command Strips Scissors Glue Stick Hot Glue Gun 1. To make the mini figurine family, choose the right hair, heads, bodies and legs (and dogs!) from your Lego stash.

When Paul’s not busy restoring vintage items, he’s down in his basement workshop crafting leather goods for his etsy shop. Most projects are made to fill orders but, every once in awhile, he makes personal projects as well, including this super simple valet. Here’s how to do it yourself: Skill Level: Easy Time Required: 1 hour Project Cost: $20-50 (depending on size and tools used) When choosing your piece of leather, pick something thick and firm enough to hold its shape.

Ashley loved rope-wrapped side tables, but didn’t like the idea of buying two for her living room. After some brainstorming, she came up with a cheap solution that: a) met the need for an accent table and b) mimicked the look of woven rope. Although not great for houses with cats, they’re an otherwise affordable and stylish alternative.

Katherine sent us in photos and floorplans of the update of her West Loop loft. This is a hardworking condo — it is home to a (new) family of three and during the day also accommodates two employees as a live/work space…..and the After!Here is Katherine’s info on the update: We had to overcome a dated warehouse conversion of a beautiful masonry and timber loft building. Views were compromised by the fireplace and tv alcove dividing the kitchen and living area.

Sorry Costco, but I don't buy Saran Wrap in bulk anymore.

Painting a room can seem like a daunting task but it’s totally worth all the work in the end. For me, seeing the steps all laid out helps make a task seem less overwhelming.

This bedroom had stained wall-to-wall carpet when Kelly and Jeff bought this house, but after a makeover it's a colorful, peaceful master room retreat.

If your love for all things Scandi is still going strong, these ideas are for you!

In this day and age, we often post photos to Facebook or Instagram and then forget all about them. But with so many clever ways to display printed pictures around the house, why not round up your favorite photos and start decorating?

It's a lot of bang for less than a Benjamin.

Basic frames are easy to come by—you probably have one lying around the house, and if not, they’re a dime a dozen (ok, they’re $1 each) at your local dollar store. But the art to fill them? That’s typically the harder, much more expensive part. Instead, change your frame of mind and stop letting these pieces play supporting roles. In these DIY ideas, the frames steal the show. IKEA rethinks the wreath frame, this time using actual picture frames.

Creating your own countertops may seem intimidating — but we’ve rounded up 10 stylish DIYs that demystify the process. Your kitchen will look brand-new in no time! 1. Above: DIY Concrete Coated Countertops by Little Green Notebook 2. Faux Marble Countertops by Batchelors Way for Remodelaholic 3. DIY Butcher Block Countertops by This and That 4. DIY Live Edge Wood Countertops by Modfrugal (This is obviously a bathroom, but the concept could be adapted to a kitchen.) 5.

Chances are your bed is the focal point of your bedroom, and since the headboard is the focal point of your bed, it has a huge impact on the look of the room. Here are 11 fun, affordable ways to give your bed (and your bedroom) a whole new look. Above: From Alvhem Makleri, an inexpensive and impactful way to create a ‘headboard’: apply a piece of wallpaper to the wall behind the bed and frame it with picture moldings.

If you are decorating on a budget, or just want to try something a little unique, you don't have to shell out a lot of money on a new one, or even buy one at all.

Weekends are precious. Use them wisely.

Old cabinets and wall-to-wall carpet in much of the rooms, the interiors were pretty outdated before the renovation.