DIY Home Projects

Applying grout is always exciting. It’s the final touch to all of your hard tiling work, and much less tedious and time consuming. (If you missed it, see my earlier tutorial on how to tile your shower.) Yet, there are still some steps to ensure the longevity of your grout lines and the lifespan of your tiles.

Unlike painting, tiling isn’t as quick and easy as it looks. Tiling is for those who enjoy tedious, repetitive perfectionism. And I can’t say that I do, but in the end, the three days that turned into three weeks (seriously) was all worth it. Clean white subway tile transforms spaces — all in such a timeless way. So, before you start mixing the thin-set, check out the lessons I learned about how to tile your bathroom.

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!

I’m a big fan of DIY lighting projects— once you get the basics down, an entire world of lamps, sconces and pendants open up to you. Here’s everything you need to make this industrial-style swing arm wall sconce. A pair would look really nice on either side of your bed, wouldn’t it? For this project, I purchased all supplies from Grand Brass.

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.

I’m a bit preoccupied with black and white. While always a classic pairing, inspirational black and white images have been popping up everywhere recently — like this recent roundup of entryways. Lucky for me, my 1910 apartment has a fantastic vintage black and white bathroom. It also has a bit of an odd 18″ angled wall that was screaming for a DIY solution! I chose to create a wall pocket organizer using vinyl chalk cloth, in part because you can write on it (how fun!

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.

Nothing gives me motivation to spruce up the house like sending out invitations! In preparation for a small birthday party with a few girlfriends, I’ve nearly turned this house upside down. I rearranged the furniture in both living spaces, swapped out a coffee table and some pillows, and got new lamps. Thanks to the Cure, there is also new greenery.

As DIY projects go, this is one of my favorites. A photo of one popped up here on Apartment Therapy last year, and it’s been in my crosshairs ever since. I love this shelving system because it’s simple, yet pretty, and can be configured in multiple ways. It’s also very easy to make, with a little precision and patience.

With an average savings of over $15/window during heating season, insulating your windows with plastic film makes whole lot of sense—especially if you live in an old, drafty house. And if you have any windows that don’t open, keep those insulated year-round for extra savings on cooling costs during the summer months. Here’s how. Window insulation kit Extra window tape (optional) Ladder Scissors Measuring tape Hairdryer An extra set of hands (optional) 1.

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.

Painted accent pieces can add charming touches for your home but can be less than charming if painted incorrectly. The process might not seem difficult at all- apply paint, dry, repeat- but if you want a clean, professional finish, there are a few more considerations and steps involved. When painting a really nice piece, you need to put in just as much effort in the prep and sanding stages as you do in the painting stages.

Winter is rough on our floors from wet snow, mud and more, especially on our carpets and rugs. This Weekend Project is about giving one carpeted room or rug a deep, thorough clean that will make your whole space feel invigorated and refreshed. Experts suggest that you deep-clean rugs and carpet at least once a year. This weekend, knock out one spot in your home really well.

You'll want to rainbow everything once you see this transformation.

A couple Benjamins and a little elbow grease make for one stylish bathroom redo.

Those dollars go a long way in this kitchen transformation.

Upcycling never looked so chic.

The only thing missing from this adorable closet redo is a daiquiri.

There's nothing like a little cinnamon to make it smell like home for the holidays.

So bright! So open! So ORGANIZED.

This will be the bedroom that convinces you to paint your walls mustard yellow (seriously).

Looking at this living room just makes us want to curl up with a good book.

Deep navy paint is MOODY—in a good way.

Bring on the color!

We'd say those 30 hours (!) of hand-painting really paid off.

Whether you want a little Classic Blue or a lot, these projects will help you stay on-trend for 2020.

These DIYs will floor you

Last year Danielle picked up a vintage settee for $50 and, with her mom as co-pilot, wanted to take it on as her first foray into upholstery. She was conflicted about the fabric to use: something modern and bold or something more traditional? Readers chimed in, many urging her to have it professionally recovered instead of trying it herself and the majority of readers advised going with a classic print and color for the fabric. Did she take either piece of advice?… No and yes!

Sponge painting, but make it FASHION.

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?

This little fairytale house will make you want to be a kid again.

You won't even believe it's the same kitchen.

This bright, welcoming redo is fireplace goals.

Ok, yes, strong claim—but wait until you see it.

Frustrated by to-the-trade fabrics? Then this one's for you.

Bye, dirty carpet and crumbly ceiling tiles. Hi, dream destination.

You can barely tell it's the same space!

The new bedroom and bathroom are a little fresh, a little funky, a lot stylish.

Give your hammer a rest. These projects are paint-only, so no tools needed!

These are pretty clever.

Keep a home repair kit and you'll save LOTS of future headaches.

Let these bold changes inspire you.

Jeff Goldblum would go wild for these adorable little made-over nightstands.

Neutral colors and minimalist style? We're relaxed just LOOKING at this bedroom refresh.

For those of us (hi, me) who like our chores to feel a little less chore-y.

So quick! So cheap! So EASY!

A wall full of built-in bookshelves is a bookworm's dream! Bit Karie Frost didn't love about it: the white paint job, which—while nice enough—made the wear-and-tear of the decades-old wood more obvious.

You don't have to deal with a shaky dinner! This is one to-do that's easy to tackle.

Let this DIY built-in bar get you in the renovating spirit.

*Blink blink blink.* Yes, it's the same dining room!

I learned this fabulous little party trick when I was a school teacher years ago and have been showing other folks how to do it for years.

You'll barely recognize the befores.

Hello, 1995? We're here to give your beige tile back.

This guest bedroom has tons of charm (and your new favorite IKEA hack).

One great way to get the look, without the high price tag.

This is proof that you can make a serious transformation on a tiny budget.

Some clever DIYing turned this bathroom into a space you won't even recognize.

Lime green: great for slime, not always so great for cabinets.

It's the stuff of Scandi-modern dreams.

These planters only look $$$.

It’s not a hobbit house but that’s about the only quality missing from this gorgeous residence Elijah Wood recently put on the market.

Tired: Scuffed wood veneer. Wired: This geometric makeover.

A few high-impact, low-cost swaps totally transform this builder-basic bathroom.

Brick veneer plus DIY art makes for one fresh hangout space.

This retro look is so chic—and super easy to make yourself.

Happy Terrazzo-ween!

Talk about a budget upgrade!

Three easy rules will keep you from saying goodbye to your favorite chair too soon.

As this homeowner says, "paint, elbow grease, and lack of fear are my secret weapons!"