DIY Home Makeover Essentials That Make a House a Home

Trista - January 16, 2022
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DIY Home Makeover Essentials That Make a House a Home
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A lot of living happens within a home, and nothing quite makes it feel like your own personal space than a few items you have assembled with your own two hands. Your home can be elevated to the next level with a few calculated plans. The best part is you can find tons of ideas that could fit in your budget and busy schedule. It does not have to cost a million dollars to make the residence look luxurious. Projects like these are easier than you think, and they can be done on your own leisure. A little paint there, a new backsplash there, or even some strategic lighting can give your house just the look needed for an overdue upgrade. It’s time to make your home work for you and your aesthetic. Spruce up your living space with any one of these fabulous do-it-yourself home makeover ideas and fall in love with your home all over again.

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40. Pick a perfect paint pallet.

Make the bold choice to rework your home into a new haven with a fresh coat of paint (via This Old House). Drab, dull, and washed-out walls can be given new life after a color change. You could also touch up past painting sins on white walls in your home (via This Old House). It is easy to see why painting is the most often chosen form of redecoration. Moreover, it doesn’t take a pro to know how to slather up some color on a wall. The power of paint rearranges your reality and can be the catalyst for other do-it-yourself projects.

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39. Bring on the crown molding.

Another often-tacked home makeover project is the replacement or addition of crown molding (via This Old House). This molding runs between the top of an internal wall and ceiling in your home. Furthermore, it can be as intricate or as bare as you please. The right crown molding produces charm and value to a home, and it can be a welcome relief when the painting of the corners the previous weekend didn’t cooperate just right. Beat the frustration and apply a smooth trimroc molding and upgrade the plain room to something worth looking at time and time again (via This Old House).

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38. Hang an entry lantern.

Let your home shine in a brand-new way by bringing in new light fixtures. Lanterns are great additions to entryways because they add a timeless style and ambiance to invite guests to come in and stay away (via This Old House). Depending on your preference, the inviting lights can be indoor, outdoor, hung high, or placed low. Blacksmiths, instead of machines, crafted many hanging lanterns designed in the first half of the 20th century (via This Old House). If you are looking for an affordable option, you can also find these lanterns many times at antique stores or garage sales.

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37. Install a stair runner.

Do you own a second-story home? Put together a wow statement with your flight of stairs by installing a carpet runner. The carpet is more than just a decor upgrade; it can also act as a way to protect the stairs from everyday damage and wear. It also muffles the noise people create when they travel up and down the stairs (via This Old House). Fashionable and functional, the runner can cohesively complement the rest of your landing or make a bold statement leading up to the next level. If you need a cheap way to elevate your step game, you can buy woven off-the-shelf runners and supplies from your local home center (via This Old House). It is a wallet-friendly way to spruce up the stairs.

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36. Renew your floors with a new look.

A great way to breathe new life into any room is to put your paintbrush on the floor (via This Old House). Like the walls, the sky’s the limit on the color and design possibilities. This has the potential to be the most affordable option with the biggest design impact and personality of any job you do. Most painted tiles should last several years if you prepare the surface properly, use good paint and seal the job correctly (via This Old House). If the room is in a high-traffic area, you may want to re-seal the floor every year to preserve the paint job.

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35. Fix an overexposed window with indoor shutters.

A room with too much sunlight streaming through the windows can be a distraction, but you can find a fashionable and functional way to get rid of the annoyance. Swinging wood shutters add beautiful detail and keep prying eyes from peeking in through. Commonly used in Southern homes, shutters add architectural aesthetics with a historic flair. As a bonus, shutters can also help you save on energy costs (via This Old House). These shutters can attach to a thin frame on either side of the window opening (via This Old House). Alternatively, you can opt for the outside of the casing.

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34. Freshen up the cabinets with a finish.

Dark kitchens can feel like a cave, but your cabinets do not have to look like they have sucked out all of the light in the room. Brighten up the kitchen with a makeover that replaces heavy and gloomy boxes with all-new lighter colored ones (via This Old House). Want a more affordable way to liven up the space? If your cabinets are still structurally sound, you can clean them up with a new paint job (via This Old House). The transformation does not have to be expensive to like a million bucks.

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33. Install a water filter in your kitchen sink.

If you want to work on bettering your home, your sink is a great way to start improving from the inside out. It is no secret that everyone needs to stay hydrated, and several households have decided to ditch the single-use plastics for an under-sink water filtration system. This helpful system supplies clean drinking water straight from the tap. It is a cost-effective way to save money and help the environment simultaneously (via This Old House). Other benefits include improved taste, reduced limescale, and other mineral deposits, and prevent skin irritation (via This Old House).

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32. Layer up the installation on your floor.

It can be a real drag to have to get up in the morning, but it is even more of a bummer when you have an icy cold floor. If you want better to improve heat circulation throughout your home, consider putting a little extra cushion across the house. Cork is a resilient and durable option that is both stylish and earthy (via This Old House). It can be easier to install than traditional wood flooring, and many manufacturers have devised products that snap together without glue or nails. This project can be done cheap and be ready all in a day’s work (via This Old House).

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31. Bring out the best in your home’s wooden doors.

Time can take its toll on your home, and many wooden items like doors can be worse from the wear. If there was varnish, some spots might even clung to the wood (via This Old House). Wood entry doors can be assaulted from the outdoor elements, but you can breathe new life into a new door with just a handful of supplies from your local hardware store. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for the wood, and you will be able to wish a warm and beautiful welcome into your home for more years to come (via This Old House).

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30. Revive your patio or deck.

Transform your outdoor entertaining space into a remarkable and welcoming space by resuscitating what is already there. Neglected wood left up to the elements can be spruced up with some restoration work. Power-washing and hand-scrubbing can give a fresh look that only takes a little elbow grease (via This Old House). Concrete patios that have seen better days can be rejuvenated with an outdoor rug or a little stencil work that becomes a conversational piece of art. Want to add a little more? Consider hanging some fairy lights for some more inviting atmosphere details (via This Old House).

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29. Add vinyl tile to your mudroom.

Because a mudroom sees a lot of traffic each day, you will want something that looks great and can be cleaned easily. Installing the right flooring into your mudroom is essential. It should be both waterproof and durable (via This Old House). Enter in the versatile vinyl tile, which comes in various checkerboard designs, colors, patterns, and textures (via This Old House). Check out this type of flooring that can make life and home easier to pick up and still look gorgeous with the rest of the house. It’s a dirty job, but something has to do it.

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28. Make a splash with a backsplash.

If you want to add interest to your kitchen, consider putting something behind your kitchen counter. A backsplash is primarily functional as it protects the wall from water damage that can be, well, splashed back. It also helps the wall from inevitable grease splatter from cooking or meal preparation (via This Old House). For this one-day DIY project, put up a single sheet of a solid material, and your job will be made that much easier (via This Old House). The stylish protection from the various kitsch kitchen splashes and splatters can be as eye-catching as useful.

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27. Put in a ceiling fan and reap the savings.

Give it a spin, and you will swear that a ceiling fan makes great sense for year-round savings. Ceiling fans create several cooling breezes during the summer months and help reduce the strain on your air conditioner (via This Old House). There is an added benefit in the winter months, too. These helpful fans circulate heated air and keep the room nice and warm (via This Old House). Installation can be pretty straightforward, especially if you want to assemble it above a place that is accessible from your attic. Fans come in various contemporary styles, and they can be used in indoor and outdoor rooms.

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26. Get a digital thermostat.

Everyone wants to save money when it comes to keeping your home at the right temperature. Opting for a digital thermostat can be the easy way to regulate your home’s temperature. These handy gadgets allow you to change the indoor temperature setting easily and keep it set for the duration (via This Old House). You can also see considerable savings in your heating and cooling bills. Its advanced features have several other advantages, such as Wi-Fi capability (via This Old House). Time-saving devices could be a lifesaver in more ways than one.

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25. Build a unique wall paneling.

Are you looking for an easy and affordable home improvement for your walls? Consider adding some paneling to create a rustic look that provides protection and adds interest to any room (via Extra Space). Turn the walls from dull and flat to intriguing with an easy installation project that won’t break the bank. Many tongue-and-groove designs can be adapted to almost any room in the house (via Extra Space). You can choose wooden panels or perhaps find more modern materials that are just as durable and flexible.

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24. Install glass into your cabinets.

Liven up your kitchen with either glass as inserts or as the front of your cabinets (via Extra Space). You will be glad you did. You will be able to put that gorgeous wedding china on display after you replace the interior panels with inexpensive sheets. Not only will your kitchen look bigger than it actually is, but you will also enjoy how they catch the light and make the whole room sparkle (via Extra Space). If you are not brave enough to put the who cabinet on display, you can also use the sheets sparingly throughout the room.

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23. Find ways to add hidden storage.

Not having enough room to store everything is a common complaint in many homes. You can fix this situation easily with a few home improvement and makeover ideas. If you have a hollow space or tiny closet underneath your stairs, maximize the space by building hidden storage cabinets and other drawers that pull out when they are in need (via Extra Space). You will be able to keep unused items out of sight and create a clean and less cluttered living space at the same time (via Extra Space).

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22. Upgrade your light fixtures.

Whether it is big or small, new light can really liven up a room. If you are in need of a fantastic new look, provide the rooms with the light they need with updated lighting options. A sparkly chandelier in the dining room or industrial-style pendant lights over the kitchen island can dramatically increase the intrigue in more ways than one. Other options include ceiling lights over the shower, wall sconces in the bathroom around your vanity, or fairy lights around the porch (via Extra Space). You can also design your own DIY light fixtures with mason jar pendant lights, or some glass bottles repurposed as lamps (via Extra Space).

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21. Make your own headboard.

The bed is the essential centerpiece of arguably the most critical room in the house: your bedroom. If you are looking for a great idea to make over your space, consider making your own headboard. A headboard gives much-needed support to your bed (via Extra Space). Furthermore, it protects the wall against wear and abrasions, and it provides the room with a very personal touch. You can construct a headboard using reclaimed wood or wood pallets if you love the more rustic or farm fashioned look (via Extra Space).

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20. Make a marble-ous makeover on the cheap.

You can touch up a worn-out dining table or outdated countertops by placing chic faux marble focus pieces (via HGTV). This transformation is a unique and crafty DIY project that combines many recycled projects. Some might include leftover project paint, high-gloss epoxy, and other basic craft supplies to recreate the kind of veining lines and texture that you often see in natural marble. With a bit of patience and detailed maneuvers, you can create a lookalike in a day that could have cost hundreds or even thousands to install the real thing (via HGTV).

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19. Put up a peel-and-stick wallpaper.

Do you need a change but aren’t sure you will still like it in the long run? No sweat. If you want to take a risk but are worried you might change your mind, peel-and-stick wallpaper can give you the kind of temporary burst of a vibrant color without the chance of damaging your walls (via Extra Space). Paper a focal wall in a room for an added dramatic effect (via Extra Space). You can customize our decor without the full-time commitment and still be the talk of the town.

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18. Add strategic details to your landscape.

Not everything can be precisely the way you want it. While you are trying to revamp your yard, you may notice that not everything is something that you want on display. If a vent pipe or meter pops up in an inconvenient place and throws off your garden bed, you can put up a few pieces that will disguise the eyesore in a way that still ties into the rest of your outdoor look (via HGTV). Naturally looking faux rocks can mask the essential items in an aesthetically pleasing way (via HGTV).

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17. Hang curtains that tie in the whole room.

Curtains have the ability to make a room look bigger and more luxurious. It also prevents dust from getting into your rooms and offers another level of privacy from the outside world. If you want to hang your curtains like a professional, opt for one that adds drama to your room. Hang floor-length drapes about six to twelve inches or all the way to the ceiling and extend the curtain rod about three to six inches on each side (via HGTV). Choose colors that play up your room’s personality and other colors (via HGTV).

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16. Replace your popcorn ceiling.

If you have an older home that has a room with a bumpy ceiling, you may want to consider swapping it out for a more contemporary style. Many homes built before the 1970s are likely to have popcorn ceilings still, and they could include asbestos. The unsightly and unsanitary ceilings can be a landing pad for all kinds of unwanted items, such as dust, dirt, and cobwebs. With a wet/dry vac and a drywall knife, you can remove these bumps (via HGTV). If your home was built before 1979, be sure to test for lead and asbestos before beginning this project (via HGTV).

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15. Upgrade your outdated doorknobs.

If your doors require a makeover, you can remove the old ones for newer knobs. You can swap out the old ones, but the price tag can add up pretty quickly. Some of the oil-rubbed bronze ones cost around $30 apiece, and that is before you buy the matching hinges and door latches (via HGTV). If you need more affordable options, consider using cheap, long-lasting paint that will elevate your doorknobs without breaking the bank (via HGTV).

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14. Make your room sparkle with a mirror.

The mirror, mirror on the wall, makes the room more prominent than before (via HGTV). This is because they give the illusion of more space. Turn a small bedroom into a welcoming and glittery place by adding mirrors to a plain closet door. Pick up a couple of the cheap framed floor-length mirrors and then paint the frame to match the room’s aesthetic. You can permanently attach them using construction adhesive. If you want to add something extra, glue thin trim pieces for a fashionable look (via HGTV).

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13. Update your shower curtain.

It may not take up a lot of real estate, but your shower curtain is an essential focal point in your bathroom. It is good practice to wash and replace your shower curtain now and then to keep the room sanitary. If you are looking for a way to make a huge impact but do not want to spend a lot of money, swap out your old curtain for a fringe-style curtain for a bohemian look (via HGTV). You can also up the ante by installing a shower curtain on each side of the tub (via HGTV).

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12. Frame it up.

Picture frames hold special moments, but they could do so much more to bring a room decor all together. These simple boundaries beautify the simplest of areas in a snap. Frames zero in on a particular object while creating a sophisticated and comforting presence by arranging them in the right way (via HGTV). You can place them over builder-grade photo frames over light switches or bathroom mirrors for an instant eye-catching effect that plays up the personality in a quick fashion (via HGTV).

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11. Bring up your seat style.

If you have an old couch, loveseat, or recliner that is in desperate need of a makeover, you can get more mileage with a few touchup tips. Beautify that beat-up seating with a refresher. Drape it in blankets, fluffy throw pillows, and strategically place items to hide the unsightly stains from past meals (via HGTV). Other tips include reupholstering, adding a slipcover, or replacing sofa legs. You can also recover and fluff the cushions (via HGTV).

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10. Bust out the barnyard charm with a DIY door.

You can create a unique statement piece inspired right from the countryside. A barn door is all the rage in farmhouse decor, and it is easy to see why. Barn doors increase the overall value of your home (via Extra Space). Furthermore, these unique doors are simple to match with a specific theme. These versatile doors are ideal for large open spaces and can be used in smaller ones as well. The charming doors can be left open to provide a comfortable flow from room to room (via Extra Space).

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9. Figure out your floral arrangements.

Inside-out beauty can be found in a variety of ways. After all, the exterior design is just as important as the interior. You can use flowers and plants to bring color and interest to the front of your home with several do-it-yourself wood window boxes. Use overflowing seasonal blooms that pop with your outside elements. You should also divide your perennials every three to six years as a way to thin the florals that tend to bunch and clump together (via HGTV). You will then be able to control how your plants grow in the years to come. Green plants add a gorgeous style to any space (via HGTV).

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8. Put together a pretty pantry.

Elevate your eating items with an organized pantry (via HGTV). The messy closet can be cleaned up on the cheap, and some of the essential staples are adjustable shelving where you store similar items together. You can also add woven baskets and clip-on labels that allow you to have everything you need right at your disposal (via HGTV). Once your pantry is in tip-top shape, your life is bound to get easier.

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7. Upgrade your fireplace.

A fireplace is not just a place to hold your stockings and wait for the yearly visit from Santa. Your fireplace is the central point of your living room. Whether it works, something is comforting about having one that ties the whole thing together. You can modernize them in several different doors, such as installing a mantel where you can display your favorite art pieces and photographs (via Extra Space). Other ideas include tiling a hearth and adding a pair of glass doors for the ultimate charm (via Extra Space).

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6. Recycle old paint for random projects.

Find a new purpose for your leftover paints that are just taking up space in the basement or garage. The gallon-sized tins maybe halfway or three-quarters of the way filled. If you have some items around the house that could use some pizazz, take the opportunity to freshen up and add needed accents. It does not have to be a big project. Paint the inside of closets or bookcases for a beautiful facelift (via My Move). Not only are you recycling, but you are also giving old furniture the chance to feel new again (via My Move).

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5. Show your wares with pride.

If you have an overfilled drawer that could use proper display, get them out of hiding and show them off in style. They are doing no good unseen as they are—the more unique the collection, the better the display. For strategic placement, you can hang or group them on tables, counters, and bookcases (via My Move). This shows the cohesion of your collection, and you can pair them with beautiful art pieces for a gallery wall of your own design (via My Move).

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4. Conceal your cords with a clever trick.

Electronics are an essential part of life, but the problem with being plugged in is that it always comes with a plug. Ugly cords and cables for your television set and other devices can make a house look messy and cluttered. However, your entertainment center can be easily and affordably cleaned up by installing a few DIY tricks around the baseboard, a stand, and wall-mounted TV (via My Move). This upgrade is a must for anyone who wants the ease of high tech but not the mess left behind (via My Move).

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3. Stone your shower style.

There is no place in your home like the shower. It is the place to unwind, cleanse and literally wash away all your troubles. Nevertheless, you do not have to get a way to a luxurious spa to feel like you have escaped. A natural stone or tile just above the area where your shower doesn’t quite meet the ceiling can elevate your cleaning game (via HGTV). How? By making it feel more upscale and lavish, just like the way showers are supposed to be (via HGTV).

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2. Use painter tape to make a mosaic accent wall.

If you feel adventurous and love to play with color, consider making a statement piece using just painter’s tape and paint. A mosaic is a picture or pattern produced by arranging small colored pieces for a bigger picture (via HGTV). Once you have discovered what wall to paint, use the tape to line the places you want to keep white or the wall’s original color. The great thing about this technique is that it allows you to play around and be as elaborate as you want it to be (via HGTV).

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1. Add color to your ceiling.

Many tips have you adding a coat of paint to everything else in your home but do not forget to look up and consider the possibility of revamping the overhead space. A painted ceiling can give the same impact as an accent wall; only it is far less expected in the home (via HGTV). The ceiling adds personality and whimsy and can be the primary focal point when entering the room (via HGTV). A spring green or yellow can make a living room instantly feel like you are stepping into a happy mood.

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