FAQ

• What are some easy DIY ideas for home decor?
  – You can try creating custom wall art using painting, stenciling, or decoupage techniques.
  – Upcycling old furniture by refinishing them or giving them a fresh coat of paint.
  – Making custom throw pillows or curtains using fabric of your choice.
  – Building a personalized gallery wall with photos, artwork, and decor items.
  – Creating terrariums or planters using recycled materials for a touch of greenery.
• How can I update my kitchen cabinets on a budget?
  – Adding a fresh coat of paint to kitchen cabinets is a cost-effective way to update your kitchen.
  – It’s a simple DIY project that can bring new life to your kitchen space.
• Can old or thrifted items be modernized in DIY projects?
  – Yes, old or thrifted items like lamps or furniture can be easily modernized.
  – Using techniques like painting, modeling clay, or creative finishes can give them a fresh look.
• Are there any Ikea hack ideas for home decor?
  – You can update affordable Ikea furniture like the Ikea PS cabinet for various purposes.
  – Consider using it as a media console, sideboard, kid’s storage, or in your home office for versatility.
• What materials are commonly used in DIY home decor projects?
  – Materials like paint, modeling clay, joint compound, acrylic paint, and finishing sprays are commonly used in DIY projects.
  – Recycled materials can also be used for creating sustainable decor items.

This past several years taught us so much.

We’ve taken up new hobbies, we’ve planted gardens and baked sourdough. We have flexed creative muscles that we didn’t even know existed. Now we want to inspire you to take that newfound creative energy even further. Its always a thrill to click purchase on that new sideboard or kitchen decor, but there’s no denying the sense of accomplishment and pride when you tackle something yourself.

With the same can-do attitude that has made these months of isolation tolerable, maybe even inspiring, we asked a few of our designers to share their favorite DIY projects to give your home a fresh new look.

Few and faux between: old world vases

Designer Ellen Fleckenstein had been coveting those gorgeous antique European olive jars for some time. But she wasn’t ready to drop $500+ for each so she decided to take matters into her own hands. She already had two glass floor vases that she purchased several years ago for less than $20 at Homegoods.

She picked up some premixed joint compound at her local home improvement store and began adding it in layers to the glass vases with rubber gloves on. She literally just rubbed it in. It took about 3 layers to get to the texture she wanted. Ellen then sanded it down so it was smoother and closer to the natural smoothness of a handcrafted vessel. At this point they were still white, which was fine, but she wanted more of an old world look, so she mixed up some white and brown acrylic paint until she got an antique cream which she applied to the whole vase.

After it was completely dry Ellen took dirt (yes, actual dirt) and rubbed it in so it settled into all the crevices. She cleaned it up in spaces where it was too excessive and then sprayed both vessels with a matte finishing spray so they would stand the test of time. Ellen fools people all the time that they are 300 yrs old!

Kitchen makeover: minimal effort, maximum appeal

Picking up a paintbrush can be intimidating, but it does not need to be! Considering that kitchen remodels are among the most expensive rooms to redo, adding a fresh coat of paint to kitchen cabinets is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to update your kitchen on a budget. Designer Mikayla Keating breaks it down, step-by-step. Follow along for a fool-proof way to add new life to your kitchen.

Is that vintage? DIY designer lamp

Love the look of a designer lamp, but not the price tag? A thrifted lamp in a great shape or a base that no longer suits your style can be easily modernized.

A little paint and modeling clay can go a long way in updating a lamp. Mikayla shares her creative tips so you too can get your dream designer lamp!

Old school meets so cool with this locker look-alike

We love a good Ikea hack and the design team at Nemai Studio shared this super cute idea for updating the affordable, lightweight Ikea PS cabinet. This storage solution has a ton of possible uses. Nemai Studio suggests this piece as a media console, a sideboard, kids storage or in the home office. Its incredibly versatile.

Additional Ideas

One idea to consider for a DIY project is creating custom wall art using a variety of techniques such as painting, stenciling, or even decoupage. This allows you to personalize your space and showcase your creativity. Another fun DIY project is upcycling old furniture pieces by refinishing them or giving them a fresh coat of paint to match your current decor style. This sustainable approach not only adds character to your home but also reduces waste. For a decorative touch, consider making your own custom throw pillows or curtains using fabric of your choice. This allows you to coordinate patterns and colors to tie the room together seamlessly. If you’re looking to add a cozy element to your home, consider DIYing a personalized gallery wall with a mix of photos, artwork, and other decor items. This project allows you to showcase your favorite memories and create a visually appealing focal point in any room. To add a touch of greenery to your space, consider creating your own terrariums or planters using recycled materials. Succulents and air plants are low-maintenance options that can thrive in these DIY containers, adding a natural element to your home decor.