5 Easy DIY Projects to Give Your Home an Instant Refresh

Your home is where your heart is! But if it’s feeling a little stale, it may be time to reinvigorate your space. Adding a fresh coat of paint, different hardware or a few colourful objects (throw pillows, artwork, rugs) can make a room feel brand new. These five easy DIY projects—each completed in a weekend or less—can also make a huge difference. If it’s time for your home to get a mini facelift, give one of them a shot ASAP. Just make sure you have all the tools you need to finish the job.

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1. Hang plants from the ceiling

Greenery brightens and refreshes a home, but it can also take up precious floor and counter space—unless you install hanging planters. Choose plants that will work for the sunlight you have and keep in mind the other planters that you want to hang nearby, then mark each spot on the ceiling with a pencil. You’ll want to drill a pilot hole that’s slightly smaller than the screw for your hook, then twist the hook into the opening. Hooks will vary, so read the directions if they have spring-loaded toggle wings or other types of anchors. You can also install hanging planters outdoors.

Time to complete: 30 minutes or less

Required tools: Drill, drill bit, ladder

2. Install a gallery wall

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A mixture of your favourite prints, photos and paintings gathered on one wall creates a focal point in any room—and it’s super easy to do! To get the spacing right, lie your frames down on a large piece of paper and map out where you want to place them. Start with the largest items in the middle and work your way out. There should no more than three inches between frames. Trace around the frames on the paper, marking where the nail should go for each piece, then tape the paper up on the wall and nail through it so your art hangs exactly right. You can rip off the paper after and use a level to ensure each frame sits straight.

Time to complete: Two hours

Required tools: Hammer, level, tape measure

3. Build and install floating shelves

Looking to show off some of your finest pieces—from pottery to collectibles—but don’t want a chunky bookcase taking up room? Enter: Floating shelves. They use zero floor space, are ideal for showing off lightweight objects and are sleek enough for a modern home. The project is relatively simple if you’re handy (click here for instructions) and have the right supplies. Peavey Mart has all the tools you need to do it yourself.

Time to complete: A full day

Required tools: Circular saw, hammer, level, socket set, stud finder, table saw, tape measure, wood chisel

4. Change wood cabinet doors to glass

If you have solid kitchen cabinetry or a wardrobe with wooden doors, adding glass panels can turn your storage units into display cases. It can also add a visual break in a wall of wood so that a small room feels more open. Keep in mind that this type of project will only work for frame-and-panel doors. Click here for directions.

Time to complete: A full day

Your tool kit: Screwdriver, clamps, drill, router, pattern router bit (1/2-in.), utility knife

5. Refinish wood furniture

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Whether your tired nightstands need a refresh or you’ve found a scratched-up (but otherwise decent) coffee table on the side of the road, knowing how to refinish wood furniture will serve you well. Discover how to safely strip your wood pieces here. Keep in mind: If you’re just going to paint the item anyway, it probably doesn’t need to be stripped.

Time to complete: A weekend

Your tool kit: Metal tray, paint brush, wide putty knife, plastic scouring pads, brass brush, dental picks, locking plyers, sandpaper

Peavey Mart is your Do-it-Yourself Lifestyle Store with everything you need to get your DIY projects done. Let Peavey Mart help you… do it yourself!