4 Quick and Easy Home DIY Projects

If you’ve got a little time on your hands but don’t have hours and hours, days, or weeks to spend on a DIY project, you’ve got lots of options. Many homeowners today not only want to keep on top of decor trends, but they’re thinking about aesthetics, functionality, and return on investment. If you plan to sell your home, putting it on the market among Charlotte houses for sale, or anywhere else, attractive decor can even increase perceived value, potentially increasing offers.

The National Association of Realtors reported that 50 percent of consumers who wanted a home improvement project paid to hire a professional, while 47 percent went the DIY route. That’s rather surprising as there are so many projects that can be taken on with little time and effort, including these. 

Hand-Painted Vases

You don’t need to have impressive artistic skills to create some beautiful hand-painted jars that can be used for vases. Buy or use clear glass jars that you already have – they can be in any size you’d like, and an oil-based paint marker. Start by drawing a motif at the center, like a geometric shape, a heart or a flower. Add details around your center design and then continue working in a circular pattern, experiment with anything type of motif you like, from shamrocks and flowers to lines, stars, circles, etc.

Ideal for a bohemian look, you can now fill your jars with cuttings and wildflowers right from your garden, a bouquet at your local market, or even items picked up on a hike or while beachcombing.

Give Your Kitchen a Fresh Look at a Minimal Cost

A total kitchen remodel is no easy DIY project, but there are ways to give it a fresh look that are simple and won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Painting is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to transform it into a more updated space. Make it more welcoming by using a sunny yellow or sage green. Or, for something rich and elegant, paint an accent wall in a dark red. You could even add one of these wall stickers to make space really special. Other options include painting your cabinets in a neutral color to cover up nicks and scratches and/or switching out the hardware on drawers and cabinets.

Shell Candles

If you love the beach or live near one, you might have a good shell collection going which can be perfect for creating a fun seaside feel in your living room, family room or another space. Even if you don’t have access to shells, you can purchase them online or at many hobby stores. Shell candles, strategically placed, can be a great way to bring that beach look together.

Gather your seashells (obviously larger shells work best), some hot glue, candle wax and enough candle wicks for each one. Be sure your shells are clean and thoroughly dried and then add a bit of hot glue to the inside of each to hold the wicks. Place the candle wax into a metal pot and then put the pot inside of a larger one that’s filled with boiling water to melt the wax. Carefully pour the wax into each shell, making sure the wicks are straight. That’s it. Now you can add them throughout your home, light, and enjoy the look. 

Transform Drawers Into Artistic Shelves

Buy a mini-dresser – you may be able to find one for cheap at a thrift store, yard sale or online. Then turn the small drawers into storage that also doubles as art. You’ll also need some printed photos – if you have old black-and-whites it creates a fabulous vintage look. Simply mount the drawers onto a wall and then tack a picture inside of each one, using the corners of the photos. You can then use the drawers as shelves for decorative items too.