Easy DIY Home Improvement Projects to Refresh Your Space

Is your home feeling a little drab and in need of a refresh? If you want to add new life to your space, you’ve come to the right place! Home improvement projects can be a great way to add a fresh look to your home without spending a fortune.

DIY home improvement projects are becoming increasingly popular since they offer a great way to add value to your home, boost your property’s overall appearance, and can be a fun project to work on. Not to mention, plenty of easy DIY home improvement projects don’t require much time or money to complete.

Today, we will explore some of the easiest DIY home improvement projects that will help you refresh your space without breaking the bank. 

1. Install a Low-Cost Stair Runner

Slippery stairs can be a major hazard in any home. Not only do they pose a risk of injury, but they can also be a source of stress and anxiety. If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to make your stairs safer and more secure, a DIY stair runner may be the perfect solution.

One TOH reader, Jaime Shackford, experienced this first-hand when she was quoted a whopping $2,500 to carpet her dangerously slick oak staircase. Instead of shelling out thousands of dollars, she decided to take the project into her own hands and install a low-cost stair runner. Using just two off-the-shelf woven runners ($125 each) and supplies from a home center, she could give her stairs a non-slip upgrade.

Installing a stair runner can be a simple and affordable way to upgrade your home’s appearance while improving safety. With just a few tools and some planning, you can complete this DIY home improvement project in a weekend. So why wait? Get started on your stair runner installation today!

2. Install a Dishwasher to Conserve Water

This DIY home improvement project can save you money, time, and water in the long run. Upgrading to an Energy Star-qualified dishwasher can save more than $30 a year on power and almost 500 gallons of water. That’s a significant impact on both your wallet and the environment. Plus, if you don’t have a dishwasher, you’re using 40 percent more hand-washing water. Installing a dishwasher is a smart, eco-friendly choice.

But what about installation costs? Fear not, because you can install a dishwasher in the afternoon. No need to hire a plumber or electrician. With some basic tools and a little know-how, you can easily complete this project. And the best part? You won’t have to worry about overspending on clean dishes.

By installing a new energy-efficient dishwasher, you can save money on your bills and conserve water. And with these simple steps, you can do it yourself without needing expensive professional help. Furthermore, you can consult a plumber from Årnes to install the perfect dishwasher.

3. Rewire a Vintage Entry Lantern

Vintage lanterns are a charming and unique addition to any home’s entryway. These rustic fixtures were popularized by tastemakers of the early 20th century, such as Gustav Stickley and the Roycroft crafters. If you’re lucky enough to have one of these lanterns, you can easily rewire it and bring it back to life as a functional and stylish piece.

The first step in rewiring a vintage lantern is to gather the necessary parts. You will need a new socket, a new plug, a length of wire, and some wire nuts. These items can typically be found at your local hardware store or online.

Once you have your parts, the next step is to remove the old wiring. This can be done by unscrewing the base of the lantern and carefully pulling out the old socket and wiring. Be sure to note how the old wiring was connected, as you will need to replicate this when installing the new wiring.

Next, you will need to install the new socket. This is done by attaching the new wires to the corresponding terminals on the socket and securing them with wire nuts. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when wiring the new socket.

Once the new socket is installed, attaching the new plug is time. This is done by stripping the wires on the opposite end of the wire you just attached to the socket and attaching them to the terminals on the plug.

Finally, it’s time to reassemble the lantern. Carefully tuck the new wiring back into the lantern and screw the base back on. Your vintage lantern is now ready to be hung and enjoyed for years!

4. Install a Water Filter and Ditch Expensive Bottles

Millions of households across the country have switched to bottled water due to concerns over the purity or taste of their tap water. However, this can be an expensive habit that creates unnecessary waste. You can save money in the long run by ditching expensive bottled water by installing a water filter system. Not only will you save money on the cost of the water itself, but you’ll also save on the cost of transportation and the environmental impact of plastic waste.

But it’s not just about saving money; a water filtration system can also provide you with cleaner, fresher-tasting water. Even if your tap water meets the minimum requirements for safe drinking water, it can still contain impurities that affect the taste and smell of the water. A water filter removes these impurities, leaving water that tastes and smells better.

Installing an under-sink water filter is a relatively simple process for anyone with basic plumbing skills. Many types of water filters are available, from simple carbon filters to more advanced reverse osmosis systems. You can choose the type of filter that best meets your needs and budget.

The benefits of installing a water filter continue beyond cleaner water. A water filter can also help prolong the life of your appliances by removing minerals and other contaminants that can build up over time. This means you’ll have to replace your appliances less frequently, saving you even more money in the long run.

5. Revive Your Old Deck

Do you want to spruce it up without spending a fortune? With some elbow grease and some DIY know-how, you can revive your old deck and make it look new again.

The first step in reviving your old deck is to power wash it. This will remove any dirt, grime, and algae buildup accumulated over the years. You can rent a power washer from your local hardware store or hire a professional to do the job for you.

After power washing, it’s time to hand-scrub the deck. Use a stiff-bristled brush and some deck cleaner to remove any remaining dirt and stains. This step may take some time, but ensuring that your deck is clean and ready for the next step is essential.

Once your deck is clean and dry, it’s time to apply a protective stain. This will give your deck a fresh look and protect it from the elements. Choose a semitransparent stain that will allow the natural beauty of the wood to show through. Brush on the stain in the direction of the wood grain, and make sure to cover all surfaces evenly.

After the stain has dried, your old deck will look new again. Adding finishing touches like potted plants, outdoor furniture, and string lights creates a cozy and inviting outdoor space. Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy your beautifully revived deck.

Key takeaways

DIY home improvement projects can provide a cost-effective and enjoyable way to refresh your space. By implementing some of the simple and easy ideas we’ve explored, you can add new life to your home without spending a fortune. Whether you’re looking to update your decor, create more functional spaces, or add some personality to your home, you can tackle plenty of DIY projects. So, get creative and start your next home improvement project today!