If you’re new to the world of DIY, you might not know what type of projects you should start off with. If you go too complex right off the bat, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the various supplies and tools needed, the time commitment required, or the numerous steps involved. With all of this in mind, I’ve prepared a list of DIY projects that even a newbie with limited supplies and time will be successful at.
Refinish an Old Dresser
If you’re anything like me, you update your home’s decor often. Hello refresh! That might mean that you have a piece of furniture laying around that’s still functional, but that no longer matches your décor vibes. Or maybe you found an awesome solid wood desk at a thrift store or Facebook Marketplace and there’s only one problem: it’s UGLY. You can fix all of that! All it takes to completely transform a piece of furniture is a little creativity, a sander, some paint, and some elbow grease. To add even more character, upgrade any handles, knobs, or pulls with brand new ones or consider throwing in materials like cane, fabric, or contact paper! There are no rules.
Create the Perfect Patio Backdrop with a DIY Boxwood Wall Panel
Sometimes all a patio needs to elevate its style is a vertical plant wall that makes for the perfect Instagram moment. A DIY boxwood wall panel project can provide a beautiful backdrop to your patio. It brings in just enough color and texture to liven up your patio space and it’s super easy to do! All it takes is some wood, an artificial grass or hedge wall panel, screws, and some paint. This is the perfect project to tackle if you’ve collected the tools listed in my “Favorite Tools to Get Started” article and you’re ready to flex your new DIY skills.
Upcycle a Glass Vase with Spray Paint or Glitter
This is one of the easiest and quickest DIYs you could ask for! The only tool required is a small foam paint brush. Other than that, all you need is a vase or jar that you’d like to bring some excitement to, some spray paint, virtually any type of glue that dries clear (Mod Podge is my go-to or hot glue), and some glitter. You could even go for some gold leaf foil like I did in this project to really pump up the glam. This project is very low stakes and doesn’t involve the use of any power tools, so it’s a great opportunity for parents to share their love for DIY with their kids.
Upgrade Store-Bought Cabinets to Create DIY Custom Built-Ins
You might be surprised that I casually threw in “custom built-ins” with other, more obvious beginner-level DIY projects – but I promise, you can do this! You can easily achieve a completely custom built-in cabinet look like this one by using “unfinished” store-bought cabinets, a few tools, and some paint! The hardest part of this project will be finding a cabinet (or set of cabinets) that will fit the nook or closet where you’d like your built-ins installed. The other stuff is easy!
And if you are looking for the things you need to get started check out this blog post: Tips for Starting Your First DIY Project or get the tools you need to get started here.