Affordable, easy and fun weekend DIY projects

Looking to give your home a quick and easy update? DIY projects are a great way to add character and personal touch to your living space without breaking the bank. Add some curb appeal by painting your garden gate or brightening up a tired room with a pop of colour on a fireplace or piece of furniture. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or just starting out, these ideas are relatively easy to accomplish and will leave you with a fresh look that you can be proud of.

DIY a striped feature wall

An effective way to add some character and whimsy to your space is by painting floor-to-ceiling stripes with two contrasting shades. Start by painting the entire wall in your base colour, then apply wide decorators tape or masking tape in stripes from floor to ceiling, leaving the same width as the tape between each strip. Use a roller to apply your second colour over the entire wall, including the painters tape and gaps between stripes. After the first coat dries, apply a second coat and remove the painters tape while it is still wet to reveal your neat striped wall.

Paint an off-centre stripe of contrast paint

This simple wall painting technique emphasises the height of your ceilings and creates visual interest. Divide a wall with a strip of a contrasting colour block on either side to uplift a wall in your living room or bedroom. You can also use the same colour on either side.

Paint inside shelving nooks

Stack inexpensive bookcases and paint the insides of the shelf to upgrade the look. Whether you choose a bold hue or a subtle pastel, this simple DIY project can breathe new life into your space. To ensure your safety, make sure to securely fasten the bookcases to the wall before stacking. With this easy and affordable project, you can create a stylish and personalized look that elevates the ambiance of your living room or bedroom.

Enhance the look of your garden with fence painting

Give your garden fence a fresh lick of paint to add curb appeal to your property. Start by giving the gate a light sanding for a smooth finish, cover up handles and hinges with tape, apply a suitable primer on an unpainted gate or an undercoat on a previously painted one and then finish with a coat or two of exterior eggshell or gloss paint. Match the gate colour to the front door for a chic, coordinated look.

Add a pop of colour for a vibrant home

Brighten up a tired room by painting the fireplace or a large piece of furniture in a bright, eye-popping shade that will grab attention and give the room a focal point. Bring in extra touches of colour here and there to give the room symmetry and balance, but take care not to overdo it.

Brighten up old furniture

Give old furniture a new lease on life by painting it with a fresh coat of chalk paint. It requires less prep time than traditional paint and primer since it is self-levelling and self-sealing, providing excellent coverage with minimal effort. Sand the furniture's surface, wipe it with a damp cloth to remove dust and grease, paint it, and let it dry for a few hours. For extra protection, seal the painted surface with wax or a finishing sealer.

Revamp your hallway with a new staircase paint

Transform your hallway without spending much money by tearing up that stained old stair carpet and replacing it with a gorgeous paint job. You could try a graduated ombré effect using a range of tester pots on the risers, keeping to one colour on the treads or alternate colours. Enjoy the dramatic transformation this simple and affordable update brings to your home.

We often spend more time contemplating easy DIY home projects than actually doing them, but the satisfaction of checking them off our to-do lists makes it worth it. If unsure, use the free paint visualiser to help you get to a decision and pick and choose the colours.

With the right tools and on a budget, these small DIY projects can give any room in your home a fresh look. Luckily, these projects won't take too much time to complete and can help you put your stamp on your space.


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