DIY inspiration

25 attainable home improvements

Do-it-yourself home improvements can definitely be rewarding. You can save a lot of money and being a real weekend warrior, you will feel the sense of accomplishment as you turn your living space into a dream home. As with all things in life: some things you can do, others you just cannot. So, before you pick up that drill, figure out which projects you can do yourself and which are best suited for the pros.

1. Tile a backsplash

One of the easiest ways to upgrade your kitchen on a tight budget is tiling a new backsplash above the counter. There is a vast array of beautiful ceramic tiles available in our store, including the great looking and easy-to-install mosaic tiles.

2. Platform deck 

To expand your outdoor living space, a ground level deck is a great option. Since it is not connected to the house, it can go anywhere and does not require deep footing. You do not need to install stairs or railings as your new deck rises just inches above the ground. It is a simple project. Even if you have little building experience, you can do it. 

3. Wallpaper a door

Wallpaper is not just for the walls. Try wall papering a door to create a luxurious effect in the room. Choose a colorful design in our store or use paper left over from a big job to dress up the door panel, letting the stiles and rails frame the decoration.

4. Turn a closet into a home office 

A simple way to create your own home office: just unhinge the door of the closet and trade the hanging rods for shelves - one deep one for the desktop and two shallow ones for storage. 

5. Deck lighting

No electrical skills needed. A low-voltage lighting system will bring light into the darkness. Plan where you want to highlight the deck features and install. It is safe and easy!’ 

6. Ceiling light fixture

You can change a drab room into a dazzling one in a split second with a new overhead light fixture. Be sure to use professional installation techniques to mount the new fixture correctly and safely.

7. Unclutter your work bench

Put a perforated pegboard wall panel up to organize your work bench clutter. Use hooks, baskets and jars and to make your DIY-jobs cooler than ever.

8. Paint your tile backsplash

Use a cheery paint to brighten up a dark, dated tile backsplash in your kitchen. Thoroughly scuff the surface of the tiles with sandpaper and apply two coats of adhesion primer. Let it dry and roll on two coats of oil-based semigloss paint.

9. Dim the lights 

Make your living room extra cozy at night by installing a dimmer switch. A great way to set the mood and at the same time save energy. 

10. Floating shelves

You either buy floating shelves in our store or you could consider building your own to get the exact size, thickness and look you want. To make it extra cozy you can paint your homemade shelves in the same color as the wall. A signature of  your own personal touch!

11. Brick pathway in your garden

You can use recycled pavers or cobblestones to make a simple garden path. Be sure to set them on a sand bed. Use your imagination and create your own dreamy path in your backyard paradise.

12. Paint your paneled doors 

Yes, it is kind of a challenge to paint your paneled doors. Be sure to use the right tools and paints. But you will love the result. It will just look fabulous! 

13. Living wall with plants 

Consider building a living wall in your garden. This living wall can shield you from the neighbors, and surround you with plants and flowers. It is cool to grow your own herbs, just steps away from your kitchen. 

14. Faux your floor 

Paint your worn vinyl flooring to look like stone tiles by using white paint to create faux grout lines and two other matching or - if you have the guts - contrasting colors for the “stones”. Finish with three coats of polyurethane to seal the surface. 

15. Be you own plumber 

You can go the traditional way or opt for Hep²O, a leading plastic plumbing system for potable water and heating applications. Hep²O works with both copper and plastic systems and can be used for new build or refurbishment projects. It is as simple as that. Ask our specialists in the store for more information.

16. Gloss over a frame

Mirror, mirror on the wall! If you are seeking for an upscale look, just paint your dull mirror frame with a colorful glossy paint.

17. Assemble a wall display

Create the look of a large, expensive piece of art by grouping small prints, personal photos and vintage plates and hang them together. This tip will come in handy: arrange the display you have in mind on the floor first. It will definitely limit the nail holes.

18. The sky is the limit

Be bold and paint your porch ceiling sky blue to create a more spacious feeling. You will not need anything more than paint and a brush. Our specialists in the store will help you choose the perfect color!

19. Divide the wall

Your house is your castle! Install a chair rail in your dining room and paint the wall below the chair rail in a adorable accent color. You will love it!

20. Mirrored tiles

Making your kitchen appear bigger and brighter by affixing mirrored tiles to the soffit above the cabinets. The reflective surface will bounce the light around the room. To make your DIY-job simple you can use peel-and-stick tiles.

21. Refurbish your old fridge

Tired or your old fridge, which shows more and more rusty spots every day? Update that old, but still working fridge with a faux stainless-steel painted finish. Your kitchen will get an instant upgrade!

22. Get smart 

Take advantage of technology in your home improvement. There are a ton of home features that seamlessly integrate into your existing wiring and systems. They offer major transformations in terms of your home’s energy efficiency.

23. Make your cords disappear

Get the messy cords out of sight. There are a variety of crafty options available in our store for hiding cords hanging off the TV. Just go ahead and streamline your space. You will feel better not seeing this unsightly addition to your home anymore.

24. Build-your-own outdoor shower

Imaging having your very own outdoor shower. After a trip to the beach, everyone can just rinse off the sand outdoors. It is a great backyard feature and not as hard to build your own as some people might think. You can make it as complex as you wish or choose for an outdoor shower that is less DIY and more ready-to-install.

25. Get your tools right

You cannot improve your home with just your bare hands. Before you start a project of any size, be sure your toolbox actually contains the tools you need. Check 25 must-have items in your toolbox. Keep in mind that some projects need special equipment, particularly if they involve plumbing or electrical systems.

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