11 Simple and Affordable DIY Projects to Transform Your Home This Winter

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I’m a DIYer at heart and after getting laid off recently, saving money on my home reno project is more vital than ever for my finances. But DIY home projects have become increasingly popular for everyone, as homeowners and renters alike seek to personalize their living spaces, save money, and embrace their creative side.

I’ve been looking for smaller projects for the winter since I don’t have the budget to tackle the bigger things that need to be done in my home. Here’s a few I might try:

1. Create a Statement Wall with Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

A statement wall is a simple yet powerful way to transform a room. Peel-and-stick wallpaper has become a game-changer in the DIY world because it’s affordable, easy to apply, and non-permanent—perfect for renters.

• Why It’s Popular: Minimal tools required, no commitment, and hundreds of designs to choose from.
• Steps to Get Started:
  1. Choose a wall and clean it thoroughly.
  2. Measure and cut the wallpaper to fit.
  3. Peel the backing and stick it on, smoothing out air bubbles as you go.
• Bonus Tip: Use bold patterns like florals, geometric shapes, or murals for maximum impact.

2. Build a Floating Wooden Shelf

Floating shelves add charm and functionality to any room. They’re perfect for displaying books, plants, or decorative items, and they’re surprisingly easy to build. You can also buy these pretty cheaply if you’re not in the mood to DIY them. It might even be cheaper, depending on the wood you have to buy. I typically have some scrap wood lying around somewhere I can use, though.

3. Install Wireless Lighting

I have terrible lighting in my house, especially in my kitchen. However, I’m not ready to hire an electrician just yet, so I’ve found a few wireless lighting options that will help in the meantime!

4. Upcycle Old Furniture

This is my favorite DIY. I’ve often wondered if I should start my own furniture upcycle business. I mean, why spend the crazy prices on new furniture when you can breathe life into old pieces? Furniture upcycling is both budget-friendly and eco-conscious.

• Ideas to Try:
  • Paint a tired dresser with bold chalk paint.
  • Reupholster dining chairs with fresh fabric.
  • Turn an old door into a farmhouse-style table.
• Tip: Use hardware like new knobs or handles to modernize the piece.

5. Create a Vertical Herb Garden

A vertical herb garden is a practical and visually appealing way to grow your favorite herbs indoors or outdoors. It’s especially useful for small spaces.

I found some really cute options on Amazon, but here’s one of my faves:

6. Make a Custom Headboard

I bought this headboard for $3! It was actually a really ugly painted brown. I just sanded it down and painted it with some chalk paint I had on hand. It’s simple, but it works so well in my guest room.

Here are some more great ideas:

Placemat Headboard

Shiplap Headboard

Wall Panel Headboard

Padded Cardboard Headboard

7. Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets

Painting cabinets is a cost-effective way to give your kitchen a fresh, modern look without the expense of a full renovation, but I know it’s not easy. I haven’t wanted to take the time to do this and I’m not sure if I will since I don’t love my cabinet design at all. They were handmade out of plywood a looooong time ago, so the basic structure of them is not all that appealing.

But if I had nice architecture, I’d be all over this DIY

Trending Colors: Navy blue, forest green, and soft gray.

Basic Steps to DIY:

Remove cabinet doors and hardware.

Clean and sand the surfaces.

Apply a primer and then paint in your chosen color.

Reattach hardware and doors once dry.

8. Build a Sliding Barn Door

Sliding barn doors add a rustic, farmhouse touch while also saving space. They’re perfect for separating rooms or hiding closets. You can buy the hardware for these and then construct your own door out of old doors or materials you already have.

• Best Places to Use: Bathrooms, pantries, or home offices.

9. Create a DIY Coffee Station

I don’t drink coffee, but if you’re a coffee lover, a dedicated coffee station is a delightful addition to your home. It’s a functional and stylish way to organize your coffee essentials.

• Steps to Set Up:
  1. Choose a small table, cart, or counter space.
  2. Organize coffee machines, mugs, and supplies like beans and syrups.
  3. Add decorative touches like a chalkboard menu or small plants.
• Why It’s Worth It: It keeps everything in one place and adds charm to your kitchen.

10. Construct a Raised Garden Bed

If you’re reading this in the winter, it might still be a great time to start this project so that it will be ready for spring planting. You can definitely elevate your outdoor space with a DIY raised garden bed. These beds are great for growing vegetables, flowers, or herbs while keeping them organized and protected.

Eco-Friendly Touch: Use reclaimed wood for a sustainable project.

11. Create a Gallery Wall

Transform a blank wall into a personalized art gallery by arranging framed photos, artwork, or even your kids’ masterpieces. This project is perfect for winter since you can do it entirely indoors.

Why It’s Popular: It’s customizable, affordable, and adds personality to any room. Plus, it gives you a chance to show off your favorite memories or pieces.

Steps to Get Started:

• Choose a theme (e.g., family photos, black-and-white art, or a mix of textures).
• Gather frames in varying sizes and shapes. Thrift stores are great for this!
• Lay out the arrangement on the floor before hanging to perfect the layout.
• Use adhesive strips to avoid nail holes if you’re renting.

DIY home projects are not just about saving money—they’re a chance to personalize your space, develop new skills, and take pride in your accomplishments. Whether you’re transforming an entire room or adding small decorative touches, these ten DIY ideas can inspire you to make your home more beautiful, functional, and uniquely yours. So grab your tools, unleash your creativity, and start your next DIY adventure today!