DIY Home Projects Worth Copying

DIYs that add character and a personal touch

Hey there! I hope you’re having a wonderful weekend. I’m embarking on my latest DIY (more on that at the bottom) - my hands are literally covered in paint as I send this. I had been putting it off and then all of a sudden I just dove in head first with a mix of excitement and nervousness.

The best (and often cheapest) way to add character and personalize a home is through DIY. The idea that anyone can create the home they want with a little grit, a few supplies, and some creativity is very empowering. DIYs are a great option when you want a refresh, have a tight budget to complete a project, or can’t find what you’re looking for and need to take matters into your own hands.

Often it doesn’t take much effort (or talent) to transform something kinda boring into a truly special piece. To be honest I always wind up getting so much more out of it — creating with my hands quiets my mind and gives me a deep sense of accomplishment.

I’m always collecting ideas for projects from all over the place. These are the DIYs I can’t wait to try myself (a few I already have and will definitely do again).

Let’s get to it.

A curated guide to creating a one-of-a-kind home: interior inspiration, styling tips, & unique objects

FOLLOW ALONG

RELATED ARTICLES

Where to Stay in England: The Best Design Hotels & More

sense of spen• cer 

noun [sɛns, əv, ˈspɛnsər]

1. Reflecting one’s identity through their interiors

2. A home with character and soul

3. When a house becomes a home

Kristin Ellen Hockman

Sense of Spencer

Framing

Custom framing takes art (or anything) to the next level, but it can be cost prohibitive. So, just do it yourself! DIY the frame, the mat, or both.

• Mat & frame covered in pattern - The effect of covering both mat and frame in a bold pattern turns them into art too. Example: paper, fabric

• Decorative painted frames - It takes a bit more skill and patience, but painting a design on a frame really makes a statement. Example: I made these frames for my son’s room (here’s more design inspo).

  • I also created a custom mat choosing the dimensions and the color of the mat and inner border for a very reasonable price.

• Bobbin frame/mirror - Although you can buy one already made, it’s easy enough to make yourself. Example: No 12 London

• Trims used as frames - A more unconventional idea is to use fabric trim as frames. Example: Marianne Cotterill

• Paper as a mat - Simply tape your art to decorative paper. Example: Logan Taylor Antiques (she used this paper and here’s another source)

• Painted mat - Dress up a white paper with paint, could be solid or striped. Example: I like this mat with broken stripes.

Lauren M Pendleton

Shannon Claire

Painted furniture & more

These projects range in terms of their ambition — from painting anything you can get your hands on with a bit of color to decorative painting for those who want a creative challenge. I save up sample pots of Farrow & Ball paint for projects and just discovered Annie Sloan chalk paints which are easy to use and great for creating a distressed/aged look and decorative painting brushes for details. Check out Tess Newall’s course for inspo and tips.

• Painterly designs - There are so many designs you can paint on a piece of furniture. Example: I up-cycled the standing mirror in my bedroom with a floral motif and painted a trompe l'oeil effect on a console. I love this organic designs by Lauren Weiss.

• Striped furniture - Can never go wrong with adding stripes to a piece. Example: Shannon Claire, Marine

• Stenciled furniture - Stencils provide a handy guide for adding repeated designs to furniture or walls. Example: Studio Laloc, mStarr design studio

• Inner panels - I’m obsessed with the look of painting the inner panels of cabinets, shutters, or doors. Example: Lauren M Pendleton, Kristin Ellen Hockman, Patricia Rodi, Sara Charlesworth

• Painted floors - Painting floors can transform a space whether a solid color or checkerboard pattern. Example: The Otto House

• Stairs - There’s something very fresh about painted stairs. Example: tread, riser, the whole thing

Hide TV with Art

These ideas not only hide the TV, they also add a decorative element.

• Art on a rail - The TV is behind a framed piece of art that slides to cover it. Example: Laura Jackson

• Diptych - Two pieces of art open to reveal a TV. Example: Wiltshire Wonderland

• Panel with art - Two doors are covered in panels each filled with art. Example: Hagen Home & Interiors, My Mulberry House

Alvaro Picardo

Sense of Spencer

Lampshades

These ideas are the perfect way to up-cycle old lampshades (or buy them for nothing at the thrift store).

• Painted - A few simple paint strokes can breath life into a boring lampshade. Example: By Alvaro Picardo, Tea and the Radio, Tremont Home

• String - Ditch the outside shade and wind embroidery thread or jute around the frame. Example: I created a multi-colored shade for my son’s room and can’t wait to do another one.

• No sew pleat - Pleated lamp shades can be pricey, so this is a nifty DIY to try. Example: fabric, ribbon

• Decoupage - With Mod Podge and magazine clip outs, you can easily dress up a plain lamp. Example: Sister Parish

• Dyed lampshade - Dip a white shade in dye for a new look. Example: Hauz & Co

Read the full post on Substack