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DIY

8 Small Home Projects that Make a Huge Impact

06/05/2017

I’m Holly
My mission is to help you create a timeless home that you love through interior design, DIY, and organization!
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Looking for a home project that won’t break the bank? Check out these 8 small home projects that make a huge impact and won’t break the bank! These projects are so easy you can complete them over a weekend!

It’s been just over three months since I started my blogging journey, and I’ve loved every second of it so far and it’s only just beginning! My goal for starting this blog was to inspire others to make their house the home of their dreams without breaking the bank – it can be done! When I started the blog I wanted to dive right into it so I started with a series – 8 Small Home Projects that Make a Huge Impact. My goal was to share a new small home project every week that was quick and easy enough to complete over a weekend but still make a huge impact on your home. I can’t believe it’s already been 8 weeks…time flies when you’re having fun!

I’ve had so much fun with this series and I was really able to change the look and feel of my home with these small projects. I completed all of these over a weekend or some in just one evening, so if I can do it, you can do it! In this post I will give you a quick summary of what each project was about (as well as the project material list) and link to the full post so you can hop over and check it out. Here are the 8 Small Home Projects that Make a Huge Impact all in one place…so let’s get started!

Small Home Projects

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This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. For more information, see my full disclosures here.

The Beginner’s Guide to Painting:

Materials Needed:

 

We started out the series with The Beginner’s Guide to Painting. Painting is one of those projects that if I had to choose a quick and easy way to transform my space it would be through painting. Painting can drastically and quickly change the look and feel of your space, and is fairly inexpensive. Painting can sometimes be intimidating and can be one of those projects you really dread, but I find there is something soothing about painting especially when you think of what the outcome will be – a completely transformed space that looks brand new! In the post I walk you through the steps I take when painting and share some fun quick tips to help your painting go smoother. I definitely don’t consider myself an expert painter by any means so I tried to keep my painting tips and techniques at my level with painting tips for beginners!

DIY - Beginner's Guide to Painting, Painting tips, painting, diy painting, guide to painting, how to paint, easy painting

The Beginner’s Guide to Painting

 

How to Stain a Door the Easy Way:

Materials Needed:

Continuing along the painting theme, I moved over to gel staining my door. I had read all of these blog posts where they raved about General finishes gel stain and I had to check it out for myself. One of the first things that I noticed about my house was the front door…it was a beautiful old wooden door with large glass panes, but it was in pretty bad shape and chipping. Several people recommended that I paint it, but I couldn’t bring myself that paint that beautiful wood door. While I was doing my research I kept going back to gel stain. It gives you that beautiful stained look without the sanding or priming, which my friends is a win in my book! I’m truly pleased with the results and I loved how easy this project was! I did a full tutorial on how to stain a door with gel stain, so be sure to go check it out by clicking the picture below.

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How to Stain a Door the Easy Way

 

Updating Door Hardware:

Staying with my front door, another project that really made a difference was updating my door hardware. I went back and forth on should I just spray paint the current handle, but in the end I had to change it. It was driving me crazy how I had to have a key to get out of my front door. I don’t know why the previous door handle was set up that way but I couldn’t just turn a knob to lock the door I had to use a key from the inside – drove me crazy! 😉

This was such an easy project and made a huge impact on my curb appeal and looked great with the newly stained door. If you’re looking for some ideas on cost effective door hardware options I share some of my favorite door hardware in the original post…make sure to check them out!

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Updating Door Hardware

 

Beautiful Area Rugs:

Now heading back inside the house…let’s talk about beautiful area rugs! This is a step that I used to overlook a lot when it came to my home decor choices. I would focus on the small home decor objects and a lot of times couldn’t figure out why it wasn’t all coming together like I thought it would. Then I looked down…something was missing – rugs! Area rugs can have a major impact on the look and feel of the inside of your home. They make so many beautiful rugs these days and you can find them all over the place! I shared some of my favorite neutral area rugs a few weeks ago and you can check them out by clicking the picture below to check out the full post.

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Beautiful Area Rugs

 

7 Affordable Landscaping Tips

Materials Needed (All optional…tools mentioned in blog post):

My post on 7 Affordable Landscaping Tips came at just the right time as everyone was out about in the Spring weather making their yards look all nice and fancy! 🙂 I feel like I am constantly doing something in my back yard during the Spring/Summer months. There is just something about taking in that clean fresh air. If you’re looking for some small ways to make a huge impact in your yard this summer try out some of my affordable landscaping tips and use that green thumb!

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7 Affordable Landscaping Tips

 

Install DIY Shiplap: The Easy Way

Materials Needed:

  • Miter saw
  • Table saw
  • Jigsaw
  • 1/4 inch plywood underlayment
  • Stud finder
  • Level
  • Measuring Tape
  • Brad Nailer
  • 2 inch finish nails
  • Palm Sander
  • Paint
    • In your color of choice. I used SW Alabaster
  • Spacers
    • I would recommend using quarters or popsicle sticks as spacers
  • Caulk
  • 3/4 inch by 3/4 inch quarter trim (inside corners)
  • 1 1/8 inch outside corner molding (for outside corners)
  • 1×3 hobby boards (if you decide to go only go 1/2 way up wall like I did, for shelf)

Installing DIY shiplap has so far been my favorite home project I have completed! I knocked this project out over a weekend and completed it all by myself…so if I can do it, it can be done! I added the shiplap in my entryway and it’s been a struggle to keep myself from putting this stuff all over the house! I have a step-by-step guide to installing DIY shiplap the easy way on the full post so be sure to check it out. If shiplap has been something on your to-do list you should definitely give it a try, it has made a huge impact on my entryway by making it more inviting and cozy. To see the tutorial click the link or picture below.

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Install DIY Shiplap: The Easy Way

 

How to Choose the Perfect Curtains

I’ve been talking a lot about DIY projects and sharing some of my favorite DIY projects to make a huge impact in your home, but let’s not forget the home decor. We spoke about beautiful rugs and how they can make an impact, now lets move to curtains. Curtains and window treatments can be hard to pick out and you make not even realize how much of a difference they can make for a space until you find the perfect ones. There is a lot to think about when choosing the perfect curtains for your home and there’s also a few dos and don’ts when it comes to choosing and hanging curtains. I recently went through the process of searching the internet and picking out curtains for my kitchen and in the process I  made a quick dos and don’ts guide you can use when picking out the perfect curtains. Be sure to click over and check it out and if you like it, save it for reference later!

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How to Choose the Perfect Curtains

 

4 Easy Steps for a Clutter Free Space

I ended the series with a really important one…at least in my book! When I was thinking of other projects to include in the series there were many options that came to mind, but then it hit me – a clutter free home! Nothing is better than your home feeling clutter free! This is the one that is always a work in progress for me, but it’s also the one that makes me feel the best. In the last post I shared my easy steps for a clutter free space and also included a fun free printable as well! Again, this is an area where I am far from perfect, but I have found a few systems along the way that seem to work for me and I wanted to share them with you. Click the picture below to see the tips!

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4 Easy Steps for a Clutter Free Space

Hopefully you have found some of these projects encouraging! These were some of my favorite projects that really did make a huge impact on my new home and the best part is the are cost effective and quick! Be sure to check them all out and I would love to hear what you think!

What’s your favorite way to quickly and easily update your home?

Here are all the posts in the series again! Be sure to check them all out and if you like them pin them for later!

The Beginner’s Guide to Painting (Week 1)

How to Stain a Door the Easy Way (Week 2)

Updating Door Hardware (Week 3)

Beautiful Area Rugs (Week 4)

7 Affordable Landscaping Tips (Week 5)

Install DIY Shiplap: The Easy Way (Week 6)

How to Choose the Perfect Curtains (Week 7)

4 Easy Steps for a Clutter Free Space (Week 8)

This post contained affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.

Be sure to PIN for later!

Quick & Easy Home Projects

 

 

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  1. Mama802 says:

    Paint makes such a difference! We repainted our outside doors, porch, and deck last Summer. It made such a huge impact! Our house looks so fresh and new 🙂 BTW: Love the stain on your front door. Love that color!

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      Thank you! Yes, I love how a room can feel totally different with a nice coat of paint! 😉

  2. Lisa says:

    Oh I love the gel paint for the front door. I am always leery of tackling that job so this is a very helpful tip! And shiplap, wow, I want to install it in my dining room and foyer now! So many great ideas in one post, thank you!

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      Thanks! They really were some fun projects…you should tackle a few! Have a great weekend!

  3. ERYN says:

    I’ve loved following your whole series! I’ve gleaned so many tips and it’s just fun to see how much you’ve done! Can’t wait to see what you come up with next! ?

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      Thanks girl! The series has been fun and kept me committed to some projects I needed to get done. Have a great weekend.

  4. Every single one of these projects looks awesome. I’ve been meaning to spruce up my house a little bit, it’s good to know that it can happen with just a few things like changing the door or a rug.

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      Thanks, Katie! It really made a difference after I got it all done! Still several projects in the works but these were quick!

  5. Jessie says:

    Love this series! I love your tips on shiplap. It looks amazing. It totally transforms a space. Thanks!

  6. Great ideas, Holly! I love General Finishes gel stain…I’ve used it several times! But, perhaps my favorite is tips for a clutter free space. I think this makes the biggest impact in my home!

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      Thanks April! I really loved the stain and I have a ton left so I am debating on where to try it next!

  7. Amanda says:

    This is a great series. I just bought some new curtains for me den. So glad they are 96″ in length! Your tips for curtain placement will be very helpful when I install mine.

  8. Elizabeth O says:

    I am so impressed by all the wonderful tips and work you shared. I’m so not a DIY person as my eyes glaze over when home project instructions are shared but, I admire the skill in others. Kudos! 🙂

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      Thank you Elizabeth! Hope you’ve had a great weekend!

  9. Paint can make such a massive difference. Like a complete new look! These are great tips and I can’t wait to get my own place to try some! xx corinne

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      Thank you! Yes, it’s amazing what paint can do!

  10. Shannon says:

    I love how easy and affordable all of these projects are! It’s great that they won’t take much time, but will make a big difference in the overall look of the home.

  11. colleen wool says:

    I reallt need to do landscaping. But I am really bad ad it.

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      It is one of those things that may not seem like alot of fun!

  12. You are doing such great work here and really making a difference! I love how you tackle some of the traditional ‘male’ type DIY as well, proving that us women can make just a good a job as they do (and in many cases even better!). Lovely series of posts and a great reference.

  13. Cassie says:

    I absolutely love these ideas. It’s crazy how much difference a coat of paint can make or even the stained door and new handles! Most people tend to think renovations are going to be extremely costly so this is a great post!

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      Thank you! I used to think the same thing, that no matter what I did for it to look good was going to have to cost a ton of money! There is something about doing it yourself that makes you feel good!

  14. Rosey says:

    A beautiful area rug can make or break a space. I found one for our house that I just love!

  15. Karen Morse says:

    I love these ideas! It’s nice to have little projects like this to help improve your home. I am in no way and expert when it comes to painting by I also enjoy it, especially since it makes a huge difference when you change the color of a door or a room.

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      Thanks, Karen! It is nice how all these small projects can add up to completely change the look in your home!

  16. I have to concur that area rugs can make a house feel like a home. It’s amazing how much they give the room a life. Great tips and awesome blog!

  17. Sona Sethi says:

    Such great ideas for fun family projects. I love doing such things on weekends. My husband also enjoys giving me company.

  18. You have really great ideas. I love the shiplap. You have inspired me to tackle projects in my home and to start by next weekend. THank you!

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      So glad to hear that you’re gonna tackle some projects…you’ll love it!

  19. robin rue says:

    Thanks for the tips! We actually just put down a new kitchen floor and it feels like a brand new HOUSE. It’s amazing how one little thing can make such a difference.

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      Thank you! It is amazing how that can make you feel…the kitchen is on my list next!

  20. Just painting and updated hardware can really improve the look of a home. I know when we started paining our home, it really made it feel like ours. We replaced all the fans and light fixtures as well.

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      That is on my list of things to do next is change out the light fixtures!

  21. I really hope to have a home someday. Right now I live in a rented apartment owned by a slumlord. The carpets have definitely not been professionally cleaned over several tenancies..so I’ll say this! We are already using area rugs where we can! When I’m a homeowner someday I’ll come back to this. I love this kind of thing

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      Thanks Elizabeth! You’ll love making your own house a home someday…I’m sure the area rugs are making a difference in your apartment!

  22. Ashley says:

    Yes- shiplap! I am all about the Fixer Upper inspired looks. I will pass these ideas right onto my mother!

    Much love,
    Ashley | dearash.com

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      Thanks, Ashley! I love it…hard not to put it everywhere!

  23. Janel says:

    I just recently did something like this. I had my kitchen walls repainted and a lighter color and had undercabinet lighting installed and my kitchen looks brand-new again and I only spent 50 bucks .

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      That’s awesome! I plan on tackling my kitchen soon!

  24. Jennifer says:

    This is such a great idea! I bookmarked your painting project because our oldest son is headed off to college. He still has the paint on the walls from when he was a baby! So that is our project for this Summer: give his room a really good scrub down, then paint, then add some new furniture.

  25. This post really reminds me that I need to get some new curtains for my place. I would like them to look nice but I really need blackout curtains for my bedroom. It’s so hard for me to sleep past 430 in the morning when it’s getting light so early now. 🙁

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      I know, the early sun is harsh! I would check out Ikea, they have some awesome options and even have some blackout curtains!

  26. Esse D says:

    I am sooo not brave when it comes to tampering with my living space. Your reassuring tone and beautiful pictures may just be leading me into a false sense of security (ha!), but I think I may try a few. ?

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      Aww..no, seriously if I can do it you can! 😉

  27. Danielle says:

    Area rugs are a way we add some color and fun to our home. And it’s nice to cover up the hard floors sometimes too because the kids are always tripping and falling. I’m actually looking for a large navy blue area rug for our living space. It’s time to change it up a little.

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      Yes, I love area rugs! I am looking at a few right now for my living room too! It’s hard sometimes for me to change it up!

  28. KrisTina says:

    Landscaping is something I’d like to work on next summer. We are looking to replace carpets soon and I also want to do some painting.

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      That’s great! It takes time to get everything done but when it is finished I know you’ll love it!

  29. Amber Nelson says:

    These look like really fun and easy projects! I think I may try the doorway one! Super nice!

  30. I think the perfect place to start with upgrading your home is to declutter. You never know what you might discover that you have or don’t have and you can also might be inspired to redo a space. I also really love how a little bit of paint can make a room feel brand new.

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      Yes, that is so true! I always find something I didn’t remember I had when I declutter!

  31. Rachel says:

    Aww such a lovely post to read, and I really like your tips and ideas. I really love decorating, but sometimes need the motivation to start. Once I start I can not stop, and do the whole house!!

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      I know how you feel! It’s hard for me to stop and one room at a time sometimes…I can get carried away!

  32. These are all great ways to update the home. It is amazing what a little paint can do! Small changes make a huge impact.

  33. I need to step up my DIY game and implement a bunch of your tips. Staining the door is first on my list. I agree area rugs can make a dramatic difference.

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      You’ll love the stained door! Made such a huge difference! Have a great day!

  34. The ideas for home improvement are all so good and you did such a great job especially on the painting and shiplap. Now for me to get motivated and fix up my place.

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      Thank you Melissa! Hope you have a great night!

  35. I always think furnishings like rugs, curtains and cushions can be a really cheap way to totally change the way a room looks x

  36. Di Hickman says:

    We just laid laminate flooring and wow such a difference! Our dog is having a tough time sliding around, but he’s getting used to it slowly.

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      Aww…poor little doggie! I am sure it makes a big difference though!

  37. Chelsea says:

    All great ideas! I have been meaning to change out our curtains as I think they can really change the appearance of a room.

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      Thanks, Chelsea! They really have mad a difference!

  38. How true! The smallest home project can make the most significant impact in the home, such as a beautiful area rug.

  39. Isn’t it amazing what a lick of paint can do to transform your home? I so wish that I had my own home so I could do some home projects and learn how to DIY.

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      It really is amazing! I used to not be a big DIYer, but now I can’t stop!

  40. Lots of great tips for a variety of home improvement projects!

  41. Boy, do I hate clutter. Which is kinda bad since most of my house is cluttered up right now. Maybe I will take this post as inspiration to start reducing the clutter now.

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      I agree…I hate clutter too! Glad you found the post inspiring!

  42. Charlotte says:

    I love these! We have recently moved and are working our way around the house to spruce it up! I couldn’t have found this at a better time!

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      Thanks, Charlotte! I know, I am slowly making my way around the house too!

  43. Nina says:

    Having a clutter-free home is something I need. I will have to check that one out. People are often so daunted by tasks like these. Thanks for making them simple!

  44. These are such good tips. Paint can do so much to a room! In fact we just finished painting our living room and now we’re moving to all the other rooms too because it made such a difference!

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      Thank you! I love what a little paint can do! Good luck with your painting!

  45. Brittany says:

    I’m seriously saving this and sending it to my husband! We’re about to move into our new house and it definitely needs some work. I love all of your ideas on here!

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      Thanks, Brittany! Get that hubby to working! 😉

  46. Rachel says:

    I love this post. Little things can make such big changes. I need to update my front door.

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      Thanks, Rachel! The little things really do add up!

  47. We painted our door and it’s made such huge difference! Creating an accent wall also makes a great difference.

  48. Chrisine says:

    Great lineup, and they are totally true! Thanks for sharing at the Dishing It & Digging It Link Party. We loved reading it.

  49. Cristina says:

    Love the series. It`s interesting how sometimes we don`t realize that some small things are able to change an entire house!

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      Thank you, Christina! Yes, sometimes the smallest of things can make a big difference!

  50. Claudia says:

    I am a big fan and believer in area rugs. Even though we have this beautiful wood floor, I am always looking for small and medium size rugs that make it extra special. I don’t know why, or how, but they can just tie everything together.

    Awesome post, blessings!

    Claudia
    http://withinthepagesofabook.com

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      Thank you Claudia! Hope you have a great weekend!

  51. These are great! I’m proud to say I’ve done a few of them myself: I updated our door handles, changed out my curtains and got a bright area rug to bring in a bit of color. It’s awesome how each small thing made some really great impacts!

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      Isn’t it great how much better it feels with just those small things!? 😉

  52. Susanne says:

    This is a wonderful series! I added a shiplap wall to our master bathroom , mostly all by myself 😉 Small easy projects can make such a huge difference. Thank you for joining us at Create and Celebrate!

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      Thank you so much Susanne! I’m sure your master bedroom looks awesome! Always love joining in!

  53. Abigail says:

    Such a perfect post! My partner and I are moving and this has given me the perfect tipa

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      Thank you! Hope you’ve had a great weekend!

  54. Cindy Magee says:

    What a great idea to help readers. 🙂 I’m all about making huge impacts with time saving tips like these. 🙂 Thanks for posting on Wonderful Wednesday last week.

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      Thank you Cindy! Hope you had a great weekend!

  55. Pinning this post to come back to when I start small projects! Your blog is awesome! I am a beginner DIY mama, so keep giving those tips for us beginners. 😛

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      Aww…thank you for the kind words Taylor! You made my evening! 😉

  56. Sharon says:

    WOW! Good for you for starting your blogging with a series. I love the overview of each project that you give here, but definitely #8 stands out as one of my top interest! Thanks for sharing.

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      Thank you Sharon! I thought I would just dive right in…ha! 😉 #8 is for sure one I am most passionate about!

  57. […] 8 Small Home Projects That Make a Huge Impact […]

  58. Mary says:

    Holly these are all really great projects that can be done over the weekend and do in fact make a huge impact. My favorite is paint. I never tire of screaming about the transformational powers of paint.

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      Yes, paint is my favorite for sure!! Have a great weekend!

  59. Beverly says:

    Wonderful tips! I love that they are easy enough that someone without tons of experience can complete them. We’re glad to have you sharing at Snickerdoodle Party. Pinning.

    • Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says:

      Thank you! I always love sharing with you all!

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