Can’t afford or have time for a home renovation? Small DIY changes can make a huge difference

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Published Date 9/14/2022

Those three letters – D.I.Y. For some it sparks terror, and for others it portends learning curves and adventure. The Spruce’s Melissa Epifano admits, “The sheer fun and excitement of teaching yourself a new home reno skill—and the satisfaction that comes with completing a project—can't be beaten. But sometimes home renovations are daunting and the idea of Youtubing videos on how to knock down a wall or cut your own beadboard feels like a chore rather than an invigorating opportunity.”

In some cases you may not have the time, money, or energy but are still itching for a design change. Take heart – it's completely possible to create a sense of newness in your home without the stress of properly getting your hands dirty in a full-size renovation. No need to whip out a saw or cordless drill; all you’ll need are a few basic items for getting the job done. Epifano offers a few different expert-picked projects that need very few tools—if any, according to expert designer Linda Haase.

Curtains are a good place to start. Curtains. Curtain rods are simple and inexpensive to install, so they're great projects for DIYers who might be new to the world of home improvement. Whether they’re a single panel or more elaborate, it’s easy to get them up. Some options for curtain rods are even adhesive, so no drilling is necessary. Once these are hung up, the atmosphere and style of a room can change instantly. Another is to fill your walls with pictures, creating a gallery wall. “Don't worry about finding the hammer and nails either, adhesive hooks make installing artwork a piece of cake,” says Haase, who also says they're ideal for creating new storage spaces for other items around your home. "Command hooks are perfect for hanging things like pictures, keys, jewelry, and other knick knacks that need to be displayed around the house but don't have designated places on walls or shelves already set up for them by default (such as where you put your keys every night when you come home from work)."

Want to try your hand at tiling? Lots of people do, since tile is a gorgeous way to elevate a kitchen, bathroom, or sink area. “Even if you adore the end result, you may not want to tackle the grout and leveling process that comes with it,” says Epifano, who cites experienced interior designer Bridgette Pridgen who says to fall back on adhesive tile. "Try peel and stick flooring tile or tile backsplash to add flavor, personality, and color to any space with ease," she explains. "Peel the backing off and apply just like a sticker."

Paint projects are no-brainers as long as you educate yourself on the prep work. Painting extends far beyond the walls of a living room or bedroom, however. It’s one of the best (least expensive) home renos that requires very few tools, except for a paint brush or roller, and can instantly transform a room. You can even update the look of cabinet pulls, interior door knobs, and hardware by adding a matte black finish to them. And if you pay attention to a few HGTV renovation programs, you know that painting the cabinets or the island in your kitchen is another opportunity for upgrading a room that doesn't require tackling big walls or ceilings.

Your home’s exterior hardware may need a refresh as well. You can spray paint the outdoor hardware of doors or house numbers or just change them out for a modern fresh look. And don’t forget the mailbox and curb numbers as well.

Under-cabinet lighting may sound complicated, but it's far from it, according to Rick Berres, owner of Honey-Doers. "It’s actually quite an overstatement to say 'installing,' but they make wonderful under-cabinet lighting that can stick to the bottom of your kitchen cabinets," he explains. "You simply peel off the tape, revealing an adhesive, and stick it on the underside of your cabinet." It's a relatively easy project to start and finish one day during the weekend. If you've never had the little luxury of under-cabinet lighting, Berres says it's not worth missing out on: "You’ll never want to go back, and you’ll never turn your overhead lights on again."

The Spruce, TBWS

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