I have decided to round up my 10 most popular home DIY projects as my 100th blog post! These projects are tried and true by not only me, but others who have successfully followed the tutorials and used the supply lists to update their homes. Read on to discover my top 10 home DIY projects.
Emily Rone has been busy at home! I remember when I was first starting out, researching how to start and monetize a blog, trying to figure out why bloggers do it. So often, bloggers publish posts with misleading headlines… “how I make 6 figures blogging”, “How I earn $1,000 every day”, bla bla bla. I thought it was too good to be true, and I honestly I think it was.
I did however, come across some advice that stuck. I wish I could remember who wrote it. Someone shared not to expect to make any kind of significant income until you publish 100 blog posts. And in my case, this has been spot on. My blog is finally getting enough traction to make a dent in advertising income, and I have more than one post trending up on Pinterest. It has taken me a year and a half to get here, so I’m taking some time to celebrate.
Let’s look back at my top 10 DIY projects during that time.
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience which may reward me in the event of a sale. Note that I only recommend tools and products I have personally used and loved.
Home DIY Project #1: Faux “Wood Look” Front Door
One of my first priorities after closing on our Riverdale Ranch was painting the front door. The red did nothing for the curb appeal, but I couldn’t decide on another color I thought would look better.
I knew wood would look best, but the cost of a new wooden front door was high. I decided to try a faux wood finish achieved with paint and gel stain instead. Worst case scenario, I hated it and would have to sand and re-paint it. Luckily, the best case scenario happened and I loved it.
To learn more, you can follow the step by step tutorial. This technique was so successful, I used it on the front porch beams, backyard string light post, and front porch bench. This project is definitely beginner friendly, and won’t break the bank either. You can find links to the full supply list here.
Project #2: Entryway Wall Hooks
My entryway was such a fun blank slate I knew I wanted to create something custom for. I decided on an affordable wooden wall hook project that came together nicely.
The project supply list is minimal, and the tutorial is detailed. It’s a perfect project for beginners to ease into wood staining, cutting, and sanding.
If you are looking for other entryway ideas, I’ve gathered 10 winning ways to add beauty and function to any space to give you plenty of inspiraton.
Project #3: Custom Wine Bar Cabinet
I had a blank spot above the desk in the kitchen, and knew I needed some sort of cabinet to balance the space. I got a quote from a local carpenter after I decided I wanted a custom wine cabinet built and installed. I shared my inspiration, and he quoted $2,500.
I couldn’t wrap my head around that number for such a small project, and knew I could do better. I figured out how to customize a basic cabinet from a big box store, match the stain to the existing cabinets, and installed it on the wall myself. Coming in at less than 10% of the professional quote, I was extremely happy with the finished product.
Home DIY Project #4: Kitchen Backsplash
If updating your kitchen backsplash has been on your to-do list, this is the DIY tutorial for you. My husband and I were able to complete installation of our kitchen backsplash in ONE day. Yes, you read that right. One day.
I am a firm believer that anyone can successfully execute this project. Using an adhesive tile mat instead of traditional mortar is the key to completing this project in one day. I’ve gathered my supply list and direct links to everything including the tile mat and beautiful textured tile.
Project #5: Hanging Wall Planter
If you want to add character to an outside living space, this living, hanging wall planter is a great way to do it. This project and tutorial has also been featured in Better Homes & Gardens magazine! Here’s the inside scoop on this fun and fantastic feature.
This project can be so versatile and fit numerous places and spaces throughout your home. I made mine using pallet wood to cut costs, and completed the whole project for less than $50. There is one secret I’ll let you find out from the original post– it has to do with the potted plants…
You can find the tutorial and full supply list here.
Home DIY Project #6: Garage Workshop
Although this garage remodel took 6 months, there was nothing inherently hard or difficult about it. Just a big space, with lots of stuff that needed sorting. Then once everything was sorted and organized, I knew it deserved to look pretty too. All of it was unfinished wood (& an old white 90’s refrigerator).
The star of the show in this makeover was definitely paint. It was my first time learning to use a paint sprayer, my second time painting cabinets, and my first time installing hardware. Overall, I am so pleased at how this space turned out, and will happily go out here to work on new home DIY projects. For more information about the painting process, you can find the tutorial here.
Home DIY Project #7: Dining Room Picture Frame Molding
Looking to add custom elegance to your walls? Picture frame molding is a great way to do this. And I’ve figured out how to execute the installation without a saw (this handheld tool is a lifesaver!).
Besides lots of math, building these boxes and adding them to your walls is truly beginner friendly. Using PVC trim is softer, easier to work with, and more affordable. Find the supply list here, and a step by step tutorial to learn how to add this touch of elegance to any room in your home.
Project #8: Pop Up Camper Remodel
Ok, this may be the least applicable home DIY project for most of the general population, but boy was it fun! I found a pop up camper for a great price, and knew a face lift could help someone enjoy it for years to come.
In case you are unfamiliar, these campers are known for their basic interiors especially the older they are. This was a perfect blank slate to paint cabinets for the first time, update the countertops, make no-sew cushion covers, and DIY a painted terrazzo floor. For a full project list, you can find all the before and after’s here (they are shocking & impressive!).
Home DIY Project #9: Faux Concrete Countertops
I love the rustic simplicity of a concrete countertop, and desperately needed to cover the blue, yellow and green painted floral scene that was on this small countertop in our garage entryway (before video & behind the scenes process here). I wanted a cost effective and DIY friendly option, and decided to try my hand at feather finish faux concrete.
The results were perfectly imperfect, and have stood the test of time. 2 years later, I still love the look. This method is tried and true, and can be carried over into so many different household surfaces. Find the full tutorial here (detailed on a larger scale for the camper), and direct link supply list.
Project #10: Chalk Painted Kitchen Island
Last but not least, I had to mention one of my favorite home DIY project supplies. This chalk paint additive can be mixed with any interior latex paint and is the perfect solution to painting furniture. The additive negates tedious prep work like sanding or stripping, and allows you to paint right over most surfaces.
I have used this product on multiple furniture projects in my home, the first being this chalk painted kitchen island. You can achieve full coverage with 2 coats (no chippy farmhouse look), and it’s truly so easy to work with. For direct supply links, you can find them here.
I hope you find inspiration, and a project you can incorporate into your own home in this list of my top 10! Home DIY can leave you proud, empowered, and with more money to do other things in life (like travel!). So protect and improve one of your biggest investments (your house), and learn to love what you already have with the use of your own two hands.
