DIY Home Improvement Projects To Try While You’re Stuck At Home

The COVID-19 pandemic has meant all of us are spending more time at home. Even when social distancing restrictions lift, it’s clearly going to be a different summer than most of us were probably anticipating at the beginning of the year. So why not take this opportunity to improve your surroundings with some DIY projects? Even if you’ve never attempted a DIY home improvement project before, know it doesn’t need to take advanced skills or lots experience to make a major design impact. It’s also something the whole family can help with. Here are the best DIY projects for every level.

Swap Out Hardware

Anyone who can use a screwdriver can makeover a room simply by changing the pulls and knobs on drawers and cabinets. This is one of the few projects that requires zero skills. A true gamechanger for kitchens and bathrooms— even renters can do this. Just make sure to keep your old hardware and replace it when you move out.

This is also a great project to do on a budget. Build.com, for example, offers hundreds of different types of hardware in a variety of metals, colors, sizes, and finishes. Schaub and Company’s Menlo Park Cabinet Pull is a particularly on-trend option right now. The gold color is sophisticated and levels above the standard knobs and pulls many of us have in our kitchens. 

You can also change the hardware on furniture such as desks, media centers, etc, to instantly update pieces. Adding designer knobs and pulls is also an easy way to upgrade an inexpensive piece of furniture.

Makeover Your Closet Virtually

Have you done your spring closet cleaning yet? If editing your wardrobe isn’t enough, The Container’s Store Elfa system can help you create the closet you’ve always wanted.  

Just enter the dimensions of the closet and then customize with shelving, bars, drawers, etc. They even create 2D and 3D models from various angles so you can really see what the space will look like. 

But if you need extra help, the brand just launched a free virtual in-home closet design program on their website. This takes the guesswork out of everything and a professional can give you ideas you probably wouldn’t have on your own.  

The Container Store is still shipping and some stores are even offering curbside pickup. Your order will include detailed instructions as well as a video with everything you need to install your new closet

Install A New Kitchen Backsplash In Minutes

Is your backsplash looking dated or old? Peel and stick tiles are an easy and affordable fix. If you can neatly apply a sticker, you can probably do this project. Like changing hardware, it’s also a great idea for renters who feel stuck with their kitchens. WallPops offers a well-curated selection of peel and stick tiles in some of today’s most popular styles including Carrara marble, quatrefoil, and classic subway tiles.

These quality tiles are packaged as a sheet, which you can easily custom cut with a razor or box cutter. They will stay put without damaging the surface below. Then just peel off when you are ready to move or change things up. No one will be able to tell the difference between peel and stick and regular tiles. 

Add A Interesting Focal Point With Wallpaper

Tiles aren’t the only thing that you can stick on. Peel and stick wallpaper is easy to apply with patience and time. Tempaper has lots of beautiful options in every style from designers including The Novogratz, Bobby Berk, and Cynthia Rowley. Peel and stick wallpaper can be used for a whole room or even just for an accent wall in a bedroom, bathroom, or home office. Children’s rooms are particularly great spaces for peel and stick wallpaper because the style will change as they grow.

Tempaper also recently launched an adorable line wall decals, including a lightning bolt design. Older kids can even apply these to their own walls. 

But, if you want a more challenging project, consider installing regular wallpaper.

A Street Prints (which is the sister company to WallPops) has lots of beautiful options with collections from Scott Living and Terence Conran among others. 

Paint Walls In A New Way

Paint can make a big impact, but Lime Wash paint from Portola can elevate a room to an entirely new level. This type of paint gives a room a rich look reminiscent of a Mediterranean hotel with color variations that traditional paint can’t provide. It can be applied over many different surfaces including drywall, plaster, brick, cement, and stucco.

Keep in mind that Lime Wash must be applied with a brush, as opposed to a roller. “Brushing the Lime Wash helps achieve the soft, mottled appearance. Two coats of Lime Wash should be applied in overlapping brush strokes. It is important to keep a wet edge while working to avoid ‘lap’ lines. And, always cut in as you go,” says Jamie Davis, who is the co-founder of Portola Paints & Glazes.

This paint should also be sealed in high traffic areas such as kitchens, hallways, or bathrooms. “Portola sells a product called Matte Wall Sealer, which is a semi-matte, protective clear coat that will add a nice washable skin to Lime Wash,” she says.

Paint Trims And Moldings

Another great way to use paint is to skip the whole wall and just paint the trim around the doors and moldings. This can work in any room. It’s also an easier project than painting a whole wall. Just be sure to use plenty of painter’s tape.

Then choose a semi-gloss paint or a paint specifically formulated for this purpose like ECOS Non-Toxic Trim, Cabinet and Furniture paints. Choosing a bright shade like pink, black or blue can make moldings pop and create an entirely different look.

Change Out Lighting Fixtures

There’s nothing that compliments a room less than a dated lighting fixture. So, swap out fixtures that are easy to install yourself. For example, the Jamie Young Shoreline Pendant light from Paynes Gray easily updates a room to a more contemporary style.

It looks great in a dining room or even a kitchen. The seagrass adds coastal charm and brings nature inside which is something we all need right now. Just be careful and read the directions before installing any lighting fixture.

This post first appeared on Forbes.com. To see the original, click here.