DIY Home Projects

Even though you might not live in a rental home forever, that doesn’t mean you have to grin and bear it if you’re not loving the look and feel. There are plenty of smart ways you can update a space in a reversible, temporary way. Renter Sarah Bryant (@sarahlouwho) knows this well. After moving into a charming 1901 apartment in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, Sarah decided to make some changes to what she guessed was an “early 2000s” kitchen.

Leaning into color — not away from it — will make a space feel calm, according to this DIYer.

‘Tis the season for orange glowy coziness.

It costs less than a latte.

Get ready to drool over the wood detailing, roof color, dog statues, and dreamy fall backdrop.

It was inspired by something from the designer’s yard.

Even better? You can finish in an afternoon.

This is proof that a small budget can make a big impact.

From DIYers who have done it.

It's customizable, too!

“I’ve just been craving something new in the living room,” the DIYer says.

It’s so simple, too.

It’s under $100 and so easy to build.

It’s forest-inspired.

A basic big-box find becomes stylish shoe storage with striking stripes.

It looks so sophisticated.

It’s the “holy grail” hack for a perfect line.

Spooky but cute at the same time.

“It makes me happy every time I open the front door or walk into the living room,” the DIYer says.

I’m in my grown-up art era.

“It 100% paid off,” the homeowner says.

The cabinet was free from Facebook Marketplace.

No more pillows lost in the crack.

It's so much brighter.

The gist of this project is straightforward: Assemble a BILLY, then surround it with trim.

The homeowner saved up for four years to make it happen.

And they’re tariff-proof!

Paint for the win!

It’s bold but approachable.

The tub is the same one as before — just refinished — and the tiles are stunning.

Now we can *all* enjoy his backyard.

The homeowner wanted to lean into color wheel opposites.

See how the “builder-grade, landlord-special kitchen” took a turn for the colorful and whimsical.

This homeowner loves her little galley kitchen — she’s totally over open-concept.

These jaw-dropping makeovers start at just $100.

You might already have the items on hand.

“The transformation reads bright and airy in the day, and deep and moody after twilight hours,” the DIYer says.

“This was very cost-friendly and fun,” the DIYer says.

There are clever DIY ideas to borrow whether your kitchen is a temporary or forever place to cook.

It's got U.S. Open and "Challengers" vibes all in one!

It came with great bones, like a fireplace and original woodwork.

The details are everything.

The lesson in this porch makeover? Think colorfully!

It works way better for this family of five.

The IKEA SEKTION is sneakily a bedroom superhero.

Instant fairy tale vibes!

“As a homebody, introvert, and remote worker, it feels especially important to create a space I truly enjoy being in,” the renter says.

Try this before thrifting your oldest pair of jeans.

And it has the prettiest accent wall.

I've been using it for years.

“When one piece of furniture can play double duty, it’s a win for me,” the DIYer says.

Long live the lawn flamingo!

The project included several DIY “firsts” for the homeowners.

You only need two items.

You’ll get nostalgic every time you look at it.

Plus, there’s cool new texture and hardware.

The DIYer’s grandpa built the kitchen cabinets.

There’s even an indoor trellis!

"I had been getting really inspired by rich burgundy tones in homes," the DIYer says.

It proves every corner counts!

I'm not over checkerboard yet and this version is *chef's kiss*.

This is so much cuter than a basic frame.

It took less than 10 minutes.

The DIYer says it’s like “being immersed in an oil painting.”

Here’s what’s in store for this hack-friendly favorite.