Stylish Homes, Smart Budgets: 40+ Ingenious Decor Hacks to Try

This article was originally published on worldtravelling.com and has been republished here with permission.

Decorating your home is a delightful but often costly endeavor. Whether you’re drawn to the urban-chic appeal of cement walls and industrial elements, or find yourself leaning towards the bohemian charm of colorful rugs and green nooks, defining your style is paramount. It’s the cornerstone that ensures a seamless aesthetic flow from one room to the next. Yet, achieving your dream decor doesn’t have to break the bank. In this article, we’ll share ingenious home decor hacks that allow you to express your style without a hefty price tag.

These 50+ simple and inexpensive home decor hacks will help you stay on budget and make your home look like it belongs on the pages of magazines.

Screen Embroidery

Window and door screens don’t need to be boring. They can easily be embroidered with friendly messages, or colorful shapes. Just grab some embroidery floss, and create the design that you would like to have on your screen.

From there, carefully wrap the floss around the screen wires. Everyone who walks by your home will admire it, and maybe even copy it!

Bathroom Vanity Update

Houses that were built in the 1970s tend to have outdated bathrooms. The countertops and cabinets can be easily updated with a coat of paint, a new countertop, and simply removing the cabinet doors.

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From there, you decide if you want a marble countertop or a cheaper tile one. Both will make the bathroom classy and are relatively inexpensive changes.

A Multi-Level Balcony Garden

Just because you live in an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t have a nice garden area to sit in. For those of you that have a balcony off of your apartment, you can easily turn this area into a paradise. Using different-sized planks of wood, you can build planter boxes and place them at different levels around the balcony.

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If you plant flowers and herbs that are known to creep over the edges of boxes and grow quickly, you will have a lovely area to sip tea or coffee. We would suggest growing some mint or lavender if you want a nice calming smell.

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Add Peel and Stick Tiles to the Floor

Peel and stick tiles are convenient when we are redoing the floors. First, remember to clean the current floor properly before allowing it to dry. The peel-and-stick tiles are usually an easy-to-follow floor design. We first need to cut one tile in half using a utility knife.

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After measuring and marking with a pencil, we scored the tile a few times with a straight edge and utility knife. The tile will then flex and shatter uniformly, resulting in a clean cut. We can put it up along the rear wall and work our way through the design. The tiles with Liquid Nails take a long time to dry, so it’s best to avoid them.

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Create a Pallet Wall

A pallet or shiplap wall may completely change the look of a space. Pallet wood should be sanded and properly cleaned to avoid splinters. We may clean it with a power washer or a good brush and soapy water. Allow the pallet wood to dry after washing and rinsing it.

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Installing a pallet wall by screwing 14 kinds of wood into wall studs is a typical method. Instead of attaching some pallet boards to the wall studs, we may use brad nails and a nail gun to fasten pallet wood to the 1x4s. There are a few different ways to get a selection of various colored wood planks. The simplest method is to dye some of the wood.

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The Rustic Wooden Blanket Ladder

Storage space can sometimes be hard to find, which is why a blanket ladder is a great idea for those who are space conscious. Rustic-looking wooden blanket ladders are easy to make. First, you will need to decide how many rungs you want it to have and then measure the height of the vertical pieces accordingly.

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You will want to sand the wood to avoid any pesky splinters. Then, you can put the ladder together and stain the wood the exact color you want. It will match the rest of your decor. Alternatively, you can paint the ladder if you want it to be bright and colorful.

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Updated Ventilation Ducts

Many homes have central air conditioning or heating, which means there are air vents in every room. A lot of the time, these air vents can get quite dirty looking and can make a room look slightly less stylish.

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You can create an updated ventilation area by simply creating a more modern-looking air vent cover. The easiest way to do this is to purchase some wooden slats and paint them white. They can then be nailed onto a frame and placed over the old air vent.

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Make a floating shelf using plywood

Using a pencil, we must first mark studs in the back and side walls. Then we will connect them to the wall. Begin with the side supports and secure the studs with 3′′ sheetrock screws. Add the rear support after the side supports are in place. It’s time to build the shelves now that concealed supports are in place. We will start by cutting the two outer shelf sections.

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The length of the back wall will determine the length of the shelf. Make a gentle cut with this one. The inner spacers must then be cut. Make two boards that are 4″ shorter than the length of the board. Cut a 1″ x 4″ board to the length of the shelf and then tear it to the shelf thickness. Like the rest of the parts, it’s attached with wood glue and brad nails. And we are sorted!

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Change the Furniture into something new

We have painted the nook’s walls a deep, dramatic green hue using leftover paint, a blend of Cast Iron and Pewter Green, both by Sherwin-Williams, and a combination of new and old timber for the seat. A re-covered floor mattress we already had “just happened to fit quite wonderfully” for the cushion.

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We bought new covers for pillows we already had, the repurposed baskets, and placed eye-catching lighting for the decor. We received the Hudson Valley Lighting fixture for free in return for images and coverage on her blog, which helped keep the renovation cost down. This is how under $100, we have managed to redo the whole closet.

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DIY Victorian Bay Window Seat with Storage

Bay windows are a beautiful architectural feature that can add character and charm to any room. Building a Victorian-style window seat with storage is one way to make the most of a bay window. Here’s how to do it. Materials: plywood, measuring tape, saw, screws, drill, sandpaper, paint or stain, cushions, hinges, latch.

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Steps: 1. Measure the dimensions of your bay window and use them to cut the plywood to the appropriate size for the seat. 2. Cut two more pieces of plywood to create the storage compartment beneath the seat. 3. Use screws and a drill to attach the two storage compartment pieces to the seat piece, creating a box-like structure. 4. Sand the edges and surfaces of the seat and storage compartment to ensure a smooth finish. 5. Apply paint or stain to the seat and storage compartment to match the existing décor of your room. 6. Attach hinges to the seat so it can be lifted to access the storage compartment below. 7. Install a latch to keep the seat closed when not in use. 8. Add cushions to the seat for comfort. 9. Following these steps, you can create a functional and stylish Victorian-style bay window seat with storage. This DIY project can be a great way to add character to a room while also maximizing the space in your home.

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Paint The Bathroom Walls

Sometimes all it takes is a lick of paint to make a room look completely different. Bathrooms tend to be painted pale shades, like cream and eggshell blue.

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Choosing a vibrant teal or purple, a border for the mirror, and some matching accent towels can elevate any bathroom. If you want to update it even more, you can add a secondary color, such as white, to make the bright color pop out even more.

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A Quick and Easy Guide to Door Painting

Spruce up your front door without breaking the bank with this efficient DIY painting guide. Gather your supplies: any front door paint; we used the Modern Masters’ Front Door Paint, drop cloth, paintbrushes, clean rags, stir sticks, and a step stool. You’ll also need a quart of front door paint, painter’s tape, aluminum foil, q-tips, rubbing alcohol, and a suitable primer. Step-by-Step Door Makeover: 1. Begin with the edges, providing them ample time to dry. Which edge you’ll paint depends on the direction of your door swings;

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2. If your door features raised or sunken panels, paint the reveals (the molded edges around the panels) next; 3. Having finished the edges, move on to the panels. Use smooth up-and-down brush strokes for a polished finish; 4. Any additional decorative elements, like an adorable shelf, are next in line for a paint makeover; 5. Now, tackle the horizontal cross pieces, working from the top down; 6. Lastly, paint the vertical pieces for straight and uninterrupted brush strokes. After completing the first coat, wait about an hour before repeating the process for the second coat. A few hours of drying later, you’ll have a revamped, chic door!

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Brighten Your Kitchen with Peel-and-Stick Tiles

Transform your outdated kitchen into a radiant space with peel-and-stick tiles! Ideal for renters, these tiles offer an easy and reversible solution to revamp brown, dreary kitchen tiles. The installation process is simple: just peel off the backing and stick it onto a clean, dry surface.

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Choose from various modern, bright designs to inject life into your kitchen. These affordable tiles elevate the aesthetic and stand the test of time. Upgrade your kitchen with this renter-friendly hack and enjoy a fresh, inviting look without the commitment of permanent tiling.

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Elegant Wrought Iron Drying Rack

Embrace the elegance and functionality of a wrought iron drying rack in your under-stair laundry area. Unlike bulky plastic or aluminum alternatives, this sophisticated option adds a touch of class without consuming valuable space. Perfectly mounted on the wall, it offers ample room to hang clothes, and its sturdy design ensures durability.

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The classic wrought iron finish complements any decor, turning a mundane necessity into a stylish feature. This smart solution serves its purpose and enhances your home’s aesthetic, proving that practicality and high-class design can go hand in hand.

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DIY Elegant PVC Garden Trellis

Enhance your garden’s charm with a custom-made PVC lattice trellis! Materials: pre-assembled plastic lattice, PVC pipes, PVC cutter, zip ties, and measuring tape. Step 1: Measure your garden space and cut the plastic lattice to desired size. Step 2: Cut PVC pipes into vertical and horizontal supports.

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Step 3: Attach PVC pipes to the lattice’s perimeter using zip ties for stability. Step 4: Secure the trellis upright in your garden, anchoring it firmly. Step 5: Guide your plants to grow through the lattice. This simple addition elevates garden aesthetics and functionality with minimal effort.

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Hang Shower Curtains High for a Roomier Bathroom

Make your bathroom feel more spacious and inviting by implementing a straightforward yet effective design hack: elevate your shower curtain closer to the ceiling. This will create the illusion of a larger bathroom without the need for costly renovations or expansion.

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This simple adjustment adds visual height to the room and promotes an open and airy atmosphere. It’s an easy and affordable way to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your bathroom, making it a more comfortable and enjoyable space.

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Enhance Your Laundry Room Ambiance with a Trendy Fabric Screen

Ever noticed the unsightly plumbing behind your washing machine and thought it detracts from your room’s overall decor? Here’s a home decor hack: design a chic DIY fabric screen. Choose a fabric that seamlessly blends with the color palette and theme of your laundry space. Slide it behind the machine’s plastic panel or attach it using a convenient hot glue gun.

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One of the best things about utilizing hot glue? Its effortless removal. When it’s time for a decor refresh, the adhesive comes off cleanly, ensuring no leftover residue. This innovative decor tip not only elevates the ambiance of your laundry room but also cleverly conceals those less-than-appealing pipes and hoses. With just a piece of fabric, transform and stylize your space in a flash, merging design flair with functionality.

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Designer Kitchen Faucet Cloth to Minimize Splashes

Elevate your kitchen’s style quotient while addressing those pesky countertop water splashes. Presenting the faucet splash guard cloth – a blend of design and utility that ensures your workspace remains spick and span. Be it a ready-made piece or a DIY endeavor using absorbent material, this cloth seamlessly wraps around your faucet’s base, adding a hint of elegance.

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Beyond its aesthetic appeal, it’s functional in preserving the neatness of your kitchen area, particularly during dishwashing or produce rinsing sessions. An added perk? It’s machine-friendly! Include it in your routine laundry cycle for a fresh and mold-free experience. The ease of replacement further ensures that kitchen upkeep doesn’t become a chore. A chic, cost-effective solution that seamlessly integrates functionality and design to your kitchen space.

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Drywall Repair Made Easy

Patching up your drywall can be a tiresome task, especially when it comes to maintaining the wall’s knock-down texture. The game-changer in this scenario is the revolutionary Drywall Repair Tool.

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This ingenious gadget comes with a flexible plastic template, imprinted with three random knock-down designs to match most walls. All you need is some spackle and a putty knife to get started. Say goodbye to messy spray applications; this tool keeps the process neat and straightforward, ensuring your wall looks as good as new and you house doesn’t look like a bad patch job!

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1950s-Themed Bathroom Refresh

Your bathroom is more than just a utilitarian space; it’s an integral part of your home that deserves a thematic makeover. Consider a refresh that takes you back to the 1950s—a time of elegance and distinct style. Opt for shades of green to give the room a vibrant yet retro feel.

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A strategically placed shelf above the toilet can serve as both a decorative and functional element. Populate it with vintage items or practical bathroom essentials. This thematic revamp is not just visually appealing but also adds a touch of nostalgia to your everyday routine.

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Refining Door Casings for a Sleek Look

The transformation began with the careful selection of materials, choosing a 1×3 primed finger joint board, halved for optimal thickness. The boards underwent meticulous sanding to achieve a smooth texture, essential for a polished finish. Acknowledging the uniqueness of each doorway, precise measurements were taken for each, ensuring tailor-made accuracy.

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The cutting phase included crafting mitered corners for a continuous, seamless appearance. Using a pin nailer, ideal for smaller trims, the casing was securely attached. The final touches, filling nail holes and caulking seams, ensured a cohesive and refined look, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and contributing to the overall sophistication of the space.

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Crafting a Rustic Barn Door for Home Charm

The journey to creating a DIY barn door begins with selecting the ideal wood, such as pine or cedar, valued for their strength and ease of handling. Planning involves measuring and envisioning a design that suits your space, with options like the classic “X” or “Z” pattern for a rustic touch, though parallel lines can also be appealing. After cutting the wood to the desired size, each piece is sanded for a smooth foundation.

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Assembly involves securing the pieces with screws and wood glue, ensuring a sturdy construction. Personalize the door with a stain or paint that harmonizes with your interior, and for an authentic touch, a weathered or distressed finish adds character. Complete the project with the necessary hardware, such as sliding tracks and handles, transforming your barn door into a functional and stylish home feature.

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Effective Weatherproofing for Windows

Utilizing tubular vinyl weatherstripping is a cost-effective method to seal large gaps around windows, enhancing insulation and reducing energy loss. Begin by measuring the window’s perimeter where the weatherstripping will be applied, and trim the vinyl accordingly for an exact fit.

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With the window closed to align properly, press the cut vinyl against the frame. To secure it, use small nails or staples at regular intervals, ensuring the weatherstripping stays in place for effective sealing. While tubular vinyl is efficient, it’s important to balance its functional benefits with the potential impact on the window’s appearance, considering both practicality and aesthetics.

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Revamping Laminated Cabinets

If your home features laminated cabinets, chances are you’ve had to deal with their gradual deterioration over time. Typically white with beveled edges, these cabinets appear sleek at first but tend to peel due to moisture exposure. Fortunately, there’s a cost-effective solution: paint them!

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First, remove any peeling laminate with a knife or by hand. Next, apply an oil-based primer to seal the particle board, preventing future moisture damage. For best results, use two coats and a foam roller for a smooth finish. Once primed, unleash your creativity! Whether you opt for a solid color or a faux treatment like a silver leaf finish, the possibilities are endless. And don’t forget to accessorize with trendy knobs or pulls to complete the look.

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Infuse Modern Design into Your Bedroom with a Pool Noodle Headboard

Seeking a unique yet stylish bedroom revamp? A creatively designed headboard can be the game changer, instantly uplifting the ambiance of your space. Leveraging simple materials like pool noodles, a plywood sheet, and some quality linen, you can craft this designer-inspired centerpiece for just around $80.

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Initiate by manipulating and fastening the pool noodles to achieve a contemporary design. Affix this sculpted pattern to the plywood, ensuring a solid foundation. After establishing the structure, fine-tune by trimming any surplus from the noodles and plywood, giving the edges a sleek finish. To complete, drape the construct with your chosen linen, sealing it in place with adhesive. A bedroom transformation that’s both affordable and trendy!

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Revamp Your Plastic Furniture

Rejuvenate your Plastic furniture with a simple makeover! Start by deep cleaning the piece using warm water and mild soap to remove grime. Brush off stubborn stains, rinse thoroughly, and allow it to dry. Next, apply a plastic-friendly primer; this not only enhances paint adhesion but also masks any leftover blemishes.

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Let it dry as per the instructions. Finally, paint two to three even coats of an acrylic or enamel paint, ensuring each layer dries in-between. And there you have it! With a little effort and creativity, your old plastic chair is transformed into a stylish addition to your outdoor decor.

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DIY: Easy Burlap Shades

Get ready for a quick, creative makeover of your window spaces with our DIY Burlap Shades guide! With less than $20 per window, you’re about to add a touch of rustic charm to your home. Here’s how: 1. Get Sewing: Grab your sewing machine and the upholstery-grade burlap. We recommend all-cotton Natural Burlap for its durability and natural aesthetic. You’ll need roughly a yard per window from a 40-inch wide bolt. Get those threads running and sew the burlap into the shape of your window, leaving a slight overhang on all sides for an elegant drop; 2. Spring Into Action: Next up is the spring-loaded curtain rod. These budget-friendly, practical rods, like the Levolor 18- to 28-Inch Spring Tension Rods, are fantastic for holding your burlap shade in place.

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3. Dowel Duty: Now, this is where the 3/8-inch wooden dowel comes into play. Home Depot’s Four-Foot-Long Hardwood Dowels are just the right size. Attach one to the bottom of each shade. This will not only add weight to help the shade hang better, but it’ll also give it that professional finish; 4. Ring It Up: Next, fasten a 1 1/2-inch brass ring at the top of each shade. These rings aren’t just functional—they’re a stylish way to bring that chic, vintage feel to your shades. Use a robust topstitching thread for this task. It’s all in the details; 5. Cleat Completion: Finally, tie it all together with Solid Brass Rope Cleats. Secure one to the wall near each window. They’ll serve as nifty little tools for you to loop your burlap shades onto when you want to let in that morning sunshine. And there you have it!

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Transform Your French Doors with Sleek Integral Blinds

Integral blinds, sleek, in-built wonders, offer just the right solution – here’s a fun, engaging DIY guide to show you how. Materials You’ll Need: Measure Tape, Integral Blinds, Rubber Gasket, Glass Cleaner, and Screwdriver. Step 1: Start by measuring the glass panels of your French doors. Remember, measure twice to ensure accuracy before ordering your integral blinds. The blinds need to fit perfectly within the glass panes for a smooth, sophisticated look; Step 2: Before you start installing, clean the glass panes thoroughly with a glass cleaner. A clean surface is crucial for flawless fitting.

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Step 3: Now comes the exciting part – the installation! Start by placing the integral blinds on the inner side of the French doors; Step 4: Securing the Blinds; Step 5: Once the blinds are installed and secured, it’s time to check if they’re operating smoothly. They should slide up and down with ease, offering you complete control over light and privacy.

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DIY Plastic Barrel Planter

Transform plain plastic barrels into charming planters with this DIY project. Recycle used barrels and add a pop of color to your outdoor space. Materials: Plastic barrel, 1/8″ to 1/4″ wood planks, brad nails, mesh screen, 1″ thick scrap wood (for risers), tools: jig saw, cordless drill, miter saw, brad nailer, hammer. Cut the top off the barrel or cut it in half to make two smaller planters.

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Drill holes for drainage, add skids and cover with wooden slats using a brad nailer for a unique planter. For the rim/top, cut and cover them with contrasting wooden slats. Cut 8 pieces of scrap wood to form an octagonal topper and secure it with brads and glue. Cover the holes with a mesh screen to prevent dirt from falling through. Add an inch of pebbles at the bottom for proper drainage.

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Marbled Walls

You might think that you need to buy expensive slabs of marble to create a marbled wall look, but you definitely don’t. All you need to do is choose what color of ‘marble’ you would like to have, and then buy some paint in that shade and some white paint.

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Then, using a special marbled painting technique with a sponge, you can blend the two colors to look like marble. This will create a unique wall or ceiling for a touch of class.

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DIY Backsplash

Embarking on a DIY backsplash installation can add a striking visual appeal to your kitchen. Begin by measuring your space accurately to ensure you have sufficient tile quantity. Clean and sand the wall for better adhesive grip, then sketch a centerline as a guide. Next, mix the tile adhesive, also known as thinset, to a peanut butter consistency. Spread it on a small section of the wall using a notched trowel, ensuring you cover the area evenly.

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Press your tiles firmly into the thinset following your desired pattern. For mosaic tiles, mesh-backed sheets can make the process simpler. Don’t forget spacers to ensure equal gap between tiles. Allow it to set for 24 hours, then apply grout using a rubber float, pressing it into the gaps and scraping off the excess. After the grout dries slightly, clean the tiles with a damp sponge. There you have it! A DIY backsplash that adds charm and personality to your kitchen.

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An Updated Fireplace

Traditional red brick fireplaces are beautiful, but over time they can show some wear and tear. One way to make a fireplace look new again is to give it a makeover.

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Using some white paint, modern tiles, and possibly a new mantlepiece as an accent can give your fireplace a much-needed makeover. The addition of a mirror over the fireplace will also help to make the room feel bigger than it is.

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Add A Carpet Runner

Stairs are one of those things that are hard to update. You can paint them or restain them for an updated color palette, but if you want to add a pattern to the stairwell then it is time to buy a carpet runner.

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Carpet runners are long, narrow carpets that can be put in hallways or on stairs. If you are going to add a carpet runner, then you will want to lay down some plastic gripping to ensure the runner stays in place.

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Open Kitchen Cabinetry

When you think about kitchen cabinets, you tend to imagine cabinets with doors on them. Traditionally, kitchen cabinets are made of wood, but plain wood can look a bit outdated. Removing the doors on older kitchen cabinets and painting them white or bold color can completely change a kitchen.

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To further enhance the cabinets, you can also add some stick-on wallpaper in a whimsical pattern on the inside of the cabinets. This will make the entire kitchen feel bigger and look more modern.

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Elevate Your Bathroom Window with a Chic DIY Design

Prepare yourself to give your bathroom window a new lease of life with this enchanting outdoor decorative screen panel! With dimensions of 32″ in width and 4′ in height, this panel might need a little adjustment to fit your window. Construct a Custom Frame for Your Creation: Initiate by trimming four pieces of pine wood that coincide with the internal measurements of your window, deducting 1/8″ to facilitate the seamless opening and closing of the frame. Use a router to create an identical depth groove on all four pieces. If you fancy a smooth edge, just route the edge too – it’s entirely up to you! With a thickness of 0.25″, this waterproof, paintable, and warp-resistant screen panel is indeed a marvel!

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To achieve the perfect fit, follow these instructions: Create pocket holes with a Kreg jig and screw the frame parts together. Position the frame onto the panel, making sure not to truncate any exquisite birds. Sketch two lines around the inner edge of the frame: one for the frame itself and another for the cut line, considering the groove depth. With patience, meticulously cut the external line you marked using a fine-tooth blade on a slow-moving jigsaw. Disassemble one end of the frame and insert the panel to verify the fit. Remove the panel, paint the frame, and let it dry. Reconstruct by sliding the panel back into the frame. Lastly, attach the hinges to the frame and window, and there you have it!

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Upgrade Your Bathroom Ambiance with a Sophisticated Black Shower Curtain and Silk Drapes

Give your bathroom a facelift transforming it into a high-end sanctuary with a straightforward yet elegant DIY task. Materials needed: A black shower curtain; Two 96-inch silk curtains (select a hue that harmonizes with your bathroom’s color palette); A shower curtain rod; Curtain rings or hooks; A stepladder; A tape measure; Scissors (if required). Step 1: Prior to starting, ascertain the breadth of your shower space to guarantee that the silk curtains will sufficiently cover it. Depending on the dimensions of your shower, you may need to trim the silk curtains to match the width of the shower curtain rod. Ensure to leave some surplus fabric for a relaxed, billowing drape.

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Step 2: Choose an appropriate height for your shower curtain rod that will entirely conceal the shower area whilst accommodating the length of the silk curtains; Step 3: Fasten the black shower curtain to the curtain rings or hooks. Ensure the curtain is evenly distributed and presents a uniform appearance across the full width of the rod; Step 4: Guide the curtain rings or hooks through the silk curtains, ensuring an equal spread of fabric. Affix the silk curtains to the new shower curtain rod, situating it in front of the black curtain. This layered arrangement generates depth and exudes opulence.

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DIY Textured Fabric Wall Panels

Elevate your space with an artistic touch using these DIY textured fabric wall panels. If you’ve been hunting for a unique wall accent, this hack offers an elegant solution with minimal investment. Start with sturdy square or rectangular panels as your base. Choose a fabric with a sheen, like satin or silk, to add a luxurious feel.

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Drape the fabric over each panel, creating deliberate folds and pleats for that dramatic texture. Once satisfied with your design, secure the fabric at the back. Hang these panels side by side on your wall, transforming a blank space into a captivating art installment that not only adds depth but also a touch of sophistication.

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Geometric Wooden Wall Art

Transform any bland wall into a conversation starter with this DIY geometric wooden wall art. Begin with a few wooden slats, which can often be found as leftovers from old furniture or at a local craft store. Cut them into different lengths, and arrange them in alternating patterns to create your desired geometric shape.

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Whether you prefer a diamond, chevron, or herringbone pattern, the options are limitless. Paint sections for added contrast or keep the natural wood finish for a rustic touch. Secure the pieces together using wood glue or nails. It’s a simple yet striking piece that elevates your home’s aesthetics.

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Wainscoting On Walls

Old Victorian homes are known for their impressive millwork known as paneling or wainscoting. It can make any room look elegant. These days, most homes don’t have this fine millwork, but if you add some wainscotting to your front entryway or your living room, you can have some of this old-world charm.

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You can purchase premade wainscoting from a home goods store and install it with a nail gun. The room will instantly be classier.

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A Wooden Wall

When you think about creating an accent wall, you tend to think of using brightly colored paint or sticker decals in a fun pattern. Wood can actually be used to create a rustic barn feel. You will need to measure the space and decide what kind of wooden paneling you want.

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Then, you will need to stain it in a color that will match the rest of your decor. Once that is finished, you can nail it in place either vertically or horizontally.

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Colorful Abstract Strips Furniture Paint

Tired of the same old, drab furniture? It’s time to let your creativity run wild with this exciting and budget-conscious DIY project. With a few simple steps, you can turn your ordinary furniture into a work of art that will have your friends and family marveling at your decorating prowess. What You’ll Need: Acrylic paint in various colors; Painter’s tape; Small paintbrushes or foam brushes; A piece of furniture ready for a makeover (e.g., a dresser, nightstand, or coffee table; Clear acrylic sealer or varnish (optional). Step-by-Step Guide: Step 1: Select a piece of furniture you’d like to revamp. This can be an old dresser, a tired-looking nightstand, or even a bland coffee table; Step 2: Clean your furniture thoroughly, removing any dust or grime. If needed, lightly sand the surface for better paint adherence.

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Step 3: Map out your desired design by applying painter’s tape to create stripes or geometric patterns across the furniture’s surface. Feel free to get creative with your patterns, alternating between thin and thick lines or creating unique shapes; Step 4: Unleash the Colors Using your chosen acrylic paint colors, begin filling in the spaces between the painter’s tape. You can use a single hue for a monochromatic look or multiple colors for a vibrant, eye-catching result. Allow the paint to dry completely before carefully removing the painter’s tape;

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DIY Seat Cushion (sewing required)

In this DIY project, create a custom bench cushion with fabric and high-density foam. Start by cutting foam to fit your bench dimensions, leaving half an inch of room. Use an electric knife for easier cutting. Select quality upholstery fabric from trusted sources like Tonic Living. Cut the top, bottom, and side pieces of fabric, adding a 5/8″ seam allowance. To add a zipper, cut an extra strip for the back, sew in the zipper, and then hide it under a fabric flap for a clean look.

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Create your own cording by cutting fabric strips on the bias and sewing them around a cord. Lay your cut fabric pieces face down on the foam, insert the cording, and pin everything in place. Sew the pieces together, ensuring the cording and fabric seams align neatly. The result is a removable, washable bench cushion with professional-looking edges.

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DIY Privacy Window Screen

Upgrade your windows with this fantastic DIY privacy window screen! No professional skills are required; just gather simple tools and materials to begin: Plywood or budget-friendly pine strips; Sheer fabric (such as lining fabric or muslin); Jigsaw or another cutting tool; Rotary cutter or scissors; Cutting mat; Tape measure and ruler or straight edge; Paint and stencil; Glue gun or spray adhesive. First, measure your window’s width and the desired height for the privacy panel using a tape measure. Cut your plywood or pine strips to size with the measurements in hand using a jigsaw or another cutting tool.

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After cutting the wood, test-fit the pieces together before securing them with glue or nails. Ensure the pieces fit snugly but not too tightly. Next, prepare the sheer fabric by cutting it to the correct size and applying your chosen stencil design using paint and a stencil. Attach the fabric to the frame with a glue gun or spray adhesive. Finally, install your new privacy screen in the window and enjoy the fresh look it brings to your space! Make adjustments as needed for a perfect fit.

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Craft a Simple Window Curtain

This straightforward and effortless DIY project transforms your door’s window into an attractive centerpiece! With just a few materials and a sewing machine, create a custom door-window curtain that adds sophistication to any area. You will need: Fabric (measure your door’s window to determine the quantity needed); Thread; Sewing machine; Scissors; Measuring tape; Iron. Step 1: Measure and Cut Your Fabric – Begin by measuring your door’s window to determine the fabric needed for the curtain. Add extra inches to the length and width for hemming, creating a rod pocket. Cut the fabric to size based on your measurements.

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Step 2: Hem the Edges – Using your sewing machine, hem the fabric edges to prevent fraying. Fold the edge about 1/2 inch and sew a straight stitch along the edge. Step 3: Create the Rod Pocket – Fold the top fabric edge about 3 inches and iron it down. Fold it over again approximately 2 inches and iron it down. Sew a straight stitch along the pocket’s bottom edge, creating a channel for the curtain rod. Step 4: Hang Your Curtain – Lastly, hang your curtain on a tension or small curtain rod that fits your door’s window, adjusting the folds as desired. Add decorative accents like tassels or ribbon for a personal touch.

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The Fancy Breakfast Island

Most kitchens are not complete without a nice breakfast island or kitchen nook. However, not all islands are built the same. Some islands have fancy detailing and granite countertops, while others are a lot more basic.

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If you have a basic island, you can make it look chic with the addition of a corbel. These little details can be nailed or glued underneath the countertop overhang. You can also choose from a wide variety of colors and shapes to achieve that classic French look or a more rustic one.

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Create a Herringbone board and batten at home

Place a full-length board snugly in the upper left corner of the wall. Using a finishing nailer, attach the board. Cut a piece to fit this gap by measuring the distance from the end of that board to the right side of the wall. Install it as tightly as possible to the ceiling, much as the previous piece. Measure the wall’s whole length and split it in half. Trim the vertical board to fit between the baseboard and the ceiling piece.

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Remove one end of a new board and cut a 30-degree angle in it. Mark where the board meets the following vertical board while holding it flush to one of the vertical boards. Cut and dry fit this board to ensure it fits snugly on both ends. After we have finished sanding and caulking, use a vacuum to gather the huge pools of sawdust. Next, wipe off every nook and corner using a tack cloth, and we are done.

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An Airy Bathroom

Sometimes all a room needs is a slick of paint on the walls or on the floor. That’s right; bathroom floors can be painted if they are linoleum. You can choose fun geometric patterns or simple stripes to completely change the room.

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Then, you can make it light and airy by taking the blinds or heavy curtains down. The addition of some gauzy curtains that match the new floor color will completely transform the area.

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Updated Light Fixtures

More often than not, when you buy a new house, the light fixtures tend to be a couple of decades old. That means that some major updating is needed if you want your new home to feel chic and trendy.

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If you or someone you know is good with rewiring electrical sockets, then you can easily switch out those old wall sconces for some new ones. You can also get some statement pieces from Ikea or used stores for your main lighting features.

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Silver And Gold

Spray paint is a pretty magical thing. It comes in many different colors and can completely transform metal furniture parts. If you have a coffee table that needs a bit of updating, you can easily grab a can of gold spray paint and apply it to the coffee table.

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Gold metals are very in fashion right now, and a gold-accented coffee table will automatically make a room look expensive. Add in some gold light fixtures, and your living room will be fit for a queen or a king.

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An Accent Door

Accent walls in vibrant shades of red or blue are a great way to catch the eye and create a color palette for a room. Accent doors can have a similar effect. The front door of your home is the first thing anyone sees, and that’s why it needs to ‘wow’ your guests.

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Painting it a deep blue to match your trim or even a vibrant red can make all of your guests take notice of your home. Add a few more touches of color inside your home to tie it all together and make it as elegant as possible.

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Add luxury vinyl peel and stick to the bathroom floor

Redoing bathroom floors is quite a hassle. Unless it is a really large space, it is not worth doing the floor every once in a while. However, vinyl peel-and-stick tiles it is an effortless way to get creative with the tiling. It is easy to install and comes in so many beautiful designs.

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Remember to wash the floor surface very carefully so there is no debris or anything. Then we need to pick a suitable design and cut the tiles accordingly. Then we have to set up tiles all along the floor carefully. Give the tiles some time to set, and we are all good.

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A Wall Of Mirrors

Back in the 1980s, it was pretty normal to have a closet with mirrored doors. This trend slowly faded away, but now it is returning in an updated way.

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Instead of having mirrored sliding doors, you can decorate your bedroom with a collection of square mirrors, or other shapes that fit together like a puzzle. Not only will this make your bedroom appear bigger, but it will create a unique feature that people will talk about when they see it.

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Faux Marble Countertops

There are a lot of different materials that can be used to create classy looking countertops. Lightwoods create that Scandinavian look, while granite and marble create that classic Italian style.

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Marble is very expensive, and if you don’t have a lot of cash to shell out, then you can easily create fake marble. You will need to purchase a marbling paint kit, and then delicately paint your countertop to look like the marble of your choice.

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Creative Upholstery

When you hear the word, ‘upholstery’ you probably associate it with a chair or a sofa. Upholstery can actually be used on doors to create a medieval leather look. This is a more involved process than painting a door, but the results are well worth it.

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ֿFirst, choose a color of leather or fabric that you like, and then carefully upholster the door. You may want to add some cool brass studs to complete the look.

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Refinishing Used Furniture

Upcycling is all the rage right now. If you like hitting up yard sales to find old pieces of wooden furniture, then you likely already know about this. Wooden furniture can be stripped of varnish, and refinished to look like new, or much older depending on the look you want.

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You will need to get some sandpaper and a sander to get all of the polish off. Once it is repainted to your exacting standards, you will be able to show off your refinished antique piece.

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Updated Wallpaper

Wallpaper has been experiencing a rebirth, and creating an accent wall with a unique pattern is a great way to stay on-trend. Wallpaper works best with neutral walls and accents as it is the focal point in a room.

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You can choose the color palette you want to work with and then find a funky wallpaper that ties in with it. Japanese and French companies have produced some beautiful wallpapers made with silk that are very chic.

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Modernize The Staircase With Paint

Replacing a staircase is very expensive, but with the right wood stain and some paint, it can be updated inexpensively. Staircases made of real wood can be stripped of their varnish and then stained a darker color.

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To make a staircase even more chic, white paint can be used on the newel posts and balustrades to create a contrast between the stained portion and the painted one. This will definitely elevate your staircase’s style and make guests think you spent a lot more than you did.

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A Chef’s Kitchen

Industrial kitchens designed for serious foodies tend to be expensive. The Viking appliances alone can set you back thousands of dollars. If you don’t want to break the bank, open-concept cabinetry and a dark countertop can create a similar look.

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Concrete can be used to create the stainless steel look on counters. You must make sure the concrete is even on the counters, and then once it is dry, finish it off with a satin coat.

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Recycled Curtains

Sometimes, what you need to spruce up your home is already in your home. Curtains or blinds are one of those items every room with windows needs.

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Blinds tend to be expensive, but curtains don’t have to be if you make them out of sheets. Old white sheets or colored ones can make great makeshift curtains for those on a budget.

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Mason Jar Lights

Updating light fixtures is pretty easy, but updating the lampshades is even easier. Most people have mason jars leftover from jams and spaghetti sauce. Instead of recycling the jars, they should be saved.

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The top of a mason jar tends to screw on perfectly to a lamp. This creates a unique rustic lampshade. If you want to add some color, consider purchasing some colored mason jars.

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Create A Wall Accent

It can be pretty pricey to build a new wall or create one with natural stone to accent a living room. There is one hack that most DIY enthusiasts don’t think about, and that is veneer.

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Veneer stones and wood can be purchased at any home renovation store quite inexpensively. Using some glue, the faux stone or wood can be glued to the wall for a chic look.

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Floors That Glisten

Scuffed-up floors do not look chic, which is why giving them a quick makeover is a great idea. If your floor is already in pretty bad shape, consider using the paper, glue, and polyurethane trick.

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Drench the paper in glue, and artfully arrange it on your existing floor. Then, coat it in polyurethane. When it dries, it will shine like it has been varnished.

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Rope And Mirrors

Some people really like a nautical aesthetic. If blue and white are your color scheme, then you may want to consider using rope to hang your mirrors.

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A thick rope can be purchased from boating stores and attached to the back of mirrors to create a unique boat-like design. It will almost look like a porthole in your room.

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The Ladder Shoe Rack

Ladders make excellent furniture; you just need to know how to adapt them. If you have a wooden ladder in your garage that you aren’t using and a lot of shoes, consider adapting it.

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The addition of some wooden shelves can turn a ladder into a beautiful shoe rack. You can leave this at your front entranceway or your bedroom.

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A Splash Of Color

One area that people never consider painting is the sides of drawers. When you pull them out to grab a top or put some laundry in, you don’t look at the side of it.

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However, this is a nice area to paint and add a splash of color. This is especially nice for children’s rooms, as you can do a rainbow of colors.

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Medallions

Medallions used to decorate the ceilings of fancy homes, but they are a lot less common now. However, they make any room look like it belongs in a palace.

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The best part is that they are easy to install, and you can find them in antique shops. If you’re thrifty, you can also look at charity shops and yard sales.

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Shower Curtain Bows

Most people use metal or plastic shower rings to hold their shower curtains up. Ribbons tied into bows can do the exact same thing, and look even cuter.

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All you need to do is select a ribbon

that matches your bathroom color scheme, and make sure that the ribbon is thin enough to fit through the holes in the curtain.

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Teapot Vases

Thrift stores have a lot of items that can be turned into vases. Vintage teapots, with the lid removed, can be used for floral arrangements. To give a teapot an update, you can spray-paint it gold or silver.

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These colors go with everything, and metallics are very in fashion right now. Just make sure to buy a colorful bouquet to really make it shine.

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Laminate Flooring

Traditional hardwood floors are beautiful, but the price tag is not. Laminate flooring looks exactly like hardwood but at a fraction of the cost. To install laminate, all you need to do is pull-up your carpet and place the laminate pieces in.

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They usually interlock, which makes installation easy. Your room will look like it has had a total makeover.

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Streamline The Trim

Some houses are poorly constructed when it comes to basic finishes. The trim doesn’t connect, and there are gaps between the door frame and the trim. This doesn’t look very chic, but the addition of a simple plinth can tie it all together.

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You just need to measure the space and ensure that the plinth will attach between the door frame and trim.

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New Baseboards

Baseboards are the trim that is found around the bottom of a floor. Some houses don’t have any, while others have very thin trim. You can head to the hardware store and purchase some new trim that is thicker and milled.

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This will create a classy room that is similar to what is found in an old-style New York City apartment.

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Add a light rustic wood color

Home décor is all about being brave and getting handy with creative ideas. Very few people dare to play with wood. So, here is an idea to give a Victorian flavor to our home. It just takes two easy processes to get this done. First, we need to sand the surface to bare wood.

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We need to make sure the whole surface is as evenly toned as possible. Then apply whitewash and let it dry before glazing. It gives the wood a lighter rustic wood tint, which we all love. Make an effort to get into all of the grooves and let the glue soak into the wood. We can find the glaze at Home Depot.

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Refinish or “Reglaze” a Bathtub

Renovations are expensive. Bathtub refinishing restores the tub’s gleaming, near-new appearance while also making it easier to maintain. This is five times less expensive than having it removed and replaced. To begin, remove all decorations and hampers from the bathroom and cover the toilet, vanity, and mirror with plastic.

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Plastic is used to cover the walls and furniture. Create a ventilation system. Hide the tub’s overflow if the screws are frozen. Then, using a utility knife, cut the old tub caulk. After peeling off the caulk, we may use silicone remover to aid a bit. The Razor scraper is quite helpful. Remove any silicone remover with lacquer thinner after removing the caulk. We can sand hard water deposits using 120-grit paper if they exist.

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Venetian Blinds

There are many different types of blinds, from vertical conference room style ones to standard-issue metal ones. However, fabric blinds known as Venetian blinds, which pull up for a slightly gathered look, are effortlessly chic.

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They are also very easy to make yourself. All you need is a long piece of fabric, some well-placed holes evenly spaced down the length of it, and some string to make your own.

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Changeable Wall Shelving

Pegboard is one of those things you normally see in garages for holding tools. However, it can be repurposed and used as chic shelving in a living room or study. It is easy to install, and shelves can be placed at different heights or moved around periodically.

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This will give you the ability to change your shelving look regularly, and people will think you’ve spent a lot of money redoing your shelves every couple of months.

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Seat Cushion Makeover

Chairs are one of those pieces of furniture every home needs. However, sometimes, the seat cushion fabric is not as up-to-date as it could be. If you want your chair to be an accent piece, then selecting a new fabric and reupholstering the cushion is a great way to add some elegance.

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All it takes is a staple gun, a piece of fabric over the old cushion and backing, a few staples to hold the fabric in place, and voila! Now, you have a brand new chair.

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Stick-On Wallpaper

The wallpaper itself is a great way to create an accent wall or completely change a room with a new pattern. However, putting up wallpaper used to be a rather sticky business.

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You would have to paint large swathes of glue and then line up the wallpaper and make sure there are no air bubbles. All it takes now is some removable wallpaper, and you can easily update a bathroom or a living room in a day.

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Wooden Illusions

Many bathroom sinks that are placed atop prefabricated vanities lack a certain level of elegance. That’s because they don’t have anything that makes them unique, but this is easy to change. You can head to any home goods store and pick out some wooden pedestal legs.

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These pedestal legs can then be painted to match the color of the vanity and attached to the front section. This will give the vanity the appearance of having fancy legs.

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Replace Metal Light Fixtures

In the 1970s and 1980s, brass and polished gold light fixtures were very in style. However, homes that still have these tend to look a bit dated. The easiest fix for this is to simply replace the metal with a more fashionable style.

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Typically, brushed metal in a dark shade tends to look the best with any decor. If you want to be more fashion-forward, you can opt for an eye-catching statement light fixture.

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Frame Your Television

Many people like to use TV stands for their television. If you have a fireplace with a mantle strong enough to hold a TV, it can make the perfect stand. Simply placing your TV on the mantle will not make it stylish, though. You will want to add some accessories that create a polished look, such as some candles and plants.

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Then, using wood or other material that matches the mantle, you will want to build a frame to go around the TV. This will involve the use of a measuring tape and some tools. The finished product is worth the extra effort!

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Built-In Bathroom Shelving

A lot of bathrooms have a simple unframed mirror hanging above the sink. This is one of the easiest things to change. What you will need is some trim, typically in white, and a shelving unit that will fit in the space next to the mirror.

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Then, it is simply a matter of measuring and installing the trim around the mirror and the shelving unit. This will update your bathroom and have the added bonus of some extra storage space for towels and toiletries.

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Funky Closet Doors

Most builders and homeowners don’t think about dressing up their closet doors, but this is actually a great way to change a bedroom. These doors can easily be taken off the hinges, and painted or have some wooden accents added to them.

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Barn doors are very popular for those who want that rustic, hipster-chic aesthetic. To make these, you will need to either glue or nail some thin planks of wood that have been carefully measured onto the pre-existing door.

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A New Sink Color

You might think that you need to completely renovate your bathroom to make it look fancy, but you don’t. Waterproof paint in a variety of colors can be used to transform the porcelain fixtures in your bathroom.

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Select a color that matches the palette you want, and then begin sanding down the sink to remove the protective varnish. The easiest way to do this is to remove the faucet and handle it. That way, you have a blank ‘canvas’ to work on.

Appliance Covers

We all like having new appliances, but a fridge with a television built-in or a tablet can cost thousands of dollars. If you want your fridge to get an update, without spending a lot of money, you should think about stick-on wallpaper.

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You can choose a plain turquoise one or a patterned one and then carefully stick it to your fridge. Within a matter of minutes, your fridge will go from average to fabulous.

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