Weekend Update: 4 Projects for 48 Hours (or Less)

Change can be hard, but modernizing your decor doesn’t have to be. If you – like many others right now – are tired of being stuck in the same spaces, take on a small home project that could have a big impact.

Here are a few recommendations to consider this weekend (or next):

Paint Something… Anything

It’s amazing how transformative a little paint can be! Create an accent wall, design a faux headboard, lighten up an outdated room, or revive a well-loved piece of furniture. Check your basement or storage area for leftover paint that could be upcycled, or pick up a fresh new shade to try. Having the right tools can also go a long way in saving you time and money. Consider “paint and primer in one” products for walls, or user-friendly chalk paint for furniture projects (see my earlier DIY post for more on that). Angled brushes and the right painter’s tape can also save you a lot of hassle and cleanup.

Add a “Splash” of Tile

Being on a budget as a first-time homeowner, I opted for an adhesive backsplash that looked like pressed tin in my kitchen. Installation required minimal tools and effort, and the result was retro, easy to clean, and budget-friendly. Since then, so many other adhesive options have been developed that look like subway, stone, or glass tiles. These are perfect for updating a kitchen, bath, or bar backsplash without having to hire a professional – or break the bank. Keep in mind that they also work well to protect a breakfast bar (or any bar!) from scuff marks due to shoes.

Update Your Hardware

New drawer and cabinet pulls can be a simple and cost-effective way to modernize kitchens, bathrooms, dressers, and built-ins. Looking to spend less and be sustainable in the process? Refinish your current hardware with a semi-gloss black, white, bold, or faux metal spray paint instead.    

Switch Things Up

Sometimes a big change can also come about cost-free. Rotating artwork, rugs, bedding, and pillows – or adjusting furniture placement – can make old spaces feel like new. Consider marking a floor or wall with painter’s tape before displacing larger items or creating a gallery wall, to save some stress and energy.

What other weekend home updates have you successfully completed?