Looking to freshen up your space without breaking the bank? We’ve all been there – staring at those blank walls or tired decor pieces, wishing we could wave a magic wand and transform our homes. The good news? You can create gorgeous custom decor pieces that look expensive but cost way less when you make them yourself!
We’ve gathered some DIY inspo for some amazing DIY home decor projects that are perfect for crafters of all skill levels. Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned DIY expert, these creative home decor ideas will help you add personality to your space.
Let’s dive into some fun weekend projects that’ll have your friends asking “Where did you get that?”
1) Make your own macrame plant hangers for that boho vibe
Let’s get crafty and add some serious style to living space with our plants! Making macramé plant hangers is such a fun way to bring that cozy boho feel into our homes.
We love that these hangers are super beginner-friendly. All we need is some cotton cord, scissors, and a metal ring to get started. Plus, we can make them in any size to fit our favorite plant pots.
The best part? We can customize our macramé designs to match our personal style. Want something simple? Go for basic knots. Feeling fancy? Add some intricate patterns!
These hanging planters are perfect for saving space too. We can hang them by sunny windows or create a gorgeous green corner in any room. They work great for both indoor spaces and patios.
Don’t stress if your first attempt isn’t perfect – that’s what makes it fun! Each knot gets easier with practice, and before you know it, you’ll be making beautiful plant hangers like a pro.
2) Upcycle old jars into artsy candle holders—talk about saving the planet in style!
Got a bunch of empty glass containers or candle jars lying around your house? We’ve all been there! Instead of tossing them in the trash, let’s turn them into something gorgeous for our homes.
Cleaning out old candle jars is super easy. Just pop them in hot water until the remaining wax melts, then wipe them clean. Ta-da! Fresh canvas ready for our creative magic.
We love using these jars as tea light holders for instant cozy vibes. Paint them with glass paint, wrap them in twine, or add some sparkly gems – the possibilities are endless!
Want to take it up a notch? Try making your own candles in these upcycled jars. Just grab some wax, wicks, and your favorite scents. It’s way easier than you might think!
For outdoor entertaining, we can transform these babies into hanging lanterns. Just add some wire for handles, pop in a tea light, and voilà – instant garden party magic! Our planet (and our wallets) will thank us for this adorable eco-friendly DIY.
3) Create a gallery wall from a mix of thrifted frames. Add pics that bring pure joy!
Creating a gallery wall from thrifted and designer finds is one of our favorite ways to add personality to any room without breaking the bank! Elle Decor, with its expertise in home design, offers great inspiration for creating stunning gallery walls. We love hunting for unique and budget-friendly art pieces at local thrift stores.
Start by collecting frames that catch your eye – don’t worry if they don’t match perfectly! That’s part of the charm. We’ve found that mixing different frame styles and sizes creates the most interesting look.
The fun part is choosing what goes inside those frames! Fill them with family photos decorative items that make you smile, your kids’ artwork, or thrifted art pieces that speak to you. We like to mix in a big mirror or statement piece as a focal point.
Before putting holes in the bed or wall, lay everything out on the floor first. Play around with the arrangement until it feels just right. We promise it’s way easier to shuffle things around on the ground than to keep moving nail holes!
Remember, there’s no wrong way to do this! Your gallery of wall art should make you happy every time you look at it. If something brings you joy, it belongs on that wall – simple as that! Trust us, your personality will shine through in the best possible way.
4) DIY painted flower pots—because your plants deserve to be fancy too
Let’s show those plain terracotta pots some love! We’re huge fans of easy painted flower pot designs that add personality to our indoor and outdoor spaces.
Getting started is super simple – grab some acrylic paint, brushes, and those boring brown pots. We love trying fun patterns like polka dots, stripes, or even cute faces. The best part? There’s no wrong way to do it!
Want to get extra fancy? Try making DIY stencils for perfect patterns every time. You can cut them by hand or use a cutting machine if you’re feeling fancy.
Pro tip: Make sure to seal your masterpiece with clear spray sealer after the paint dries. This keeps your artwork looking fresh even when your plants need watering.
We’ve found this project is perfect for a crafty afternoon with the kiddos. Plus, these pots make the sweetest gifts for plant-loving friends and family members. Who wouldn’t want a one-of-a-kind pot that matches their home decor?
Don’t worry if your first attempt isn’t perfect – our early tries definitely weren’t! The beauty of DIY is that each pot tells its own story, just like our messy but beautiful parenting journey.
5) Turn leftover wood into a rustic decorative ladder. Perfect for hanging those cozy throws!
Let’s get crafty with those old pieces of wood lying around! A rustic decorative ladder adds the perfect farmhouse touch to any room, and we’re obsessed with how versatile they are. An interior designer might use such elements to enhance a bespoke farmhouse style, creating a customized, stylish aesthetic.
Start by cutting your wood pieces to size – we need two long sides and several shorter rungs. Sand everything down until it’s smooth (no splinters allowed in our cozy sofa throws!). Then attach the rungs to the sides, spacing them evenly apart.
We love how these ladders can transform into functional storage for our blankets and throws. Just lean it against the wall, and voila! You’ve got yourself a chic, Pinterest-worthy decor piece that’s actually useful storage.
Want to make it extra special? Try adding a cute vintage finish with some distressed white paint. Or keep it natural – both looks are totally adorable! We’ve found that hanging seasonal decorations like wreaths or fairy lights makes it even more magical.
The best part? You can move it around whenever you feel like switching things up. Pop it in the living room, bedroom, bathroom or even create a cozy reading nook – the possibilities are endless!
6) Craft some cute pom-pom wall hangings—they’re absolute fluff heaven!
Let’s get real – nothing adds pizzazz to a boring wall quite like a DIY pom-pom wall hanging. These fluffy little beauties are totally trending right now, and we’re here for it!
The best part? You don’t need to be a craft genius to make these. Making pom-poms is super easy with a pom-pom maker, and if you’re feeling lazy (no judgment here!), you can even buy pre-made ones. We’ve all been there!
Pick your favorite colors and go wild! We love mixing up different shapes and sizes of pom-poms to create depth and texture. Hang them in rows, make them cascade down like a waterfall, or create fun patterns – there’s no wrong way to do this!
Want to make it extra special? Try adding some sparkly yarn or mixing in different textures custom designs. These wall hangings make amazing DIY room decor and trust us, your friends will be begging to know where you got them.
Pro tip from our crafting adventures: secure those pom-poms really well – we learned that lesson the hard way when our toddler decided to “reorganize” our first attempt!
7) Design a fabulous fabric-covered bulletin board to jazz up your workspace
Let’s transform that boring cork board into something absolutely gorgeous! A fabric-covered bulletin board adds the perfect personal touch to any workspace or home office.
We love how easy this project is! All you need is a basic cork board, your favorite fabric (about 2 inches wider and longer than your board), and some basic crafting supplies. Pretty quilted fabric works great for this project.
Start by giving your cork board a quick paint job if you want. Don’t stress about being perfect since the fabric will cover it anyway!
Next, fold the fabric edges over about an inch and press them with an iron to create clean lines.
Here’s where the magic happens! Position your fabric right-side-up on the board and secure it tightly around the edges. We like using a staple gun for this part, but strong glue works too.
Want to make it extra fancy? Try adding decorative nailhead trim around the edges. It gives such a professional, polished look!
Now you’ve got a super cute bulletin board that’s ready for all your notes, photos, and inspiration pieces. Your workspace just got a major upgrade!
Getting Started with DIY Home Decor
We’re so excited to help you kick off your DIY, interior design and decor journey! Starting small and planning ahead will make your projects more fun and successful.
Gathering Supplies on a Budget
Let’s be real – crafting office supplies really can get pricey! We love hunting for bargains at thrift stores and flea markets for unique materials and accessories that won’t break the bank.
Start with these budget-friendly basics:
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Paint brushes (various sizes)
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Craft paint in your fave colors
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Hot glue gun + glue sticks
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Scissors
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Measuring tape
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Basic toolkit (hammer, screwdrivers)
Don’t feel pressured to buy everything at once! We suggest grabbing supplies as you need them for specific projects.
Choosing a Color Palette That Pops
Picking colors is one of the most fun parts! Start by choosing 2-3 main colors you absolutely love. These will be your base colors.
Add 1-2 accent colors that make your base colors shine. Think about:
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Colors already in your space
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Your favorite pieces of furniture
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The mood you want (calm? energetic?)
Pro tip: Grab paint chips from the hardware store – they’re free and perfect for playing around with color combos! We like to tape them up on the wall and live with them for a few days before committing.
Wall color can totally change how your DIY pieces look, so keep that in mind when planning your palette.
Design Tips for Your DIY Creations
Creating beautiful DIY decor takes a mix of creativity and planning. We’ve picked up lots of tricks for making budget-friendly interior decorating projects look amazing!
Mixing and Matching Styles Like a Pro
Let’s be real – matching different styles can feel super intimidating! We love combining vintage pieces with modern touches to create spaces and ideas that feel uniquely us.
Try these fun combos:
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Modern metallic frames + rustic wood accents
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Sleek furniture + cozy boho textiles
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Industrial elements + soft natural materials
Don’t be afraid to break the “rules”! If you love how two things look together, that’s all that matters. Trust your gut and have fun experimenting with unexpected pairings.
Adding Personal Touches That Wow
Time to make your DIY and decorating projects totally unique!
We’re obsessed with adding personal elements that tell your site a story.
Quick ways to personalize:
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Display family photos in creative arrangements
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Include meaningful quotes or words
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Use your favorite colors in unexpected places
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Add handwritten labels or tags
Remember those kids’ art projects you’ve been saving? Frame them!
Nothing makes a space feel more like home than seeing pieces of your life displayed with love.
Mix in items that make you smile – maybe that quirky thrift store find or the seashells from your last beach trip.
The magic happens when you let your personality shine through!
Enhancing Your Space with Lighting and Ambiance
Creative DIY Lighting Ideas
Lighting can make or break the ambiance of a room. With a little creativity, you can create unique and functional lighting fixtures that enhance your space. Here are some DIY lighting ideas to get you started:
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Mason Jar Chandelier: Imagine a rustic and charming chandelier made from mason jars, twine, and a few basic tools. This project is perfect for adding a touch of farmhouse chic to your dining area or kitchen. Simply attach the jars to a wooden board, insert light bulbs, and hang it up. Voilà! You’ve got yourself a stunning centerpiece that’s sure to impress.
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String Light Canopy: Add a whimsical touch to your bedroom or living room with a string light canopy. All you need are some fairy lights, wooden dowels, and a few screws. Drape the lights over the dowels and secure them to the ceiling for a magical, starry-night effect. It’s like bringing a piece of the outdoors inside!
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Glass Bottle Pendant: Upcycle old glass bottles into beautiful pendant lights. Attach a pendant light kit to the bottle, and add a few decorative items like beads or twine for a custom look. Hang these pendants over your kitchen island or in a cozy reading nook to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Setting the Mood with Ambiance
Ambiance is all about creating a specific mood or atmosphere in a room. With the right lighting, colors, and textures, you can create a space that’s perfect for relaxation, entertainment, or productivity. Here are some tips for setting the mood with ambiance:
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Use Warm Colors: Warm colors like orange, yellow, and red can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for living rooms and bedrooms. Consider adding a fresh coat of paint in these hues to transform your space.
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Add Textures: Mix different textures like wood, metal, and fabric to add depth and interest to your space. Think about incorporating wooden crates, metal candle holders, and soft faux flowers to create a balanced and visually appealing decor.
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Experiment with Lighting: Use different lighting fixtures and techniques to create a unique ambiance. For example, use floor lamps to create a warm and cozy glow or string lights to create a whimsical and playful atmosphere. Don’t be afraid to mix and match to find what works best for your personal style.
Adding Plants and Greenery to Your Decor
Choosing the Right Plants for Your Space
Adding plants and greenery to your decor can not only purify the air and improve the aesthetic of your space but also boost your mood and productivity. Here are some tips for choosing the right plants for your space:
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Consider the Lighting: Choose plants that thrive in the lighting conditions of your space. For example, if your space has low light, opt for plants like Chinese Evergreen or Pothos. These plants are not only easy to care for but also add a touch of green to any room.
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Think About Maintenance: Choose plants that fit your maintenance schedule. If you’re busy, low-maintenance plants like Succulents or Air Plants are perfect. They require minimal watering and care, making them ideal for those with a hectic lifestyle.
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Select Plants that Fit Your Style: Choose plants that fit your personal style and decor. If you have a modern and sleek space, go for plants with clean lines and minimal foliage like Snake Plants or Spider Plants. For a more bohemian vibe, consider hanging plants or trailing vines that add a touch of wild beauty to your home.
By incorporating these DIY home decor ideas and tips, you can create a living space that reflects your personal style and makes you feel right at home. Happy decorating!
