Want to upgrade your home to spruce things up? These easy home projects and home decor ideas will turn your space into a calming oasis all your own. From decor projects to room transformations, these upgrades can be done in three days or less. Some require a few special tools, such as tile saws, or extra prep work. But even a new DIY enthusiast can master the skills needed to tackle these projects in a weekend.

Done in a day DIY projects

1. Get a fresh coat of paint - You can do everything from prep to paint in a single day. By working efficiently and keeping things organized, you can enjoy a whole new room flooded with color. The first thing to do is clean the walls to remove dust and grease, after that you should protect the area with cloth and painters tape. Apply a primer if you’re painting over dark colors or dealing with stains for a more even finish. Invest in good brushes and rollers for a smoother application and fewer streaks and start with edges. It is also advisable to paint one wall or section at a time to maintain a wet edge and prevent lap marks.

2. Install an accent wall - Choosing an accent wall is a great way to add color, pattern, or texture to your room. You can get this project done in just a few hours or expand it to a longer weekend project. Choose the right wall, like the wall behind a bed, sofa, or fireplace, to maximize visual impact. You should measure the wall first to calculate how much material is needed, and then ensure the surface is clean to get started.  Start with painting the wall, after which you can apply wallpaper or panels, and if that is your choice add wood or stone panels.

3. Clean your backyard - You’d be surprised how much of a difference a quick spruce up to your outdoor space can have on your home. Start by clearing away any debris and performing seasonal maintenance on your grass, plants, and other landscaping. Assess the space, gather materials, and make a plan. Tools you might need: gloves, a rake, pruning shears, trash bags, a lawnmower, and a hose. Once you are done make sure you maintain it, set a schedule for mowing, weeding, and general upkeep to keep your backyard looking its best year-round.

4. Swap out lightbulbs - Change out your harsh bulbs with soft or warm light or install a dimmer switch with your existing setup to create a whole new mood. You can also use fixtures like lamps, chandeliers, and candles for ambiance with extra style. Things to consider are:  the type of bulb you need (LED, CFL, incandescent, or smart bulbs), brightness, and color temperature. Let the bulb cool, take it out, check and clean the socket, then put in the new bulb and tighten gently.

5. Remove your cabinet doors - If you love the open shelving look but don’t have the time or budget for a kitchen renovation, taking off your cabinet doors can give you the same airiness without the commitment. Some models can also swap out clear or frosted glass with traditional doors to brighten things up. First, clear the cabinets to  make it easier to work and prevent anything from falling during the removal. Material needed: a screwdriver, a level, a measuring tape, and possibly a pencil to mark hinges' positions. 

Home ideas for the weekend

1. Swap out hardware - You can replace everything from door handles to cabinet pulls to instantly upgrade your space. You might need to fill in previous holes to finish the project, but it’s an easy and often inexpensive way to transform your home. Remove old hardware, clean the area, install new hardware using existing screw holes, and then check if everything is aligned properly. For finishing touches, test the hardware and tighten up if necessary.

2. Add a kitchen backsplash - Putting a backsplash behind your kitchen counters is a great way to protect your surfaces and add extra style to one of the most-used rooms in your home. You can get this project done just like the pros with some inspiration and know-how. To add a kitchen backsplash, start by choosing your material, measuring the area, and preparing the wall. Apply adhesive, install the tiles with spacers, and finish by grouting and sealing the joints for a fresh update.

3. Makeover your furniture - You don’t need to spend a ton of time or money on new furniture when simple DIY decor changes can use your existing pieces in new ways. Add paint, fabric, or other elements to bring in new colors and textures. Before applying paint start by cleaning and sanding the surface to ensure smoothness and good paint adhesion. You can also replace old hardware, such as knobs or handles, and reupholster cushions. It seems like a small change but it really adds up to the room.

4. Add shelf liners - You can protect your kitchen’s surfaces and add style by installing a shelf liner. Most are peel-and-stick, making them easy to install in kitchens over a couple of days. You can find everything from functional grip liners to high-style bold colors and patterns. To add shelf liners, first measure the shelves and cut the liner material to fit. Clean the surface of the shelf, ensuring it’s dry and free of dust, before placing the liner and smoothing it out to avoid wrinkles or bubbles. 

5. Frame your mirrors - Adding a wooden frame is a great way to upgrade your home on a budget. The key to making this project go smoothly is to measure accurately and take your time cutting pieces to create the look you want. To frame a mirror,  measure the mirror’s dimensions and cut wood. Attach the frame to the mirror using mirror clips or adhesive, ensuring it's centered and secure. For a polished look, fill in any gaps, then paint or stain the frame to your desired look.

Multi Day home upgrades

1. Retile your fireplace - This may require special equipment, such as a wet saw, but today’s tiles can create a new front for your fireplace without a lt of prep. For the fastest project, look for a tile that can be installed right over your existing structure. While doing this, there are a few important things to be careful about: use heatresistant adhesive, use a high-quality grout sealant designed for fireplaces, and work in a ventilated space , especially if you’re using strong adhesives or grout, to avoid breathing in fumes.

2. Make a sliding barn door - You can find hardware and kits for sliding barn doors that add visual interest and texture to your home. They can also be a great way to separate spaces in an open layout. Start by measuring the door frame to determine the size of the door you need. Choose a material for the door and cut it to the desired dimensions. Finish the door to your preferred look, whether that’s staining, painting, or leaving it natural. Install a sliding track system on the top of the door frame, ensuring its level, then attach the hardware to the top of the door. Finally, hang the door onto the track, making sure it slides smoothly and is secure.
3. Build planter boxes - You can upgrade your outdoor space by adding planter boxes to windows, porches, and sidewalks. Add seasonal plants to introduce greenery and color to the outdoors. First select the wood you want to use and cut it into pieces to form the sides, bottom, and corners of the box. Assemble the sides by screwing or nailing them together, then attach the bottom pieces. Drill drainage holes in the bottom to prevent water buildup, and finish with a weatherproof sealant to protect the wood. All you have to do now is add the soil and plants of your desire!

4. Hang string lights - Another outdoor upgrade that incorporates lighting and ambiance is adding string lights. Depending on the layout of your space, you can attach them to your home’s exterior or build reinforced posts to support the lights. The same projects can be used to transform interior spaces. For a polished look, drape the lights in a pattern you like, such as a straight line, zigzag, or canopy style.

5. Recover chairs - Are your dining chairs or kitchen stools looking a little worn? With a staple gun and some fabric, you can recover seating. This is also the perfect way to incorporate some new, vibrant color accents. With some practice, you can use similar techniques for upholstered chairs and even couches. To recover chairs, remove the old fabric and use it as a template to cut the new fabric. Staple the new fabric tightly around the seat and back, pulling it smooth. In case of any excess fabric, trim and reassemble the chair.

Completing DIY projects and adding home decor is the perfect way to give your home a facelift over the weekend. From Friday to Monday, you can give a whole new look to your favorite room, change your outdoor space into the nature retreat of your dreams, or get ready to welcome guests to your new, upgraded home. In just a few hours or days, your home will become the envy of the block, even if you’re short on time. Let inspiration take things to new heights to create a truly welcoming space.