Need some DIY home decor inspo? You’ve come to the right place. DIY Playbook on Instagram is serving up the DIY tips you need to turn your home into a Pinterest-worthy sanctuary. Let’s take a look at some of our faves!
Replace a Window Screen in Ten Minutes
With a DIY this simple, there’s no reason to keep torn, sad-looking window screens around. It only takes 10 minutes and requires limited tools!
Start by removing the spline from the window screen (that’s the little rubber gasket that holds the screening on). Then, remove the mesh screen.
For the next part, you might want to pick up a kit that includes new mesh and spline. Then, it’s as simple as cutting it to size.
Use Mulch Glue to Keep Gravel Neat
Have you ever wondered how some homes seem to have perfectly neat gravel all the time? Well, there’s a little secret they’re not telling you.
This little trick was actually DIY Playbook’s most popular hack in 2023, and we can see why. All you need is some mulch glue.
Never heard of it? Us either! You can buy it online or pick it up at a landscaping supply store. Spray your gravel with it to keep things tidy.
Create a Five-Minute Fire Bowl
This fun DIY project can help keep bugs away from you and your guests while adding a touch of ambiance to your outdoor hang-out.
Like the name suggests, this tip only takes five minutes. First, you’ll need a tiki torch topper with some bug-repellant fuel. Next, grab a planter.
Choose one with a drainage hole to prop up your torch, and surround the torch with sand. Then place river rocks around the torch, and you’re done!
Replace Paver Joints with Polymer Sand
Many people (even DIY Playbook herself) make the mistake of filling paver joints with sand. This may look fine at first, but it washes away fast.
The fix? It’s as simple as replacing that regular sand with polymeric sand. It takes a little longer than 10 minutes, but it’s worth the investment.
If you need to remove regular sand, you’ll need a pressure washer to get it all out. Then you just install the polymeric sand to secure the joints.
Add Personality to an All-White Bathroom
There’s no design faux pax worse than a room with zero personality, even if it’s just a simple guest bathroom. So add some personality!
It’s as simple as adding some fresh paint on the walls (in this case, Brewster Gray by Benjamin Moore), plus some wood accessories and new hardware.
The wooden accents and golden hardware add warmth to the room, while the blue-grey paint makes things feel less sterile. Plus, it doesn’t cost a fortune!
Patch a Large Hole with a California Patch
Never heard of a California patch? You’re not alone. But this is a DIY tip you’re going to want to keep in your toolbox for later.
Start by using a drywall knife to cut around the hole to create a square hole instead. Measure the square, and cut a piece of drywall to match.
You’ll need to add an inch of just the drywall paper (removing the drywall) to each side. Add joint compound over the top, and let dry!
Transform Your Landscaping with Solar Lights
Not too many homes have easy access to electrical outlets outside. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still take advantage of the aesthetic power of light.
Adding solar lights to your landscaping is a game-changer in how everything looks at night. Try uplighting planters and walkways as a start.
Solar lights charge up during the day and then run as long as their batteries last. You never have to worry about charging!
Fix Flaky Window Paint for Good
Is your window looking unintentionally shabby-chic? There’s a quick fix for this common problem, and it can make a huge difference for your decor!
First, use a scraper to remove the flaking paint (making sure it’s not lead paint, first). Then sand, and use a paintbrush to apply primer.
The trick is using the right primer! You need a primer that is specifically waterproof. Finally, apply a fresh coat of paint.
Use Touch-Up Pens for Quick Paint Fixes
Stop digging through old paint cans just to find the color you need for a quick touch-up! Paint pens make a huge difference DIY paint maintenance.
Next time you have your paint cans out, make sure to fill up some paint touchup pens! These little tubes keep your paint colors handy.
It’s as easy as finding paint touchup pens at a hardware store or online and keeping them within easy reach for the next time you notice a scratch or scuff.
Easily Plant in Pots Using a Simple Hack
Have you ever struggled with planting something in a planter and knowing how much space to leave for your plant? You’ll never believe how easy the fix is.
Instead of taking your plant out of the nursery container, put the container in the planter, and fill in the dirt around it.
Then, take out the nursery container. You’re left with a perfectly sized space in your planter for your plant to sit. Take it out and plop it in. That’s it!
Use Primer Before Wallpaper
Most people know that you need to use primer before applying paint to your walls. But did you know that using primer before wallpaper is also crucial?
This account recommends using a primer/sealer the day before your wallpapering project and letting it dry overnight. Why should you take this extra step?
Well, it helps your wallpaper lay smoother and stick better. Plus, it’s a DIY step that doesn’t take up too much of your time.
Wall-Mount a Soap Dispenser
Don’t let a small bathroom ruin your home’s vibes! Some of the biggest differences you can make for your decor come in the smallest packages.
One example of a way to make your bathroom feel a bit bigger is by mounting things on the walls, rather than cluttering up your limited counterspace.
Try mounting soap dispensers on the wall, either next to the sink or even in the shower. This space-saving tip makes things feel just a bit roomier.
Bring Your Wall Art Lower
Most people make the unfortunate design mistake of hanging their paintings and photos too high on the wall. It’s time to forget the “eye-level” rule!
This account recommends hanging your wall art a bit lower. Aim for about 57″ above the floor instead. This makes your art look less out of place.
What about hanging art over furniture? If you’re hanging wall art above a table, couch, or console, try to hang it about 4-8″ above the surface.
Install a Stair Runner
There’s no reason to neglect your stairs when it comes to home decor. If you have plain, uncarpeted stairs, consider making a DIY stair runner!
Pick out a material for your steps, ideally choosing durable carpeting. Cut it to size, making sure to leave a margin of space on each side.
Then, you’ll just need carpet tape and a staple gun to get this project done! Secure the material with the tape, and then staple it into place.
Add a Board and Batten Hanging Storage
Boring storage solutions can make your home look uninspired, or even messy. This board and batten hanging storage wall is a great level-up.
This project will require some lumber, and DIY Playbook recommends 5 1/2-inch primed pine and 2-inch pine lattice. You’ll also need additional supplies, listed on their website.
This project is a bit more intensive than the others, but it adds interest to an otherwise neglected area and can give you a major sense of accomplishment!
Ditch Your Matching Countertop Decor
If you’ve fallen victim to the myth that your countertop decor should match, you’re definitely not alone. After all, they come in matching sets!
But having everything matchy-matchy can make your space look dated and boring. Instead, countertop decor should coordinate, not match.
This tip can also apply to other rooms where you might have matching items, like bedrooms and the living room. Remember: coordinate, don’t match!
Paint Your Front Door
Painting the front door is one of our all-time favorite easy DIY projects that makes a huge difference in a limited amount of time.
You should always start by cleaning your door and removing or taping the hardware so it doesn’t get painted. You can even take the door down if that’s easier.
Start with a base layer of your paint color, and let it try completely before applying another coat. You also want to make sure you use outdoor paint.
Incorporate Dark Green
We’ve often been told that dark colors make a room feel smaller or more dated. But that just isn’t always the case! Dark colors can be just the trick.
Even in this small bathroom, DIY Playbook was able to spruce up the walls and make it look like a completely modernized space with a coat of paint.
If you want to mimic the look in this bathroom completely, you’ll also want to install some high wainscotting to your wall before taking the dive into dark.
Easily Fix Nail Holes
Patching a hole doesn’t always have to be a big production. Even the smallest holes can take a toll on your interior design, so it’s worth patching them.
Just take regular spackle, and then use a spatula tool to spread and feather it over the hole. The painting step is where many people go wrong.
The trick is not to use too much paint when you’ve patched a hole. Use a paper towel to gently dab paint over the spackle to hide the patch.
Create an Accent Stair Wall
Again, staircases often get the short end of the stick when it comes to decor, but they’re an amazing opportunity to add personality and interest to your home.
This DIY involves crafting an accent wall by applying wood to your wall and painting it. It’s a bit more on the advanced side, but it also has a huge payoff.
You’ll need wood molding and a stable ladder or scaffold. You’ll also need a miter saw to cut the pieces to size. Then paint it all a glossy white, and voila!