Quick Home Improvement Ideas for a Busy Schedule

Home improvement projects are a great way to improve the style and function of your home. With the right supplies and a bit of know-how, you can easily do some of these DIY ideas for beginners without breaking the bank.

Add a focal point to your home with a feature wall painted a bold color. Paint the ceiling a color as well for a budget-friendly ceiling makeover!

Paint

A fresh coat of paint can make all the difference in a room. Try light colors like white and gray in small rooms to help them feel larger, or opt for darker shades to create a dramatic look in the living room or bedroom. Paint is also a simple way to upgrade your home’s lighting. Hang a sparkly chandelier in the dining room, or try a DIY light fixture like repurposed mason jars for the bathroom! This can definitely transform your interior and exterior!

Give kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom walls a classic look with paneling. Use wainscoting, beadboard, or board and batten to add texture to your space!

Landscaping

The outdoor landscape of your home weighs heavily in the first impression potential buyers have. Untrimmed shrubs, unkempt lawns and patchy flower gardens can send a message that the property is neglected, which can detract from the overall value of your home. Fortunately, a few easy landscaping improvements can make your house the prettiest one on the block. For example, plant a variety of heights in your plants, and use low-profile ground cover like creeping thyme to create a neat, manicured appearance. Also, install a free-standing fountain for a welcoming touch to your front yard. It’s a simple, affordable home improvement idea that adds appeal to your property.

Window Boxes

Whether you’re trying to get your home ready for the market or simply add a pop of color, it doesn’t take long to improve your home’s appearance with flower boxes. Affixed beneath your windows, these small garden spaces allow you to grow colorful annual flowers and lush perennials, even in the smallest of yards.

The beauty of these do-it-yourself projects is that they’re a small-scale version of a full front yard landscape and can be changed out easily with the seasons. Plant a mix of colors, or use one single hue to make an impact. For a bold, contrasting look, pair soft, fuzzy plants such as lamb’s ear with spiky, hardy ones like ornamental grass and heuchera, then fill in the gaps with trailing blooms such as lobelia or bacopa.

If a green thumb isn’t your strong suit, use dried or dormant vegetation to add texture and color. Branches of evergreens like holly, arborvitae and juniper work well. You can purchase these at nurseries and garden centers, or ask friends who live on rural property if you could cut some from their trees or shrubs.

The classic picket-style window box is a popular choice, but for something more unique, consider a trellis-style planter. Bloggers from Ella Claire Inspired and Pretty Handy Girl demonstrate how to build these boxes with lattice work, but they can also be bought in a variety of finishes at your favorite home improvement store. They’re often made of wood and are painted or stained, so they blend seamlessly with the surrounding siding. You can even spruce up the look of an existing box by adding a new coat of paint or stain.

Adding Focal Point

Another quick home improvement idea for those with busy schedules is to add a focal point to your home with a feature wall painted a bold color. This is an excellent way to inject personality and style into a room without the need for a major overhaul. By choosing a vibrant color that complements your existing décor, you can instantly transform the ambiance of the space. Don’t forget to consider painting the ceiling as well for a budget-friendly ceiling makeover that can add depth and interest to your room.

Experiment with Lighting

In addition to paint, another DIY home improvement project that can enhance your home’s aesthetics is to experiment with lighting. A fresh light fixture can breathe new life into a room. For example, you can hang a sparkly chandelier in the dining room to create an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere. Alternatively, consider crafting a DIY light fixture using repurposed materials like mason jars for a unique and personalized touch in your bathroom. Lighting upgrades are relatively simple and can make a significant difference in how your space looks and feels.