10 DIY Home Renos & Upgrades You Can Check Off Your List This Winter

When we think of renovating, we often associate it with the warmer months of spring and summer. But why wait? Take advantage of those slower winter months to get a jump on some of the biggest oft-neglected renos and upgrades you’ve been delaying for years. From DIY curtains and handmade storage benches to refurbished stairs and fresh crown mouldings, kick off 2021 on the right foot.

A crisp white kitchen renovation with glass cabinets, farmhouse sink and traditional crown mouldings at the top of the cabinetry

HGTV Canada

1 / 10

Install Crown Mouldings

Installing crown mouldings are an easy hack if you’re looking to easily elevate any room in your house, like this gorgeous kitchen renovation from Save My Reno‘s Sabrina Smelko. Not sure where to start? We’ve got your back with this video, as the Worst to First team walk you through installing crown moulding.

Painted DIY black and white drapes in a renovated sitting room with plenty of natural light

HGTV Canada

2 / 10

Make Your Own Curtains & Drapes

Pre-made curtain panels are a low-cost option and simple to install, but if you want to get crafty and personalize your curtains like these these Save My Reno beauties, watch this DIY tutorial for the how-to.

Brian McCourt and Sarah Keenleyside show off their creation: a long white storage bench.

HGTV Canada

3 / 10

Make Your Own Storage Bench

Yearning for a DIY project to get you through the gloomy winter months? Try your hand at crafting storage benches, like this simple design from the Backyard Builds‘ Brian McCourt and Sarah Keenleyside. Not sure how to get started? The stars demonstrate three creative ways. Watch the full video for a little inspiration.

An apartment staircase with a freshly cleaned pattered carpet running down the middle

Stephanie Foden

4 / 10

Replace Old Carpets

As we spend more time indoors, our carpets are taking a beating, especially on staircases. Throw out old carpeting and hunt for a new runner, like they did in this step-by-step old stairs’ makeover. Come spring cleaning time, you’ll be glad you’ve crossed this oft-neglected task off your to-do list.

A closeup of a white corner baseboard against a hardwood floor

Getty Images

5 / 10

Install Baseboards

We know it can be a tedious task, but you’ll be so happy you tackled this minor renovation during the winter doldrums. Whether you’re replacing existing baseboards or adding them for the first time, the benefits are numerous, from helping prevent water damage to concealing hardwood floor gaps. The Worst to First team show you how to install baseboards like a pro.

Getty Images

6 / 10

DIY Lighting

Forget store-bought: Save some money and let your creativity shine through by making your own dining room or living room pendant lights. Check out this Save My Reno video for a step-by-step guide for DIY decanter pendant lights.

A bright, plant-filled renovated kitchen with a small circular black matte sink and matching hardware

Lauren Kolyn

7 / 10

Rethink Those Sinks

When it comes to kitchen redesigns and renovations, one of the most oft-neglected features to update includes the humble sink. (Ditto for bathroom overhauls.) But who said you had to wait for a full-blown reno to switch out your sinks? For inspiration, this kitchen from a Montreal home tour features a stunning matte black circular sink that is both chic and functional.

A close-up of freshly painted white kitchen cabinets with sleek silver hardware

HGTV Canada

8 / 10

Update Cabinet Doors

The perfect winter home reno projects often start in the kitchen. It’s easy to overlook cabinet doors and hardware, so this time make it the first place you focus on. Painting old cabinet doors is one of the most inexpensive glow ups you can give to your house – and while you’re at it, why not update the hardware to sleek handles, as seen in this beauty from Love it Or List it Vancouver. Watch the full video as the Worst to First team walk you through refinishing cabinet doors.

Disembodied hands hold measuring tape and green tape against black painted hallway stairs in an apartment building

Stephanie Foden

9 / 10

Refurbish the Stairs

Although exterior stairs will have to wait until the last of the snow has melted, start by giving your interior ones a fresh update (on a budget, of course). Give your staircase a new lease on life by painting treads, risers, spindles, and/or handrails. Watch as the Save My Reno team walks you through how to refurbish your stairs.

A double bed with a blue blanket against a tall wood headboard

Getty Images

10 / 10

DIY Headboards

Alright, so it’s not technically a renovation in a traditional sense, but making your own headboard is a cost-effective (and easy) way to elevate your bedroom. Whether you go big or go small, it’s the perfect project to keep you occupied as you wait for spring. Not sure how to get started? The Save My Reno team walk you through a DIY headboard here.