10 Home Improvement Projects You Never Thought to DIY (But Definitely Should)

This idea (thought up by my friend and DIY master Fred Larue) is so genius I wish I thought of it myself! These graphic doors are made from 1×2 lumber, iron-on Velcro and four yards of discount fabric. You can easily remove the material when it needs a wash or to replace it for another on-trend fabric style.

We’ve been having parties with our walls for far too long and never have the decency to invite the ceiling. Luckily, she’s above it all and isn’t holding a grudge. Maybe it’s time to try some removable wallpaper up top! (See here for more stylish ceiling ideas).

Anytime I see an empty alcove space, I immediately think to add bench seating. With three surrounding walls for support, building a floating bench out of 2x4s and plywood is a walk in the park – or maybe it’s a sit in the park?

Low budget? Beat-up floors? Too thin to refinish? Maybe it’s time to break the rules and get paint all over the ground (à la Sarah Richardson’s rental cottage pictured here). Use a good quality floor paint and roll new life onto the boards. The best part? When the wood gets scratched, you can just touch it up!

You may have to drink a lot of beer or pop, but save those bottle caps! They make a really cool backsplash worth drinking for. Use un-sanded grout so you don’t scratch the caps’ metal finish.

Edge your boring flat slab doors with moulding to create a high-end shaker style – or experiment with your own moulding designs.

It’s time to give that beauty reflection of yours the frame it deserves. Simply install moulding around a wall-glued mirror to add personality to the room and make it stand out above the rest.

Maybe you’ve already thought of this one, but I’m just including it to let you know that it’s incredibly easy to swap door handles. A screw driver and five to ten minutes is all you need (and maybe a quick YouTube tutorial).

For smaller spaces (think 1,200 square feet or less) a central vacuum system doesn’t need to be behind the wall. You can mount a unit into the closet and connect the hose right to the source. Most CV hoses will reach every corner of your apartment.

Here’s a great idea for handy folks to build for their parents. It can be challenging to grow veggies as we age because all that bending and squatting is hard on our backs and knees. A counter-height garden bed is a gift that keeps on giving. Come spring, the above planters (designed and built by my dad Pat McCourt) will be flourishing with all the fixings for a homegrown salad.