You don’t need a fat wallet or a fancy design degree to make your home feel like it belongs in a magazine. With a single weekend and less than $100, you can tackle simple DIY projects that scream luxury without the hefty price tag. Whether you’re a renter or homeowner, these beginner-friendly ideas are perfect for millennials and Gen Z who want a Pinterest-worthy space on a budget. From chic accent walls to spa-inspired bathroom hacks, these projects are fun, fast, and guaranteed to impress. Ready to elevate your home? Let’s dive into eight weekend DIY projects that’ll make your space look like a million bucks!
1. Paint an Accent Wall or Use Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
Why It Works
An accent wall adds instant drama and sophistication to any room. It’s like giving your space a designer outfit without breaking the bank.
How to Do It
- Pick a wall: Choose a focal point, like behind your bed or sofa.
- Choose your vibe: Go bold with a deep navy or emerald paint (Behr or Sherwin-Williams have budget-friendly cans under $20 at Home Depot). Prefer patterns? Peel-and-stick wallpaper from Amazon or Target starts at $30 for a roll.
- Prep and apply: Clean the wall, tape edges, and paint or stick on wallpaper. Most projects take 4–6 hours.
- Pro tip: Renters, peel-and-stick is your BFF—removable and damage-free!
Cost
$20–$50 for paint or wallpaper.
2. Swap Out Old Cabinet Handles for Sleek Modern Ones
Why It Works
New cabinet hardware is like jewelry for your kitchen or bathroom—small change, big impact.
How to Do It
- Shop smart: Amazon has sets of 10 modern gold or matte black handles for $15–$25. Check thrift stores for unique vintage finds.
- Measure twice: Ensure new handles match existing screw holes (standard sizes are 3 or 3.75 inches).
- Swap it out: Unscrew old handles, attach new ones with a screwdriver. Done in 1–2 hours.
- Pro tip: Spray-paint old handles matte black or brass for a custom look if you’re feeling extra.
Cost
$15–$30 for new handles.
3. Create a Faux Marble Coffee Table with Contact Paper
How Can I Make My Living Room Look More Expensive?
A marble coffee table screams luxury, but real marble costs a fortune. Faux marble contact paper? Total game-changer.
How to Do It
- Gather supplies: Grab marble contact paper ($10–$15 on Amazon) and a smooth-surfaced table.
- Prep the surface: Clean and sand lightly for adhesion.
- Apply carefully: Cut the paper to size, peel slowly, and smooth out bubbles with a credit card.
- Seal it: Add a clear resin topcoat ($15) for durability if you want extra shine.
- Pro tip: Watch YouTube tutorials for bubble-free application.
Cost
$10–$30, depending on resin use.
4. Install Removable LED Strip Lighting or Smart Bulbs
Why It Works
Lighting sets the mood. LED strips or smart bulbs add a high-end, customizable glow to any space.
How to Do It
- Choose your lights: LED strip lights ($15–$25 on Amazon) work great under cabinets or shelves. Smart bulbs like Philips Hue ($20–$30) fit standard lamps.
- Install easily: Peel-and-stick LED strips or screw in smart bulbs. Connect to an app for color control.
- Set the vibe: Use warm white for cozy or RGB for fun pops of color. Done in under an hour.
- Pro tip: Renters, stick to battery-powered LED strips for no-hassle removal.
Cost
$15–$30.
5. Build a Chic DIY Headboard
Why It Works
A headboard anchors your bedroom, making it feel like a boutique hotel suite.
How to Do It
- Materials: Plywood ($20 at Home Depot), foam ($10), and fabric ($10–$20) from Joann or Walmart.
- Build it: Cut plywood to size (twin, queen, etc.), wrap with foam and fabric, and staple securely.
- Mount it: Lean against the wall or attach to the bed frame with brackets.
- Pro tip: Check Pinterest for tufted or channel designs for extra elegance. Takes 4–6 hours.
Cost
$40–$60.
6. Hang a Gallery Wall with Thrifted Frames or Printables
Why It Works
A curated gallery wall adds personality and polish, making any room feel intentional.
How to Do It
- Source frames: Hit thrift stores for mismatched frames ($1–$5 each) or buy sets on Amazon ($20 for 6).
- Find art: Download free printables from sites like Unsplash or Etsy (search “free wall art”).
- Plan and hang: Lay out your design on the floor first, then use command strips for renter-friendly hanging. Takes 2–4 hours.
- Pro tip: Mix frame sizes and add one metallic frame for a luxe touch.
Cost
$10–$30.
7. Frame Your Windows with Floor-Length Curtains
Why It Works
Floor-length curtains add height and elegance, making small spaces feel grand.
How to Do It
- Shop budget: IKEA and Target have curtains starting at $15–$25 per panel.
- Hang high: Mount rods 4–6 inches above the window to fake taller ceilings.
- Style it: Choose neutral linen or velvet for a rich look. Install in 1–2 hours.
- Pro tip: Steam or iron curtains for a crisp, tailored finish.
Cost
$30–$50 for two panels and a rod.
8. Create a Spa-Inspired Bathroom Tray Setup
Why It Works
A curated tray with candles and rolled towels turns any bathroom into a 5-star retreat.
How to Do It
- Gather supplies: Buy a tray ($5–$10 at Dollar Tree), small candles ($5), and glass jars ($3–$5).
- Assemble: Roll hand towels, add candles, and fill jars with bath salts or Q-tips. Arrange on your counter.
- Add greenery: Snag a $5 faux plant from Walmart for extra zen. Takes 1 hour.
- Pro tip: Spray-paint the tray gold or matte black for a custom vibe.
Cost
$15–$25.
Pro Tips for Budget-Friendly Glam
- Thrift with purpose: Look for brass candleholders, unique frames, or glassware at Goodwill—spray-paint them gold for instant luxe.
- Free art hacks: Use Canva to create custom printables or frame pages from old books.
- Spray-paint magic: A $5 can of matte black or metallic spray paint can transform knobs, vases, or even lamps.
- Shop smart: Check Amazon’s “Warehouse Deals” or Target’s clearance for decor steals.
Let’s Make Your Home Shine
With a little creativity, some elbow grease, and maybe a glue gun or two, you can transform your space into a stylish haven—no contractor or big budget required. Pick one (or all!) of these projects for your next weekend and watch your home go from basic to bougie. Snap a pic of your masterpiece and tag us on social—we can’t wait to see your glow-up! Which project are you trying first?