Design Vogue

Anyone who isn’t a DIY pro but has tried their hand at a home project knows one thing to be true: Doing it yourself often can take a lot more time—and cost a lot more money—than we’re usually led to believe. Luckily, that doesn’t have to be the case.

With the help of some of our favorite DIYers, we’ve rounded up a few great home projects that can be completed in a day or less, but still leave your home feeling like new.

Colorblock Your Furniture

If you’re working with furniture that could use a small refresh but you don’t need—or want—to paint the whole thing, Jenn Pike of Wild Rose Country Home gave us an amazing tip: Try color blocking.

Color blocking is when an item is painted in two distinct shades without any gradient between the two. In Pike’s case, she painted the bottom few inches of white barstools a subtle gray, instantly elevating the look of the seating around her kitchen island. 

“Don’t be afraid to try color-blocking other items around your house, like a coffee cart, a pantry door, or a dresser,” Pike says.

It’s as easy and straightforward as it looks, especially if you don’t need to paint the entire piece. Plus, it’s a completely versatile DIY project.

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Make Your Own Sconces

As far as easy, in-a-day activities go, making your own wall sconces fits the bill, even if it may not sound like it. 

“You can make these out of any type of scrap wood you have laying around,” says Pike, who made her own version from salvaged barn wood and recycled mason jars.

She suggests wearing gloves to avoid splinters, and advises that, if you don’t have mason jars on hand, antique markets are a great place to sort some or something similar. The options are truly endless, down to the aesthetic and style. 

“If you didn’t want to make these look antique you can go modern depending on what supplies you have and what color you’d like to go with," says Pike. "Always do you.”

Add an Accent Wall

If you’re itching to paint a room but don't have the time required, just an accent wall can easily be accomplished in one day. The best way to maximize the effect of this project is to go with something bold and unexpected. For Pike, this meant a matte black to frame her TV and fireplace.

“Don’t be afraid to paint with black,” she says. “I can’t tell you the number of people that would walk in and find it such a striking modern feature.” 

If you do go this route, Pike suggests going with a matte paint that’s both hard to scuff and washable, and ideally has a primer in it. 

Wallpaper Your Powder Room 

Much like painting an accent wall, Bryce Capp, head of product and brand at wallpaper company Milton & King, says hanging wallpaper is one major way to make a big change in minimal time. Plus, according to Capp, if you choose a small space, wallpaper can take as little as an hour or two.

“It will make your home feel like it has a whole new room,” he says. 

If you're really short on time, try a small room like a bathroom or just the kitchen backsplash.

"Installing a bold wallpaper all over a small powder room is our go-to for major impact," Capp says. "Not only does the small space make it so it only takes a few hours to accomplish, but the effect that a bold design has in small quarters brings the wow factor you want, every time."

Add Wood Paneling 

When you first hear the phrase "wood paneling” your mind might go immediately to that '70s-era warm wood in wide, flat planks. Luckily, the current look is far more versatile and chic. In fact, this is a major trend on the rise, largely thanks to aesthetics like biophilic, japandi, and organic design. 

Best of all, Luke Goodman, marketing manager of The Wood Veneer Hub, says adding wall panels is an easily achievable DIY look that can take minimal time depending on the scope and size of your room. 

“These panels are simple to install, and you can customize the design by choosing different wood species, finishes, and colors,” Goodman says. 

You also don’t have to do an entire wall. With slatted wood wall panels, Goodman says you can create the effect on everything from headboards to room dividers to decorative wall art—all in less than a day.