Buzz
While some DIY projects can be time-consuming and costly—like kitchen renovations or bathroom retiling—you don’t always need endless hours or a huge budget to make a big impact. With a little patience and effort, you can refresh a room's appearance and atmosphere by the end of the day. Here are seven DIY ideas you can finish in just one day.
Katarzyna Bialasiewicz/Getty ImagesDesign a Bold Accent Wall
Artist and designer Elizabeth Sutton shares that creating an accent wall is a quick and simple DIY project. “You can paint a single color accent wall or try stripes to create a wallpaper-like effect. I love pairing white and silver or black and gold for a striking, bold contrast.”
Apply Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
Instead of paint, consider using peel-and-stick wallpaper. “This project is definitely a two-person job, so grab your most detail-oriented friend to ensure it’s done flawlessly,” Sutton advises. She also recommends using a plastic clipboard to prevent air bubbles during installation.”
Replace Your Hardware
Kat Christie, licensed contractor, DIY expert, and founder of She Fixed That, suggests updating your kitchen or bathroom faucet. “Changing out the faucet can completely elevate the look and functionality of your space. It makes the area feel fresher, and a more stylish faucet can modernize the entire room. I love a gooseneck faucet with a pull-down sprayer—it provides ample room for washing large items.”
If tackling plumbing seems like it's outside your skill set or if you're renting, try swapping out the knobs and pulls in your bathroom, kitchen, or even on furniture instead. “While upgrading handles on all your kitchen cabinets might be pricey, you can still refresh smaller furniture pieces, like hope chests, closets, and drawers,” says Christie. “Look for vintage handles at antique stores or check out garage sales! Clean them up, install them, and you’ll have a stylish, vintage update.”
Refresh Your Doors
This is a two-step project, but it won't take longer than a day. “Dedicate a weekend to repainting your doors for a fresh look, and choose some new knobs from a nearby home improvement store. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your space feels upgraded and sleek,” says Christie.
Design a Photo Wall
Sutton recommends creating a photo wall, which requires some planning but can be installed in just one afternoon. “Spend an hour picking your favorite photos, then decide on frame sizes and layout. Based on your chosen configuration, order your frames. You can find affordable, stylish frame sets on Amazon.”
Once your frames arrive, make sure to carefully measure your wall to ensure everything is perfectly aligned. “Use a pencil or tape for marking the wall, and don’t forget to use a level to ensure everything stays straight,” she advises.
Create Your Own Art
Interior designer Mina Lisanin from ML Interiors suggests making your own canvas art to add a personal touch to any space. Start by buying a canvas and some acrylic paints. “Acrylic paint is perfect for this project as it dries fast, letting you complete your masterpiece in just a day. Choose a color that complements the overall color scheme of your room.”
If you're not comfortable with freehand lettering, you can opt for stencils. On a tight budget? Lisanin recommends creating your own stencils in Canva and printing them out.
Add a Painted Tile Backsplash
“A simple DIY project that can make a big impact is painting your tile backsplash. Whether it’s in the kitchen or bathroom, this is an easy upgrade,” says Siobhan Alvarez-Borland, lifestyle and DIY expert. “I was initially hesitant, but after doing some research and finding the right paint, I gave it a try—and the result was amazing! It made a significant difference at a fraction of the cost and time it would have taken to replace the tiles.”
DIY expert and founder of Bouquet Box, Courtney Sixx, also supports painting tile. She emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation. “Make sure to scrub the tiles well, and follow up with rubbing alcohol to remove grease. Allow the grout to dry completely before you begin. Then, apply an oil-based paint primer and two coats of gloss oil-based paint. After it dries, finish with a clear protective coat,” she advises.
