My Top 5 Favorite *Quick* DIY Projects

I never intended for October to be the month of DIY, but it certainly turned into that! This month I transformed a paint chipped green stool into a weathered oak stool like you see in all the designer homes, I refinished a coffee table I found on FB marketplace and stained it dark for a dramatic effect, and last week I saved myself a lot of money by making my own antique mirror. October was a fun month for me!

Spur of the moment DIY projects are my way of decompressing. When I can set aside a few hours a day to create something *just for fun* and see the finished result within a week…that’s when I feel most creative, restored, and excited about design.

The longer, more detail oriented projects are certainly a thriller in their own way, but there’s something about a quick makeover and the fast turnaround time of a mini project that has a different effect on my mood.

Over the past 6 years, I’ve done my fair share of quick projects and when my friends, family, or readers have the itch to be creative, I always recommend a quick mood boost project. These are probably my top 5 favorites –

PAPER MACHE BOWL (& VASE)
Difficulty Level: Beginner Friendly

There’s been a paper mache bowl trend over the last 6+ months and I’m not surprised to see DIY bloggers everywhere making their own versions. The store bought bowls are beautiful…and costly…and when paper mache pulp is only a few dollars for a bag, it just makes sense to make your own. I did! It’s not difficult to make (my niece made one with me!) and it’s more-so a lesson on patience than skill.

SWAPPING OUTLET COVERS
Difficulty Level: Beginner Friendly

Perhaps one of the easiest DIY projects (do we even call it a diy project??) I’ve ever done is swapping out our standard outlet covers for brass covers. It cost us around $20, took 15 minutes tops, and made a subtle yet impactful difference. This can be done throughout your entire house, but it’s especially fun in rooms with decorative wall treatments. I also rounded up a bunch of my favorite outlet and switch covers in brass, black, and white here.

DIY BIFOLD DOORS
Difficulty Level: Kinda Crafty

This project was all about taking a basic bifold door and turning it into something that looks custom made….all on a budget. And I know you’re already saying, “Seriously Danica? This isn’t a quick project.” But it was! We saved ourselves a lot of time by purchasing a standard, solid core bifold door and I added the details that made it look and feel high end. This involved some experience with a nail gun (it’s not difficult though I promise) and a little perfectionism to get the cuts right. But I had this door project finished in a weekend making this project ideal for the “minimally experienced but down to learn” DIYer.

DIY FAUX BRICK CHIMNEY
Difficulty Level: Kinda Crafty

I barely mentioned this project when it was happening because it was surrounded by a bunch of other bigger projects that got all the attention. When we gave a rented office space a makeover, we turned an awkward corner into a faux brick chimney with just two sheets of brick panelling. It was a great budget friendly solution that required minimal brain power. For this project, you’ll just need a nail gun and access to a table saw to make two 45 degree cuts. But beyond that it’s just a matter of sticking the panels on the wall, caulking the seams, and painting it in the color of your choice. Quick and easy!

DIY ANTIQUE MIRROR LOOK FOR LESS
Difficulty Level: Beginner Friendly

I tackled this project last week and while it may require some practice, it’s one of the faster projects I’ve done! You just need 4 things: a sheet of glass (whatever came with the frame works great!), vinegar, mirror paint, and black paint. I had this project done in an afternoon (including the time it took to redo my mirror 3 times until I got a result I liked). This one’s a winner!