7 Great DIY Ideas to Spruce Up Your Apartment

Transforming your apartment into a personalized and stylish space doesn’t have to be expensive or overwhelming. With a little creativity and some DIY spirit, you can significantly enhance the look and feel of your living space. Here are seven expanded and additional DIY project ideas to help you spruce up your apartment.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Be sure to check with your landlord if you are renting to make sure these updates can be done with out breaking your lease agreement.

adding new paint in an apartment

1. Embrace the Power of Paint

Add Vibrancy with Wall Colors Painting your walls can dramatically change the ambiance of your apartment. Opt for a bold color that resonates with your personality, or choose soothing hues for a calming effect. Remember, preparation is key—gather all the necessary supplies, protect your furniture, and ensure proper ventilation. Explore different painting techniques like sponging or stenciling for a unique touch.

creative shelving in apartment

2. Creative Shelving Solutions

Maximize Space with Stylish Shelves Shelves aren’t just for storage—they’re a canvas for creativity. Install floating shelves for a modern look, or repurpose old wooden crates for a rustic feel. Experiment with different placements, like above doors or in unused corners, and use them to display your favorite books, plants, or travel souvenirs. If you have a dilemma when it comes to storing suitcases in your apartment, you may read our article, How Can You Creatively Store Suitcases in a Small Apartment? for tips and recommendations.

3. Bathroom Makeover

Refresh Your Bathroom with Simple Upgrades Small changes can make a big difference in your bathroom. Replace outdated faucets or showerheads with sleek, modern designs. Add a stylish shower curtain and coordinating mats for a cohesive look. Consider installing peel-and-stick tiles for an easy backsplash update. Don’t forget the power of good lighting—replace old fixtures to brighten up the space.

4. Design a Productive Home Office

Create a Functional and Inspiring Workspace Carve out a corner for a home office that reflects your style. Use a small desk or a floating shelf as a workstation. Enhance the area with motivational art, an ergonomic chair, and good lighting. Organize with DIY desk organizers or wall-mounted boards to keep your space clutter-free and functional.

5. Dress Your Windows

Transform Rooms with Custom Curtains Curtains can change the whole feel of a room. Choose fabrics that complement your decor and let the right amount of light in. If you’re on a budget, repurpose sheets or drop cloths into stylish drapes. Get creative with curtain rods—use reclaimed wood or even copper pipes for a unique look.

kitchen window plants

6. Kitchen Refresh

The kitchen is often the heart of the home, and there are plenty of DIY projects you can undertake to spruce it up, enhance functionality, and add a personal touch. Here are some additional ideas:

  1. Open Shelving: Create open shelving by removing cabinet doors or installing new shelves. It’s a great way to display your favorite dishes, glassware, or unique kitchen items. This also encourages you to keep your items organized and adds a spacious feel to the kitchen.
  2. Magnetic Spice Rack: Build a wall-mounted magnetic spice rack to save counter space. Use small jars with magnetic lids and a metal board that can be decorated to match your kitchen’s theme.
  3. DIY Island or Kitchen Cart: If you have enough space, a DIY kitchen island or a movable cart can add extra counter and storage space. You can repurpose old furniture, like a dresser or a table, for this project.
  4. Under-Cabinet Lighting: Install LED strip lights under cabinets to brighten countertops. This is not only functional for cooking but also creates a warm ambiance in the kitchen.
  5. Custom Drawer Organizers: Create custom wooden drawer organizers to keep utensils and kitchen tools in place. This not only helps in keeping things tidy but also makes it easier to find what you need.
  6. Chalkboard Menu: Paint a section of your wall or pantry door with chalkboard paint. Use it to write down the weekly menu, grocery lists, or fun messages.
  7. Repurposed Jar Herb Garden: Use repurposed glass jars to create an indoor herb garden by your kitchen window. It’s functional, adds a green touch to your kitchen, and provides fresh herbs right at your fingertips.
  8. DIY Pot Rack: Install a hanging pot rack or use a wall-mounted version to save cabinet space. This can be a focal point in your kitchen and makes your pots and pans more accessible.
  9. Decorative Plate Display: Install plate racks or use picture ledges to display decorative plates or your favorite serving platters. This adds a decorative element and can make use of vertical space.

7. Cultivate an Indoor Oasis

Bring Nature Indoors with a Mini Garden An indoor garden can be a delightful addition to your apartment. Start with easy-to-care-for plants, or create a herb garden in your kitchen for fresh flavors at your fingertips. Use unconventional planters like mason jars, old teapots, or colorful cans for a quirky touch.

Bonus Ideas:

DIY Art and Decor:   Personalize your space with homemade art. Create canvas paintings, fabric wall hangings, or a gallery wall with your photos. Upcycle old items into decor—turn a vintage suitcase into a quirky coffee table or old books into floating bookshelves.

Lighting Makeover:   Lighting can set the mood of a room. Update lampshades or create your own with fabric and embellishments. String lights or LED strips can add a cozy ambiance to any room.

Conclusion

These DIY projects are not just ways to improve the aesthetics of your apartment; they’re opportunities to infuse your personality into your living space. With some imagination and effort, you can transform your apartment into a home that is both comfortable and stylish. Remember, the best part about DIY is the chance to make something uniquely yours, so don’t hesitate to put your spin on these ideas!