7 DIY Home Improvement Projects to Try Now

More than two weeks into Colorado’s Shelter in Place mandate, you’re probably getting tired of watching TV or Zooming friends. If you’re antsy to get something done — and unlike the Covid-19 pandemic something you have complete control over — now is the time to undertake a DIY home improvement project. Whether this is something you’ve been putting off for ages or a completely new idea, trying a new home improvement project will leave you with a feeling of fulfillment and completion in a time of uncertainty. 

Here are 7 of our favorite ideas, some of which require no financial investment. Others require some. If you do buy supplies, however, consider supporting a locally owned hardware store. These are one of the few businesses allowed to stay open during the shutdown and your money will go back into the community. 

1. Swap Out What’s Hanging On Your Walls

Photo Credit: Angela Ireland Interiors

Now is a good time to give your home a new look by changing out what is hanging on the walls. Either pull some pieces from the collection in your garage or check out sites like Etsy to purchase some new artwork from small businesses that could also use the income now. 

Also consider updating your framed photos or creating a photo mural wall. You can easily order prints of pictures snapped on your smartphone and digital camera. Again, see social media for inspirational decorating ideas like hanging square Instagram style prints of clips or creating faux flower petal wall art, like Angela Ireland Interiors has done in the above photo. 

2. Declutter the Closet

Photo Credit: @chuttersnap

Now is an absolutely awesome time to re-arrange and declutter your closet. If you have kids make them do the same. It is also a good time to make a little extra income by selling higher value items (that designer handbag you never wear, the pair of jeans that just doesn’t quite fit) you are not going to wear online via websites like Poshmark. 

Be brutal in your efforts. If you haven’t worn it in more than a year the only decision you should be making is whether you should donate the item or try to sell it secondhand. 

3. Re-Arrange Furniture 

This is another one that doesn’t cost a cent but can totally change up your space. Trying moving around a couch in the living room or removing some clutter from the bedroom.

Another option is to change up the pillow cases on throw pillows. If you’re crafty you can make new ones yourself, or find something you like online. Even something as simple as swapping similar sized rugs from different rooms can make your space feel brand new.

4. Start A Garden

Photo Credit: @CDC

Colorado’s unpredictable weather makes April a little early to start outdoor plants in a garden (for this wait until mid to late May), but it is a great time to start planning your summer garden and starting some plants indoors. You can decide what you want to plant now and map out where everything will go in the garden patch. 

You can also start some plants from seeds in April. Although many seeds need to be started earlier in the year, those with longer growing periods like cucumbers, squash and pumpkin can still be started inside in April and planted in late May. This is also a great time to consider building an outside garden box if you don’t have a lot of yard space to plant or want everything contained.   

5. Give Old Furniture A New Look

Have you been thinking about stripping a dresser and giving it a distressed style paint job? Or what about painting a mural on a wooden desk? Repurposing furniture is a great DIY improvement project that you now have plenty of time to execute. 

You can pick up paint, brushes, sand paper and other essentials at your local hardware store or order online. Search Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube for inspiration. This is also a fun project if you have kids as they can easily get involved. 

6. Paint The Walls

Photo Credit: Joseph Perez

If you feel like you are ready to climb up the walls maybe consider re-painting them instead. You can totally switch up your color pallet or opt to just add an accent wall to one room. Another popular option these days is DIY wallpaper that comes in lots of cool patterns and prints and can be ordered online. If you are really artsy you could even paint a mural on a wall. 

7. Deep Clean

This is also a great time to do a deep clean, especially of areas that are often missed. For instance, clean the dust out of heating vents that has been accumulating all winter. Give your baseboards a thorough scrubbing. If your toilet seat lid is getting gross and you’ve been talking about replacing it forever, order a new one. Clean the inside of your washer and dryer. Grab some oil and scour the oven. Take an inventory of light bulbs and replace those that are burned out or upgrade to more energy efficient bulbs if that has been on your to-do list.