Hello, lovely readers! Ever find yourself with a free afternoon and that sudden urge to do something creative? Maybe you're looking around your space and feeling like it needs a little pick-me-up, but the thought of a big renovation is just too much. I totally get it. That's why I'm a huge fan of quick, satisfying projects you can start and finish in just a few hours. These little bursts of creativity are perfect for beating the afternoon slump and making your home feel new again. Let's dive into five of my favorite easy projects!
Gallery walls can seem intimidating, but a small, curated collection is totally manageable in an afternoon. You don't need a dozen frames to make an impact!
First, lay all your frames on the floor. Play with the arrangement until you find one you love. Then, trace each frame on scrap paper. Tape these paper templates to your wall using painter's tape. This lets you visualize the final look and adjust without putting holes everywhere! Once you're happy, just hang your frames over the paper guides, then remove the templates. It’s a foolproof way to get a professional-looking display.
We all have those clear glass vases or jars hiding in a cabinet. Instead of letting them collect dust, let's turn them into decorative pieces!
Grab some acrylic paint—chalk paint works wonderfully for a matte, vintage feel—and give them a few thin coats. You can paint the entire exterior for a solid, modern look. Or, for a more subtle effect, paint just the inside. Pour in a bit of paint, swirl it around until the interior is fully coated, and then drain the excess. Let it dry upside down on a paper towel. You’ll create a beautiful, translucent color effect that’s perfect for holding cotton balls in the bathroom or fresh flowers on the table.
This is one of the easiest ways to make a huge impact with minimal effort. Swapping out old knobs and pulls on cabinets and drawers is like giving your kitchen or bathroom a new piece of jewelry.
The best part? Most hardware uses standard screw spacing, making it a simple swap. Just make sure to measure the distance between the screw holes on your old hardware (this is called the 'center-to-center' measurement) before you buy new ones. All you need is a screwdriver and maybe 30 minutes. Suddenly, a whole room feels updated and fresh!
If your bookshelf has become a catch-all for clutter, an afternoon refresh can work wonders. This isn't about organizing; it's about styling.
Think in terms of triangles and groups of three. It’s a classic designer trick that creates balance and is pleasing to the eye.
Step back every now and then to see how it looks. It’s amazing what a difference this makes!
A wreath isn't just for the front door! I love having a small, simple wreath inside—on a mirror, above the fireplace, or even leaning on a shelf. You can make a beautiful one without any complicated floral skills.
Grab a simple grapevine or straw wreath form from any craft store. Then, forage for some interesting branches, dried flowers, or even eucalyptus from the grocery store. Simply tuck the stems into the form, weaving them securely. You can add a ribbon for a pop of color. There’s no glue gun required for this simple, natural look. It’s a quick and satisfying way to bring a touch of the season inside.
See? Refreshing your home doesn't have to be a big, scary project. It’s about those small, joyful acts of creativity that make a space truly yours. I hope this inspires you to take one of these afternoons for yourself and your home. You’ll be so glad you did!
Which project are you most excited to try? Share your plans and your results with me on Instagram by tagging @nicoledailyblog! I love seeing your beautiful creations.
Happy creating,
Nicole
Don't worry! That's the beauty of the painter's tape template method. You can adjust the paper outlines until it's perfect before making any holes. For small holes from misplaced nails, a bit of toothpaste (on white walls) or a dab of paint can easily cover them up later.
Acrylic paint works well, but for a more durable finish that's dishwasher-safe, you'll want to use a paint specifically designed for glass and ceramics. After painting, you bake the item in your oven to set the paint, making it permanent.
The key measurement is the 'center-to-center' distance, which is the space between the two screw holes. Measure this on your existing hardware. Most new knobs or pulls will list this measurement. If you're switching from a knob (one hole) to a pull (two holes), you may need to fill the old hole with wood filler and drill a new one.
Absolutely! Start with the rule of three: group items in odd numbers. Also, vary the heights of your objects (use books to prop something up!) and mix textures (smooth ceramic, rough wood, soft fabric) to add depth and interest. It's okay to copy a shelf you've seen and loved online!
Craft stores like Michaels or Hobby Lobby always have sales and coupons. Also, don't underestimate the dollar store for simple ribbon and faux florals. The best supplies are often free—take a walk and look for interesting dried grasses, branches, or pinecones.
Don't worry! That's the beauty of the painter's tape template method. You can adjust the paper outlines until it's perfect before making any holes. For small holes from misplaced nails, a bit of toothpaste (on white walls) or a dab of paint can easily cover them up later.
Acrylic paint works well, but for a more durable finish that's dishwasher-safe, you'll want to use a paint specifically designed for glass and ceramics. After painting, you bake the item in your oven to set the paint, making it permanent.
The key measurement is the 'center-to-center' distance, which is the space between the two screw holes. Measure this on your existing hardware. Most new knobs or pulls will list this measurement. If you're switching from a knob to a pull, you may need to fill the old hole and drill a new one.
Absolutely! Start with the rule of three: group items in odd numbers. Also, vary the heights of your objects and mix textures to add depth. It's okay to copy a shelf you've seen and loved online!
Craft stores always have sales and coupons. Also, don't underestimate the dollar store for ribbon and faux florals. The best supplies are often free—look for interesting dried grasses, branches, or pinecones.
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