Nicole Daily Blog
Beautiful DIY and home and decor inspiration for your home

5 Easy Afternoon Projects to Refresh Your Home

Do you ever find yourself with a free afternoon and the urge to do something creative at home? Maybe you're tired of staring at the same decor or just want a little refresh without a big commitment. I've been there too! That's why I've put together my favorite easy afternoon projects that can transform your space in just a few hours.

Photo by Kelsey Todd on Unsplash

Beautiful DIY and home and decor inspiration for your home

Gallery walls are one of my favorite ways to add personality to any room. You don't need fancy frames or expensive art - just pieces that mean something to you!

What You'll Need

  • Frames (mix sizes for interest)
  • Photos, postcards, or prints
  • Painter's tape
  • Level

Simple Steps

  1. Lay out your arrangement on the floor first
  2. Use painter's tape to mark wall positions
  3. Start hanging from the center outward
  4. Step back often to check the balance

2. Update Cabinet Hardware

This is one of those small changes with big impact projects. Swapping out dated knobs and pulls can completely transform your kitchen or bathroom.

Quick Tips

  • Measure existing holes before buying new hardware
  • Bring a sample when shopping to match finishes
  • Use painter's tape to mark drill spots

3. Make Over a Tired Piece of Furniture

That old side table or chair doesn't need to be replaced - just refreshed! Here's how:

Options for Furniture Refresh

  • Paint: Chalk paint works great with little prep
  • New knobs: Instant character upgrade
  • Contact paper: Perfect for drawer liners or table tops

4. Create Custom Storage Solutions

Afternoons are perfect for tackling those little organization projects you've been putting off.

Simple Storage Ideas

  • Decorative baskets for remotes and clutter
  • Pegboard for craft or office supplies
  • Tension rods under sinks for spray bottles

5. DIY Scented Sachets

Bring some fresh fragrance into your home with these easy-to-make sachets.

What You'll Need

  • Fabric scraps or muslin bags
  • Dried lavender or other herbs
  • Ribbon or string

How to Make Them

  1. Cut fabric into small squares
  2. Add a tablespoon of dried flowers
  3. Gather edges and tie with ribbon
  4. Tuck into drawers or hang in closets

Final Thoughts

The best part about these projects? They're quick, affordable, and satisfying. You don't need special skills or tools - just a little time and creativity. Which project will you try first? I'd love to hear about your afternoon makeovers in the comments!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the easiest afternoon project for beginners?

Updating cabinet hardware is the simplest - just unscrew old knobs and screw in new ones!

How can I make a gallery wall look cohesive?

Use frames in the same color family or stick to black and white photos for a unified look.

What paint works best for furniture makeovers?

Chalk paint requires minimal prep and gives a beautiful matte finish - perfect for beginners.

Where can I find affordable materials for these projects?

Check thrift stores for frames and hardware, and use fabric scraps or old clothes for sachets.

How do I choose the right hardware size?

Measure the distance between screw holes (center-to-center) on your existing hardware before shopping.