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

5 Easy Afternoon Projects to Refresh Your Home

Afternoons are perfect for tackling small projects that make a big difference in your home. Whether you have an hour or just 30 minutes, these creative ideas will help you refresh your space without a major time commitment. Let’s dive into some simple, fun, and inspiring projects!

Photo by Scott Webb on Unsplash

Beautiful home and decor and afternoon inspiration for your home

A gallery wall adds personality to any room, and you don’t need a lot of time to put one together. Here’s how:

What You’ll Need

  • Frames (mix and match sizes for interest)
  • Photos, prints, or artwork
  • Command strips or small nails
  • A ruler or measuring tape

Steps to Follow

  1. Lay out your frames on the floor to plan the arrangement.
  2. Measure the wall space to ensure everything fits.
  3. Hang the largest frame first, then build around it.
  4. Step back and adjust as needed.

Tip: Use washi tape to mark where frames will go before hanging them.

2. Refresh Your Throw Pillows

New throw pillows can change the look of a room instantly. If you don’t want to buy new ones, try these ideas:

DIY Pillow Covers

  • Use fabric remnants or old scarves.
  • Sew or use fabric glue for a no-sew option.
  • Add tassels or pom-poms for extra flair.

Mix and Match

Swap pillows between rooms for a fresh look. Try pairing different textures like linen and velvet.

3. Organize a Small Space

Clutter can make a home feel chaotic. Pick one small area to organize, like a junk drawer or bathroom cabinet.

Quick Organization Tips

  • Use small baskets or jars for loose items.
  • Label containers for easy access.
  • Donate or toss items you no longer need.

Bonus: Play your favorite music while organizing to make it feel like less of a chore.

4. Update Your Lighting

Lighting can transform the mood of a room. Try these simple updates:

Switch Out Lampshades

A new lampshade can give an old lamp a fresh look. Choose a bold color or pattern for a statement piece.

Add Fairy Lights

Drape fairy lights over a mirror or bookshelf for a cozy glow. Battery-operated options make this super easy.

5. Style a Coffee or Console Table

A well-styled table can elevate your space. Follow these steps:

Key Elements

  • A tray to corral items
  • A small plant or vase of fresh flowers
  • A stack of books or a candle

Arrangement Tips

Group items in odd numbers (like 3 or 5) for a balanced look. Vary heights to create visual interest.

Final Thoughts

Small projects can make a big impact on your home. The best part? You don’t need a whole weekend—just an afternoon and a little creativity. Which project will you try first?

FAQs

No problem! Use washi tape to hang postcards or prints directly on the wall for a fun, temporary display.

How can I make DIY pillow covers without sewing?

Fabric glue or iron-on hem tape works great for no-sew pillow covers. Just fold and secure the edges!

What’s the easiest way to organize a junk drawer?

Empty it completely, sort items into keep/donate/toss piles, and use small containers to group similar items.

Can I use LED lights instead of fairy lights?

Absolutely! LED strip lights are a great alternative and often come with dimmers for adjustable brightness.

How do I choose the right tray for styling a table?

Pick a tray that fits the size of your table and matches your decor style—wood for rustic, acrylic for modern, or metal for industrial.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have any frames for a gallery wall?

No problem! Use washi tape to hang postcards or prints directly on the wall for a fun, temporary display.

How can I make DIY pillow covers without sewing?

Fabric glue or iron-on hem tape works great for no-sew pillow covers. Just fold and secure the edges!

What’s the easiest way to organize a junk drawer?

Empty it completely, sort items into keep/donate/toss piles, and use small containers to group similar items.

Can I use LED lights instead of fairy lights?

Absolutely! LED strip lights are a great alternative and often come with dimmers for adjustable brightness.

How do I choose the right tray for styling a table?

Pick a tray that fits the size of your table and matches your decor style—wood for rustic, acrylic for modern, or metal for industrial.