5 Easy DIY Projects at Home for Beginners

If you’re new to DIY but really want to make some changes in your home, it can be tricky to know where to start. All of the DIY jargon can become overwhelming, and it’s hard to know what projects are beginner-friendly and what’s best left to the more experienced homeowners.

Thankfully, there are plenty of projects you can tackle in your home that won’t take weeks to complete and are completely accessible for even the newest DIYer.

Here are five beginner-friendly DIY projects that just about anyone can tackle in their homes!

Upgrade your island with some shiplap.

If you have an island in your home that’s backed with drywall, a really great way to give your kitchen a fresh look is by adding some shiplap to the back of the island. The only power tools you need to take this project on are a saw and a nail gun, and it can easily be completed in an afternoon. For an even bigger change, paint the shiplap a bold color and see how big of a difference it makes in the space. You’ll be amazed at how much more cozy things feel.

Get creative with paint!

You can give any space in your home a huge makeover with just a few quarts of paint. It’s low-risk because it’s so easy and affordable to change if you hate it, and there are no rules when it comes to painting in your home. Paint the ceiling, paint some stripes on the walls, or paint a colorful, freeform mural that makes you smile! With a projector, you can even trace designs on the wall if winging it feels too intimidating.

Build an art ledge.

An art ledge is a great DIY project that adds a ton of really versatile, easy-to-change display space for art. It only requires a few simple boards that are easy to get at any hardware store, and any new DIYer is sure to be proud of themselves for tackling it solo. You can paint it or stain it any color you like, and it adds a really beautiful space to display your favorite art. It’s easy to swap the art out seasonally if you like, and it’s far easier to put together than a formal gallery wall!

Install board and batten.

If you really want to make an impact in your space with a simple DIY accent wall, board and batten is the project for you. You can install a smooth board underneath to hide the wall texture, or you can take the faux approach and simply install the boards right on top of the existing wall! This project can easily be tackled in an afternoon, and the finished product will make the room feel like a whole new space.

Try some peel-and-stick wallpaper.

Whether you want to just do an accent wall or tackle a whole room, peel-and-stick wallpaper is a really low-stress, cost-effective way to get a whole new look in your space. It’s a project that can feel intimidating, but it’s actually a very approachable project. And the best part? It’s completely removable, so if you don’t love it or if you make a mistake along the way, it’s no big deal to fix it and try again.

The bottom line is, if you’re new to DIY you shouldn’t let fear stop you from tackling a project in your home, large or small. With a little bit of research, some creativity and a tiny amount of courage, you can make some big changes in your home all on your own!

Amanda Hendrix is the blogger behind Love & Renovations, a site all about how to make your house a home, even if you don't have any DIY experience. Amanda shares real life, accessible projects with all of the messes, mishaps, and fun along the way!