Since last spring, we’ve all been spending more time around the house. As we enter the new year, it doesn’t look like that’s going to change… at least for a few more months.
If you’re feeling a bit of cabin fever this winter, you’re definitely not alone. But there’s a solution: DIY winter home projects. Getting to work on a home improvement project offers double benefits; you’ll keep busy, while making your house an even better place to call home.
While staying close to home, turn to these DIY home projects to keep you busy and safe.
Create a Colourful Accent Wall
If you’re not up to painting an entire room, how about just one wall? Whether it’s a splash of intense colour, an eye-catching geometric design, or a patterned wallpaper, an accent wall can transform a room.
This small project has a big impact, so choose your colour or pattern carefully. Consider using dark or vibrant shades when you’re playing with an accent wall. If you’ve got an artistic streak, grab a roll of painter’s tape and a ruler and use colour blocking techniques to create original designs.
Of course, you can always turn to wallpaper to create a pleasing pattern. If you’re not up to hanging it yourself (let’s be honest: it’s not always the easiest task) try a self-sticking, removable version. Large stickers or wall decals offer another fun way to change up an accent room without committing to a permanent change.
Give Your Furniture New Life
Most of us have a few pieces of furniture that have, well, seen better days. Instead of letting those old lamps or chairs linger unloved in the garage or spare bedroom, now’s the perfect time to perform a facelift.
It just takes a few supplies and bit of TLC to make old furniture look new and fresh again. So grab some sandpaper, tack cloth, primer, paint, and brushes or rollers.
As with so many DIY home projects, preparation is key to success. Start by sanding furniture surfaces to remove gloss. Your goal is to rough up the surface just a bit, so the new paint will have a place to stick.
After sanding, wipe down all surfaces carefully with a tack cloth. Any residue that’s left may show up in the paint, so take your time on this important step.
Now it’s prime time…primer, that is. Coat your piece with primer using a foam roller and/or a foam brush. Let the primer dry before sanding down drips with fine grit sandpaper. Wipe any residue away with a tack cloth.
After the primer is dried, sanded, and cleaned, you’re ready to paint. Using a foam roller, apply up to three thin coats of paint, allowing paint to dry for six to eight hours between each coat. Sand any drips with a fine grit sandpaper, and employ that tack cloth carefully each time.
Display Treasured Photos Like Art
Do you have a box of old photos and postcards stashed away that you love to look at, but that only gets brought out once in a blue moon? Why not create a gallery wall in your home so you can enjoy them year-round!
Browse through your files of family photographs, postcards from trips long taken, art work, and drawings. Pick a few of your favourites, choosing colours and designs in a range of sizes.
Next, lay out your choices on a flat surface, such as the floor. (Pro tip: Measure the size of the wall space you have to work with, then lay out a corresponding space on the floor using painter’s tape.)
Try several different compositions until you find just the right look. When it’s time to hang your gallery, start with the centre piece and work outward. As a general rule, most artwork should be hung at or around eye level.
Fill in any empty spaces with framed fabric swatches, wallpaper, or even wrapping paper for a pop of colour.
As we look to the new year, don’t let cabin fever get you down. We’ve made it to the home stretch, and these DIY home projects will help you keep busy through the winter. As the end to the pandemic draws near, working on home improvement projects can help you make it through this last push!
Related Articles
Your Home Insurance Renewal Checklist
You should review your homeowner's insurance every year to make sure that you still have the coverage that you need — and that you're getting the discounts that you deserve. Consider the following home insurance renewal checklist when determining whether your...
Has Your Garden Finished Its Growing Season?
As summer draws to a close, temperatures cool and daylight hours shorten. It's almost time to get your garden ready for the change of seasons. But one pressing question remains: how to know when the garden is finished growing? After all, not all plants produce at...
How to Prevent Electrical Fires At Home
Did you know that electrical issues are one of the primary causes of house fires in Canada? A lack of electrical maintenance and poorly installed electrical equipment can cause a fire that not only severely damages the house structure, but can lead to injuries and...
