Larger renovations – think: a kitchen makeover or gutting a bathroom – can quickly start to feel like a slog. Progress is slow, hold-ups are par for the course, and shipping timelines are never in your favor. Who’s been there? (We see you!)
When we feel stuck in a rut, Scott and I are rejuvenated by 1-day DIYs. A simple project – completely unrelated to the larger task at hand – can be an instant mood booster! It’s like, yes, I can make progress, little by little! We love to create, and when we’re stunted by factors beyond our control, it’s the small stuff that can give us the boost we need to keep pushing forward. Plus, it’s just plain fun! Most recently, we whipped up a peg rail, made a lamp from a vintage figurine, upgraded to a plinth base on an IKEA dresser, and beefed up our television screensavers.
This is another round of Collective Q+A, a blog series focused on sharing voices other than our own to promote new ideas and encourage outside-of-the-box thinking. Today we’re asking: What has been your favorite 1-day DIY, and why?
Instead of pining over a piece I couldn’t have, I went to the hardware store, bought some wood and did what I do best – MADE IT MYSELF! — Danielle Guerrero
Danielle Guerrero, @ournestonpowell | My favorite one day project has to be my DIY console table dupe! I saw this stunning console table on sixpenny home but knew I didn’t have the budget for it. So instead of pining over a piece I couldn’t have, I went to the hardware store, bought some wood and did what I do best – MADE IT MYSELF! This project was fairly simple as far as furniture builds go and I was able to complete it in a single day (minus dry time for glue). It is one of my favorites because I was able to create the console table I had wanted for under $50 and now it lives in my living room and totally completes the space!
Follow along with Danielle on Instagram @ournestonpowell, and view her console table tutorial right here!
I used Rub n’ Buff (A DIYer’s greatest tool) to create a faux brass rail, and some gold hooks. — Jenni Yolo
Jenni Yolo, I Spy DIY | My favorite 1-day project has to be the shelf/pot rail that we did at our bungalow kitchen! I had been seeing similar ideas online for a hefty price tag, so I got some wood and a copper pipe to see if we could do a DIY version. I used Rub n’ Buff (A DIYer’s greatest tool) to create a faux brass rail, and some gold hooks. And for around $30 we create a really slick utility rail/shelf that a year later still looks and works perfectly!
Follow along with Jenni on her blog, I Spy DIY, and on Instagram @ispydiy. Find her shelf /pot rail IGTV tutorial here, and full kitchen reveal here!
I had a light bulb moment to make a similar one, and I jumped on it. I love that it was easy and didn’t involve power tools (something I’m totally pressuring myself to learn how to use). — Tiffany DeLangie
Tiffany DeLangie, Pretty Real | One of my favorite one-day projects was a DIY Anthropologie throw blanket dupe. It retailed for about $108 and it cost me less than $30 to make. Over $100 is a bit steep for me to spend on a throw blanket, but let me tell you, once I laid my eyes on it – I could not get that thing out of my mind! Ha! I had a light bulb moment to make a similar one, and I jumped on it. I love that it was easy and didn’t involve power tools (something I’m totally pressuring myself to learn how to use). Paint comes so much more naturally to me! I also adore the Swiss cross symbol. It’s vintage and mod all at the same time, and I could see using this anywhere – but it would look particularly pretty at Christmas time!
Follow along with Tiffany on her blog, Pretty Real, and on Instagram @prettyrealblog. View her blanket dupe tutorial right here!
I am not as handy as my husband is, and many times, I have the creative vision, and he sees it through. I loved that this one was me start to finish. — Elise Fox
Elise Fox, @thefoxfamilyden| I am going to call the sharpie wallpaper I did in our Butler’s pantry a one day project because if I didn’t have small kids I didn’t want to draw on the wall in front of, it would have been! I simply created a pattern on paper and replicated it on the wall with an oil based Sharpie paint pen. It was a simple project in a small pass through space, but I love how it is the transition from a black room to a white room. I also love when someone asks me where I got the wallpaper in there from. I am not as handy as my husband is, and many times, I have the creative vision, and he sees it through. I loved that this one was me start to finish.
Follow along with Elise on Instagram @thefoxfamilyden!
For me, home is in the details, and this instant upgrade just makes a big bold statement. — Anthony Rodriguez
Anthony Rodriguez, 136 Home| My favorite 1-day DIY is to upgrade your builder grade vent with a brass vent register. All you need is a screwdriver, vent register of choice, some caulk and about the time it takes to have your morning coffee.
The funny thing is, I have done so many fun and functional DIY’s in my home that I simply adore. Some costing a pretty penny. But this one has actually been the easiest to pull off and most affordable. To this day, I still get asked about it – like all the time. I think because it can be done in about an hour, is easy enough for anyone (I do mean anyone) to do, is budget friendly, and results in a big impact! For me, home is in the details, and this instant upgrade just makes a big bold statement. Every time someone walks my hallway, they comment on how much they love my vent. This seemingly non-important part of my home is now a statement piece. It’s icing on the cake that plays beautifully with my gallery wall too. I hope everyone will give it a shot. Because, people notice the seemingly little details. In my home little details add up to big design.
Follow along with Anthony on his blog, 136 Home, and on Instagram @136home. Find his tutorial on the blog right here, or view the Story highlight!
Thank you for supporting the creators that inspire us every day! Are there any topics you’d like us to cover in an upcoming Collective Q+A?
I love this series!
I love hearing this. :D
This is PERFECT! I follow if of them too which is super cool.
Thanks for taking the time to put together these series. I love learning about new accounts and seeing something fresh. I’ve been itching to do something creative, so I might just have to follow along and try one of these simple updates. I’m thinking about that sharpie wall….
Aw, thank you so much, Julie!
The collective Q + A series is awesome. I’ve found new blogs and fresh ideas, and I am just a big fan of the vision behind this as well. Love it!
Thank you, that means a lot, Sharon.
Lot’s of ideas and everyone is beautiful…
I also love this series! I love that it’s so many perspectives!