7 Beginner DIY Home Improvement Projects

Who says you need heavy equipment and thousands of dollars to make home improvements? If you’re new to do-it-yourself (DIY) projects, you might be relieved to know that you can make noticeable changes without knocking down walls or replacing appliances. In fact, many DIY home improvement projects cost $100 or less. If you're looking for some inspiration, consider these quick and easy projects to get started.

1. Install New House Numbers

Give your home's exterior an update. House numbers are one of the first things guests will see when they visit. Many house numbers are too small, which can affect everyone from friends and family to rescue and postal workers—even food delivery drivers. Install large house numbers near the front door and on your garage, if you have one. The good news is that house numbers come in many different styles! You'll instantly improve your home's curb appeal.

2. Make a Statement

At least one room in your new home could probably use a fresh coat of paint, whether that's for a refresh or a color change. You can tackle an entire room or go with an accent wall for a bold statement. To paint an accent wall, choose the dominant wall in the room and make it a striking focal point. (Just don't be in too much of a hurry. Pick a scrap piece of wood or poster board and practice before painting the whole wall a statement color.) You might even explore using stick-on wallpaper instead of paint!

3. Start Small with Spray Paint

If you're not ready for an accent wall, no problem. Consider a simpler option: spray paint. Paint is a simple, economical material for DIY home improvement projects, and spray paint makes it one of the quickest, too. What can you spray paint? Lawn furniture, flower containers, shelves, and tables—and those are just a few examples. Just make sure your item is scuffed with sandpaper first to ensure adhesion. Also check the paint to ensure it provides coverage for the type of material you're painting. Different formulas of paint cover wood, metal, and plastic.

4. Update Knobs and Pulls on Your Kitchen Cabinets

Knobs and pulls are one of the simplest, fastest ways to update your kitchen. You'll add some style, too! Select replacements of roughly the same size and with the same gap between nail holes. It's more common to install pulls on drawers and knobs on cabinets. But once you see the selection at ReStore, you shouldn't feel hampered by convention.

5. Install Dimmer Switches

Get exactly the right light the first time. Skip buying new bulbs with higher or lower wattages and instead head straight to installing dimmers in rooms with overhead lighting fixtures. Installing dimmers is a basic electrical task, but it's one of those DIY home improvement projects that will leave you feeling like an expert. If you need help getting started, visit ReStore in New Brighton or Minneapolis. The ReStore team will be happy to walk you through it step by step.

6. Install Under-Cabinet Lighting

We're not done brightening things up! Adding under-cabinet lighting can add style and functionality to your kitchen. Often called “rope lighting,” these tiny lights are multi-functional. You'll have task lighting by day and a warm “night light” glow when it gets dark.

7. Add Depth to a Ceiling with a Medallion

Once exclusively limited to ceiling fans, medallions have justifiably made their way into kitchens, dining rooms, bedrooms, and even bathrooms (with no ceiling fan in sight). Simple to install, ceiling medallions come in many styles and colors. They can look stunning in white, or you can paint them with a brush or spray paint.

Get Started with ReStore

If you're ready to tackle one of these easy DIY home improvement projects, make sure ReStore is your first stop. Visit our two locations in New Brighton and Minneapolis. We have most things you'll need, and our experienced staff can share tips and tricks. But don't forget to sign up for Hot Deals emails and VIP texts before you shop! That way you'll save even more on our amazing prices. See you soon!