Plus, a BONUS Autumn Home Checklist for those annual tasks!
The transition to Autumn means spending more time around home, which can bring on the DIY itch. And why not? There are numerous projects that homeowners can complete without requiring a professional.
This is a great time to work on your home as the holiday season approaches and your home is filled with friends and family. It feels good to put your fingerprint on your home and polish those areas that have become a little neglected over time.
So, I put together ten great DIY projects that Autumn might have you itching to accomplish!
Updating your cabinet hardware is an underrated way to refresh and upgrade your kitchen. By simply changing the knobs, handles, or pulls on your cabinets, you can instantly elevate the style and aesthetics of your kitchen space. Consider opting for modern, sleek designs for a contemporary feel or vintage or ornate hardware for a more traditional look.
TIPS
1. You can keep the same hardware configuration by measuring the hole spacing, not the top of your hardware bar.
2. To change to a different hardware size or style on stained cabinetry, get a wood putty kit to mix to the color of your stain. For painted cabinetry, you will use a simple filler putty, then take your cabinet door to Sherwin-Williams, and they will match the color and sheen of your cabinet to touch up the filled space. Lightly sand and use an artist's brush to apply the paint.
Your front door is where you welcome others into your home, and I enjoy making this space warm and inviting. Whether you opt for a bold and vibrant hue to make a statement or a more subtle shade to complement the exterior of your home, it might be time to freshen up your door with a coat of paint.
TIPS
1. Give your door a good cleaning and a light sanding.
2. We recommend using Sherwin-Williams Emerald Exterior Paint (it's self-leveling) and pouring the paint through a strainer before each coat.
When I think of landscaping in the Autumn, I think of mums, tulips, grass, and trees.
MUMS
Once you get your mums home from the nursery, they should be repotted or planted because they are most likely rootbound in their pot and need extra space and nutrients to grow. Mums need lots of water and should be deadheaded often to allow new buds to develop fully.
TULIPS
October is a great time to plant tulip bulbs in our area, as the soil needs to have cooled from the summer heat. Plant each bulb 8" deep, measuring from the bottom of the bulb, and include mulch in your depth measurement. Then, water once per week for the first month after planting.
GRASS
Fall is a great time to fertilize your lawn because it strengthens the grass before chilly winter and promotes root growth. It's recommended to apply fertilizer at the latest, a couple of weeks before the first frost, to allow time for it to affect the grass.
TREES
Using a tree expert is an excellent investment in your property. You don't want the weight of an unexpected overnight winter storm wreaking havoc, so schedule an appointment in the Autumn and get ahead of the possibilities.
Bringing order to a closet is a treat that's just for you. And making it beautiful all on a budget is the cherry on top!
This project is perfect for people who enjoy The Home Edit. I love all the ways you can bring order to your home, and I don't think you need the most expensive products to achieve it.
Focusing on closets, you can choose a closet system that fits your space's dimensions or select individual elements to work into your existing closet. Either way, you will want to cover hanging items, folded items, shoes, storage, hats, scarves, handbags, belts, jewelry, and any other items you keep in your closet.
Anytime I can add a wooden feature to a home, I'm all for it! And a built-in bookshelf is chef-kiss perfect! This project might be for an intermediate DIYer or an ambitious beginner because power tools are involved, and several measurements need to be made. But, with enough prep work to ensure safety and process, I think the payoff is well worth the effort!
TIPS
1. Start with a prebuilt bookshelf; there is no need to build from scratch, and no one will know. There are beautiful options that will blend seamlessly with the added trim, and you'll save money this way!
2. There are countless videos all over the internet about building a built-in bookshelf. I recommend beginning with an expert with skilled knowledge so you can confidently glean tips and not harmful advice from DIYer videos. (There are some great DIYers, and others ... not so much.)
Wall paneling is a feature I am happy to have back in style, and there are many beautiful ways to DIY this element in your home. Honestly, it's never gone out of style in my world; ask my husband!
I love seeing wall paneling applied in entryways, dining rooms, and walls along staircases. It's aesthetically elegant and elevates a simple painted wall. Pinterest is overflowing with beautifully designed spaces that center around wall paneling, and I am happy to fill boards with paneling inspiration.
TIPS
1. Home Depot and Wayfair have great wall paneling kits that can make DIYing wall paneling in your home a breeze! Check out a few of their varying styles ...
When I think of removable wallpaper, I think of children's rooms, play spaces, half-bathrooms, and laundry rooms. I like adding more print, color, and whimsy in these spaces. The colors in the wallpaper can come from your home's decor palette or act as a stand-alone feature. However, removable wallpaper is much easier to apply than standard wallpaper, and therefore, you can try out patterns you are drawn to but aren't sure you want to live with. I have used various forms of temporary wall coverings and am a big fan.
We love LVP in a bathroom for so many reasons! First, it's a great way to achieve a wood floor look in a wet room. Second, there are excellent waterproof brands that prevent mold and mildew from growing, perfect for kiddo bathtime. Third, LVP is reasonably simple to install and can float over many floors without needing to demo.
TIPS
1. Not all brands are waterproof.
2. Some brands require being glued down, while others are a click-lock installation.
3. Luxury plank flooring comes in vinyl and laminate with their own features and woodgrain feel.
4. Read the installation instructions to ensure the waterproofing doesn't fail.
Finishing a bathroom mirror is an easy way to elevate your bathroom. Grab some trim from a hardware store that you like, measure, cut, and install. I love the warmth that wood adds to a home, and a nicely framed mirror is a perfect way to cozy up a bathroom.
If you're considering painting your cabinetry, go for it! It's an inexpensive way to update your kitchen and make a significant impact. While we use professional-grade paint that requires a license to purchase, the method outlined below is a perfectly acceptable and great way to paint your cabinets!
PAINTING STEPS
Clean + Sand
1. Remove everything from your cabinets, vacuum any debris, and wipe them down with warm water and a gentle cleanser.
2. Using 200/220 sanding paper, gently sand your cabinetry to break down the previous paint or stain, help the wood receive the primer, and give it something to adhere to.
Primer + Sand
1. We highly recommend using three products to prime your cabinets: Sherwin-Williams Bonding Primer, a 4" or 6" mini roller with a 1/4" nap professional-grade roller cover, and a paint strainer. This triple-product combination will give you the smoothest, non-sprayed application to your cabinetry.
2. After the priming paint has dried, gently sand any bumps and imperfections with 200/220 grit sandpaper so your top coat applies flawlessly.
Top Coat of Paint
1. Strain your paint.
2. Using Sherwin-Williams Emerald Trim paint with the roller we recommended and ensuring that excess paint is removed from the roller, apply the top coat. This is a self-leveling paint, and it takes a beat to learn the viscosity.
TIP
1. If you notice a drip, let it level out. Don't try to smooth it out; it will interrupt the leveling process, and you will notice the spot. However, if that happens, wait until the cabinet dries, gently sand it, and apply another coat.
2. The number of coats you apply will depend on your cabinetry type, the lightness or darkness of your paint color, and the look you're going for.
As always, it's a pleasure chatting about our homes with you. I love hearing about the plans you have for yours, so drop a quick note HERE to get started. Until next time, cheering you on!
