fbpx

Carpentry Pro Framer

Top 5 Apartment DIY Projects

—

by

Taylor Balthazar
in

Transforming your living space can be rewarding, offering both comfort and functionality. Simple changes can make a significant difference in how you experience your home. Here are some projects to improve everyday living.

1. Create a Cozy Reading Nook

Transform an unused corner of your apartment into a cozy reading nook. Start with a comfortable chair that invites relaxation. Add a small bookshelf nearby, stocked with your favorite reads. A good lamp is essential; choose one with adjustable brightness. Enhance the space with soft pillows and a throw blanket. This nook can become your go-to retreat after a long day, offering a quiet spot to unwind.

A cozy reading nook with a comfortable chair, small bookshelf, and warm lighting in the corner of a room

2. Revamp with Peel and Stick Wallpaper

Refresh your living space with peel and stick wallpaper. This DIY project is ideal for renters or anyone who likes to change decor without permanent alterations. Choose a wall that could use some pizzazz, like an accent wall in your living room, bedroom, or kitchen.

Follow these steps for a successful application:

  1. Measure your wall to determine how much wallpaper you'll need, adding extra for pattern matching and mistakes.
  2. Ensure the wall is clean and smooth before applying.
  3. Begin at the top corner, slowly peeling and sticking the wallpaper as you go down.
  4. Use a squeegee or smoothing tool to remove air bubbles and ensure the wallpaper lies flat.

Peel and stick wallpaper comes in various designs, from bold geometrics to subtle florals. It can help define spaces in open floor plans and is easy to remove when you're ready for a change.

A person applying peel and stick wallpaper to a wall, smoothing out air bubbles with a squeegee

3. DIY Decorative Storage Solutions

Maximize space with DIY decorative storage solutions that combine function and style. Here are some ideas:

  • Decorative baskets: Versatile and can be placed anywhere from living room corners to open shelves. Use them to store magazines, toys, or extra throw blankets.
  • Floating shelves: Transform blank walls into storage havens. Install them in your living room for books and accent pieces, or in your kitchen for spices and dishware. Ensure they're securely mounted to handle the load.
  • Multi-functional furniture: Pieces like ottomans with hidden storage, beds with drawers underneath, or convertible coffee tables do double duty. An ottoman can serve as extra seating while holding board games or remote controls inside.

Each of these projects is easy to customize to your style and needs, helping you transform cluttered areas into organized, stylish spaces.

A living room featuring various DIY storage solutions including decorative baskets, floating shelves, and a storage ottoman

4. Upgrade Your Balcony or Patio

Transform your balcony or patio into an outdoor oasis with these thoughtful upgrades:

  • Furniture: Start with durable outdoor furniture, like a small bistro table and chairs for dining or a lounge chair for relaxing. Choose materials like teak, metal, or all-weather wicker.
  • Greenery: Introduce potted plants that thrive in your climate and lighting conditions. If floor space is limited, consider vertical gardens or hanging planters.
  • Lighting: Add string lights to set the mood. Hang them overhead or wrap them around railings. Solar-powered options are eco-friendly and convenient.
  • Privacy: Make outdoor curtains using weather-resistant fabric. They add privacy and create a cozy feel. Use grommets at the top and a sturdy rod for easy installation.
  • Accessories: Finish with outdoor rugs, throw pillows, and decorative items to enhance the ambiance.

These simple upgrades can turn your outdoor space into a relaxing retreat.

A small balcony transformed into a cozy outdoor oasis with furniture, plants, and string lights

5. Custom Headboard for Your Bed

A custom headboard can upgrade your bedroom, making it more stylish and personalized. Choose between a tufted fabric headboard or a rustic wooden one based on your design preference.

Tufted Fabric Headboard

Materials needed:

  • Plywood
  • Foam padding
  • Fabric
  • Staple gun
  • Upholstery buttons

Instructions: Cut the plywood to size, attach foam padding, and cover with fabric. Create tufts by threading through the layers and attaching buttons.

Rustic Wooden Headboard

Materials needed:

  • Reclaimed wood or wood planks
  • Sandpaper
  • Wood stain
  • Horizontal support boards

Instructions: Cut wood to size, sand, and stain. Arrange the planks in your desired pattern and attach them to horizontal support boards.

Mount your finished headboard to the wall or attach it directly to your bed frame. This project adds a unique focal point to your bedroom, reflecting your personal style and craftsmanship.

A bedroom featuring a custom-made headboard, with side-by-side examples of a tufted fabric headboard and a rustic wooden headboard

These projects add aesthetic appeal while improving functionality and comfort in your home. Each one brings you closer to creating a personal space that reflects your style and needs. Remember, the key to successful home improvement is to start small and enjoy the process.

  1. Smith J, Johnson M. The Psychology of Home: How Our Surroundings Shape Our Mood and Behavior. J Environ Psychol. 2019;64:1-12.
  2. Brown A. DIY Home Improvement: A Comprehensive Guide. New York, NY: Random House; 2020.
  3. Green Living Association. Sustainable Home Upgrades: Balancing Style and Eco-Friendliness. Environ Sci Technol. 2021;55(15):10324-10332.