Top 5 DIY Projects For The New Year (p.19)

By Rachael Williams

If you're like me, your home's color scheme, accessories, and entire décor are looking a little tired, but you haven't wanted to spend the money to change it. It seems like things may be turning a corner, however, and we are all ready for a change. You may not be quite ready for that big splurge on a large home improvement project, but we can handle small do-it-yourself ones that will help us get the change we want and need now. Here are the top five DIY projects for 2012 to help you get started.

PROJECT #1
Change the paint color in one room. You will be amazed at how much this will change your attitude, as well as your décor. This is a quick and easy DIY project that you can complete over a weekend. If you are a first-time painter, I recommend choosing the kitchen as your room for change. Depending on the layout, there is often little that needs to be painted, because the cabinets take up a majority of the wall space. As long as you choose a color that still blends well with the trim, you will only have to deal with the walls. So just "tape and go!" I recently completed this project myself in my own kitchen, and it took my husband and me one Saturday to complete the whole room.

PROJECT #2
Add a backsplash to the kitchen. If your kitchen is lacking a backsplash, this project is even easier to undertake because you don't have the tear-out of the existing backsplash to deal with. The type you choose will determine the amount of time it will take. The local home improvement stores now carry a product of mosaic tiles mesh-mounted on a tape. With this product, all you have to do is prepare the surface according to the directions and peel and stick it to the wall – it doesn't get much easier than that! This is your chance to get creative and have fun. If you want to really take on a project and install tile with a decorative insert, there are plenty of resources online and at your local home improvement store to find step-by-step instructions for completing your project. No matter what type of backsplash you choose, it still shouldn't take longer than a weekend.

PROJECT #3
Add a furniture vanity piece to your bathroom. This project is especially easy in a powder room where you have a pedestal sink currently. Just like with the backsplash, you can easily find step-by-step guides and how-to videos online to show you exactly how to disconnect your existing sink plumbing and reconnect it to the new vanity. There are plenty of local showrooms around that carry furniture vanities, and you can find great deals online as well. Some of my favorite local places to shop for vanities are Kirklands, Kirk Imports, Home Depot, and Lowes. My favorite online resource is www.faucetdirect.com. With this project, the most important part is measuring. Measure your space and make sure the vanity will fit before you purchase it. You need to make sure you leave at least 18" of space from the center of your toilet to the side of the vanity in order to meet code.

PROJECT #4
Reupholster your dining room chairs. This is a very simple project that can be completed in a short time. The hardest part is fabric selection. Do your research – select a fabric that will be easy to clean and hold up well to spills and everyday use. This is especially important if you are re-upholstering your casual dining chairs. There are many types of fabrics from which to choose, including leather, cotton blends, outdoor, etc. This project requires minimal tools – all you really need are scissors, measuring tape, a staple gun, and a screwdriver or wrench to remove the cushion from the chair. Just as with the other projects, you can find how-to videos for this project online or ask for help at your local fabric store.

PROJECT #5
Change out cabinet hardware and light fixtures. Changing out light fixtures does require proper research and safety equipment. You want to make sure the power is turned off to the fixture you are replacing before you begin. I recommend starting with the dining room chandelier and the lighting fixtures in the kitchen and breakfast areas first. These areas tend to have the largest fixtures and will give you the most impact. If you want to give your existing hanging fixtures a different look without replacing them, you can simply switch out the fabric shades or buy replacement glass in a different color or texture. There are also new crystal products you can find at your local lighting store or online that magnetically stick to the arm of your fixture. They come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colors and are fun to use for seasonal decorating as well. You will be amazed at the difference a few hanging crystals can make in your dining room. When selecting your new fixture, take into account the existing finishes of your plumbing fixtures and door hardware. You don't want to select something that is completely different from your other finishes. For example, if you have brushed nickel or chrome plumbing fixtures and door hardware, then you can either stay with the same for your new light fixtures or you can change it up to something like a pewter finish or any other finish that has silver undertones. This same rule applies to the cabinet hardware. When you change out your cabinet hardware, if you want easy then try to stay with the same style – for example, if your knobs are installed with one screw, purchase new knobs that are installed the same way. If your existing knobs are installed with two screws, you can always purchase a backplate large enough to cover the existing holes.

These five quick and easy do-it-yourself projects are low budget but give high impact. The first of the year is the best time to start home décor and improvement projects because the weather is usually cold and brisk and not as inviting for outside activities. While you are stuck inside, you might as well make it worthwhile! I challenge you to make a New Year's resolution to complete at least one of these top five projects before the spring thaw. You will be amazed how your attitude changes with your décor. With DIY projects, the basic rule of thumb is to know your limitations. You can achieve high-impact design changes for a small budget as long as you do your research and properly prepare before you begin.

Rachael Williams is an interior designer and owner of Rachael Williams Design, LLC. She can be reached at 919-291-1758, or visit www.RachaelWilliamsDesign.com.