Stuck Inside? DIY Projects

As we continue with social distancing, most Americans are looking for some productive ways to use their time. While you likely don't want to put the time and money into a big home improvement project right now, there are plenty of small DIY projects that can make a major difference.

Need some inspiration? Here are a few of our favorite ideas. 

• Pull Out the Paintbrush
  A fresh coat of paint is one of the most effective and inexpensive home improvement projects. Even better, there's no limit to how creative you can get. Add an accent wall, choose some new colors, or just give your current color-scheme a refresh. 
• Freshen Up Your Bathroom 
  Small bathroom upgrades can also make a big difference. Consider replacing hardware, like faucets, adding a decorative light fixture, putting up some wallpaper to create an accent wall, or deep-cleaning your tiles and grout. 
• Add Some Insulation
  While adding insulation to your home won't make it look any different, it can make a huge difference when it comes to your electric bills. This will make it easier to regulate your home's temperature, so it's more comfortable all year long and will also help to reduce your carbon footprint. 
• Add Some Landscape Lighting 
  Not only can well-placed landscape lighting give your home a luxury look, but it can also improve your home's security. It's easy to place solar-powered lights in just an hour or so, or, for a more permanent solution, you may want to choose a hard-wired option. 
• Install a Programmable Thermostat
  A "smart" thermostat can go a long way towards lowering your electric bills. It's also a popular upgrade among home buyers. If you're thinking about selling anytime soon, this is a home improvement project you'll want to add to your "to-do" list. 
• Have Some Fun With Spray Paint 
  You might be surprised how much you can do with a couple of cans of spray paint. Since you can easily order it online, this is a great idea for those who are under strict stay-at-home orders.
  
  Spray paint outdoor light fixtures, mirrors, doorknobs, and floor vents to make them look new again. Use some stencils and colored spray paint to customize things like children's desk chairs or even the bed frame. 
• Update Doorknobs and Hinges
  If you're like most people, you can't remember the last time you replaced your doorknobs and hinges. It's also likely that they've seen better days. Changing out faded brass hardware and replacing it with a black matte will give your home a clean, modern look with a very minimal amount of effort. 
• Rearrange Your Furniture
  Short on money? No problem! Just moving around your furniture can give your home a whole new look. Experiment with a couple of different layouts and see which one is most appealing to you and your family. The best part about this project is that if you decide you don't love the way it looks, you can always just put it back.
• Organize and Declutter
  Getting rid of junk in your home can also have a big impact. Take this extra time to tackle those junk drawers, closets, and maybe even your garage. Throw away anything that's not valuable, and set aside things you want to donate or sell. Bag or box them up and store them in a designated room or a corner of your garage until you can get them out of your house. 

Sometime soon, we hope to start moving back to a "new normal" that allows us to get back to life as we knew it before this all began. When this time comes, you'll be glad to have friends and family over to your home and show off your new projects! 

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