5 Easy Weekend DIY Projects to Instantly Refresh Your Home
- Bridget Hesselink
- Sep 3
- 4 min read
Your home doesn’t need a complete renovation to feel brand new. Sometimes it just takes a few small but mighty projects to make a space feel fresher, more functional, and full of personality. The best part? You can knock these out in a single weekend—no giant budget, fancy tools, or professional crew required. Just a little creativity, some elbow grease, and maybe a good playlist!
Here are five DIY projects that will make a big impact on your home while keeping things fun, approachable, and totally doable.

1. Build a Rustic Spice Rack
Let’s be honest: most kitchen cabinets are where spices go to disappear. If you’ve ever bought a second jar of cinnamon because you couldn’t find the first, you know exactly what I’m talking about. A DIY spice rack fixes this problem in the prettiest way possible!
Grab a few boards (scrap wood works perfectly), cut them down to size, and secure them with glue and screws. You can stain the wood for a farmhouse look, paint it for a modern pop of color, or even leave it raw for that rustic charm. Mount it on the wall or tuck it inside a cabinet—either way, you’ll save time and frustration while giving your kitchen an upgrade.
Pro tip: Pair your new spice rack with customizable spice jars—you can get them here with my affiliate link: https://amzn.to/462HoGA to make organizing even easier.
Why you’ll love it: It’s functional and decorative. Plus, it makes cooking feel so much more fun when your spices are neatly organized and easy to grab.

2. Add Floating Shelves
Floating shelves are the MVP of small DIY projects. They take almost no time, require minimal materials, and can completely change the look of a room. Whether you need extra storage in your bathroom, a display spot in your living room, or a little nook in your entryway, floating shelves bring form and function together beautifully.
To make them, you’ll need shelf boards, brackets (hidden ones are the secret to that sleek floating look), and some basic tools. Finish them in a stain that matches your furniture, or paint them a fun accent color to really make them pop.
Pro tip: Keep your shelf styling simple—think stacks of books, small plants, framed photos, or even baskets for organization. Less clutter = more impact

3. Create an Accent Wall
If you want to completely transform a room without spending a fortune, this is the project for you. Accent walls draw the eye, create depth, and instantly elevate a space. And the best part? You don’t need fancy supplies—just a little imagination.
Here are some ideas:
Paint: Choose a bold color that complements the rest of your décor. A navy blue wall in a neutral room? Instant drama.
Wood trim: Create a board-and-batten or grid pattern with inexpensive wood strips. Paint it for a custom, high-end look.
Shiplap: If you’re into that cozy farmhouse vibe, a shiplap accent wall adds texture and warmth in no time.
Even just one wall can change how an entire room feels. It’s like giving your space a mini-makeover without having to redo everything.

4. Add a Countertop Above Your Washer and Dryer
Let’s face it: laundry rooms are often more functional than stylish. But with one simple upgrade, you can have both. Adding a countertop above your washer and dryer instantly makes the space more usable and more polished.
Choose a butcher block slab for a warm, natural feel, or go sleek with laminate or even a DIY plywood top. The countertop creates a perfect spot for folding clothes, storing laundry baskets, or just keeping detergent neatly corralled.
Why you’ll love it: No more juggling laundry on top of the dryer or dropping socks between machines. This project makes laundry day just a little bit easier (and dare I say… more enjoyable?).

5. Build a Garden Bench or Planter Box
For an outdoor weekend project, you can’t go wrong with a DIY bench or planter box. These are simple woodworking builds that don’t require advanced carpentry skills but make a huge difference in how inviting your backyard feels.
A planter box is perfect for flowers, herbs, or even veggies if you’re into gardening. A bench, on the other hand, creates instant seating and charm. Add some throw pillows or a cozy cushion, and you’ve got yourself a sweet little outdoor retreat.
Bonus idea: Combine the two! Build a bench with planter boxes on either side for a custom look that’s as functional as it is beautiful.
✨ Final Thoughts
The magic of DIY is that it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive to be impactful. Each of these projects can be done in a weekend, and each one adds a mix of style and function to your home. Whether you’re organizing your spices, building storage, or tackling an accent wall, these small updates create big transformations.
So, what are you waiting for? Put on some comfy clothes, grab your tools, and dive into a project! By Sunday night, you’ll have something new, fresh, and fabulous to show off—and the satisfaction of saying, “Yep, I made that.”



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