With an abundance of resources at your fingertips - from home improvement blogs to endless Pinterest pins to how-to YouTube videos - DIY project ideas are anything but scarce. There are limitless ways for you to update your home atmosphere, with industry experts readily available to guide you along the way. DIY projects not only look great - but they can also be a huge budget-saver. Of the millions of projects, we looked to our designer friends to see which of these projects are best for spring (and which will give you the most bang for your buck!). Here are 5 simple, designer-approved DIY projects you can complete in a weekend - with beautiful results!
Archie by Progress Lighting | Stephen Alexander Homes and Neighborhoods
1. Paint | You won't believe the impact a fresh coat of paint can have on the interior and exterior of your home. Whether it's adding an accent wall, painting a bathroom vanity or completely transforming the color scheme of a room, it's easy - and you can always change it if you don't like it. Designer Vicki Payne suggested a few "non-traditional" paint projects that make a big impact such as touching up baseboards and trim, adding a fresh pop of color to a wooden door (inside and outside) or revitalizing your wooden deck with a pop of color. Think outside the box and go with a bright hue over a traditional stain.
Project completed by Masterpiece Design Group | Photography by StudioKW | Trinity Pendants
2. Update accessories | New accessories such as pillows and drapes can give a home a fresh, light feel. Consider changing the drapes in your family room to something that is light and airy. Beazer Homes Design Center Manager Gwynne Liebl updated the foyer with new seaglass blue vases and bright yellow forsythia for a jolt of spring as soon as guests enter the home. Add new shams to a master bedroom, or replace the comforter with a soft, white linen coverlet.
3. Update outdoor living areas | It's time to brush off the cobwebs and sweep up the foliage and renew your outdoor living areas! Liebl suggests refreshing an outdoor area by adding in a fresh new rug to a deck or patio. Plant colorful spring container gardens for your front porch and patio. The foliage brings in added color and texture for a beautiful visual appeal. You can always revamp outdoor furniture with new, fresh and colorful cushions. Vicki Payne suggests aqua, white and navy for a modern, updated feel.
Project completed by Toll Brothers featuring Caress lighting
4. Refresh your lighting | Updating interior and exterior lighting fixtures is an easy way to revive a room coming out of winter hibernation. Switch your dark lamp shades to white or pastel hues. "Replace old, out of date fixtures with new stylish ones to help you establish your unique decor," said Payne. A dining area can be revived with a white or light colored chandelier. Designer fixtures don't have to break the bank with affordable and luxurious options from Progress Lighting - such as Invite, Flourish and Fortune.
Prosper by Progress Lighting
5. Incorporate trending colors and patterns | Key colors for Spring 2016 include citrus hues like light green and yellow, pink and corals, as well as blue and white. Pattern mixing is acceptable (and encouraged) - from stripes to florals to paisleys. Mix and match for a lively atmosphere.