Editor’s Note: Want a new interior design update without having to invest so much of your precious time in it? The article below, originally published in June 2020, includes nine home design projects that fit the bill.
Since many of us continue to spend most of our time at home, it’s possible that we’re starting to feel an itch when it comes to updating our spaces. Somebody else?
Making a tangible change in your home doesn’t mean you need to embark on a lofty remodel or a weeklong project. You can make a noticeable, positive impact in just one afternoon. Below you’ll find nine ideas on how you can update your space, all in just a few hours.
Have you tackled any afternoon home design projects lately? I want to hear about them in the comments!
Showroom wall hanging.
As decorating trends have changed and evolved over the years, one thing has remained unchanged: my love of gallery walls. I went on to make a gallery wall wherever I wanted to create a focal point in the space. Most recently, I spent a weekend afternoon hanging a gallery wall in our home (pictured below). The parts I included are a combination of thrift store foundpaintings and drawings, and three-dimensional items.
Nowadays, instead of planning and calculating arrangement, I prefer to take a hammer and some nails and methodically figure it out as I go. If you’re looking for inspiration on different gallery wall styles and arrangements, you can check out a variety of options. in this post.
Style your shelves.
When I need to clear my head or just want to relax between work projects, I like to spend time tinkering with my creativity. One of my favorite creative stores is the styling shelf. I would take everything off the shelf and start fresh, adding bags, frames, decorations, trays and vases (and more) and moving things around until the arrangement was right. suits me.
If you’re not sure exactly how to style your own shelves, remember that there’s no perfect way to do it. I like to stick with a slightly cohesive palette and mix different sizes, textures, and object types side by side throughout.
Hanging removable wallpaper.
Hanging removable wallpaper is a great option for tenants as well as homeowners! It removes the pressure of choosing a timeless wallpaper that you’ll feel the need to leave behind for years (or decades to come) and gives you the freedom to experiment with fun prints and colors. fun you want to try.
If you want to go the DIY wallpaper route, you can find a tutorial from collaborator Maggie LaMaack this—This option isn’t removable, but it makes a sizable impact (and can be easily repainted when you’re ready to change).
Bring plants indoors.
It’s no secret that keeping plants in your home is a good idea. They can help remove toxins from the air, release oxygen and add a beautiful element to any space. If your home is in need of some greenery, take a few hours one afternoon to stop by your local greenhouse, pick a few eye-catching options, and plant them in pretty pots.
Or, if you already have plants at home, set aside an afternoon to prune, repot, and water them. Plant care It takes time and energy, but the rewards are well worth it.
Create your own art.
Whether you consider yourself an artist or not, you can still create art (I promise). As you dive in creative process, try to remember that you don’t have to treasure what you create. Allow yourself time and space to come up with new ideas and create new works, experimenting with different tools and mediums along the way, rather than rushing to chase an outcome. Specifically.
Every piece of art I’ve created has been the result of tinkering, experimenting with new methods and patterns as I did. If you’re looking for a place to start, my favorite tool for creating artwork is oil pastels (as pictured below) and my favorite brand is Sennelier.
Updated window treatments.
Window treatments can make a sizable impact in a home, framing every room and providing functional benefits in the process. If you’re looking to create a remarkable update in your home, changing the curtains could be one way to do it.
Not up to the challenge of making your own? Steaming and hanging store-bought curtains will suffice as an afternoon project on its own. But if you WeThere are many tutorials online. This one by Michaela Diane Designs guides readers through the production process of seamless drop curtains.
Install floating shelves.
I am a big supporter of floating shelves, both in terms of their aesthetics and functionality. I love being able to display kitchen utensils, plants and storage items beautifully, and have easy access to the plates and bowls we use every day. We mentioned including them in both of our previous kitchen designs (as seen this and this).
If you have wall space in your kitchen or bathroom (or any room really!) and need more storage, this could be the afternoon project for you.
Install new cabinet hardware.
One of the easiest, most impactful upgrades you can make in your kitchen (or bathroom) is a hardware switch. New hardware can make a somewhat old space feel fresher. And the good news is, this is a home project that can be both budget-friendly and doesn’t take too long.
One of our favorite places to shop for hardware, Re Rejuvenation, has a helpful guide on how to place and install cabinet hardware.
Give your furniture a new life.
Do you have a coffee table, nightstand, or kitchen table that can be used for a new lease of life? Spent an afternoon sanding and staining to bring it back to its original shine. Dear children’s house Yes a great post about the impact you can make by sanding and refinishing a table, complete with tips and tricks learned along the way.
Kate is currently learning to play the ukulele, leaving her husband, children and dogs desperate. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.
