Enhancing your home doesn’t have to break the bank. Summer is the perfect time to dive into DIY projects that can refresh your living space and add a personal touch. With longer days and outdoor-friendly activities, summer invites creativity and hands-on work. Not only do these projects save money, but they also provide a sense of accomplishment. Here are ten must-try summer DIY projects that will enhance your home on a budget.

Project 1: Painting the Front Door

A fresh coat of paint on your front door can dramatically improve your home's curb appeal. Choose a bold color that complements your home’s exterior, and make sure to use exterior paint for durability.

To get started, remove the door from its hinges and sand the surface to remove old paint and smooth imperfections. Clean the door with a damp cloth to remove dust, then apply a primer suitable for exterior use. Once the primer is dry, choose a bold color and apply at least two coats of exterior paint. Finally, reattach the door and consider adding new hardware for an extra touch. You will need sandpaper, primer, exterior paint, paintbrushes, and a screwdriver to complete this project.

Project 2: Creating a Shiplap Accent Wall

Shiplap adds texture and character to any room. With some plywood and a few tools, you can create a stunning accent wall that becomes the focal point of your space.

Start by measuring the wall area to determine how much wood you need. Cut the shiplap boards to size and use a level to mark where each board will go. Attach the boards to the wall using a nail gun or hammer and nails, filling any gaps with caulk before painting or staining as desired. For this project, you will need shiplap boards, a nail gun or hammer, a level, caulk, and paint or stain.

Project 3: Installing String Lights

String lights can transform your outdoor space into a cozy retreat. Hang them along fences, patios, or in trees to create a magical atmosphere for summer evenings.

Choose the area where you want to hang the lights and use hooks or clips to secure them along the desired path. Ensure the lights are plugged into an outdoor-rated extension cord, and test them to ensure they are working before securing all hooks. You will need string lights, hooks or clips, and an outdoor extension cord for this project.

Project 4: Upcycling Old Furniture

Instead of discarding old furniture, consider upcycling it. A little paint or new hardware can breathe new life into a tired piece, making it a unique addition to your home.

Choose the furniture piece you want to upcycle, clean and sand the surface to prepare for painting or staining. Apply paint or stain, allowing it to dry completely, and add new hardware or embellishments to enhance the piece. For this project, gather old furniture, sandpaper, paint or stain, brushes, and new hardware.

Project 5: DIY Herb Garden

Creating a small herb garden is not only budget-friendly but also rewarding. Use pots or repurpose containers to grow your favorite herbs right at home.

Select a sunny spot for your herb garden and choose pots or containers with drainage holes. Fill the pots with potting soil and plant herb seeds or seedlings, watering regularly and ensuring they receive adequate sunlight. You will need pots, potting soil, herb seeds or seedlings, and a watering can for this project.

Project 6: Building Raised Garden Beds

Raised garden beds are an excellent way to grow vegetables and flowers. They are easy to build and can be customized to fit your space and style.

Decide on the size and location of your raised bed, cut wood to the desired dimensions for the frame, and assemble the frame using screws or nails. Fill the bed with a mix of soil and compost, then plant your chosen vegetables or flowers. For this project, you will need wood planks, screws or nails, soil, compost, and plants.

Project 7: Repainting Kitchen Cabinets

Repainting your kitchen cabinets can give your kitchen a fresh look. Choose a color that matches your style and follow proper preparation steps for a smooth finish.

Remove cabinet doors and hardware, clean and sand the surfaces to prepare for painting, and apply a primer. Once the primer is dry, paint the cabinets with a durable, washable paint, and reattach doors and hardware once dry. Gather cabinet doors, primer, paint, sandpaper, and brushes for this project.

Project 8: Creating a DIY Headboard

A DIY headboard can add a personal touch to your bedroom. Use reclaimed wood or fabric to create a headboard that reflects your style without spending a fortune.

Measure the width of your bed to determine headboard size, cut plywood to the desired dimensions, and cover the plywood with foam and fabric, securing it with a staple gun. Finally, attach the headboard to the wall or bed frame. For this project, you will need plywood, foam, fabric, a staple gun, and screws.

Project 9: Installing New Light Fixtures

Updating light fixtures can change the ambiance of a room. Look for budget-friendly options that match your decor style and are easy to install.

Turn off the power to the existing fixture, remove the old fixture, and disconnect the wiring. Connect the new fixture according to the manufacturer's instructions, secure it, and restore power to test. You will need a new light fixture, a screwdriver, and wire connectors for this project.

Project 10: Refreshing Outdoor Spaces with Paint

Don’t forget about your outdoor furniture! A fresh coat of weather-resistant paint can revitalize old chairs and tables, making your outdoor space inviting.

Clean the outdoor furniture or surfaces to be painted, sand any rough areas, and remove old paint if necessary. Apply a coat of weather-resistant paint and allow it to dry completely before using. For this project, gather outdoor furniture, sandpaper, weather-resistant paint, and brushes.

Conclusion

These detailed steps for each project will provide readers with clear guidance on how to enhance their homes affordably this summer. Encourage readers to share their DIY results on social media using the hashtag #BudgetHomeImprovement to foster a sense of community around these projects.