Simple Do-It-Yourself Renovations That Will Dramatically Update Your Home

Paint the Banister/Railing of Stairs

Taking an unattractive banister from lacking to luxurious with a coat of black paint is one of the most transforming do-it-yourself projects for your home. Like great plastic surgery, it's one of those renovations that will make all the difference in the world but admirers won't be able to quite guess what you had done. "Yooooou...painted the ceiling!"

"Nope"

"...Oh! Replaced the carpet!"

"Uh Uh"

"Is the crown molding different???"

And just like that, you've performed thousands of dollars in home improvements with one quart of paint and more than a half day to spare.

Photo courtesy of: http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/2012_10_01_archive.html

Photo courtesy of: http://www.classiccasualhome.com/2011_03_01_archive.html

Photos courtesy of: http://yourhomeonlybetter.com/painting-stairs-diy-faqs-and-tips/

Paint the Legs of Old Chairs

Photos courtesy of: http://www.remodelaholic.com/2011/03/a-new-look-for-and-old-chair-painted-upholstery/

Photos courtesy of: http://en.paperblog.com/new-legs-target-chair-403986/

Photo courtesy of: My personal DIY project to update home

De-Clutter the Mantel

Photos courtesy of: http://www.home-designing.com/2010/11/fireplace-mantels-and-surrounds

 

Decorate with Mirrors

Photo courtesy of: http://shilupoudel.blogspot.com/2012/08/home-decor-ideas-with-mirror.html

Photo courtesy of: http://www.80018.cn/p.asp?/=197828

Photo courtesy of: http://edecoratelivingrooma.blogspot.com/2012/05/view-piece-living-room-setting.html

Photo courtesy of: http://www.decor-tips.com/blog/2012/06/19/incorporating-mirrors-into-your-decorating/

Photo courtesy of: http://www.deniseinbloom.com/decorating-small-spaces/

Replace Old Door Knobs

Photo courtesy of: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,1110478,00.html

Photos courtesy of: http://www.livelovediy.com/2012/08/update-old-doorknobs-with-spray-paint.html

Photo courtesy of: http://www.flickr.com/photos/13326154@N03/3877150522/

Photos courtesy of: http://beautyandbedlam.com/spray-painting-cabinet-knobs/

Photo courtesy of: http://smallnotebook.org/2012/03/01/how-can-i-darken-this-cabinet-hardware/

Photo courtesy of: http://www.loveoffamilyandhome.net/2013/01/updating-furniture-with-new-

hardware.html

Photo courtesy of: http://www.directkitchencabinets.com/blog/kitchen-cabinet-hardware/caring-for-kitchen-cabinet-hardware/

Paint Cabinets

Photos courtesy of: http://www.burnettpainting.com/general-tips/7-simple-steps-to-painting-your-cabinets-or-cupboards/

Photo courtesy of: http://www.gingerlymade.com/2012_05_01_archive.html

Photo courtesy of: http://blog.paintquality.com/remodeling-ideas/paint-kitchen-and-bath-cabinets/

Photo courtesy of: http://www.settingforfour.com/2012/04/bloggosphere-inspirational-diy-projects.html

 (Bathroom DIY Update BEFORE)

(Bathroom DIY Update AFTER)

Photo courtesy of: My personal DIY project to update home

Crafty Gal Tip: Use a combo paint and primer without sheen (flat or eggshell) and you don't have to prep or seal the cabinets except to wipe them down good before you paint.

Replace Lighting Fixtures

Photo courtesy of: http://www.thecountrychiccottage.net/2012/05/how-to-spray-paint-your-light-fixtures.html

Photo courtesy of: http://homeroomidea.com/modern-pendant-lighting-fixtures-to-apply.html

Photo courtesy of: http://www.homenit.com/best-collection-of-modern-pendant-light-fixtures/

Photo courtesy of: http://designsenselighting.com/sophisticated-modern-lighting-fixtures/

Photo courtesy of: http://www.elliottspourhouse.com/where-are-track-lighting-fixtures-appropriate/