Beginner DIY Home Projects (No Experience Needed!)
When I first started this DIY adventure, I had no idea where it would lead me. All I knew was that I had big dreams for turning our house into something special, and I was going to give it my best shot! I started with simple DIY projects to build my confidence and learn as I went. If you’re in the same place I was a few years ago, these projects are a perfect place to start. They’re approachable, affordable, and surprisingly empowering! So, let’s do it! Here are some beginner DIY home projects that meet you right where you are.
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Project #1: Change Cabinet Hardware
This project may be small, but the impact is huge! Swapping cabinet hardware is one of the easiest ways to give your kitchen or bathroom an instant refresh without demo or a mess.
If your new hardware is similar to what’s already there (same size knobs or pulls, same hole spacing), you’re in luck! Just unscrew the existing hardware and install the new pieces.
If you’re adding new hardware or changing the size or style, a little prep goes a long way:
- Measure twice before drilling, because hole spacing is everything.
- Use a cardboard or hardware template to keep the placements consistent across all cabinets.
- If old holes don’t line up, fill them with wood filler, sand smooth, and touch up with paint. Once the new hardware is on, you’ll never notice.
- Start screws with a drill, but finish tightening by hand to avoid damaging the hardware.
Work one door or drawer at a time, and step back as you go. Precision matters on this kind of project, so take your time!
Need hardware inspo? This is a list of my favorite knobs and pulls we have throughout our home!
Beginner DIY Home Projects #2: Paint a Door
This is a project you can tackle inside or out, and it’s one of my favorite ways to add instant character. Painting a door is perfect for introducing an unexpected pop of color or transforming a more budget-friendly door into something that feels custom. Because doors require a slightly different technique than walls, I’ve rounded up all my best tips in this blog post to help you get the best finish possible.
Last summer, I also tried faux wood staining a door as part of our Modern French Country exterior makeover, and I’m still obsessed with how it turned out. If upgrading your front door isn’t in the budget right now, this is a beautiful, affordable alternative!
The Evolution of Our Front Door: Paint & Faux Wood Stain
Project #3: Patch Holes & Touch Up Paint
I originally planned to call this project “Patch Nail Holes,” but then I remembered… kids. Between flying toys, kids moving furniture, and the occasional mystery dent, walls take a beating. Knowing how to fix holes and dents yourself makes those moments a lot less stressful and keeps small damage from turning into a bigger problem later. Here’s how to patch a hole and add touch-up paint in just a few steps!
- Wipe down the wall with a damp microfiber cloth and let it dry completely.
- Fill the hole with spackle, using less than you think you need. Overfilling just means more sanding later.
- Use a putty knife to smooth it flat.
- Once it’s dry, lightly sand it so the patch disappears.
- Pro tip: For patching nail holes and small wall dents, use fine-grit sandpaper: 180–220 grit. Here’s my simple, easy guide to sandpaper grits!
- Feather the paint edges so touch-ups blend in with the rest of the wall.
Beginner DIY Home Projects #4: Caulk & Touch Up Trim
Baseboards and trim work are often overlooked, but they’re the finishing touches that make a home feel polished and complete. Over time, small gaps and cracks can show up from normal house movement or temperature changes, and once you notice them, they’re hard to unsee! But a quick caulk and touch-up can make the entire room look cleaner and more intentional (without a full repaint). All you need to do is:
- Cut a small hole in the caulk tube‘s nozzle so it comes out slowly and is easier to control. I like to pair it with this caulk gun.
- Use paintable caulk so that once it dries, you can paint over it, and it completely blends in with your trim.
- Apply a thin line (called the “bead”) of caulk along the crack or gap, then smooth it right away with a caulk tool (or, use my favorite hack: a damp baby wipe).
- Let the caulk fully dry before painting. If you paint too soon, the paint can crack or peel as the caulk dries.
Project #5: Swap Light Fixtures
Lighting can change the entire vibe of a space, making it feel calm and comforting, moody, or bright and energizing. This blog post walks you through step-by-step instructions for how to change a light fixture, along with videos. But here’s the first and most important step: always turn off the power before you start!
Ready to tackle these beginner DIY home projects?
You got this! Tag me on Instagram or leave a comment below sharing what project you’re doing. And if you’re wondering what tools you actually need as a DIY beginner, head here!
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