We are often asked about easy and popular DIY projects that can fix up a home and yard for spring.
While we have our personal favorites, we’ve gathered the DIY projects that are most popular on MyFixitUpLife.com and on our MyFixitUpLife YouTube channel.
Table of contents
Create fun outdoor rooms
Creating an outdoor room means making a special spot to sit and enjoy friends.
For this little outdoor space we upcycled pallets. When working with pallets, keep in mind that they can be tough to take apart. You can use a circular saw to cut the boards or a recip saw to cut the nails. And make sure to clean them with a wire brush before painting. A little nook to store essentials is a fun addition.
Add a pergola hangout spot
Pergolas are popular DIY projects. Their posts need footings similar to decks. Making a template the same size as the pergola footprint helps locate the posts. We build up our posts from two 2x6s and a 2×4 and customize the rafter tails to add an individual touch. A little wrap-around bench also serves as a bar at backyard parties.
Add a playset
Building a playset is super fun because you can add whatever features your family is into. The foundation and knowing the height of a chosen slide are two critical pieces to planning out a playset. We built this two-story playset to include swings, slide, little rooms to store toys and play, and a bridge. It’s fun tricking out the extras to a playset, too.
Build a planter or more
A planter is great for decks, front porches, and sitting spots in the backyard. We like lightweight planters that have legs, so they are easy to move. Make sure to line the inside with landscape fabric, and seal the wood with linseed oil or deck stain to protect it from weather.
Make a planter for house numbers
A planter box for house numbers is an easy-ish afternoon project. It not only shows off your house numbers, it’s also a little opportunity to add a pop of color to your home’s facade.
Add a ramp for a shed
A ramp for a shed is a weekend project that makes every weekend easier. A couple keys to success for this project is to choose a nice angle for your ramp and to make sure that you position the framing so that after the decking is on, the doors can close.
Fix up your entry
Freshening up an entryway is a popular DIY project. It seems that every spring and fall we hear from homeowners curious about how to paint a door or make an entry more inviting.
While an entryway can be updated with a new door or with a fresh paint color on an old door, you also can update your entry with a little outdoor rug, statement-making planters and flowers, and some outdoor-rated wall decor.
Makeover kid bedrooms
A kid’s bedroom can be fun to makeover, and an opportunity to get a little playful with color. We used wood planks and paint to create this Minecraft themed room for our son Jack. He picked the colors and the minecraft characters. Having fun with light fixtures also adds to the room’s mood.
This bedroom for a little girl was created to feel like a princess’s oasis. We used shadow box trim to elevate the look, added little sparkle touches throughout, and soft purple paint to finish the look.
Update cabinets with paint
Painting cabinets is one way to refresh a kitchen or bathroom. It’s one of the most popular DIY projects we’re asked about.
Removing all of the hardware before painting, lightly sanding the surface, and using several light coats helps to ensure a long-lasting and professional-like finish. Always make sure the paint is cured before using a freshly painted bathroom.
Create a happy little space
Parents need a quiet little retreat at home just as much as kids need a place to play. For this little sunroom spot, we painted a large pattern on the wall with shades of yellow, added a collection of herbs in customized corner pots, and comfortable chairs for hanging out.
Refresh furniture
Updating old furniture is a popular DIY project that can be done in just an afternoon or two. Old furniture can be updated with a little paint. With a little bit of paint, a new shelf, and a cushion, this old dresser is now a bench that’s perfect for an entryway.
Stain is another way to update old furniture. Before applying new stain to wood, make sure to sand any gloss finish off the surface. Apply stain with the grain, and a sealer will help protect the finish.
Another way to refresh furniture is using a few different colors of paint, and a pattern for the top. I used an old lace curtain to create this look. And plants always add a little bit of spring to any space.
