Decorating Tricks to Freshen Up Your Home for Fall in Just 48 HOURS

50 quick and easy ways to spruce up your home

Home interior looking a little lackluster? The weekend is the ideal time for a DIY decorating project – you'll be amazed by how much you can achieve when you set your mind to it. Whether you want to breathe new life into a tired piece of furniture, revamp your kitchen wall tiles or work wonders with a paintbrush, these DIY projects will help you make the most of your spare time. Click or scroll on to get inspired...

Paint garden furniture

Revive your weathered garden furniture with a bright and colorful update. There are now so many shades to choose from for wood, metal and even plastic. For the perfect finish sand down, clean and dry the existing surface before application and always read the product label instructions. 

Pretty up the front porch

As much as we'd love to do a full room makeover in two days—it's probably not realistic. Instead, stick to smaller spaces like a cloakroom or a porch. This welcoming front terrace looks super inviting with a freshly painted red front door, a pretty lavender wreath and new door mats. 

Paint radiators

Fed up with staring at ugly radiators? Get your rooms Insta-worthy with color-coordinated heating systems. Choose the right paint for the job—a specially formulated radiator or metal paint and don't scrimp on the prep work if you want a professional-looking finish. 

Lay a wood floor

A new wood or faux wood floor can completely transform a room into a warm and natural space. With click-lock fit versions available it can easily be completed in a weekend. Be sure to install underlay first to ensure good insulation and comfort underfoot. 

Set up a home office

Give an awkward space a new purpose by building a small home office ready for Monday morning in an alcove like this created by Sarah @dreaming_of_a_sea_view. A simple desk, ladder shelf, noticeboard and colorful chair will transform the space into a practical hot desk. Then, simply add character with accessories and stationery. 

Refresh woodwork

It's inevitable that interior woodwork will gain a few scrapes and knocks over time. Instead of repainting them boring white why not tap into the colored woodwork trend? From bold shades to soft neutrals, a flash of color on just woodwork can make a stylish statement. 

Wallpaper a wall mural

Create a brand new atmosphere by papering just one wall with a wallpaper mural. Whether it's subtle florals, a faux brick design or a complete transformation with a photographic forest scene, a new feature wall will create wow factor with just a few rolls and wallpaper paste. 

Reinvent the balcony

Give your balcony a whole new look with a few updates and some stylish décor. Add a paint effect to a wall, install some faux grass or head to the garden center to layer your little oasis with an array of potted plants.

Re-paint wardrobe doors

Take the painted kitchen cabinet trend into the bedroom. Use the same method to paint fitted closet doors with a shot of color. We love how this period bedroom has used the same dark tone for both the wardrobe doors and half-paneled wall to create a seamless and streamlined look. 

Take down some kitchen cupboards

Open up your kitchen by removing the upper cabinets to install a few rows of open shelving. It's a popular look right now that will make your kitchen feel instantly lighter and brighter. Fill in and repaint any holes before you mount the shelving. Then, use the new surfaces to display pretty glass storage jars, potted herbs and co-ordinated crockery. It will feel like a new kitchen!

Mount the TV on a wall

Create extra floor space in your living room by mounting the television on the wall. It sounds easy but will need a fool-proof plan that will take a day or so to arrange. Double check the wall is strong enough first, investing in wall anchors if it's a hollow wall, then think about what additional shelving you might need for other components such as speakers, game consoles or cable boxes. Also, consider wire-concealing options. 

Declutter and organize the bedroom

Although no tools are necessary, a full wardrobe clearout and organize can take a good 24 hours. Once complete, however, your bedroom with feel larger, and with a new capsule wardrobe your mind will be clearer. Don't forget to drop off anything you don't want to the charity shops.

Upgrade kitchen taps

Take a look at your kitchen and bath taps. Do they have a build up of rust and limescale that's letting the rest of the room down? Good news— you don't need to be a plumber to replace them with something clean, fresh and new. Do the research, watch online tutorials, read the manual and invest in the right tools. Alternatively, give them a paint job to refresh, using specialist metal paints.

Re-dress windows

Give tired windows a new burst of color by hanging new window dressings. Whether you've made them yourself, ordered a made-to-measure design or bought off the shelf, a bright pop of color will add a welcoming touch, like this beautiful blue leaf print roller blind. They usually come with brackets that screw onto the wall; simply clip the blind into place for a perfect fit.

Tile a bath panel

If you have tiles left over from another project. Add a focal point to your bathroom by tiling a bath panel to match or contrast with the walls. You'll need to purchase a tileable bath panel. Then secure it to the bath frame and tile as you would walls. 

Build yourself a firepit

If you don't have the budget to buy a brand new firepit, then why not build your own? While it might sound like a daunting task, creating a DIY firepit is actually a simple job that requires limited materials, skills and time. There are a few ways it can be done. You can buy yourself a pre-designed firepit ring kit that comes complete with pit blocks, or you can go custom using a paver base, retaining wall blocks and fireproof bricks. There are plenty of handy tutorial videos out there to help you.

Repaint kitchen cabinetry

Freshly painted cabinetry will revive an older kitchen without having to endure an expensive refit. Make sure you do the necessary prep work and use a good quality specialist paint so the finish will last. A paint sprayer will make light work of the job and the finish will be professional too. There are some great how-to guides online. 

Swap out kitchen hardware

It's amazing how a small change like replacing your old kitchen door handles can totally transform a space. A quick and affordable project, cabinet hardware is easy to come by and can elevate your kitchen to new heights. If you're keen to simply upcycle what you already have, then you could opt for a natural mineral powder paint that can be used to coat everything from metal to plastic.

Fix the fence

Has your garden fence seen better days? If so, it might be time to bite the bullet and update it. Unsightly or broken fencing panels can make a house look shabby, and since they cost about the same amount as a meal out, replacing them is a cheap but easy way to transform your garden and add curb appeal to your property. It's also a great way to add instant value to your home. If your fence is in a decent state, you could consider painting it to give your backyard a refresh.

Refresh your headboard

If your bedroom is missing a focal point, look out for an ornamental wooden panel to lean against the wall behind your mattress. This beautiful carved wood backdrop creates a global-inspired statement piece to elevate an uninspiring scheme. Alternatively, use the weekend to paint the wall behind the bed in a contrasting shade to create an illusion headboard, or give your current headboard a freshening up with a coat of color or new upholstery.

Install a pretty backsplash

Two days is just enough time to give your kitchen backsplash a colorful new makeover. Here, rose-colored tiles have been installed in a herringbone pattern, while a floating shelf helps to frame the design. If this feels beyond your DIY skills, give existing tiles a deep clean and go over grout lines with a grout pen to make them sparkle like new.

Transform with tile stickers

If you don't have time to get the grout out then tile stickers are a speedy way to transform your home in a flash. These colorful adhesive designs are perfect for breathing new life into a kitchen or bathroom. Make sure the original tiles are in good order, then clean and dry them. Peel and smooth the stickers onto the tiles, ensuring they are straight and in line with the existing grout lines.

Personalize flat-pack furniture

Inject personality into your interior by personalizing flat-pack furnishings. This IKEA baby changer has been transformed by @threeboysandapinkbath with a vibrant, graphic design. To get the look, whitewash the whole dresser with diluted chalk paint. Once dry, outline your pattern with painter's tape and fill in with chalk paint. When almost dry, peel off the tape and finish the look with prairie-themed accessories.

Replace the bath panel

Years of hot water and humid temperatures can take their toll on your bathtub. To give it a new lease of life, simply replace your tired bath panel with a fresh one. Pull off the old design and install a new made-to-measure one that should clip in easily. 

Make the fireplace a focal point

Give a plain chimney breast a refresh with iridescent tiles that shimmer and glisten around the flickering fire. If your fireplace is no longer in use, finish the look with stacked firewood for a cosy, rustic feel or place battery-operated candles in the grate to create the illusion of real flames. 

Paint a blackboard wall

Zone a hardworking home office with a fun blackboard feature wall. Measure out the design with masking tape and fill in the space with chalkboard paint. Paint two coats and peel off the tape when almost dry. To add extra utility, you could use magnetic paint to create a large-scale memo board too.

Experiment with new paint effects

Create a soothing atmosphere in your living space with a soft ombré feature wall that's surprisingly easy to achieve. Start with a white backdrop and select a contrasting color. Apply the second shade to the bottom of the wall horizontally. Then mix the two shades together in a tray and use a sponge or roller to blend the middle section where the two colors meet.

Grow an urban oasis

Transform your bathroom into a tropical sanctuary by surrounding your bath with indoor plants. Mix and match figs, ferns and trailing ivy and display them at various heights for a jungle vibe. Use funky planters in rich copper tones to complete the space with a luxury finish. If you're not green-thumbed, go faux for a hassle-free scheme instead.

Sort out under-stair storage

Nothing feels better than a good declutter. Spend the weekend shedding your hallway of junk and make good use of otherwise redundant space. Work around the sloping area under the stairs by creating a customized storage solution with standalone boxes. Choose storage modules with vibrant metal frames for a fun pop of color.

Repaint the garden deck

Winter weather will have taken its toll so get your garden prepared for the warmer months ahead by repainting the decking. Choose a dry weekend and use the first morning for preparation: sweep away debris, clean the wood with decking cleaner and lightly sand the surface. Then get the paintbrush out and start from the furthest corner to ensure you have an exit path. Work your way back across the deck and allow to fully dry, repeating the painting process the next day.

Add wow-factor to your walls

Bold paint techniques can dramatically transform the feel of a room. For a contemporary look with a classic twist, mix and match three shades to create a vibrant, graphic design. Paint the whole room white first and once dry, measure down from the ceiling and mask off a straight line across the wall using a spirit level. Apply the two darker colors to adjacent walls and peel off the tape just before the paint is completely dry.

Curate a gallery wall

There's an array of different ways to curate a gallery wall, from co-ordinating frames in a symmetrical design to an eclectic mismatched layout with contrasting frames. Whatever you prefer, plan out your gallery by cutting out paper stencils to the size of each frame, then tape them to the wall and rearrange until you find the perfect formation. You don't need to stick to photos and pictures—ceramic plates, 3D letters and wall hangings will make the feature more interesting.

Take a statement ceiling for a spin

Ceilings were once overlooked, but not anymore. Not only does a statement ceiling look contemporary and fresh, but it can open up a room by making the walls feel elongated. Measure down from the ceiling and mask a line around the room with decorating tape before painting the two areas in contrasting tones.

Give the front door a facelift

Banish a dated uPVC front door in a weekend with a light and bright paint refresh. A universal all-surface paint doesn't need a primer so it can simply be sprayed directly onto the surface. Ensure your door is free from dust and cleaned thoroughly, then allow to dry. Cover and seal the door fixtures with masking tape and apply one to two coats of all-surface paint.

Plant a living wall

Create a showstopping indoor garden with a vibrant living wall. If you purchase a modular framework, you can create a custom wall that can be moved from room to room. What greenery you plant is up to you; be it leafy ferns, contemporary succulents or a delicious and fragrant herb garden for the kitchen.

Pop up wood paneling

Waist or shoulder-height wood paneling can transform a bedroom into an idyllic country retreat. For an extra touch of luxury, choose paneling with a shelf that runs along the top. Measure the walls, cut the beading to size and apply with an appropriate adhesive. Caulk and gaps and finish the look by painting everything in your chosen shade.

Swap out the bathroom sink

If you've got the DIY know-how, install a new bathroom sink to instantly refresh your scheme. Colored concrete basins are a big bathroom trend at the moment and an update will give your wash space a new lease of life. You could even swap out the fixtures too—these matt black faucets look ultra-chic set above the stylish rose pink sink.

Spruce up the garden shed

Transform a tired garden outbuilding into a showstopping shed with a fresh coat of paint. A gorgeous fresh green tone will blend into the botanical surroundings and if the shed has a window, why not hang a pretty curtain up inside? A vintage-style table in front can double-up as a potting station, while a comfy outdoor chair will offer the perfect spot to admire your handiwork.

Embellish an empty corner

Sometimes small changes to vacant corners can make the world of difference to your interior. Four IKEA MOSSLANDA picture ledges have transformed this entryway into a veritable gallery. Paint the ledges a soft pink and mount them against a white backdrop. Select vintage-style art from second-hand shops and flea markets to pick out the pretty blush hue.

Install new kitchen worktops

Replacing worktops can make a kitchen look brand new without splashing out on a complete refit, though this is definitely a job for a seasoned DIYer. Measure accurately, mark the countertop to fit your measurements, then cut and join. Yes, it sounds complicated to us too but there are lots of online video tutorials and step-by-guides out there to help you get the job done right. 

Lay vinyl flooring

Modern vinyl flooring has come a long way since its 1960s heyday. The newer material is waterproof, durable and works wonders at jazzing up bathrooms of all sizes. It's less fiddly to lay than tiles as it comes in an easy roll that can be cut and fitted to size.

Foray into flat-pack

Spending a weekend building flat-pack furniture might fill you with dread but try to look beyond the mundane task to the miraculous finished piece. This modular shelving system makes a stunning new room divider in this refreshing green and white open-plan space.

Freshen up flooring with tile stickers

Cheap and easy to apply, large tile stickers are an easy way to hide an out-of-date floor, plus they're splash-resistant so they work well in bathrooms and kitchens. Start by cleaning and drying the floor, then spread your stickers out in your preferred design, starting from the center and working outwards. Once they're aligned, start peeling and sticking. Use a retractable blade to cut the outer tiles to size against walls and around furniture—an easy-to-achieve and fabulous flooring idea!

Create a wallpaper feature

Update a window seat or reading nook with a pretty length of self-adhesive wallpaper. Make sure the surface is dry and clean. As you peel and stick, be careful to apply in a smooth motion to prevent any bumps. Once complete, finish the cozy corner with a colorful and comfortable bench cushion in a shade that picks out the hues of the wallpaper.

Freshen up the furnace

If tiling your chimney breast seems like too challenging a task, then stick to a good, old-fashioned paint job instead—an equally as effective makeover project that will take you less time. You can stick to the same color as your wall to create a striking finish, or opt for a complementary hue that will allow the fireplace surround to pop. You'll need to start by cleaning the wood (or bricks) and if the fireplace is functioning, you'll need to choose heat-resistant paint.

Revamp plain wall storage

Give old modular wall storage a new lease of life by adding a splash of color to each individual compartment. Whether you go for rainbow shades or muted pastels, paint the back of each box an alternating shade. Break up the block palette with a monochrome pattern created with black washi tape. Well, we know how we'll be spending our weekend!

Sew a window seat

Got a picture window with a wide ledge? You could use your weekend to create a cosy reading nook. All you need to do is measure the space, buy some foam—at least three inches thick—and select the perfect fabric to complement your space. You don't even need a sewing machine to complete the look, since an upholstery stapler or strong, double-sided fabric tape will do the job. Finish with some scatter cushions and you're ready to recline.

Paint the garage door

A tired garage door with peeling paint is an eyesore, so use the weekend to restore your home's kerb appeal. Make sure any loose paint is sanded down thoroughly, before cleaning and drying the door. Apply two coats of paint and slide cardboard under the door to catch any drips. 

Liven up the landing

Revamp a narrow landing with a refreshing pastel palette. This is the exquisite work of @theottohouse, who has a knack when it comes to choosing colors. The space is now sophisticated and stylish thanks to just a few simple changes. The carpet has been ripped up to expose the floorboards, while the banister has been painted not one but two shades of pretty pink. Note how the blush tone has been color-matched perfectly to the simple but striking floor runner. 

Brighten up the stairs

Illuminate a dreary entryway by adding color and pattern to a straight staircase. Here, whitewashed walls open up the space and allow a statement staircase to stand out. Rich blue treads and handrail frame a fabulous run of co-ordinated, tile effect, vinyl treads. The finished look is incredible! 

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