There’s nothing quite like making improvements to your own home, with your own hands, and it feels even better when it has minimal cost, and does not fill your entire weekend. Whether you just want to spruce up a small area, add a personal touch, or you really just want to find something that is fun and productive, you can find your DIY project! 

Not to worry! You don’t need a tool shop or unlimited free time. The best projects will most often be the quickest ones. We are talking about DIYs that can be completed in 30 minutes or less, with things you may already have on hand. These projects will not only refresh your area, but can also save money. 

Are you ready to get creative? Let’s go!

1 – Hanging Plant Holder from Repurposed Materials

Plants can really breathe new life into a space and hanging plants introduce a new level of dimension to your decor; particularly when you are low on surface area.

Items Required:

• An old mason jar
• Tin can or small planter
• Twine
• Macramé cord, or an old t-shirt cut into strips.
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun (if you’ll training it to an existing hook),
• Hook or nail to hang it from

Instructions:

Cut 4 equal lengths of your cord. Tie them all together with a knot in one end. Then, split them into pairs, and tie knots a few inches above the bottom knot. Repeat until you have a cradle shape, pop your planter in, tie a knot in the top to secure it and you are good to go. Hang it by a sunny window, and you are done.

Why It’s Great:

You can customize it completely, it is made from up-cycled materials, you can add a little bit of natural beauty to your home. 

2 – Wall Art with Washi 

Want a fast statement wall without the hassle of paint? Enter washi tape art. It’s renter-friendly, wallet-friendly, and ever-so versatile. 

Items Required:

• Washi tape in your color of choice
• Ruler or level
• Scissors or craft knife

Instructions: 

Make geometric designs, faux picture frames or minimalist city skylines directly on your wall. Use a ruler to keep lines straight and peel and reposition as ups.

Why It’s Great:

There is no damage and it peels off clean. It’s also so easy that you will start to want to change it up for every season.

3 –  Quick Furniture Makeover with Paint or Contact Paper

That old side table or bookshelf? Just need a little love.

Items Required:

• Chalk paint or spray paint
• Sand paper (optional, for prep)
• Tape
• Contact paper

Directions:

Lightly sand your surface (if necessary), and put a fresh, modern paint color on it. You could use some tape to stripe or pattern paint, and line your drawers with contact paper for a surprise.

Why It’s Great:

You’ll give tired furniture a second life, and save the cost of ne

4 – New No-Sew Pillow Covers 

No better way to alter a space than the texture and color of textiles. Make your own custom pillow cover. No sewing necessary.

Items Required:

• Old button up shirt or large scarf 
• Scissors 
• Fabric glue or safety pins 
• A pillow insert 

Directions: 

Cut your fabric to size, wrap it around your pillow insert, and hold the pillow cover together with glue or pins. Bonus style points for using the buttons on shirts for closure. 

Why It’s Great:

It’s free, fast, and reuse old clothes.

5 – Personalized Coasters with Tiles or Cork Sheets

Add a little personality to your coffee table, and protect it at the same time.

Items Required:

• Plain ceramic tiles or cork coasters
• Mod Podge
• Scrapbook paper, fabric or photos, your choice!
• Felt or cork for the bottom

Instructions:

Cut your paper to size and glue it on the tile or cork. Seal the top with a layer of Mod Podge and let it dry. Felt can be added to the bottom to help avoid scratches.

Why It’s Great:

They’re also great for gifts, and they cost a tiny fraction of what you would spend in a store.

6 – Magnetic Spice Rack on the Refrigerator

Not enough cabinet space? Go vertical for your spices.

Items Required:

• Small metal tins with clear tops
• Magnetic strips with adhesive
• Your favorite dry spices and herbs
• Labels or label maker

Instructions: 

Put a magnet on the back of the tins, fill with spices, label them, and put them on the side of your fridge or a magnetic board. 

Why It’s Great:

Saves drawer or shelf space and looks cool and organized.

7 – Upcycled Glass Jar Bathroom Organizers

Are you sick of rummaging through drawers to find cotton balls or Q-tips? Why not use glass jars for a polished farmhouse look?

Items Required:

• Empty jars 
• Spray paint or chalk paint
• Chalkboard labels or twine

Instructions:

Wash, and dry your jars, and paint the lids (or anything you want if you want to paint the whole jar if you’re after a “matte” finish). Then finish by adding twine or labels.

Why It’s Great:

It adds charm and keeps your vanity clutter-free.

8 – Entryway Key Holder with Scrap Wood and Hooks

Are you losing your keys every single morning? Well let’s put an end to that in less than 30 minutes.

Items Required:

• A small piece of scrap wood (reclaimed wood works great!)
• Wall hooks or decorative knobs
• Screws and a screwdriver
• Wall hanger (sawtooth or command strips)

Instructions:

Screw the hooks or knobs evenly spaced across the wood. Put the hanging hardware on back and hang it near your entry. Bonus: paint the wood, or stencil on a word like “Welcome” or “Keys” for extra fun!

Why it’s Great:

Functional + stylish = win! You won’t ever misplace your keys again. 

9 – Floating Shelf Display with Brackets

Do you want to display a few pieces of your most favorite work without losing any floor space? A simple floating shelf can create that perfect display.

Items Required:

• Any pre-cut wooden board
• Two small L-brackets
• Screws and wall anchors (if needed) 
• Level and drill

Directions:

Attach the brackets to the wall, get the board level on top, and screw down the board. Accessorize with candles, books peeking out, or little plants.

Why It’s Great:

Its minimal effort for a bigger visual impact, and it gives you additional storage space without adding unnecessary clutter. 

10 – Custom Candle Jars or Vases

Want a quick centerpiece or a custom gift? This one’s about as simple as you can get. 

Items Required:

• Empty candle jars or mini glass vases
• Rubbing alcohol (to clean glass)
• Decorative stickers, paint pens or jute twine
• Tea lights or faux candles 

Instructions:

Clean up the glass, decorate it with the pattern that you’re going for, then place it in a tea light. You could always use stencils or monograms for more of a polished look.

Why It’s Great:

Classy and warm, and so easy to make specific for the time of year or occasion.

Conclusion

You don’t have to re-design your whole space or spend a penny to love your space. These DIYs prove that if you carve out 30 minutes, use your creativity, and have a few supplies, you can alter your space. Pick one project. Do it and see the surprising results it can give. Now, go get those jars, painter’s brush and make it yours.