Interior design doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, some of the most stylish and personal homes are those filled with clever, handmade touches. DIY projects are the heart of low-budget interior design, offering a way to add character, custom style, and function to your home without spending a fortune. The best projects for beginners are those that require minimal tools, a small investment, and deliver a big visual impact.

Here are some of the easiest DIY projects to transform your home on a budget.

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1. The Power of Paint

A fresh coat of paint is the most transformative and affordable DIY you can do. It can single-handedly change the mood and look of an entire room.

Update a Piece of Furniture: Find a solid, secondhand dresser, bookshelf, or side table. Give it a complete makeover with a fresh coat of paint in a modern color. Don’t worry about the old finish—a little sanding and a can of paint can work wonders. For a final touch, swap out the old knobs and handles for new, affordable hardware.
Create a Gallery Wall: This is a classic and highly effective way to add character to a room. Gather a collection of frames from thrift stores or discount retailers. For a cohesive look, spray paint them all a single color, like black, white, or gold. Fill them with family photos, free printable art from online, or postcards from your travels.
Paint an Accent Wall: Instead of painting an entire room, choose one wall to paint a bold, dramatic color. This creates an instant focal point and adds a designer feel to the room for just the cost of a can of paint. It’s a low-commitment way to experiment with a color you love.

2. Simple Decor with Everyday Materials

You don’t need to buy new decor when you can create your own unique pieces from items you already have or can find for free.

Make Your Own Art: You don’t have to be an artist to create a beautiful piece of art. Buy a large, inexpensive canvas and paint a simple abstract design using just a few colors. You can also create a stylish piece of art by arranging pieces of leftover wallpaper, fabric, or even a beautiful scarf in a large frame.
Repurpose Glass Jars and Bottles: Save glass jars from pasta sauce, pickles, and coffee. With a good cleaning, they can be used as beautiful vases, candle holders, or stylish, free storage for pantry staples. For a custom look, you can spray paint them a uniform color or wrap them in twine for a rustic feel.
Hang Curtains High and Wide: This simple trick makes a room feel taller and more open. Use an inexpensive curtain rod and curtains, and hang the rod several inches above the window frame. Extend it a few inches past the sides of the window to make it look larger and more grand.

3. Easy Storage and Organization Solutions

Clutter can make any room feel chaotic. These projects help you get organized without spending a lot of money or time.

Install Floating Shelves: Floating shelves are a clean, modern, and affordable way to add storage and display space. You can purchase simple shelves and brackets from a home improvement store and install them yourself in just a few hours. They’re perfect for books, plants, and small decorative items.
Use Baskets and Crates: Find old baskets or wooden crates and use them for stylish storage. They can be placed on a bookshelf, under a console table, or stacked to create a unique shelving unit. With a fresh coat of paint or a simple liner, they’ll look brand new.
Create a Pegboard Organizer: A pegboard is the ultimate customizable storage solution for a kitchen, craft room, or garage. You can hang pots and pans, utensils, tools, or art supplies on a pegboard, keeping everything organized and within easy reach. It’s a project that is both functional and a cool design feature.