D.I.Why?

With influences from mediums like Pinterest and HGTV expanding like a sponge dinosaur, the concept of improving your space all on your own has become an institution of interior design in and of itself. The idea that you, Joe Schmoe, can make one swift trip to your local craft store and within an afternoon have created some masterpiece has become commonplace. Well with this notion, a nasty little acronym has been birthed. It’s name is DIY. Obviously this stands for the phrase “do it yourself”. I’m going to be completely honest with you: I have yet to meet an interior designer worth their weight in salt who would spend hours upon hours whittling some weirdo coffee table in their garage that ends up leaning to one side and eventually collapsing.

Personally, if someone told me to “do it myself” I’d actually be offended. The temptation to simply purchase your latest home wants and needs via the internet while you watch The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is just too strong sometimes. However my at-home creative types need not fear. Though I have not the time or the patience level to hot glue 3,000 corks to a plywood substrate in an effort to create “art”, I do believe that there are some really cool things that can add a super chic sheen you your space, for not a lot of dough. My whole mantra on the DIY movement is as follows: more power to you. If you can muster up the time and endless supplies to fabricate your next conversation piece, then be my guest. My role, as your Homeboy, is to tell you to be realistic about the end result. Set yourself up for success. These DIY projects are easy, affordable and sure to inject a dose of zest into your living space.

1.

An easy way to add some super glam to your place is to take that old-ass mirror that’s either stuffed into your closet or hanging awkwardly on your wall and give it the Midas touch.

Step 1: Get some good gold spray paint (or crackle paint) and go to town.

Step 2: Let it dry. Apply another coat if needed.

What are you looking at? You’re done with the mirror. Insta-chic. Believe in yourself! You did it!

2.

 

Let there be light… switches. This is about as DIY as it gets for me, if I’m being honest. A really cool way to add detail to your space is to find a neat light switch panel cover, and replace that boring white one. Simply unscrew the 2 or 4 screws that hold the old panel on. You can use that screwdriver thingy. And then put the new panel on. Repeat screwing. TAH-DAH! Instant, fun wall accent.

3.

Throw shade. Yeah, that’s right. It’s about time you took that boring table lamp that mom and dad gave you ten years ago, and dress her up. Buy a fun and stylish lamp shade and let her have it. Adding this updated look will take your lighting selections to the next level. Even if you don’t think that the base matches, don’t worry: Eclectic is electric.

4.



Make contact with contact paper. I know it seems strange, but this age-old household item is good for more than just lining Grandma’s kitchen cabinets. Be warned, this DIY project is a little more time- intensive than the previous, but I figure if you, my little homie, have mastered the art of the previous, you can handle this one as well. So the point here is to give that unsightly sliding glass door, or any transparent surface for that matter, a touch of class with a chic nesting pattern.

Step 1: Determine your pattern and cut one shape to the desired scale of your pattern.

Step 2: Trace your shapes by using your newly cut template (kudos, you. You made a template. Mom would be so proud!) onto your frosted clear contact paper. Make multiple tracings as you’ll have to fill up the window.

Step 3: Turn on the tube and cut out the multitudes of shapes you’ve created while watching that Real Housewives of Beverly Hills marathon. You didn’t think I would skip it, did you? You’ll probably get through, like, two episodes. Just enough to watch Kim crash and burn, yet again.

So with a splash of vibrant paint, some cute pillow covers from IKEA and the quick projects I've spelled out for you above, adding spice to your space all by yourself is indeed possible. And why DIY? Because it can actually be easy! Even if you (or me) don’t have the time or patience to string a macaroni necklace, these suggestions can really save time, while making an impact.

Homeboy.