10 Weekend Projects for New Empty Nesters
In the midst of busy lives, home updates can slip our minds in favor of bigger things. But when you find yourself with a spare weekend (or two), it's a great time to tackle those home improvement projects you've been meaning to get around to. Team up with your partner on one of these simple ideas for a weekend activity with a rewarding end result.
1. Light the Way
Practical light fixtures might have been a must before, but now is the time to illuminate your space with something more stylish. It's easiest to install a new fixture in the same place as the previous one to avoid having to do any rewiring. Our step-by-step guide shows you how to do it safely.
2. Sleep in Style
Instantly transform your primary bedroom by DIYing a new headboard. This tufted version can be done in any color fabric to match your room's color scheme and adds an air of sophistication to your space in seven steps.
3. Fresh Furniture
We all know that kids and pets can wreak havoc on furniture. Ready for a change? Give worn, scratched furniture a renewed look with a little sanding and painting. To really switch things up, take the plunge with a bright new color.
4. Designer Door
Or at least it looks like one. What better way to signal your "new" living status than updating your home's entry point? Welcome guests with a newly painted front door. It's a curb appeal boost the price of a bucket of paint.
5. Beautiful Backsplash
Dress up your kitchen or bathroom with a pretty tiled backsplash. If the idea of placing hundreds of tiny tiles terrifies you, don't panic. You can purchase easily manageable mosaic sheets. While you're waiting for the grout to dry in your kitchen, a quick meal between steps is essential. Relax with a warm bowl of Progresso soup before you get back to your projects.
6. Better in Beaded Board
Beaded board (used as wainscoting here) is an easy way to create a classic cottage or farmhouse look. Although it looks complicated, some measuring and sawing skills coupled with a little elbow grease ensure you'll end up with installation that looks professional.
7. Give Your Front Entrance Some TLC
Be honest: When's the last time you touched up your front walk and steps? Over time, weather and wear cause cracks and holes to form, which can trip guests. Use a patching compound designed for cement to fix any problem spots.
8. Upgrade Cabinet Hardware
Switching out drawer pulls and cabinet knobs is an easy way to give any room a totally new look. Plus, it's a relatively inexpensive home update and can be done in a few hours.
9. Hang New Curtains
Trade in dingy, aged window treatments for some pretty new panels. Make them yourself—we have options for easy no-sew and sewn curtains alike—or purchase a set, then learn how to properly hang them.
10. Curate a Gallery Wall
Have you accumulated a bunch of photos and frames? Put them to good use in a fresh new display! It doesn't have to be just photos either: Gather up art prints, mirrors, planters, wooden letters, a clock, even empty frames. We'll show you how to lay it out and get the look you want.