DIY-ing can be quite intimidating if you’ve never tried it before.
The internet is packed with complicated looking tutorials that require specialist tools and expert knowledge to complete the project and most of them look like you need to set aside a full month to get it done. It can be very overwhelming for a novice DIY-er.
If you’re keen to get a bit handy around your house we’ve put together a list of nine simple projects you can complete in a weekend, even if you’re a total DIY beginner.
1. Paint a feature wall

Dining area in Sims Urban Oasis Condo. Picture: iProperty
DIY wall painting used to be quite difficult but there are many excellent primers, sealants and easy application paints available now, so you don’t need to be an expert to add a beautiful feature wall to your home.
You can choose a solid colour, a pattern or if you’re feeling particularly artistic you could paint a scene or an abstract art piece on your wall. Ask for advice at your local hardware store on what type of products you need and if they have any advice to help you out.
Tip: Make sure you plan your time carefully when painting over a weekend. You need to allow for drying time so this may mean you have to start your project on a Friday evening.
See more: The perfect colour palette for your home in 2019
2. Replace your boring door knobs with fancy ones
This is a very simple way to give your home a visual lift and it’s also a fantastic way for renters to add a damage free personal touch to their home.
Look online or in vintage hardware for inexpensive and interesting doorknobs to replace your existing ones.
You can replace the doorknobs on almost anything – room doors, cupboards, drawers, cabinets – and the best part is that you can keep the original knobs and replace them when you move out of your home.
It’s a quick, inexpensive, easy and fun project that’s perfect if you have limited DIY time.
3. Get the sewing machine out

Picture: unsplash
Soft home furnishings are amongst the easiest items to sew because most of them (like curtains, cushion covers and bed linen) are sewn exclusively in straight lines.
Why not spend this weekend whipping up some gorgeous cushion covers for your couch or a beautiful set of linen bedsheets? Bed linen and decorative fabric items can be expensive but you can halve of the cost of luxury items like these by making them yourself.
Most simple soft furnishing projects can be completed in a few hours which makes them perfect for your next free Sunday afternoon.
4. Stencil your tired old furniture
If you have an old shelving unit or chest of drawers that could use a makeover, try giving it a freshen up with stencils.
Stencils are inexpensive and can be used again and again. You can also use stamps, washi tape, decals and masking tape.
Working on a single item is a great way to give yourself a gentle introduction to the world of DIY and you can easily complete a chest of drawers revamp in one weekend.
See more: How to make affordable art look expensive
5. Spruce up your bedroom with a headboard
If your bedroom is looking a little on the drab side try brightening it up with a headboard. You can paint a headboard directly to the wall behind your bed or you can make one out of plywood, cardboard, or recycled palettes.
DIY headboard tutorials are very popular amongst the online design community so just pop your inquiry into Google and you’re sure to find something you love.
See more: 4 simple hacks to pimp out your bed
6. Make a lampshade
Lampshade updates are one of the easiest and most effective ways you can give your home a lift. You can sew, knit, crochet, fabric wrap, tape wrap or bead a lampshade. You can make them out of wire, recycled bottle caps, rope, string and even ceramics.
Tip: Make sure the materials you use for your lampshade can withstand the heat of a lightbulb. Most modern lightbulbs are fairly low heat and should be compatible with most materials but it’s always best to check first.
7. Paint a chalkboard
Chalkboard paint used to be an expensive specialty item but as more companies started manufacturing it, it’s become very affordable and versatile. You can paint it on your fridge to turn it into a permanent shopping list or paint a wall in your kitchen for a similar effect.
It’s also a handy idea to paint a wall in a child’s bedroom with it. Kids love having a wall they’re actually allowed to draw on and it’s a great activity if you’ve only got a few hours to spare.
8. Do some outdoor DIY-ing
Whether you have an enormous garden or a tiny terrace there are dozens of excellent weekend DIY projects you can do to give your outdoor area a boost.
You could sew some weatherproof cushions for your outdoor furniture set, pot some herbs and make a container garden or you could research some DIY tiki light or candle projects to turn your outdoor area into a nighttime sanctuary.
9. Make a bookshelf

Picture: unsplash
This sounds like a difficult project but we promise, you won’t even need a hammer for this.
You can make a bookshelf out of your books. Simply purchase some long planks of shelving from your local hardware store and use stacks of books to create support pillars for the shelving. It’s an excellent way to save space and money.
Things like cinder blocks and bricks also make excellent support structures for nail and glue-free DIY shelving.
Originally published as 9 DIY project ideas you can knock over in a weekend by Carly Jacobs. Author at realestate.com.au .