See some fun and creative DIY home decor projects from my friend Leigh. You might be inspired to try one yourself!
Hi friends! Today’s guest here at Harbour Breeze Home is Leigh. We connected on Instagram a few months ago and have become friends over there. She consistently shares beautiful, budget-friendly projects, and I know you’ll enjoy her creative ideas.
Leigh is imaginative, resourceful, and delightful to follow. Here’s a curated tour of some of her favorite DIY home decor projects—simple, practical, and perfect for updating any room in your house.
Hello! I’m Leigh from the blog The Little by Little Home, and I’m thrilled to be sharing a few of my favorite projects with Rita Joy’s readers. My blog started when we moved into a very old farmhouse and I needed an outlet to share home decor ideas and small DIY renovations. Over time, as we renovated every room, my passion for hands-on projects grew. Before moving to our current home, we refreshed 14 rooms in that farmhouse. Seeking more space and simplicity, we later moved into a 1915 Dutch Colonial–style house, and it’s been a joy to update each room there as well.
If you’d like to see more before-and-after photos from the room makeovers, you’ll find a full gallery on my blog. Below are a selection of projects that are approachable, budget-friendly, and perfect for adding personality to your home.
DIY Home Decor Projects for Every Room in Your House
Dining Room Light Fixture
I discovered a drum lampshade on clearance and wondered if it could be adapted to fit over our existing chandelier. With a few affordable parts from the hardware store and a little creativity, I transformed our chandelier into a fresh, modern fixture for under $20. This is an easy weekend update that dramatically changes the look of a dining room without breaking the bank.
Simple DIY Fireplace Mantel
When we moved in, the fireplace looked like it belonged in a medieval castle. After painting and some stonework to soften the look, the mantel still needed a refresh. To keep the update simple and cost-effective, we capped the existing mantel with basic boards from the hardware store. The result is a clean, classic mantel that elevates the entire room with minimal effort and expense.
How to Convert a Dresser into a Vanity
One of our first major projects was turning an office into a half bath and laundry room. Working on a budget led us to creative solutions: using a sink that had been in storage and repurposing a used dresser, my husband fashioned a custom bathroom vanity. Converting a dresser into a vanity is a smart way to add character and storage, and it can be completed without specialized tools or a big budget.
Painted Kitchen Cabinets
Painting our kitchen cabinets was a transformative project that took only a few days but completely changed the room’s look. If you’re considering updating cabinets without a full remodel, painting is one of the most impactful and cost-effective options. It’s also durable when done with the right prep and products—I’ve shared a one-year review documenting how the finish has held up over time.
Piano Painting
Painting a piano felt like a bold move—definitely a commitment—but the cheerful yellow finish has brought so much personality to our space. This is a great example of how a single creative decision can become a focal point and bring joy to an entire room. If you’re thinking about tackling a dramatic makeover, consider the payoff of a unique, statement piece like a painted piano.
It’s been a pleasure sharing a handful of projects with you. There are many more makeovers, simple recipes, home decor ideas, and snippets of family life on my blog. Thank you to Rita Joy for inviting me to share these DIY ideas—I hope you feel inspired to try something new in your home!
And, thank you so much, Leigh, for guest posting today!
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If you’d like to see more behind-the-scenes projects and day-to-day inspiration, follow @harbourbreeze on Instagram for real-life updates and creative ideas.