Cost: $20–$40 Time: 2–3 hrs Skill: Beginner

Paint a soft arch behind a bed, sofa, or console for a built-in, custom look.

• Materials: Painter’s tape, sample pot or quart of paint, pencil, string, pushpin, roller/brush.

1. Mark the center point; pushpin it. Tie string to pencil to create your arch radius.
2. Draw the arch, tape the vertical sides, and carefully cut tape edges if needed for curves.
3. Paint inside the shape; remove tape while paint is slightly wet for crisp lines.

Cost: $30–$60 Time: 3–4 hrs Skill: Beginner

1. Measure a horizontal line at chair-rail height (about 32–36 in. from the floor).
2. Tape the line; paint lower portion a darker shade to ground the room.
3. Optional: Extend the darker color onto doors for a custom, built-in feel.

Cost: $20–$45 Time: 2–3 hrs Skill: Beginner–Intermediate

Mix 1 part flat paint with 1 part water. Dab on in random patches with a rag for a textured, high-end look.

Cost: $25–$70 each Time: 30–60 min Skill: Beginner

• Materials: Plug-in sconces, wall anchors, cord covers or adhesive cord channels.

1. Mark height (eye-level when seated if near a sofa, or 60–66 in. from floor for hallways).
2. Install with anchors. Use paintable cord covers to hide cords.
3. Add warm bulbs (2700–3000K) for cozy ambience.

Cost: $15–$40 Time: 45–90 min

Hang multiple sizes of paper lanterns from removable ceiling hooks; use LED string or puck lights inside for a sculptural statement.

Cost: $5–$12 each Time: 15–25 min

1. Cut fabric: width = pillow width × 2 + 6 in.; height = pillow height + 1 in.
2. Fold short edges inward 0.5 in.; fuse with hem tape and iron.
3. Wrap fabric around pillow form, overlap the back, hem tape the side seams, then turn right-side out.

Cost: $10–$20/panel Time: 30–45 min

Use clip rings at the top. Hem with fusible tape to your ideal puddle or kiss-the-floor length.

Cost: $0–$10 Time: 20 min + 2–4 weeks

1. Take cuttings from pothos, philodendron, or spider plants.
2. Place in water until roots form; then pot in soil.

Cost: $3–$12 Time: 20–40 min

Paint tin cans or thrifted bowls with multi-surface paint; add a layer of matte sealer. Use pebbles at bottom for drainage.

Cost: $15–$50 total Time: 1–2 hrs

1. Gather frames of similar metal or wood tones; spray paint to unify.
2. Lay out on floor; snap a photo; transfer to wall with paper templates and painter’s tape.
3. Fill with prints, pages from books, fabric scraps, or personal photos.

Cost: $12–$35 Time: 1–2 hrs

Stretch a canvas drop cloth over a simple pine frame; paint abstract shapes using leftover paint. Finish with a matte clear coat.

Cost: $12–$25 per shelf Time: 45–90 min

1. Sand and finish a 1×8 or 1×10 pine board with stain or paint.
2. Mount L-brackets into studs or use heavy-duty anchors; top with the board.
3. Style with books, a plant, and one sculptural object.

Cost: $10–$15 per crate Time: 1–2 hrs

Stack and screw wooden crates together; add casters for a mobile side table.

Cost: $25–$80 Time: 2–4 hrs

Fabric: Wrap foam and batting around plywood; staple fabric. Wood: Mount vertical 1×2 slats to a painted plywood backer.