10 Easy DIY Projects to Kick Off Summer at Home

10 Easy DIY Projects to Kick Off Summer at Home

Memorial Day weekend is here, and while backyard barbecues are a must, it’s also a great time to tackle those home projects you’ve been putting off. With longer days and warmer weather, summer is the ideal season to freshen up your space inside and out. Here are ten simple DIY ideas to get you started over the long weekend and keep the momentum going all summer.

1. Repaint Your Front Door

Want instant curb appeal? A bold front door color can completely transform your home’s vibe. Clean, sand, prime, and paint - it’s a project you can knock out in an afternoon and enjoy every day.

2. Light Up the Night

Add solar-powered lights to walkways, gardens, or patios for a warm, welcoming glow. No wires, no stress, just an easy upgrade that adds charm and function.

3. Build a Garden Path

Define your outdoor space with a simple path made from stepping stones, pavers, or gravel. It’s practical, pretty, and much easier than it looks.

4. Make a DIY Bench

A custom outdoor bench adds seating and personality to your yard or porch. All you need are some boards, screws, and stain or paint if you’re feeling bold.

5. Install Window Boxes

Brighten up your home’s exterior with flower-filled window boxes. Buy pre-made or build your own, then plant colorful summer blooms for a cheerful pop of color.

6. Refresh Outdoor Furniture

Give tired patio furniture new life with a coat of outdoor paint or fresh cushions. Don’t toss it, transform it.

7. Swap Out Kitchen Hardware

Big change, small effort. New cabinet handles and drawer pulls can modernize your kitchen in minutes. It’s the definition of low-effort, high-reward.

8. Start a Vertical Garden

No yard? No problem. Hang planters, mount pots, or repurpose a pallet to grow herbs, flowers, or succulents right on your wall or balcony.

9. Paint an Accent Wall

Pick a wall, grab a bold color, and make a statement. A new accent wall can completely shift the mood of a room and it’s a perfect project for a rainy weekend day indoors.

10. Update Light Fixtures

Swap outdated fixtures for something sleek and modern. Just be sure to cut the power before you begin - this project is about bright ideas, not sparks.

These DIYs are budget-friendly, beginner-friendly, and designed to give your home a fresh, inviting feel without a major time commitment. So this Memorial Day weekend, fire up the grill and the paintbrush—you’ll be surprised how far a few small updates can go.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Got a home improvement question? Email Bob at info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” Questions may be considered for publication. To contact O’Donnell Bros. Inc. for your next project, call (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Revitalize Your Living Room for Winter Comfort

As we spend more time indoors this winter, it’s a good idea to refresh your living space for maximum warmth and comfort. Your living room should feel like a cozy retreat from Connecticut’s chilly temps, and a few simple updates can make a world of difference. From layering textures to introducing this year’s most inviting paint colors, here’s how to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere in your home.

Embrace Cozy Textiles and Layers

One of the easiest ways to transform your living room for winter is through soft furnishings. Swap out lightweight summer throws for chunky knit blankets, faux fur, or woolen textures that invite you to snuggle up. Layering area rugs can also add warmth, especially if you have hardwood or tile flooring. A plush, high-pile rug over a flat-weave base creates an extra-cozy look and feel underfoot. Don’t forget to add plenty of cushions in varying fabrics like velvet and chenille to enhance the inviting ambiance.

Introduce 2025’s Trending Paint Colors

A fresh coat of paint can work wonders in revitalizing your space. The color trends for 2025 are all about warmth, nature, and creating a sense of comfort. If you’re considering a new look, these trending hues will set the perfect tone for your winter sanctuary:

• Earthy Clays and Warm Terracottas: Inspired by nature, these rich, grounding tones bring a sense of stability and warmth to your living space. Shades like “Autumn Ember” or “Sienna Sunset” from leading paint brands are excellent choices.

• Deep Greens and Forest Tones: Reflecting a renewed connection to nature, hues like “Evergreen Haven” or “Mossy Retreat” create a calming and restorative environment.

• Muted Blues and Soft Teals: While traditionally cool, shades like “Coastal Mist” or “Winter Sky” add a sense of serenity when paired with warm wood tones and soft lighting.

• Rich Chocolates and Deep Caramels: For a sophisticated, cocooning effect, consider deep, chocolatey browns or caramel-infused neutrals. These colors work beautifully with warm metals like brass and copper accents.

Play with Lighting for a Warm Glow

Shorter days and longer nights make lighting an essential element in setting the mood. Swap out cool-toned LED bulbs for warm white or soft amber lighting. Incorporate layered lighting by using a combination of floor lamps, table lamps, and wall sconces to create a gentle, ambient glow. Candles and string lights can also add a touch of magic to your winter haven.

Rearrange for Better Functionality

Sometimes, a simple rearrangement of furniture can make a room feel brand new. Try orienting seating around a focal point like a fireplace or a central coffee table to encourage conversation and relaxation. If space allows, add a cozy reading nook with a comfortable chair, a small side table, and a warm lamp for those long winter evenings.

By embracing rich colors, soft textures, and thoughtful lighting, you can transform your living room into a comforting escape from the winter chill. Whether you make small tweaks or go for a full refresh, these updates will keep your home feeling warm and inviting all season long.

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. For remodeling needs, contact O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Submit your questions to Bob at info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line "Ask the Pro." All questions may be considered for publication, and advice is for guidance only.

The 2025 Interior Colors of the Year

As we look ahead to 2025, paint companies have begun unveiling their "Colors of the Year," a selection of shades set to influence interior design trends and inspire homeowners. While previous years have felt in sync, 2025 sets a wider cast, favoring deep, bold colors in line with serene, nature-inspired hues. Here are the key colors each of the major brands are putting their bets on for the coming year.

Behr: Rumors

Behr has chosen "Rumors," a deep ruby red, as their Color of the Year for 2025. This rich and inviting hue is designed to bring warmth and energy to any space. "Rumors" is versatile enough to be used as an accent color or as the primary shade in a room, offering a bold yet sophisticated statement. Whether on a feature wall, cabinetry, or even exteriors, this color aims to create a cozy and dynamic atmosphere​.

Valspar: Encore

Valspar’s pick, "Encore," is a striking ultramarine blue with a violet undertone. This color evokes a sense of confidence and constancy, making it ideal for creating a peaceful, yet vibrant environment. "Encore" pairs beautifully with softer shades like sage and lavender, which help to enhance its boldness while maintaining harmony within a space. It’s a color that encourages creativity and serenity, perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, or creative spaces​.

HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams: Quietude

"Quietude," selected by HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams, is a soft sage green with subtle blue undertones. This color is part of the Naturally Refined 2025 Color Collection, which emphasizes tranquility and enduring design. "Quietude" brings a soothing, natural feel to any room, making it a perfect choice for spaces meant for relaxation, such as bedrooms or living areas. Its gentle hue connects us with nature, fostering a sense of calm and retreat from the hustle of daily life​.

Dutch Boy: Mapped Blue

Dutch Boy Paints has introduced "Mapped Blue" as their Color of the Year. This mid-tone blue is described as timeless and versatile, with a slight yellow undertone that adds warmth. "Mapped Blue" is ideal for creating a serene backdrop that adapts well to various styles and color schemes. Whether used in bedrooms, bathrooms, or even living rooms, this color promises to bring a sense of calm and continuity to the home​.

WGSN & Coloro: Future Dusk

"Future Dusk," a collaboration between WGSN and Coloro, represents a deep, moody blue-purple. This color sits between the realms of reality and fantasy, evoking the mystery of twilight. It’s a color that offers both reassurance and inspiration, making it suitable for a range of applications, from accent walls to entire rooms. "Future Dusk" is about embracing the unknown and finding beauty in the darker, more enigmatic aspects of life​.

Minwax: Violet

For those who favor a more whimsical touch, Minwax’s "Violet" offers a playful yet sophisticated option. This shade of purple is vibrant without being overwhelming, making it a great choice for those looking to infuse their space with personality and creativity. "Violet" is especially suited for accent pieces or feature walls, bringing lively energy into any room​.

One thing is for sure, the 2025 color projection is not for the faint of heart. Between bold blues and deep purples to shades on the softer side, there is something for everyone. If you’re feeling skeptical, ease in with an accent color or refresh your interiors with textiles that are simpler to update. A few small changes can often make a home feel brand new.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Credits: The Spruce, Real Simple, The Nordroom,