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Swap outdated fixtures for something sleek and modern.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.

Ten Summer DIY Projects for the Home

Summer is the perfect time to embark on some DIY projects that can transform your home and make it more inviting. Here are ten simple projects that will give your house a fresh new look without breaking the bank.

1. Repaint Your Front Door

A fresh coat of paint on your front door can instantly boost your home’s curb appeal. Choose a bold color that complements your home’s exterior. Clean the door, sand it down, apply a primer, and then paint. It's a quick weekend project that makes a big impact.

2. Add Outdoor Lighting

Enhance your outdoor space with new lighting. Solar-powered lights are easy to install and don’t require any wiring. Place them along pathways, around the garden, or on the patio to create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere in the evenings.

3. Create a Garden Path

A well-defined garden path can add structure and beauty to your yard. Use stepping stones, gravel, or pavers to create a simple path. Lay down landscape fabric to prevent weeds, then arrange your chosen materials. This project is both functional and decorative.

4. Build a Simple Outdoor Bench

An outdoor bench provides a perfect spot to relax. Using wooden boards, screws, and wood glue, you can build a sturdy bench. Sand it smooth and apply a weather-resistant stain or paint. Place it in your garden or on your porch for added charm.

5. Install Window Boxes

Window boxes filled with colorful flowers can brighten up the exterior of your home. Purchase or build wooden boxes, attach them securely under your windows, and fill them with your favorite summer blooms. It’s a simple way to add a touch of nature to your house.

6. Refresh Your Outdoor Furniture

Give your outdoor furniture a makeover with a fresh coat of paint or new cushions. Clean and sand the furniture, then apply a suitable outdoor paint. For a quick refresh, buy new cushions or recover existing ones with weather-resistant fabric.

7. Update Kitchen Hardware

Swapping out old cabinet handles and drawer pulls for new ones can modernize your kitchen. Choose a style that matches your decor, unscrew the old hardware, and install the new pieces. It’s an inexpensive update that makes a big difference.

8. Create a Vertical Garden

If you’re short on space, a vertical garden is a great solution. Use a wooden pallet, wall-mounted planters, or hanging pots to grow herbs, flowers, or succulents. Attach the structure to a sunny wall and enjoy your new green space.

9. Paint an Accent Wall

An accent wall can add a pop of color to any room. Choose a wall that acts as a focal point, select a vibrant paint color, and get to work. This project can be completed in a day and will give your room a fresh, new look.

10. Install New Light Fixtures

Updating light fixtures can significantly enhance your home’s interior. Replace outdated fixtures with modern designs that match your decor. Make sure to turn off the electricity before starting, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation.

These ten DIY projects are perfect for giving your house a facelift this summer. They are simple enough to be completed over a weekend and will make your home more beautiful and enjoyable. So grab your tools, get creative, and transform your living space with these easy updates.

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.

Making the Most Out of a Rental Property

The current real estate market is a booming one for many rental property owners. Whether it’s short, weekly occupancy, or long-term tenants, having an additional property that can be rented out is a smart move, especially considering how many people are looking for places in our area. So whether you’re ready to list on Airbnb or you’re interested in a longer-term commitment, here are a few things you can do to make the most out of your investment property. 

Treat it like a house, not a home. Spending time and money creating the perfect aesthetic is a waste because the people who will be occupying the property likely won’t have the same taste that you do. Instead, focus on function while maintaining an inviting and warm atmosphere. Keep it simple and comfortable to appeal to a wider audience.

Upgrade kitchens and bathrooms. These rooms are key for rentals as they generally come “as-is” with fewer furniture and styling opportunities. With a kitchen, be sure that there is plenty of storage and that the appliances are clean and new. For the bathroom, make sure it’s absolutely mold-free and has good ventilation. Everyone loves a strong, hot shower but no one wants a bathroom riddled with mildew from the heat and humidity. Again, it’s important to remember that no one is going to treat a rental property with the same love and care as their own house, so plan for wear and tear.

Keep it clean. Walls and carpets can get used and abused pretty easily, but most of the time they can look new with a thorough cleaning. Before you go ripping, replacing, and repainting, see what you can do with a Magic Eraser and a carpet cleaner which can be rented from a home improvement store for around $30 per day. If your walls and carpet are damaged and you need to repaint or replace them, stick with simple, neutral colors that are easy to clean and will complement any style.

Fixture focus. One inexpensive upgrade is giving the fixtures a facelift. Cabinet knobs, door handles, blinds, and lighting can give a dated space a whole new look without spending a fortune. I can’t tell you how many homes and apartments I have been in with broken, plastic mini-blinds that make a whole room look dark and dingy. A simple replacement using wide faux wood blinds or a simple and easy-to-clean panel shade can really change a room on the cheap.

A picture is worth a thousand words. Good quality photography can really make a listing shine. Professional images will get more people interested in your space, giving you a wider selection of better prospects to choose from. Attracting good people who will take care of your property is key and will save you a lot of money and headaches in the long run, so it’s important to go the extra mile to find them.

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 www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.