20+ Easy DIY Projects for the Modern Farmhouse Home
Looking for a quick and easy DIY project? I’m sharing some of my favorite home decor DIY and furniture projects over the years that have helped me create and curate a modern farmhouse look in my home.
Over the 7 years I have been writing for this blog, I have created many home improvement projects. First and foremost, I did it to create a beautiful refuge for our family—a home where we could find rest and in turn serve our community. Along the way, though, these projects also served to increase our home values: both our previous home, the city colonial, and our current 90’s home and ranch house.
My style has evolved over time, too— from a rustic old world style, nodding to our time in Paris, to a warm and traditional modern farmhouse neutral design (say that five times fast 😉 ). Whatever your style, though, these simple DIY projects I’m sharing for your home, kids’ spaces, and outdoor areas can help you achieve a curated look unique to you.
So today I’m sharing 20+ of my most popular home improvement projects – ranging from DIY furniture makeovers to wall treatments to patio projects to kids’ crafts – that can help you bring beauty to both your indoor and outdoor spaces.
DIY Projects for the Home
These are some of my favorite general home improvement projects over the years…
How to paint cabinets with a lasting finish
Painting wood or laminate cabinets is one of the best ways to refresh a bathroom (or a kitchen) on a budget and boost your home value! I love the modern look of this jack and jill bathroom with freshly painted navy cabinets. Proper sanding and prep is the key to a paint job that lasts, and I shared all the steps as well as my favorite cabinet paint on how to paint your cabinets like a professional here.
How to turn a hard wire light fixture in to a plug-in
Lighting is a key element to good home decor and design, and sconces can provide a special warmth and charm. We wanted a reading light for my boys (who happen to love reading, but also are night owls), but we didn’t want to hard wire through the drywall. So I converted these hardwired wall-mounted sconces with a plug, which is a great solution for sconces or even ceiling lights when you don’t want to bring in an electrician. Find out how to convert hardwire fixtures to plug ins here.
How to plank a wall (DIY Shiplap)
Speaking of my boys’ room, we added an accent wall with simple planks. I love the texture and interest it provides to the space! Find out how to plank a wall the easy way here.
DIY Gel Stain Cabinets
Another of my most popular DIY posts is actually a project that my assistant completed in her home. She updated her orange oak bathroom cabinets without heavy sanding or stripping! Find out how to update your cabinets with DIY gel stain here.
how to drill into tile to hang hooks and hardware
Again with bathroom projects (they say you get the most home value return out of kitchen and bath renovations, after all!): after our recent attic bath addition at the ranch, I had lots of questions about hanging hooks and mirrors over tile. So see here to find out how to drill into tile to hang hooks, shelves, mirrors, and more!
DIY Furniture Projects for the home
Furniture is the main… well, furnishings of any space. And I love a good furniture makeover. There’s something about the before and after that’s so very gratifying. Plus, if you’re new to DIY, tackling a furniture makeover might be a good-sized chunk to bite off – not quite as overwhelming as real construction, but a step up from an afternoon craft project.
How to get a raw wood look
One of my post popular posts, this refinished bedside table, is a wonderful way to revive a dated or vintage piece furniture. I originally removed the finish with a chemical stripper, but then later sanded the rest of the dark stain off. Want to get the full finished result? Learn how to seal wood with this “raw wood” look.
diy hairpin leg coffee table
In our ranch house, I was determined to create a rustic mid-century style in our home. With a modern leather couch, I wanted a unique coffee table that didn’t break the bank. This DIY Hairpin leg coffee table was the perfect fit for our living room. Find out how I created this hairpin leg table in this post.
DIY Chalk Paint Two-Toned Dresser
This easy chalk paint makeover was done in a single afternoon— a satisfying transformation for sure! Get the easy DIY chalk paint tutorial here.
DIY Painted Bunk Beds
Speaking of transformations, we snagged this inexpensive bunk bed and gave it a new look with some fresh paint. Discover some of my best tips for painting high-traffic furniture with latex paint.
diy WOODEN curtain rods
One of my most popular blog posts ever, these easy DIY Restoration Hardware inspired curtains rods are a simple and understated ways to hang my favorite IKEA white curtains. Get the full reveal and tutorial here.
DIY Antique Printers Cabinet IKEA Hack
Who doesn’t love a good IKEA hack? This post shares how I make a DIY antique printer’s cabinet from a real wood IKEA dresser for less than $50! Find out how I transformed this budget piece into a custom look!
Kids DIY Projects & Crafts
While I love creating DIY’s for furniture and more, projects for my kid’s room feel fresh and fun and have no perfection required.
DIY DESK WITH DRAWERS
Remember those printers’ cabinets above? When my boys needed desks, a little conversion made them the perfect place for my boys’ homework sessions. Get the full tutorial for these rustic DIY desks here.
DIY giant Paper flower tutorial
These paper flowers were my favorite DIY craft wall project for my younger daughter’s nursery. Crafted with French cotton paper, they are now three years old and still look beautiful! Learn how to make these dramatic, yet elegant giant paper flowers for an affordable wall art display.
how to stencil an accent wall
While I have always loved the use of pattern in wallpaper, this DIY wall stencil accent wall I used in my older daughter’s nursery is much easier (and cheaper!) than wallpaper. Learn how to stencil an accent wall with this step-by-step tutorial.
how to make a balloon garland
With four spring birthdays for my children, I love creating unique party decorations to celebrate each child! Learn how I designed this bright and festive balloon garland.
diy hanging printable botanical
If you are looking for a smaller DIY wall art project, these sweet framed botanical prints can be created in no time and would be perfect alone or as part of a gallery wall. Learn how to create this piece of art for yourself and download some free printables, too.
Outdoor DIY Projects
As the weather warms up, you might be itching to clean up your curb appeal and work on some outdoor projects! Here are some of my favorite spring and summer projects over the years.
DIY Wine Bottle Plant Waterer
Where I live in Texas, our summers are, in a word, HOT. I keep my thirsty back porch plants healthy with lots of water.. Find out how to make this clever DIY garden project with wine bottle waterers.
how to spray paint furniture & accessories
Looking to spruce up your home’s exterior? One of my favorite porch projects was to spray paint this front porch swing and some rocking chairs, creating a charming area for our family to play and rest. Learn how to spray paint furniture and accessories to get a beautiful, smooth finish!
how to hang outdoor string lights
Since we have been spending so much time at home and in our yard, I decided to create an enchanting place for evening meals with string lights. Learn how to hang string lights outside using stainless wire for support.
DIY cedar wood plant stand
Because summers in Texas are hot, we only keep a few heat resistant plants near our front door and outdoor spaces at the ranch. These mid-century West-Elm inspired plant stands are fun to make and affordable! Learn how I used wood scraps and a few tools to create these outdoor plant stands.
tips for pressure washing a deck
After a harsh winter or wet spring, your pavement or driveway might need a good spring cleaning. Learn tips on how I refresh our home exterior and deck with pressure washing.
how to propagate succulents from cuttings
A relaxing weekend project, I love the process of creating new plants from old. Heat resistant and so very forgiving, succulents make the perfect plant for busy people! Learn how I propagate more succulents from cuttings to fill porch pots and flower beds.
I hope all these DIY modern farmhouse ideas give you some inspiration for your next weekend project! From good returns on investment – like painting your cabinetry the right way – to easy afternoon projects – like balloon garlands – I think there’s something for any level of skill or time available.
Be sure to pin it for later!
Oh Rachel, it is such fun to look over a collection of your gorgeous projects! I remember lots of these and am reliving the excitement of seeing them the first time.
I know I tucked away the raw table project for a time when I find a cute wood table.
Thanks for re-sharing!
Susan, that is the absolute sweetest comment ever. Thank you so so much! I hope you enjoy the project when you get a chance to try it. 🙂