You don’t have to spend weeks or months on your DIY project for stunning results. Although it may not look like it, some of the most impressive DIY transformations only require a few quick steps and inexpensive materials. Whether you want to craft a trendy decor piece because it’s always out of stock in the color you need or to elevate that vintage dresser you found at the thrift store, you can DIY. While these tasks are much simpler than retiling your kitchen, their impact on your home is just as significant.

Despite simple projects taking a shorter time, getting the details right is even more necessary. Since these projects are usually smaller in scale, there’s less room for error. So, like any other DIY project, you’ll want to start with a blueprint. If you can find one, consult an image or tutorial when developing your design. Pro tip: decide where your finished project will live in your space before breaking out the hot glue gun. Following these pointers ensures you won’t make easily avoidable mistakes that could damage your home or furniture.

Looking for DIY inspiration that exemplifies less is more? Check out these simple DIY projects that completely transformed the room.

1. Wood Stained Credenza

@alissa.ashley Wood Staining my Credenza today! Im so obsessed 😭 Gonna let it dry to see if it needs more coats but I love it! What kinda legs should I try to find? #homedecor ♬ Chill Day – LAKEY INSPIRED

Can something as simple as the shade of your credenza have a strong impression on the presentation of your living room? The answer is yes, as you see in this DIY. Before the update, this credenza appeared washed out against the wall and matched too closely to the coffee table. Luckily, the unfinished wood made for an easy project that didn’t require sanding, just staining to finish. While the rework applied to one piece, the darker stain enhanced the visual appeal of the entire living room. Though fully designed with neutrals, the warmer credenza accentuates the other organic colors in the space.

2. Dome Pendant Lamp

@the_avantgarde #homedecor #diyproject #budgetfriendly #decorinspo ♬ Little Bitty Pretty One – Thurston Harris

Want a $2,000 dome pendant lamp for $50? Sorry, you can’t find a deal that amazing in stores, but you can DIY. This project replaced the vintage industrial cage lamp in the dining nook with a more contemporary, minimalistic, and elegant fixture. The textured white exterior, accompanied by the metallic gold interior, is the perfect customization to complement the groovy retro wall. Made with a glass bowl, a hole saw, some spray paint, a lot of spackle, a bit of Rub ‘n Buff, one wet sponge, and finished by sanding, you won’t need more than one of these lamps to make a statement.

3. Satin Canvas Art

@nursenishh I love how this turned out! 🫶🏾 #diy #canvas #art #obsessed #homedecor #walllights #amazon #amazonfinds ♬ Tears Dry On Their Own – Amy Winehouse

Textured wall art is the DIY trend on TikTok, and it’s surprisingly easy to create. You can use almost any material for your project, but the choice of satin fabric here adds a luxurious touch. The three white canvases—illuminated by art lights and placed above a decorative black console table—are the minimalist’s dream. You can’t really go wrong with this DIY unless you get too little fabric. Nevertheless, measuring the size of your canvas helps to avoid this mistake.

4. Pebble Stone Wall

@the_avantgarde Replying to @colorockiemtnmama #hometips #decortips #homediy #diyproject ♬ This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) – Natalie Cole

Have you ever wondered why some spas make you feel one with nature even though you’re indoors? Perhaps it’s the tranquil sound of fountains or the stone detailing on the walls. While you could incorporate both in your home, this DIY project goes for the latter. This permanent pebble tile wall installation features oak acoustic slat wood ceiling paneling, lights, candle lanterns, and a wall-high plant for a complete decorative look. If you’re looking for a project that will wow you every time you enter the room, this is it. So well designed you might think to leave this to the professionals, but it only requires grout, tile, and double-sided adhesive.

5. Pole-Wrap Kitchen Island

@the_avantgarde Mistakes were made… #homedecor #diyproject #rentalfriendly #kitchen ♬ Oh No – Kreepa

One resourceful, creative, and fun aspect of DIYs is that you can try something new without fully committing. In this kitchen project, the island technically remains as installed but is redesigned with temporary materials. The wood-stained pole wrap transformed the nearly entirely white space from modest to elaborate. It expertly creates a visual element that directs your attention to the middle of the kitchen. Believe it or not, you can try this on your island using only contact paper and super glue. And no worries, if you don’t like it, merely rip it off!