When making over this bedroom we wanted to go for a tranquil vibe and to achieve this we had to keep the elements neutral and simple. So we decided to make these surprisingly easy minimalist side tables to fit that aesthetic... here's how!
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Is it getting hot in here or is it just the colors (and flavors) of this DIY artwork? We've been having a lot of fun in our Virtual Makeover series challenging the homeowners to make art with unconventional items. A little exercise in Creative Weirdness, if you will.
This time, I thought it would be yummy to switch out traditional paints for highly pigmented spices and ingredients found in most kitchens! Read on for the supplies and steps!
Prep It:
Watercolor paper
Hot water
Paintbrushes
Vibrant spices (turmeric, cayenne, paprika, coriander, cinnamon, dark roast coffee, etc.)
Fair warning, this project can get a little messy! Make sure you put something down to protect your workspace.
Do It!:
- Mix together the hot water and spices in different containers. You will need to stir a bit to make sure it comes together and doesn't clump or separate.
- When your spicy, colorful mixtures are ready, use them like paint to paint an abstract design onto a piece of watercolor paper.
- Let your painting dry, and gently brush off any powdery residue from the paper before framing and hanging!
We're living in unprecedented times, with a global pandemic putting the lives we lead on hold and forcing everyone indoors for the greater good. Here in LA, we have a "Safer At Home" mandate that keeps us pretty much inside except for picking up essentials or taking walks/ runs. But! Being stuck at home doesn't need to mean being stuck. This is an amazing time to get in touch with your inner creative weirdo and to take all that pent up creative energy and all those ideas you've had out on the very four walls that contain you.
I've compiled 25 projects from our past videos and makeovers to inspire you to give your home and your creative side a little love! Watch the video above for more details, and check out pictures and links to all the projects below!
Paint Projects
1. Accent Wall
A simple project, but an effective one! This works best in rooms like bedrooms, dining rooms, and living rooms, and can be done in a bright color or something more neutral. As long as it makes an impact!
See more of this pink wall from PauTip's OMGWACO episode here!
This more neutral bedroom accent wall is from our recent OMGWACO episode with Jason Nash!
Here is a great dining room example from a makeover that was all about color!
And of course, our very own living room with a dramatic black accent wall!
2. Brush Stroke Wall
One of our most recreated and beloved DIY's, from Tati's Beauty Room Makeover. This project requires almost no technical skill to create a big impact!
3. Minimalist Mountain Mural
Another wall idea that really doesn't require much technical skill, just some tape and some paint!
This geometric version was from our Under $1000 House Makeover.
Whereas this more freehand version was done by Jordan in our Design Vs. Design Kids episode!
4. Mudcloth Wall
Another popular DIY that is often recreated, this major statement of a mural originated in Mia Stammer's Boho Makeover!
5. Drip Paint Wall
Who wants to get a little messy? Then this colorful and incredibly fun DIY from Jessie Paege's Rainbow Makeover is certainly for you. If you don't have the syringes we used at home, just improvise with cups!
This technique was also used by Dalya in our Design Vs. Design Kids episode. She dripped paint down a door, as well, which was so creative and turned out amazing!
6. Lyric Wall
As seen in our bedroom makeover for Lilly Singh, this DIY idea doesn't need to just be for lyrics — any inspiring words would work!
7. Monochromatic Wall
This one is near and dear to me ... quite literally near because it's just down the hall! I painted a subtle black tree over the gray walls in Moon's nursery for a more subtle mural.
8. Rainbow Mural
On the absolute other side of the spectrum is the most colorful wall mural we've done! This one is sure to bring some happiness into your home, which would be great during trying times like these.
If you don't have all those paint colors, that's ok! As seen here in the Rainbow Baby Nursery Makeover, we created a rainbow with just a few hues.
This is a more mid-century modern take on the idea, as opposed to the traditional arch of the rainbow. It worked great in this Rainbow-Inspired Room!
9. Partially Painted Wall
Such a classic! As simple as this looks (and truly is), there is a specific technique to get your lines as crisp as possible, so make sure to read up on that before getting started!
As seen with a subtle gray in the Under $300 Bedroom Makeover!
Or a more colorful peach in PatrickStarrr's Beauty Room Makeover!
But if you're looking to get a little extra creative and a little extra weird with it, consider this diagonal version, a la the Under $300 Kids Room Makeover.
Or go all out and split your room into two tones! This is from one of my favorite makeovers, LaurDIY's Office!
10. Faux Marble
It's not just a trend! Marble is here to stay. So while you're stuck inside, why not master painting your own faux marble instead of trying to save up for the real thing?
If you're feeling like you've mastered the art of the faux marble, think about taking it on as a mural, to get the same effect as seen in Alisha Marie's Bedroom Makeover!
DIY Projects
11. Fairy Twinkle Lights
Who doesn't love the extra glow from a set of twinkle lights? But instead of making your place look like Christmas came early, we have a few tricks to bring your lights to a new level.
I love to layer twinkle lights behind curtains, as seen in the recent OMGWACO with Jason Nash!
This makeover was dedicated to the amazing Fairy Light Canopy. Get the DIY steps here!
A different approach, that works better if you have the wired lights instead of the ones with a thicker cord, is to make use the lights to hang your photos! Get the DIY steps for this project here!
12. Decoupage Table Top or Art
A throwback for any old school Creative Weirdo! This project has taken on a few different forms over the years, since it has nearly endless creative potential.
Get the steps for this DIY here!
In the Under $300 Living Room Makeover, I used the same technique to make a wooden table top look like stone!
For the same room, I decoupaged this planetary wall art! Get the DIY step here!
13. Tufted Headboard
While these projects are a bit more ambitious, we all have the time ... and hey, you'll be creating something that you'll have and use for years to come? As I like to say: Why Not?
Get the DIY Steps for this Tufted Mermaid Shell Headboard here!
Get the steps for this Framed Pillows Headboard here!
14. Stuffed Animal Headboard
As seen in Molly Burke's Bedroom Makeover, this project is a little more out there ... but you can always use the frame idea above to create it in a smaller way!
15. Faux Flowers
Another one of my favorite tricks! Flowers tend to show up in a lot of my projects — not only because I think they're beautiful, but because they bountiful creative capacity!
I love faux flowers so much, I decorated the entry room of the Mr. Kate office with them!
Get the DIY steps for this project here!
I've also used faux flowers to adorn the top of this teepee from this Bohemian Nursery Makeover.
As well as using them to create this floral nameplate art from the Rainbow Baby Nursery Makeover!
16. Paper Flowers
If you like the floral look but don't have any faux stems around, or are just looking for something a bit bigger ... consider this project from Adelaine Morin's Bedroom Makeover!
17. Paper Makeup Face
On the topic of paper projects, this DIY from PatrickStarrr's Beauty Room has always been one of my favorites. If you're at home with roommates, friends, or family, this would be a great project to do all together!
18. Palm Reading Art
Or, if you're inclined to make art inspired by a different body part, may I suggest this mystical, magical Palm Reading Art we did for Manny MUA's Living Room?
19. Paint Dipped Art
This project is great if you have some wall art around the house that you're frankly tired of. Breathe new life into something a little stale with ... what else? Some neon!
20. No Sew Throw Pillows
Since you're probably spending quite a bit of time lounging on the sofa or in bed, why not spruce up that space with new pillows? No sewing machine needed!
Design Projects
21. Gallery Wall
If you've had some wall art or photos laying around and have never figured out what the right way to hang them is, now is the time! I have a Gallery Wall, 3 Ways video that spells out some tried and true methods for creating and hanging the perfect layout for you.
One of my firm rules for a gallery wall, as seen in all of these examples, is that you want to minimize the amount of photos of people used. Balance out your favorite picture with some art or more general imagery, so everyone knows what the main focus is and no one gets overwhelmed by the amount of eyes staring back at them from the wall.
22. Shelf Styling
What better time to get your shelfie just right? As with gallery walls, I have some go-to rules for shelf styling, which you should take a look at! Generally speaking though, I would say it's all about balance ... or lack there of. Play around with placement and don't keep things the same on every shelf!
23. Make Your Bed
I don't mean in the morning chore way! What I mean is that there's more to a bed than some covers and your sleeping pillows. Treat that space with some throw pillows (maybe DIY-ed ones?), a blanket, and some styling. It will be all the more rewarding when you arrive in your room to sleep to see your bed looking like something out of a hotel!
24. Decorating with Plants
Now, if you don't have plants, this isn't a reason to go out to the stores unnecessarily to buy them ... there are a lot of places that sell plants online, or you can just find a new place or way to display the plants you already have at home. Think about gathering them together ... and remember that smaller plants can make an impact too!
25. The Pillow Karate Chop
Last but far from least ... this move has been implemented in just about every single room makeover I've ever done. Bring your pillows back up to form by giving them a swift karate chop on top. It helps them stand better, look fuller, and be just way more appealing than if they were squished and limp. Try it now and thank me later!
Well what do you know, with no knotting, weaving, or any advanced technique, I macra-made this perfectly bohemian rainbow wall decor for a very special girl's room. It looks store-bought, but I promise, is quite simple to assemble! Check it out in the video here, and see the supplies and steps below!
Prep It!:
Wood rainbow-shaped cutouts (if you aren't able to cut wood, very sturdy cardboard could do!)
Thick rope
Wood glue
Scissors
Pink dye
Purple dye
Do It!:
- Cut out your arched rainbow shapes from either wood (using a jig saw) or cardboard (using scissors). Make one larger shape and one smaller shape that can nestle into the larger one.
- Lay your rainbows down and start laying down the rope over the shapes, starting at the bottom of the smallest arch. Cut the rope, leaving about 1-2 feet of excess rope at the bottom of each arch — this will later be unraveled and dyed!
- When you've laid out and cut all of your rope pieces, carefully move them from the wood shape and cover its surface with wood glue. Reassemble the rope over the wood and apply light pressure to adhere. Once you've completed this process for each shape, let them dry.
- Once your glue has dried, start unravelling the ropes at the bottom of the rainbows. I chose to use a strand to tie off and secure the pieces at the point where the unravelling met the wood board, so as to prevent further fraying.
- Prepare the dye according to the instructions on the packaging. When all of your ropes have been unravelled, dip the bottoms into the dye. You can get creative with how you dye! I chose to intermix purple and pink on both sides, but you could do a gradient, or purple leading into pink, or any number of variations!
- Let your dyed rope dry. If you want to trim the bottoms, wait until the rainbows are hung on the wall, so you can see how much or little length you'd like!
When decorating a room for a YouTuber, there is always an extra level of consideration — the space must not only function for its intended purpose (sleeping, eating, makeup doing) but as a backdrop for filming. What this means is that I need to add in an extra level of depth, pattern, or some dazzling display that will pop on camera.
So, when I recently made over Andrea Russett's guest bedroom, I envisioned, then created this majestic layered curtain wall. I love the way it turned out, and honestly, even if you're not filming, this makes such a statement! I simplified the steps below to make this DIY a little more accessible and less labor-intensive so check it out!
Prep It!:
Double curtain rod bracket
Curtain rods
Multiple colors/ textures of fabric
Fabric glue
Fabric scissors
Moulding
Do It!:
- Secure the double curtain rod brackets to the wall, at the correct distance to correspond with the length of the curtain rods.
- Cut your fabric into different size and length pieces. Make sure that some of the pieces are floor length!
- Working with the curtain rods hung up, wrap the fabric around the top of the rod and glue it to make a sleeve around the rod. Secure the fabric with safety pins while the glue dries.
- Hang smaller layers of fabric on the further out of the two rods, and larger and longer layers on the rod closer to the wall.
- When all of your fabric is hung, start fringing your fabric with the scissors. I liked that the fabric would have unfinished edges, giving the wall a more organic feeling.
- Finalize your new curtain wall by building a cornice around the rods. You can use this tutorial for the steps, adjusting the measurements to the rods you're working with.
Mirror, mirror, on the wall ... what is the best DIY of them all?
One part wall art, one part positivity-spreading, this simple project transforms a bedroom/ bathroom staple into something more than just a reflective surface. With some paint and some time, you can write yourself a message on a mirror so that the next time you ask it who is fairest, it automatically replies "you, queen!!" Check out the steps and supplies below!
Prep It:
Mirror
Wall paint
Paintbrushes
Do It!:
- Choose a design for your mirror! Andrea and I painted a multicolored sun with some positive phrasing ... whether you paint this design or another, I recommend only taking up about 1/2 of the mirror, and leaving negative space within the design so that the mirror doesn't lose utility.
- Paint your design onto the mirror, letting each layer dry before painting over it.
- Let the entire design dry and hang your mirror! Your selfies will never be the same.
If this DIY has anything to do with it, Moon is going to grow up to be an amazing builder, just like Joey! We wanted to add some interactive elements in his nursery, and this project was the perfect way to engage his curiosity and playful side while introducing him to a lot of elements we #creativeweirdos use all the time in our designs!
Check out the supplies and steps below!
Prep It!:
Wood board
Saw
White paint
Paintbrush
Various sensory items like light switches, latches, combination locks, wheels, and rug squares
Drillh
Glue
Power screwdriver
Small wall hooksh
Do It!:
- Start by cutting your wood board down to the size you need it to be for your room. Since this nursery has wainscoting, we wanted ours to fit in between the panels.
- Build a frame for the board using the technique in this DIY, except planning for it to be the same height and width as the board so it can fit on top and add some depth.
- Paint your board and frame white and let dry!
- Secure your frame to the board by screwing it in from behind, so no hardware shows on the front.
- Now it's time to add your sensory accessories! Screw on locks, switches, reflectors, and other items on your board! Adhere fabric items, like rug swatches, with glue.
- Secure your wall hooks to the wall and measure how far apart they are. Drill holes in the board (right beneath the frame) at that same distance and hang the board on these hooks!
A major staple of 1970s interior design style was wood paneling. The texture, the organic element — it's all evocative of a time when bell bottoms were the only acceptable pants and "groovy" was the term du jour. So, when paying homage to this decade in Niki Demar's apartment makeover, I wanted to find a way to incorporate wood paneling without violating the terms of her rental agreement!
Thus, this lightweight and retro wall art was created! Check out the supplies and steps below!
Prep It!:
4 1x2 wood pieces
Tongue and groove wood panels
Chop saw
Nail gun
Wood stain 
Do It!:
- Build a square frame by cutting your 1x2 pieces at the same lengths, with angled edges. Follow this tutorial for specific steps!
- Measure and cut your tongue and groove panels at diagonals so that they will lay across the frame.
- Working from one corner to the other, nail your panels to the top of the frame.
- When the paneled art is fully assembled, stain and let dry! It will be very simple to hang due to its lightweight nature.
Sometimes art is minimal ... sometimes art is two-dimensional ... and sometimes art is a wonderful, exuberant 3D expression of creative weirdness painted orange.
To keep with the maximalist, colorful, 70s theme of Niki Demar's apartment makeover, we created this wall art that incorporated everyone's favorite art class pastime — paper mâché — with bubbly balloons, bright orange paint, and a playful mixture of shapes. Check out the tutorial below!
Prep It!:
Canvas
Balloons
Newspaper
White glue
Water
Scissors
Hot glue and glue gun
Paintbrushes
Three shades of orange paint
Do It!:
- To create the paper mâché, mix together 2 parts white glue and one part water. Saturate strips of newspaper in that mix.
- Blow up balloons to various sizes and coat the bottom half of them with the paper mâché strips. Don't worry about getting any perfect edges, since they will be trimmed once dry!
- When your paper mâché bubbles have hardened, pop the balloons and remove them from the shell. Trim the edges of the bubble to be about as even and flat as possible, so as to lay neatly on the canvas.
- Glue around the trimmed edge of the bubbles and place them onto the canvas. Glue some around and off the edges, as well, so the art doesn't feel perfectly rectangular!
- I created some other shapes with paper in between the bubbles, so take the opportunity to flex both your creativity and your weirdness with additional shapes!
- When everything is glued to the canvas, paint the bubbles (and additional shapes, if you added any!) with the three colors of orange paint. Paint the canvas space in between as well, so the entire art is a bright hue.
- Let your art dry, and hang on the wall! I created a few bubbles to hang on the wall to appear as if they're drifting off the canvas for a whimsical touch.
I'll give you eternal praise if you can guess what the inspiration behind this painting was ...
... Done guessing? It's a beauty blender! It was only fitting that when creating art with beauty guru James Charles, we would pay homage to the tools of his very glamorous trade! I've employed other abstract painting techniques before, but the sharp contrast and the abstract (or not-so-abstract) shape really made this one stand out! Check out the supplies and how-to steps below!
Prep It:
Square canvas Acrylic paint in contrasting colors (we used creams and white and black) Different types of paintbrushes (wall paintbrushes, foam paintbrushes, etc.) 1/4" plywood board Circular saw 4 1x2 wood pieces Miter saw Wood glue Nail gun
Do It!:
- Sketch out the shape of a beauty blender (curved with a little edge) onto your canvas with a pencil. We positioned ours in a corner, but you can get creative with the placement!
- Start with the off-white background. Generously dab a few shades of paint onto the canvas — don't be shy, since this piece really looks best with a very paint-like texture, which is achieved by using ... a lot of paint!
- Fill in the background area with different types of brushes. This will give your artwork more texture, since it is otherwise more minimal. I like using wall paint brushes for the last swoops because of the coarse, brushy texture they leave in the acrylic paint.
- Use the same painting technique to fill in the shape, except only with black paint!
- Let the painting dry while you build your frame. To start build the frame, measure 1.5 inches out from each side of your canvas — that is the size you will need both your plywood piece and the frame to be.
- If you didn't already get your plywood cut down to size at a hardware store, use a table saw to cut it to the correct dimensions.
- If you want to make the board behind the painting a different tone, paint it or stain it and let dry while building the frame.
- To build the frame, use this tutorial!
- Place your artwork where you'd like it to be on the plywood, and attach it by using the nail gun from behind, around the wooden perimeter of the canvas.
- Use the same technique as step 9 to attach the frame to the artwork and plywood board, and you're done!
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