Unlock Your Home’s Potential: The Best DIY Projects, Room Makeovers & Decorating Ideas of 2018
As another year gracefully draws to a close, a familiar feeling washes over me – the bewildering sense that time accelerates with each passing year. It feels like just yesterday we were setting goals for 2018, and here we are, reflecting on a year brimming with unexpected joys, transformative projects, and incredible growth. This past year has been a whirlwind of creativity, learning, and sharing, and it’s truly humbling to look back at all the remarkable moments it held.
Twelve months ago, my husband Robert and I had no inkling of the profound changes awaiting us. We were on the cusp of welcoming a precious new baby into our family, a blessing we had almost given up hope on. Life, however, has a beautiful way of surprising us when we least expect it. Beyond our growing family, 2018 also saw us embark on a monumental overhaul of five rooms in our home, each project a testament to the power of vision and elbow grease. What’s more, a flood of exciting opportunities and coveted magazine features materialized around every corner, validating countless hours of dedication and passion.
Considering the sheer abundance of blessings and accomplishments, 2018 truly sets a high bar. As we stand at the threshold of a new year, I find myself brimming with anticipation, eager to discover what 2019 has in store for our home and our family. But before we fully immerse ourselves in new beginnings, let’s take a delightful stroll down memory lane and revisit the projects that captured your hearts and minds throughout the past year. These are the top 10 most popular posts that resonated most deeply with our amazing community, offering a rich tapestry of inspiration for your own DIY journey in the New Year and beyond.
(For more timeless inspiration, don’t forget to explore our past annual roundups: 2017 | 2016 | 2015 )
I’m also thrilled to be joining my dear friend Cami from Tidbits and a fantastic group of talented blogger friends in sharing our most cherished and popular content from 2018. Be sure to scroll to the bottom of this post to find a wealth of additional inspiration – a veritable treasure trove of the internet’s most beloved home and DIY projects from the past year!
The Most Popular Home Decor & DIY Posts of 2018: A Look Back at Our Top 10
From budget-friendly makeovers to smart organization hacks, these are the projects and ideas that captivated our readers and generated the most excitement in 2018. Each post offers practical tips, stunning transformations, and actionable advice to help you create a home you truly love.
10. How to Make a Bed Like the Magazines
Who doesn’t dream of a perfectly styled, inviting bed that rivals those found in glossy home decor magazines? This popular post demystified the art of bed styling, breaking down the seemingly complex process into simple, achievable steps. Readers loved learning the secrets to layering textures, arranging pillows, and achieving that effortlessly luxurious look. It proved that creating a serene and beautiful bedroom doesn’t require an interior designer; just a few clever techniques can elevate your space from ordinary to extraordinary.
9. Budget Kitchen Refresh Reveal
A full kitchen renovation can be daunting and expensive, but this post offered a breath of fresh air by showcasing a stunning kitchen refresh completed on a remarkably modest budget. It demonstrated how strategic updates – think paint, new hardware, and clever decor swaps – can completely transform the heart of your home without breaking the bank. Readers were inspired by the dramatic before-and-after, realizing that even small, affordable changes can yield significant impact, making a dream kitchen more accessible than they thought.
8. Playroom Makeover Reveal
Creating a functional yet fun space for children is a common goal for many families, and this playroom makeover hit all the right notes. The reveal highlighted how to blend vibrant design with practical storage solutions, turning a chaotic area into an organized, inspiring haven for play and creativity. Readers appreciated the balance between aesthetic appeal and child-friendly functionality, drawing ideas for creating spaces that foster imagination while keeping clutter at bay. It’s proof that a beautiful home can still be wonderfully lived-in.
7. Limewashed Brick Exterior Makeover Reveal
Curb appeal can dramatically transform the entire look and feel of a home, and this limewashed brick exterior makeover proved just that. This post unveiled how a traditional brick facade can be updated with a soft, timeless, and European-inspired finish, giving the house an entirely new personality. The popularity of this post underscored readers’ desire for unique exterior updates that enhance character and boost property value. It offered a sophisticated alternative to traditional paint, perfect for those seeking a subtle yet impactful change.
6. Our Painted Sink, Countertop, Tub, and Shower 8 Months Later
Tackling dated bathroom fixtures can be a costly affair, making this post an absolute lifesaver for many budget-conscious DIYers. This detailed update on the longevity and durability of painted sinks, countertops, tubs, and showers offered practical, real-world experience and reassurance. Readers were eager to learn if such a budget-friendly solution truly stood the test of time, and the honest review provided invaluable insights. It empowered countless individuals to revitalize their bathrooms without the expense of full replacement, demonstrating that a little paint can go a long way in refreshing an old space.
5. IKEA Farlov Sofa – How It’s Holding Up
When investing in furniture, especially from popular brands like IKEA, knowing how a piece performs over time is crucial. This candid review of the IKEA Farlov sofa, eight months after purchase, provided honest feedback on its durability, comfort, and how it truly holds up to daily family life. Readers appreciated the transparent insights into wear and tear, washability, and overall satisfaction, helping them make informed purchasing decisions. It’s a testament to the value of practical, long-term product reviews in a world flooded with initial impressions.
4. Linen Closet Organization Makeover
A well-organized linen closet brings a surprising amount of calm and efficiency to a home. This popular post tackled the often-neglected linen closet, transforming it from a cluttered catch-all into a beautifully organized and highly functional storage space. Readers flocked to this makeover for its clever storage solutions, folding techniques, and tips for maximizing small spaces. It highlighted that organization isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about simplifying daily routines and bringing a sense of order to everyday living, proving that even hidden spaces deserve a touch of design.
3. The Best Trick for Painting French Doors and Windows
Painting French doors and windows can be a notoriously tedious task, often deterred by the intricate gridwork. This breakthrough post revealed a game-changing trick that simplified the entire process, saving countless hours and frustration for DIY enthusiasts. The ingenuity of the technique resonated deeply with readers, eager to find efficient ways to tackle challenging painting projects. It proved that sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective, empowering homeowners to achieve professional-looking results without the usual fuss and mess. This tip alone made many readers feel like seasoned pros!
2. 16 Must-Have Thrift Store Staples
Decorating a stylish home doesn’t require a hefty budget, especially when you master the art of thrift store shopping. This incredibly popular post unveiled 16 essential items to look for when perusing second-hand shops, guiding readers on how to spot hidden gems and transform them into chic home decor. From unique furniture pieces to charming accessories, it provided a treasure map for budget-friendly styling, encouraging creativity and sustainability in home design. It’s a celebration of finding beauty and character in unexpected places.
1. The Best IKEA Items for a Stylish Home on a Budget
Claiming the top spot for 2018, this highly sought-after guide showcased how to leverage IKEA’s affordable offerings to create a sophisticated, designer-inspired home without overspending. It went beyond the obvious, highlighting specific pieces that offer both style and functionality, and often serve as excellent foundations for DIY hacks. Readers were keen to learn how to expertly integrate these budget-friendly items into their decor, proving that high style doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. This post truly empowered readers to shop smarter and decorate with confidence.
Looking Forward to a Year of New Beginnings and Inspiring Home Projects in 2019
Reflecting on these top posts from 2018 truly highlights the incredible variety of home projects that capture our collective imagination. From practical organization and clever budget solutions to impactful room transformations, the desire to create a beautiful, functional, and personal living space is universal.
As we close the chapter on 2018, our minds are already brimming with exciting new goals and ambitious projects for the coming year. We are incredibly excited to embark on these new adventures and, as always, can’t wait to share every step of the journey with you, our cherished community.
But before we unveil our plans, we want to hear from YOU! Your insights and needs are the driving force behind everything we do here. So, tell us:
- What home decor trends are you hoping to see more of in 2019?
- What burning questions do you have about DIY, decorating, or home improvement?
- What challenging projects are you hoping we’ll tackle and share our experience with?
- What specific problems have you encountered in your own home that we can help you solve with practical advice and creative solutions?
I truly am eager to know! Because more than anything else, the most rewarding aspect of this blogging journey is the opportunity to empower and assist you in creating the home of your dreams. Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section below – let’s make 2019 our most inspiring year yet!
For even more incredible home inspiration and the best project ideas from 2018, be sure to explore the amazing content from my blogger friends below:
TIDBITS| Miss Mustard Seed | Farmhouse on Boone | Maison De Pax | A Burst of Beautiful
Simply Designing | Bless’er House | Taryn Whiteaker Designs | Designthusiasm | Unskinny Boppy
Live Laugh Rowe | Kendra John Designs | House by Hoff | So Much Better With Age | Life On Virginia Street
ZDesign At Home | Town and Country Living | Shabbyfufu | Happy Happy Nester | Stacy Risenmay
Cherished bliss | Clean and Scentsible | anderson + grant | The Happy Housie | Summer Adams
Decor Gold Designs | Maison de Cinq | Seeking Lavender Lane
