Minnesota DIYers’ Weekend Projects That’ll Make Your Home The Talk Of The Town
Minnesota weekends are made for more than just lake time and lefse. DIYers across the state are picking up their tools and transforming their homes one project at a time.
Be it cozy upgrades to survive the long winters or backyard improvements built for summer fun, these home updates are turning heads and winning neighborhood bragging rights.
Thinking it’s time to roll up your sleeves and give your space a glow-up? These Minnesota-approved projects will have your home looking better than ever, and maybe even make it the talk of the block.
1. Rustic Fire Pit Gathering Space
Forget boring store-bought fire pits! A custom stone fire pit surrounded by Adirondack chairs transforms your backyard into Minnesota’s coziest hangout spot.
Your neighbors will invite themselves over just to experience s’more goodness under the stars. The beauty lies in the simplicity, stack weather-resistant stones in a circle, add a metal liner, and voilà!
For extra northern charm, incorporate locally sourced field stones or reclaimed brick from historical buildings. Plus, it’s usable almost year-round in our climate.
2. Four-Season Porch Transformation
Your porch deserves more than just summer attention. Create a year-round Minnesota sanctuary by installing clear vinyl weather panels that swap out with screens when warm weather hits.
The secret sauce? Cozy textile layers that change with the seasons, flannel throws and evergreen garlands for winter, light linens and potted herbs for summer.
Add string lights overhead that stay up permanently for that magical glow regardless of season. My clients absolutely love how this project extends their living space without major construction. The vinyl panels cost a fraction of traditional windows but keep that porch toasty even during January blizzards!
3. Reclaimed Barn Wood Accent Wall
Why settle for boring paint when weathered wood tells a story? Sourcing reclaimed barn wood from Minnesota farms creates a stunning focal point that screams authentic northwoods charm.
Start with a clean, flat wall surface. Then arrange your wood pieces in a pattern that highlights knots, nail holes, and color variations. The imperfections become the star of the show! However, please seal that beautiful wood properly!
Our dramatic seasonal humidity changes can cause unsealed wood to expand and contract. Your guests will never believe you installed it yourself over a single weekend.
4. Raised Garden Beds With Northern Flair
Garden beds elevated on legs? Game-changer for Minnesota’s challenging soil! Build these waist-high beauties from cedar (naturally rot-resistant) and watch your neighbors peek over the fence in garden envy.
The elevated design means no backbreaking weeding, plus the soil warms faster in spring. Add a clever twist by incorporating a rainwater collection system from your gutters, sustainability that actually works in our climate.
My favorite touch? Paint the exterior in Swedish Falu red as a nod to our Scandinavian heritage. Your tomatoes might not taste better, but they’ll certainly look more photogenic against that backdrop!
5. Window Draft Defenders That Don’t Sacrifice Style
Those notorious Minnesota winter drafts don’t stand a chance against these decorative draft stoppers. Create window treatments that insulate while looking intentionally stylish, not like emergency weather protection.
Start with thermal curtains in rich textures, then add a hidden layer of clear plastic film behind them. The plastic disappears visually but creates an air pocket that dramatically reduces heat loss.
For bonus points, craft decorative draft snakes from flannel fabric stuffed with rice. They block bottom-of-door drafts and can be heated in the microwave to double as bed warmers!
Your heating bill will thank you while guests compliment your “decorative touches.”
6. Lake-Inspired Kitchen Cabinet Refresh
Outdated oak cabinets? Transform them with paint colors inspired by our 10,000 lakes! Think soft blues, sandy beiges, and crisp whites that remind you of summer days at the cabin.
The trick is proper prep work, clean, sand, prime, then paint. Replace boring hardware with unique pulls shaped like fish, canoes, or pine trees for that quintessential Minnesota touch.
My clients are shocked when they learn this makeover costs under $300. The subtle theme feels sophisticated rather than kitschy, bringing lake life vibes indoors year-round. Your kitchen will instantly become everyone’s favorite gathering spot!
7. Barrel Sauna Retreat
Nothing says “Minnesota homeowner who knows how to live” like a backyard barrel sauna! These compact Finnish-inspired structures require minimal carpentry skills but deliver maximum wow factor.
Purchase a kit or source cedar planks to build from scratch. The cylindrical design efficiently circulates heat while looking undeniably cool. Add solar-powered lights along the path for nighttime sessions.
Your neighbors might raise eyebrows at first, but soon they’ll be asking for “sauna appointments.” Just remember the cardinal rule… Always provide a place to cool down afterward, whether it’s a snow bank in winter or a garden hose sprayer in summer!
8. North Woods Entryway Boot Station
Minnesota homes need serious mud/snow management. Create a custom entryway solution that handles everything from muddy hiking boots to sopping winter gear with style.
Build a bench with cubbies underneath using pine boards. Add hooks above for coats and a clever drip tray system below for wet boots.
The secret ingredient? A hidden forced-air vent directed into the boot area helps dry damp footwear overnight.
Stain the wood in a rich walnut tone and add custom name tags for each family member’s designated space, organization that actually works!
9. Basement Craft Brewery Corner
Channel Minnesota’s craft beer culture by creating a dedicated brewing station in your basement. Build a simple countertop workspace with shelving above to display your brewing equipment and ingredients.
The clever part? Install a utility sink with a special hose attachment for easier cleaning and a ventilation system to manage brewing aromas.
Mount bottle caps from local breweries in a pattern on the backsplash for authentic inspiration. Your home will become legendary for hosting tasting parties during those long winter months. Guests will marvel at your dedication to the craft while sampling your latest creation.
10. Upcycled Hockey Stick Furniture
Few things capture Minnesota spirit quite like turning beloved hockey gear into home decor with heart. Repurposing retired hockey sticks into furniture creates one-of-a-kind pieces that spark conversation and show off serious hometown pride.
The colorful tape remnants and team logos add character to coffee tables, coat racks, or even headboards. The curved blade ends make perfect hooks when mounted to a board for your entryway.
One standout project uses stick shafts to craft a coffee table base topped with tempered glass. Hockey-loving guests will be equal parts jealous and impressed, just be ready to share the stories behind each stick, especially the championship ones!
