Get Inspired 15 Popular DIY Home Projects Across Baltimore

Baltimore homeowners are rolling up their sleeves and transforming their spaces with amazing DIY projects.

From Federal Hill to Canton, creative home improvements are popping up in rowhouses and suburban homes alike. Ready to join the renovation revolution?

Check out these 15 popular DIY projects that Charm City residents are tackling with impressive results.

1. Painting Kitchen Cabinets

Tired of those outdated oak cabinets? Baltimore homeowners are grabbing paintbrushes and transforming their kitchens for under $200! Navy blue is especially popular in Harbor East apartments, while Canton residents prefer crisp whites.

Most DIYers find that proper prep is crucial clean thoroughly with TSP, sand lightly, and use a high-quality primer before applying paint. The transformation typically takes a weekend plus drying time. Local tip: The ReStore on Tioga Parkway offers discounted paint and supplies.

Many Baltimore DIYers report this project instantly modernizes their space and increases home value significantly compared to the minimal investment required.

2. Installing Peel-and-Stick Backsplash

Renters across Fells Point are discovering this landlord-friendly kitchen upgrade that requires zero permanent changes. Modern subway tile patterns and vintage-inspired Moroccan designs rank as top choices among Baltimore’s DIY enthusiasts.

Application simply involves measuring your space, cutting tiles to fit with scissors, and pressing firmly against a clean wall. The whole project can be completed in an afternoon with minimal tools and mess.

Hampden residents particularly love how these backsplashes withstand Baltimore’s notorious summer humidity without peeling. When it’s time to move, they pull right off without damaging walls perfect for the city’s mobile young professionals looking to personalize temporary spaces.

3. Building Floating Shelves

Floating shelves have become the storage solution of choice in Baltimore’s historic rowhouses where space comes at a premium. These sleek wall-mounted platforms appear to “float” without visible brackets, adding both function and style.

Mount Washingtonians are crafting these using reclaimed wood from Second Chance architectural salvage warehouse. A circular saw, drill, level, and stud finder are all you need to create these eye-catching storage solutions. What makes this project especially popular?

Many Baltimore homes feature awkward alcoves or unusual wall configurations that standard furniture can’t accommodate. Custom floating shelves solve these spatial puzzles while showcasing books, plants, and local art in a distinctly personalized way.

4. Refinishing Hardwood Floors

Hidden beneath old carpet in many Baltimore homes lie beautiful hardwood floors waiting to be restored. Roland Park homeowners are discovering this treasure and bringing these vintage floors back to life with remarkable results.

Floor sanders can be rented from local hardware stores like Ace Hardware on 41st Street. After sanding away years of wear, apply stain (walnut tones are trending) and several coats of polyurethane for protection. While this project creates considerable dust and requires vacating the space for a few days, the dramatic transformation justifies the effort.

Original hardwood floors, especially in Guilford’s historic homes, can increase property values substantially while honoring the architectural heritage that makes Baltimore neighborhoods so distinctive.

5. Updating Light Fixtures

Swapping outdated light fixtures ranks as one of the quickest high-impact changes Baltimore homeowners are making. Industrial-style pendants are particularly popular in Brewers Hill, while Locust Point residents favor vintage-inspired schoolhouse fixtures that complement their historic homes.

The process typically takes under an hour per fixture just remember to turn off power at the breaker box first! Most fixtures include straightforward instructions, making this a beginner-friendly project.

Many Baltimoreans source unique lighting from Housewerks Salvage on Bayard Street, where architectural salvage gets transformed into one-of-a-kind fixtures. This simple upgrade immediately draws the eye upward and can completely transform a room’s ambiance without requiring any specialized skills beyond basic electrical knowledge.

6. Adding Board & Batten Accent Walls

Board and batten walls are taking Baltimore by storm, especially in Federal Hill where homeowners are using this architectural detail to add character to newer constructions. The vertical wood strips create texture and dimension that flat walls simply can’t match.

Home Depot on Reisterstown Road stocks all necessary materials MDF boards, construction adhesive, and paint. Most DIYers complete this transformation over a weekend, spending roughly $150 for an average-sized wall. Charles Village residents are getting particularly creative, painting their board and batten in bold colors like emerald green or deep burgundy.

This architectural element adds instant sophistication to any space while being surprisingly forgiving for novice DIYers since the geometric pattern doesn’t require perfect craftsmanship to look impressive.

7. Creating a Gallery Wall

Gallery walls have become Baltimore’s favorite way to display personal art collections and family photos. Residents in artsy Hampden are arranging eclectic frames to showcase local festival posters, Artscape memorabilia, and vintage Baltimore maps.

Starting with paper templates cut to match frame sizes helps visualize the arrangement before hammering any nails. Mixing frame styles and sizes creates visual interest, while maintaining a cohesive color palette keeps things looking intentional rather than chaotic. Where are Baltimoreans finding their art?

Beyond thrifting at Goodwill on Eastern Avenue, many support local artists at the monthly Fells Point First Friday art walks. This personalized wall treatment tells your unique Baltimore story while filling blank spaces with meaningful imagery instead of generic store-bought décor.

8. Installing Smart Thermostats

Baltimore’s extreme temperature swings from sweltering summers to frigid winters make smart thermostats an increasingly popular DIY upgrade. Patterson Park homeowners report saving up to 15% on energy bills after installation.

Most models replace existing thermostats using the same wiring, making installation surprisingly straightforward. The entire process typically takes less than 30 minutes, with clear step-by-step instructions included. Beyond savings, Baltimoreans love controlling their home temperature remotely during unpredictable weather.

Coming home to a perfectly comfortable rowhouse after work or adjusting the temperature without leaving bed during those infamous Baltimore humidity spikes makes this tech upgrade particularly satisfying. Local energy provider BGE even offers rebates that can cover nearly half the cost of these smart devices.

9. Replacing Door Hardware

Swapping out dated doorknobs, hinges and locks gives Baltimore homes an instant facelift without major renovation. Bolton Hill residents are particularly fond of this project, replacing 1970s brass hardware with matte black or brushed nickel finishes that complement their historic homes.

A simple screwdriver is all that’s needed for most door hardware replacements. Homeowners find they can transform every door in their house in a single afternoon, spending around $25-40 per door.

Local salvage shops like Architectural Antiques Exchange on 25th Street offer period-appropriate hardware for historic properties. This small change creates remarkable visual coherence throughout a home while also improving functionality no more sticking doors or finicky locks that plague many of Baltimore’s charming but aging residences.

10. Making a Pallet Wood Headboard

Discarded shipping pallets are being transformed into stunning headboards across Baltimore’s Remington neighborhood. This zero-cost project repurposes materials that local businesses often give away for free behind warehouses in Canton’s industrial area.

After disassembling pallets (wear gloves those nails are stubborn!), sand thoroughly to prevent splinters. Many Baltimoreans leave the wood natural or apply a light stain to preserve the rustic character that complements exposed brick walls. The finished pieces exude industrial-chic style perfect for Baltimore’s converted warehouse apartments.

Local DIYers recommend checking pallets for the “HT” stamp (heat-treated) rather than “MB” (methyl bromide) to ensure they’re free from harmful chemicals before bringing them indoors a crucial safety step that makes this upcycling project both stylish and health-conscious.

11. Laying Vinyl Plank Flooring

Vinyl plank flooring has become the go-to solution for Baltimore basement renovations where moisture concerns make traditional hardwood impractical. These click-lock planks mimic wood so convincingly that guests can’t tell the difference.

Highlandtown homeowners appreciate the DIY-friendly installation that requires minimal tools – just a utility knife and rubber mallet. Most find they can complete a medium-sized room in a weekend, with costs averaging $2-3 per square foot. Why is this flooring especially popular in Baltimore? Our notorious humidity and occasional basement flooding make water-resistant flooring essential.

The click-together system allows for easy replacement of damaged sections perfect for Riverside residents who’ve experienced the challenges of Baltimore’s aging infrastructure and surprise water issues.

12. Building Custom Closet Organizers

Baltimore’s historic homes are notorious for their charming character and frustratingly tiny closets. Residents in Butchers Hill are tackling this storage challenge by building custom organizers that maximize every available inch. Materials from Lowe’s on Reisterstown Road typically cost under $200 for a complete closet system.

Most DIYers find they can double or even triple their usable storage space by installing shelves, rods at multiple heights, and specialized compartments. What makes this project particularly satisfying? Unlike prefab systems, custom builds can accommodate Baltimore’s notoriously quirky architectural features like sloped ceilings and irregular corners.

Mount Vernon residents share that this relatively simple woodworking project has transformed their daily routines by eliminating the frustration of cramped, inefficient closets that previously made mornings unnecessarily stressful.

13. Applying Removable Wallpaper

Temporary wallpaper has revolutionized how Baltimore renters personalize their spaces without losing security deposits. Otterbein apartment dwellers are creating stunning accent walls with bold patterns that can be completely removed when it’s time to move.

Application involves measuring carefully, cutting panels to size, and smoothing out air bubbles as you go. Most Baltimore DIYers complete a feature wall in 2-3 hours, spending approximately $1-2 per square foot depending on the pattern. Waverly residents particularly love botanical prints that bring natural elements into urban spaces, while Harbor East apartments feature more contemporary geometric designs.

This low-commitment project delivers high visual impact without the permanence of traditional wallpaper perfect for Baltimore’s substantial renter population or homeowners who enjoy frequently refreshing their décor.

14. Installing Outdoor String Lights

Baltimore’s rooftop decks and modest backyards are being transformed into magical evening retreats with strategically placed string lights. This affordable project instantly creates ambiance for those summer crab feasts and outdoor gatherings.

Residents in Upper Fells Point are using steel guide wires between buildings or posts to support commercial-grade lights that withstand Baltimore’s variable weather. Solar-powered options eliminate the need for outdoor outlets, making installation even simpler. Why has this become a Baltimore favorite? Our city’s dense urban layout means outdoor space comes at a premium.

These lights visually expand small areas by drawing the eye upward and outward, effectively turning limited outdoor square footage into cozy entertainment zones. Patterson Park neighbors report spending significantly more time outdoors after completing this simple weekend project.

15. Building a Window Seat with Storage

Baltimore’s bay windows are being reimagined as cozy reading nooks with built-in storage underneath. Residents in Roland Park are constructing these multifunctional pieces to maximize space while creating charming architectural features.

Construction typically involves building a basic box frame, attaching it securely to the wall, adding a hinged top for storage access, and finishing with cushions and pillows. Materials cost approximately $150-300 depending on size and finishes selected.

These window seats serve multiple purposes in Baltimore’s often compact homes providing additional seating, creating hidden storage for seasonal items, and establishing a dedicated spot to enjoy those rare perfect-weather days without leaving home. Homeland residents particularly value these additions for their ability to transform awkward architectural spaces into the most sought-after spots in the house.