New York DIYers Share Their Favorite Weekend Wins
New York City apartments and homes are getting fresh makeovers thanks to weekend warriors armed with power tools and big ideas.
From Brooklyn brownstones to Manhattan studios, DIYers are transforming their spaces one project at a time without hiring expensive contractors.
These creative folks prove that with a little elbow grease and the right supplies, anyone can turn their living space into something special.
Floating Wood Shelves
Wall space transforms into storage gold when you add floating shelves.
Maria tackled this project in her East Village apartment after visiting Monster DIY Studio at 136-91 37th Ave in Flushing for supplies and inspiration.
She picked up pre-cut pine boards and hidden brackets that make shelves appear to float magically against the wall.
The trickiest part involved finding studs behind old plaster walls, which required patience and a good stud finder.
Once mounted properly, these shelves held her cookbook collection without sagging or wobbling.
Sanding the wood smooth took about an hour, followed by two coats of natural stain that brought out gorgeous grain patterns.
The brackets stayed completely invisible once everything was installed correctly.
The total cost came to just seventy-five dollars, while similar shelves from furniture stores would have cost triple that amount.
Her living room now displays plants, photos, and vintage finds with style.
Painted Accent Wall
One bold wall color can completely change how a room feels.
James decided his Williamsburg bedroom needed drama, so he chose a deep navy shade that made his white furniture pop.
Prepping the surface took longer than expected because old paint needed scraping and holes required filling with spackle.
He taped off the edges carefully using painter’s tape, creating crisp lines where the accent wall met adjacent surfaces.
Two coats covered the previous beige completely, though he learned to let each coat dry fully before adding the next.
The roller made quick work of large areas while a smaller brush handled corners and edges with precision.
His girlfriend initially doubted the dark color choice but changed her mind once the final result emerged.
Paint supplies cost about sixty dollars total from a local hardware store in Brooklyn.
The transformed bedroom now feels like a boutique hotel room instead of a boring box.
Entryway Shoe Bench
Shoes piled by the door create chaos that a simple bench can solve.
Linda built her storage bench using plans she found online and materials from Monster DIY Studio over at 136-91 37th Ave in Flushing.
The design included cubbies underneath for sneakers and boots, plus a cushioned top for sitting while tying laces.
Cutting the wood pieces to exact measurements required careful attention and a borrowed miter saw from her neighbor.
Assembly went smoothly using wood glue and screws, creating a sturdy structure that could support adult weight.
She added a foam cushion covered in durable fabric that matched her hallway colors perfectly.
Staining the wood a rich walnut shade gave the piece a professional, finished appearance.
Her narrow entryway now stays organized instead of looking like a shoe store exploded.
Guests always compliment the bench and ask if she hired a carpenter to build it.
Peel-And-Stick Backsplash
Rental kitchens get instant upgrades with removable tile that landlords actually approve.
Chen transformed his Queens kitchen using adhesive tiles that mimic expensive subway tile for a fraction of the cost.
The peel-and-stick method meant no messy grout or permanent changes that could cost his security deposit.
He cleaned the wall surface thoroughly with degreaser before starting because any residue would prevent proper adhesion.
Measuring and marking guidelines helped keep rows straight and level throughout the installation process.
Cutting tiles to fit around outlets required a sharp utility knife and steady hands for clean edges.
The whole backsplash went up in one Saturday afternoon while listening to his favorite podcast.
His previously dull cooking area now looks modern and clean, making meal prep feel less like a chore.
Friends visiting for dinner always do a double-take when they see the transformation.
Closet Organization System
Stuffed closets become functional spaces with smart shelving and rods.
Sarah tackled her closet after years of clothes avalanches every morning when grabbing outfits.
She installed adjustable wire shelving that maximized vertical space from floor to ceiling.
Double hanging rods created separate zones for shirts up top and pants below, essentially doubling her hanging capacity.
Measuring the space accurately before buying materials prevented costly returns and wasted trips to the store.
Adding small bins and baskets corralled accessories like scarves and belts that previously tangled into messy piles.
The installation required a drill and level, but no advanced carpentry skills or special tools.
She completed everything in one weekend for about one hundred fifty dollars in materials.
Getting dressed now takes half the time because she can actually see all her clothing options clearly.
Refreshed Kitchen Cabinets
Dated cabinets get new life with paint and updated hardware instead of expensive replacements.
Marcus gave his Harlem kitchen a facelift by painting old oak cabinets a crisp white shade that brightened the entire room.
Removing all doors and hardware first made the painting process much easier and more professional-looking.
He cleaned everything with TSP cleaner, then lightly sanded surfaces to help paint adhere properly to the glossy finish.
A primer coat sealed the wood and prevented orange tones from bleeding through the white topcoat.
Two finish coats applied with a small foam roller created a smooth surface without visible brush strokes.
New brushed nickel handles replaced the old brass ones, adding a contemporary touch for minimal cost.
The transformation took two full weekends but saved thousands compared to cabinet replacement quotes.
His kitchen now looks magazine-worthy and makes cooking feel like less of a chore.
Indoor Plant Wall
Bare walls become living art when you create vertical gardens indoors.
Jessica designed her plant wall after seeing similar installations at trendy cafes around Brooklyn and wanting that vibe at home.
She mounted wooden planks horizontally with brackets, then attached small pots using metal rings and hooks.
Choosing plants that thrive in indirect light was crucial since her wall received no direct sun exposure.
Pothos, philodendron, and snake plants filled the display with varying shades of green and interesting textures.
A small drip tray system caught excess water during watering sessions, protecting her hardwood floors from damage.
Arranging plants at different heights created visual interest and prevented the wall from looking too uniform or boring.
The whole project cost about ninety dollars, including plants, pots, and mounting hardware from local garden centers.
Her living room now feels like an urban jungle retreat instead of a concrete box.
Bathroom Vanity Upgrade
Old vanities drag down entire bathrooms until you swap outdated elements for fresh ones.
Tom replaced his bathroom vanity top and faucet in his Astoria apartment after the old laminate started peeling badly.
He measured carefully before ordering a pre-cut marble-look countertop that fit his existing cabinet base perfectly.
Disconnecting the old plumbing seemed scary at first, but turned out simpler than expected with basic wrenches.
The new faucet installation required following the instructions precisely to prevent leaks that could damage walls or floors.
Applying a bead of silicone caulk around the countertop edge created a waterproof seal against moisture.
He added a modern vessel sink that sat on top of the counter for a spa-like appearance.
Total investment came to about two hundred fifty dollars, while contractors quoted over eight hundred for similar work.
His bathroom now impresses guests and makes morning routines feel more luxurious.
Custom Gallery Wall
Empty walls get personality when you arrange frames into cohesive displays.
Rachel planned her gallery wall by laying out frames on the floor first, experimenting with different arrangements before hammering nails.
She mixed frame sizes, colors, and styles to create an eclectic look that reflected her travels and interests.
Creating paper templates matching each frame size helped mark exact nail placement on the wall without mistakes.
A laser level ensured everything hung straight and aligned properly across the entire display.
She included family photos, vintage posters, and small mirrors to add depth and variety to the composition.
Starting from the center and working outward prevented the arrangement from becoming lopsided or unbalanced.
The whole project used materials she already owned, except for picture hanging strips that cost ten dollars.
Her previously boring living room wall now tells her life story and sparks conversations with visitors.
Built-In Window Seat
Awkward window nooks become cozy reading spots with custom seating and storage.
David built a window seat in his bay window after getting inspired during a workshop at Monster DIY Studio located at 136-91 37th Ave in Flushing.
The design incorporated hidden storage underneath for blankets and books that previously cluttered his small apartment.
He constructed a simple frame from two-by-fours, then added a plywood top that lifted on hinges for access.
Painting everything white helped the built-in blend seamlessly with existing trim and walls.
Custom cushions sewn by a friend added comfort and pops of color that matched his decor scheme.
The seat became his favorite spot for morning coffee while watching the neighborhood wake up outside.
Materials cost around one hundred eighty dollars, far less than purchasing ready-made furniture that might not fit properly.
His apartment now has a special feature that adds both function and charm.
Patio String Light Setup
Plain outdoor spaces transform into magical retreats when you add twinkling overhead lights.
Mike strung cafe-style lights across his small Brooklyn patio, turning it from forgettable to Instagram-worthy in one afternoon.
He mounted hooks into the brick wall on one side and wooden posts on the other for support.
Measuring the space beforehand ensured he bought enough strand length without excessive sagging in the middle.
Using outdoor-rated lights meant they could withstand rain and temperature changes throughout different seasons.
A timer switch automated the lights to turn on at dusk and off at midnight, creating ambiance without wasting electricity.
The warm glow made his tiny outdoor area feel like a vacation destination right outside his door.
The entire setup cost roughly seventy dollars and required no electrical expertise beyond plugging into an existing outlet.
Summer evenings now include dining outside under the lights instead of staying cooped up indoors.
