12 Weekend DIY Home Upgrades Trending Among Louisville Locals

Louisville homeowners are rolling up their sleeves and transforming their spaces with creative weekend projects.

These DIY home upgrades not only add personal flair but also boost property value without breaking the bank.

From rustic wooden elements to modern wall transformations, here’s what’s trending in Derby City neighborhoods right now.

1. Hanging Shelves That Make Statements

Floating shelves have become the darling of Louisville homes, especially in historic Highlands neighborhoods where Victorian homes need modern touches. I’ve noticed locals using reclaimed bourbon barrel wood for authentic Kentucky charm.

Many homeowners are creating asymmetrical arrangements that showcase collectibles while maximizing wall space. The contrast of dark wood against light walls creates dramatic visual interest that guests immediately notice.

If you’re hesitant about drilling into walls, try tension-rod shelving systems for rental properties. Some clever locals are even incorporating hidden lighting underneath shelves, creating warm ambient glow that highlights displayed items while adding unexpected dimension to rooms.

2. Bourbon-Inspired Dresser Transformations

Old dressers are getting spectacular second lives across Louisville neighborhoods. Residents are scouring Cherokee Park yard sales and Bardstown Road thrift stores for solid wood pieces with good bones but tired appearances.

The trend leans heavily toward bourbon-inspired finishes rich amber stains paired with matte black hardware that echoes the distillery aesthetic so beloved in our region. Some homeowners are removing drawers entirely to create unique display spaces for books or barware.

Hardware swaps make dramatic differences with minimal effort. I’ve seen clever locals using leather belt scraps as drawer pulls or repurposing horseshoe nails as decorative elements, bringing Kentucky heritage directly into bedroom furniture with just a screwdriver and some imagination.

3. Neighborhood-Themed Wooden Signs

Handcrafted wooden signs celebrating Louisville’s distinct neighborhoods have taken the local DIY scene by storm. Crescent Hill, Butchertown, and NuLu residents proudly display their district pride with rustic wood planks featuring hand-painted typography.

This trend embraces both newcomers and multi-generation families wanting to showcase their Louisville roots. Materials range from weathered fence boards to smooth pine planks, with designs varying from minimalist silhouettes to elaborate Derby-themed decorations.

Many locals incorporate subtle nods to neighborhood landmarks the Big Four Bridge for Waterfront residents or whiskey barrels for Bourbon District homes. I’ve created several myself using simple stencils and chalk paint, finding they make perfect housewarming gifts that celebrate our city’s unique character while adding personalized wall décor.

4. Bluegrass-Inspired Mini Garden Havens

Louisville’s unpredictable weather patterns have inspired residents to bring nature indoors through creative mini gardens. These small-scale green spaces thrive on windowsills and tabletops throughout our humid summers and chilly winters.

Bourbon bottle terrariums have emerged as distinctly Louisville favorites. Empty Maker’s Mark or Woodford Reserve bottles transformed into miniature ecosystems showcase our region’s dual love of distilleries and gardening.

Did you know native Kentucky plants like ferns and mosses thrive in these contained environments? I’ve created several using layers of activated charcoal, pebbles, and potting soil. The trick is choosing plants that match your light conditions ferns for shadier spots and succulents for sunny Louisville windowsills facing south toward the Ohio River.

5. Louisville Skyline Wall Art Creations

Handmade wall art featuring the Louisville skyline has captured local imaginations. The distinctive silhouette of our city with the Humana building, KFC Yum! Center, and Big Four Bridge provides perfect inspiration for personal artistic expressions.

Many homeowners are experimenting with string art techniques, using tiny nails and colored thread to outline our recognizable cityscape. Others prefer woodburning methods that create permanent, rustic representations perfect for porches and entryways.

When I created my own Louisville skyline piece, I discovered that printing a silhouette template made the project much more manageable. The most popular placement spots include entryways and above mantels, creating instant conversation pieces that celebrate our river city heritage while adding distinctive personality to walls that previously felt bland or forgotten.

6. Victorian-Inspired Door & Window Frame Revivals

Historic homes throughout Louisville’s Highlands and Old Louisville neighborhoods are inspiring residents to salvage and repurpose antique door and window frames. These architectural elements bring instant character to newer homes lacking original craftsmanship.

Rather than hanging as traditional doors, these frames are being transformed into headboards, room dividers, and decorative wall hangings. The intricate woodwork and aged patina provide texture and history impossible to replicate with mass-produced items.

Joe Ley Antiques may have closed, but Architectural Salvage and Tickled Pink on Bardstown Road remain treasure troves for finding these gems. I recently mounted a Victorian-era window frame above my sofa, adding small hooks to display family photos where glass once was creating a family gallery with distinctive Louisville heritage that guests always comment on.

7. Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Lamps

Louisville’s bourbon heritage has sparked a creative lighting trend using distillery materials. Homeowners are crafting unique lamps from empty bourbon bottles, barrel staves, and even barrel heads throughout Butchertown and NuLu neighborhoods.

The amber glow through bourbon-colored glass creates warm, inviting atmospheres perfect for Louisville’s social culture. Many locals add personal touches by selecting bottles from distilleries with family significance or from special occasions.

Wiring kits available at Highlands hardware stores make these projects surprisingly accessible even for beginners. The most innovative versions I’ve spotted incorporate bourbon barrel aging dates or distillery stamps as focal points. Some crafty residents are even using specialized glass drilling techniques to transform their favorite Angel’s Envy or Bulleit bottles into pendant lights that showcase Louisville’s most famous export.

8. Bold Accent Wall Transformations

Louisville homeowners are embracing dramatic accent walls using peel-and-stick wallpaper for weekend transformations. This trend has exploded in Germantown and Clifton neighborhoods, where historic homes benefit from modern pattern infusions without permanent commitment.

Horse racing motifs and floral patterns dominate local choices, reflecting our Derby City heritage. The temporary nature of these materials makes them perfect for Louisville’s rental market and frequent home flippers.

When I installed mine in the dining room, I discovered the key is patience during alignment. Many locals are using these papers in unexpected places stair risers, kitchen backsplashes, and even ceiling applications. The most Instagram-worthy versions incorporate Louisville-themed designs from local artists available at Revelry Gallery in NuLu, creating truly unique spaces that celebrate our city’s creative spirit.

9. Cardinal-Red Decorative Pillows

University of Louisville pride runs deep in local DIY projects, with cardinal-red decorative pillows topping the list of weekend crafts. Homeowners across Germantown and the Highlands are transforming simple pillow forms into team-spirited decor using no-sew techniques and creative fabric choices.

The trend extends beyond basic team colors to incorporate sophisticated patterns and textures that complement existing decor. Many locals are repurposing vintage UofL t-shirts into memory pillows, preserving championship moments while updating living spaces.

Bourbon barrel emblems and fleur-de-lis motifs frequently appear as appliqués or embroidered elements. I created several using drop cloth fabric as the base with cardinal silhouettes added using iron-on vinyl an afternoon project that instantly refreshed my den. These pillows migrate seasonally from indoor couches to outdoor Derby parties, making them versatile investments for Louisville entertaining.

10. Rustic Pallet Furniture for Derby Gatherings

Reclaimed wooden pallets have become Louisville’s favorite material for outdoor furniture projects, especially as Derby season approaches. Highlands and Crescent Hill residents are constructing durable seating perfect for backyard race-watching parties.

The industrial history of our river city makes these materials readily available near Portland and Butchertown warehouses. Many homeowners are creating L-shaped sectionals with removable cushions in weather-resistant fabrics that withstand our humid summers.

Horse farm-inspired details like horseshoe decorations and bourbon barrel cup holders add distinctly Kentucky touches. When building my pallet coffee table, I discovered sanding thoroughly prevents splinters while preserving rustic character. The most impressive versions incorporate wheels salvaged from factory equipment, creating mobile pieces that transition easily from intimate gatherings to larger Derby celebrations perfect for Louisville’s social outdoor lifestyle.

11. Derby-Themed Picture Frame Makeovers

Thrift store picture frames are getting Kentucky Derby makeovers across Louisville homes. Residents are transforming forgotten frames into conversation pieces using horse racing memorabilia, bourbon barrel elements, and Louisville-themed embellishments.

This trend thrives in Germantown and Schnitzelburg where vintage shops provide perfect starting materials. Many locals incorporate actual Derby tickets, racing programs, or roses preserved from previous races into these unique display pieces.

The technique involves simple decoupage methods using Mod Podge available at Preston Highway craft stores. I created a gallery wall using frames decorated with maps of Churchill Downs, mint julep recipes, and silks patterns from famous Derby winners. These frames not only preserve memories but also celebrate Louisville’s most famous tradition while adding personalized decor that visitors immediately recognize as distinctly local.

12. Bourbon Bottle Decorative Vases

Empty bourbon bottles are finding stylish second lives as decorative vases throughout Louisville homes. The distinctive shapes of Blanton’s, Willett, and Woodford Reserve bottles provide perfect starting points for creative floral displays.

Butchertown and NuLu residents lead this trend, often grouping bottles by distillery or color to create impactful arrangements. Many locals enhance bottles using copper wire wrapping, etching techniques, or subtle paint applications that highlight the original branding while adding artistic elements.

When I created my collection, I discovered that removing labels requires patience soaking in warm water with dish soap works best for most Kentucky bottles. The most Instagram-worthy versions incorporate seasonal elements spring dogwood branches, summer wildflowers from Cherokee Park, or fall bittersweet vines. This trend perfectly balances Louisville’s bourbon heritage with sustainable repurposing, creating distinctive decor that celebrates our city’s most famous export.