Tutorial: 2024’s DIY Darlings - Your Most-Requested Projects
- Melissa Meares
- Jan 1
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 11
Throughout the year, each DM, comment, and question you wrote about my projects brought a spark of connection that made this year so special. From sought-after colors to favorite tutorials, here’s a roundup of what inspired you most!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
This one triggered a lot of people who said it reminded them of a prison (maybe that's why it was so viral!) but it is the perfect easy, low-budget, and renter-friendly project for old foggy windows and entryway or bathroom windows that need more privacy. You can also get window clings that are not privacy (meaning they are not opaque)! These apply with water and can be removed by just pulling off! I gathered up a bunch of fun designs for your window clings here! If you're more of a visual learner, you can watch the install video here!
This might be my most viral project with over 17 million views! It also had mixed reactions but I cannot tell you how many people have commented and thought my painted tile was real slate! I have a video tutorial and a written tutorial, and the link to the paint itself is here! You can buy it in a few colors online or get just a base and get it tinted in a hardware store!
Ceiling projects can seem intimidating but this is one of the most beginner-friendly DIY's I have ever done. These ceiling tiles attach right onto your ceiling (even textures like popcorn or knockdown). You just need scissors, a caulk gun, and glue! These are the tiles I used, and here is my review of how they held up after two years! Here are the exact tiles I used plus a few other fun options!
As a safety note, asbestos was banned in popcorn ceilings in 1978, but manufacturers were allowed to use up their existing stock, so it can be found in ceilings built until the mid-80s. If you're unsure, you can use an asbestos test to check your popcorn. Make sure to wear gloves and use a respirator if you are unsure. Asbestos becomes dangerous when its dust becomes airborne, so sealing it airtight with ceiling tiles or drywall is a safe way to deal with it.
Beadboard wallpaper is textured like real wooden beadboard and is paintable! I have gotten a ton of comments from people saying that they tried beadboard wallpaper and it was really poor quality, so make sure you buy this brand! This is prepasted, which means it already has glue on the back which is activated with water. I would try a test piece to make sure you get the proper amount of water because that is where most problems arise. You can dip it in a bathtub as the instructions recommend, but I prefer to use a paint roller with water because I find the wallpaper doesn't get too wet this way. You can also use a spray bottle, but I find that doesn't get the wallpaper quite wet enough.
If you can afford the real Samsung Frame TV, more power to you (and I'm a little jealous!). But, if you want an affordable way to turn the TV you have into a gorgeous work of art, look no further! There are many ways to do this, depending on if you want a frame that wraps around the side or not (my version does). Here is the tutorial, and here are the supplies you need to make it! I used gold rub and buff to create the gold frame, but you can also stain it!
Every time I get asked where I bought this ladder I get a little swell of pride knowing that we built it ourselves and it is honestly heirloom quality since we made it out of sturdy oak. Here is my blog post with all the materials you need! I have two videos on the build, here is part 1 and part 2.
Other Frequently Requested Decor & Paint
Paint Colors:
Library Wall: Spa Blue by Behr
Primary Bedroom: Graceful Grey by Behr
Laundry Room: Perfect Landing by Behr
Dining Room: Cinder Rose by F&B (trim) and Scented Valentine by PPG (ceiling)
Living Room: Crisp Cotton
Entryway Scallop Wall: Charisma by Sherwin Williams
Have any other source questions? Check my "links" page or search "sources" in the search bar for a full page about each room in my house! If you don't see what you're looking for, feel free to send me a DM!
xoxo
Melissa
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