Turning Big Ideas into Bite-Sized Steps: How to Actually DIY Home Projects When You Have another Job

You've got big ideas and no shortage of creative energy, but when you find yourself with a free weekend, the sun somehow sets on Sunday, and the paint chips are still on the wall because you never got around to actually painting.

then comes the “Why is this so hard?

followed by the "What’s wrong with me?”

and then you give up?

Sound familiar?

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a room that you desperately want to change but don’t know where to start, you’re not alone. Big ideas are great, but without a plan, they just become another thing we'll never figure out.

Instead of trying to transform your entire home in a weekend, let’s focus on one tangible DIY home project at a time. The key? Pick one change to make (or problem to solve) and choose one project to address it. Here’s some examples to get you thinking:

Example 1: The Dining Room Dilemma

A beautiful gathering leaves the best messes. Pinterest photo from @Mya W.

We’ve successfully hosted Christmas, toddler tea parties, and a birthday party in there, but every time, it feels tight and uncomfortable. People sitting on one side of the table have to “suck it in” and scooch their chairs closer to the edge just so others can get to their seats. Not ideal!

Now would I love to finish this space by buying a new rug, adding art, and hanging drapes? Absolutely.

But none of those things will fix the main problem I'm having using this space - people feeling uncomfortable when they're sitting at the table.

The one-project solution? (because you don't need more than one DIY home project to make a massive change!)

1. List my current table for sale on FB Marketplace.

2. Start shopping for a narrower, longer dining table that accommodates the same number of guests while leaving a comfortable 3.5 feet of walking space.

Voilà!

Example 2: The Empty Bedroom Blues Inspired an Easy DIY Home Project

A few cute things going on, but the walls were totally bare!

A year ago, I was sitting in my daughter’s room, putting her to bed, and despite having picked out most of the decor myself, the room still felt echo-ey, empty, and lifeless. While the view from the door looked cute, the other three walls were bare, and it was bumming me out.

Do I have dreams of painting a DIY mural in this space that looks like a whimsical downtown district? YES. But do I have time for that right now? Absofreakinglutely not.

The one-project solution?

1. I took measurements to figure out what art sizes I needed

2. started shopping for thrifted art

3. chose a giant tasseled garland (from Amazon) to fill the biggest blank wall

   
   

Voilà!

Example 3: The Ceiling Fan Saga

The fan I chose to replace the broken one and add some style. The Erina 52'' 3 Blade Ceiling Fan with LED Light Kit from Birch Lane, $279

Last week, my husband came home to find that one of the blades of our playroom ceiling fan had snapped clean off. Not unscrewed—snapped in two pieces. It's an old fan, so I'm not shocked (nor will I be spending hours on hold with customer service), but we do need to do something.

Would I love to install a dimmer and can lights in this room so I can buy the fan of my dreams that doesn't also have a light? Would I also like to install wired-in sconces for reading and homework? YES. Would this cost thousands of dollars we don't have right now? Also yes.

The one-project solution?

1. shop for a not-ugly ceiling fan/light I actually like looking at.

2. set aside a few hours next weekend to swap out the fixture.

   
   

Voilà!

Example 4: The Post-Holiday Void = Easiest DIY Home Project Ever

A huge floor plant fills the Christmas-tree-sized void perfectly

A few weeks ago, I took down the Christmas tree, and I now have a big open space in the living room that just feels mostly sad and sort-of empty.

Now you're getting the hang of it, right?

The one-project DIY home project solution?

1. keep my eyes out for an affordable giant indoor plant in my travels.

2. pull a big pot I've been storing in my garage for a year into the living room.

Voilà!

Your Next Step

What is the specific problem or change you want in one space in your home? Turn it into a weekend (or two-weekend) project. You’ve got this.

And if you’re ready not just for better but for done, schedule a Discovery Call below.

SCHEDULE A CALL

Parisian-inspired living room I delivered for an eDesign client last summer.

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What is eDesign?

Get a Home You Love—Without the Overwhelm

You’ve spent hours scrolling Pinterest, pinning rooms you love, but when it comes to actually making it happen in your home? You’re stuck. Decision fatigue, budget worries, and that lingering fear of getting it wrong have you second-guessing everything. You just want your home to feel finished already. That’s where Balm Interiors comes in.

My eDesign services give you a clear, customized plan so you can skip the frustration and fast-forward to enjoying your space. You’ll get expert design tailored to your style, your life, and your budget—without the endless back-and-forth of figuring it out, ordering-and-returning, and generally stressing every time you hit 'BUY NOW.'

What You Get with eDesign

No more aimless shopping or half-finished rooms. My process delivers:

• A complete, shoppable design plan – so you know exactly what to buy and where to put it

• Mood boards and layouts – to help you visualize your space before making any purchases

• A personalized shopping list – with links to pieces that fit your budget and style

• Design instructions – so you know how to pull it all together like a pro

• Budget-friendly strategies – including secondhand and DIY options if you’re open to them

eDesign is THE Most Cost Effective Way to Get Interior Design Advice

• No more decision fatigue – I’ll narrow it down to the best choices for your space

• Stop wasting money on mistakes – You’ll know exactly what works before you buy

• Make everything work together – So your home feels cohesive, not like a random mix of things

• Save hours (or weeks) of research – I do the legwork so you don’t have to

• Finish your space once and for all – So you can finally enjoy it

If you’re ready to get unstuck and love your home, let’s talk. Book an eDesign package today and let’s bring your vision to life—without the overwhelm.

Whether you need shelf help or support picking rugs, the eDesign documentation answers all your questions!

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Q&A: Answers to Your Home Decorating Questions

1. How to make my home look like a home?

Start by identifying what you want to change in a space and focus on one project at a time. Look for inspiration on Pinterest or Instagram, but don’t get overwhelmed—start small. Rearrange furniture, add decor, and incorporate colors and textures that make the space feel cozy and personal.

2. How to make my living room feel finished, or like a grownup lives here?

Focus on the details. A room often feels incomplete because of bare walls, lack of texture, or insufficient lighting. Try adding art, layering rugs, using decorative pillows, or upgrading your lighting with warm-toned bulbs and stylish lamps.

3. How to decorate on a budget?

Thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, and DIY projects are your best friends. Instead of buying new, try repainting furniture, swapping out cabinet hardware, or adding secondhand finds with character. Prioritize high-impact, low-cost changes like lighting and textiles.

5. I have all the essentials. How do I pull it together?

Declutter first, then add thoughtful layers. A clean, organized space instantly feels more polished. Add a mix of textures (wood, fabric, metal), create intentional vignettes on surfaces, and use plants or florals for a lived-in, welcoming feel.