Summer is great for getting some work done around the house and whether you’re in the early stages of dating or you’re shacking up, now is the perfect time for you and your guy can tackle a fun home DIY project together. Home décor and repair can get costly and getting crafty is a great way to save money, create something new and original, and spend some quality time with one another. Working on a project together is also a great bonding activity and can help freshen up your relationship.
DIY-ing can be anything you want so start by picking a project or try one of these 5 great DIY ideas you don’t need to be a pro at to take on with your man.
1. Furniture Refinishing
Maybe you’re in the market for a new dining table or you’re looking for a headboard for your bedroom. New furniture can be costly but also not exactly what you want. Instead try shopping around at local garage sales and thrift stores or check out Craigslist to find a great vintage piece to refinish – it’s amazing what people are selling. As they say, one woman’s trash is another woman’s treasure. Once you find your perfect new addition you and your guy can start working on painting or refinishing your new piece.
Here is a great blog (I’m a big fan!) and their tutorials on how to successfully perform either of these processes: YougHouseLove.com
2. Build a Garden
If you have the space for outdoor living then building a garden, if you don’t already have one, is something fun and healthy you can do together. It doesn’t have to be anything huge and over the top, just something that can hold some of your favorite veggies and herbs. Head to your local Home Depot or garden center and pick up some potters, soil, and plants to get you started. Don’t forget to stock up on additional tools if you don’t have any (gloves, hand shovels, watering pot, etc).
If you’re feeling really ambitious and want to save some extra money, try building your own wooden planters to host your new garden. Whether you build or buy, you can always create originality with a little paint and a lot of imagination.
Here’s a great list of DIY planters to get you going: homedit.com
3. Paint
Yes, painting can be fun. Especially if you do it with the right person. Why not try taking on a room you’ve always wanted to update or pick one that you wouldn’t mind seeing some new color in. While daunting, it can be fun and is a great way to spend some time together, talk, joke around – whatever!
The biggest task is picking a color, but once you find something you compromise on (if you still have your own places and are just painting yours or his then this won’t be much of an issue), it’s time to head to the store, load up on supplies, and get going. Not sure where to start? Check out HGTV’s guide to painting here: hgtv.com
4. Make a Piece of Art
You don’t have to be the next Picasso to create a great piece of art to hang in your place, so why not grab your guy and hit the canvas! Art is art, so try anything from splattering a bunch of puffy paint on a canvas, melt crayons and drip onto a piece of wood, or if you’re both artistically gifted you can try taking on replicating a picture of your city landscape. This is something that is totally fun and you’ll be amazed at what you can do when you put your genius minds together! And if you’re not so into the art thing, there is still another way for you and your guy to “DIY” a creative piece of art.
Check out loveisartkit.com for a sexy way to make art together.
5. Re-Model/Re-Decorate
Maybe you’ve got a spare room that just holds a bunch of junk. Maybe you’ve got a room you’re growing tired of and want to move around. Whatever your reason, re-modeling or redecorating a room can not only make things brighter and less cluttered, but It’s one less thing you have to worry about around the house (our spare bedroom, aka the “junk” room stresses me out to no end – this will definitely be our summer DIY project together!)
Here’s some room transformation inspiration for you: apartmenttherapy.com (of course it doesn’t have to be on this scale).
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DIY-ing together can be a total blast and you’ll both feel super accomplished when you’re done! It’s a great way to not only spend time together but to also learn how to work together as one, something you’ll be doing a lot throughout your relationship. Remember – neither of you needs to be a pro at any of this DIY stuff! All you need is a computer/book to teach you how, a good and try hard attitude, and your heads working together. Who knows – maybe you’ll be ready to take on some more challenging projects together in the future!
Now go get crafty!
xoxo,
Emiko
Emiko Vaughn is a personal stylist and wardrober from Cleveland, OH. She currently co-owns and operates personal styling company Lageson & Vaughn with her business partner, Kirsten Lageson.
Find her here:
www.emikovaughn.com
twitter.com/emikovaughn
pinterest.com/emikovaugh
