Top 5 Fixer Upper DIYs You Need To Try

Fixer Upper is without a doubt, my favorite show. Obviously. I binge Chipper on Netflix and often have Jo on in the background. Lilly asks me to watch Fixer Upper all the time, so I can’t deny her, right? Each time I watch, I notice more design details and even more project ideas that I missed during the first viewing. Usually these are the projects or decor ideas that jump to the top of my list of things to do. Or get Andrew to do. Either way, they’re up there!

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Top 5 Fixer Upper DIYs You Need To Try…

1. Shiplap

Seriously, shiplap all the things. There are a million ways to hang shiplap, whether it’s real shiplap, faux shiplap, pine boards, luan, plywood, whatever. We have faux shiplap in our downstairs hallway, and it’s literally the best idea we’ve ever had.

I’m telling you… give it a try, even if it’s just a wainscoting area, a focus wall, a tiny alcove, or the whole house.  I’m getting the itch to finish out the shiplap in the entry, as well as the bathrooms. Give me all the shiplap, you guys. All of it.

2. Stunning Backsplashes

Listen, I am a forever-fan of classic white subway tile with white or grey grout. But, I have been obsessed with these two fixer upper back splashes:

White subway tile, that goes all the way from the counter top up to the ceiling…

Or this drool-tastic, knock-your-socks-off, stare-at-it-for-days, patterned back splash…

Could I do that, I mean in my real life!!?  I guess I could, I suppose. As you know, we added a super simple subway tile DIY backsplash to the kitchen, as a temporary fix until we replace counter tops down the road.  So, this could always be a solid option. I could really have the best of both worlds, couldn’t I!!  Now I’m getting too carried away, aren’t I…

3. Add Architectural Elements

Let’s just say the project comes in finding the perfect architectural item.  Adding an old window, corbels, or something you’ve found in a salvage shop that was once holding up someone’s porch, fence, railing, or bed, to a wall with some greenery is one of the simplest fixer upper DIY projects I can think of. These random items always makes a perfect addition of architectural detail, art, and texture.

I have a few old windows laying around. Some I found on the side of the road, on a driveway of someone replacing windows, and at salvage shops. I got one last weekend for $10, and it’s got the perfect peely-chippy-paint and rickety glass, I just love it and I know it’ll look awesome… somewhere with a wreath on it. Maybe I will use it above my antique printer’s box in the laundry staging area I’m working on!

4. Hand Painted Sign

I have a pair of hand-painted signs hanging in my kitchen, and they are probably one of my most favorite things in the house. So amazing in fact, that I am making 2 huge ones for over my front door and the kitchen door.

I love the texture this sign adds to Jo’s (first name basis, #goals) kitchen, and I love that they’re added to pretty much every single Fixer Upper house. No matter if you make your own, or buy one, you’re well on your way to that farmhouse charm achievement trophy!

5. Swap Your Lighting

If you have recessed lighting, you can swap out those light bulbs in favor of a conversion kit to make them a pendant light. These are so fast (I’m talking 5 minutes), and you don’t have to turn the power off to put them in – no brainer. Our industrial farmhouse light in the kitchen above the sink is made with a kit, and it’s one of my favorite things in the kitchen that adds tons of charm for little dollars.

Of course, you can always hardwire your favorite salvaged barn lights, funnels, whisks, or baskets pretty easily to shine that light wherever you need it.

Watch, I’ll watch some Chip and Jo tonight on Netflix, and will probably add to this list! I definitely am digging the backsplash though… maybe that’ll have to make an appearance in a bathroom sooner rather than later! So what are your favorite DIY projects you want to try!? As always, feel free to pin and share!

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