3 easy and inexpensive decor projects to freshen up your home

Do-it-yourself home decor projects have a way of being more complicated than they look. Here are three lovely decorating projects you can actually make in a snap that can help freshen up the look of practically any home.

For this project you'll need a glass or ceramic knickknack, vinegar, water, a spray bottle and a can of mirror-like spray paint. Vases, bowls, figurines and other items all look equally good in faux-mercury glass. They all take spray paint well.

Instructions

1. Lay your knickknacks outside on a piece of cardboard or old towel. Clean them thoroughly.
2. Shake the spray paint well and lightly coat the knickknacks. You'll have to spray several light coats to cover the item completely, but don't spray too much since this causes drips.
3. Once they're dry, spray the knickknacks with a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar.
4. Rub the paint gently with a cloth and it should produce a mercury glass-like effect.
5. Once they're distressed enough for your taste, bring the items inside to decorate your home.

The next project is even easier than the first. You're going to need several baskets, a screw driver or hammer, and hooks, screws or nails.

Instructions

1. Start by deciding what sort of design you want to make with your baskets. Small, shallow baskets can be used as decorations on your wall. Larger ones can be hung from hooks in a row for the storage of lightweight items like blankets or toys.
2. After you've decided which effect you would like to create, secure your nails or hooks into the wall using the tools.
3. Finish by hanging up your baskets and admiring your handiwork.

Gallery walls are quite popular these days, but perfectly mismatched picture frames can get expensive.

• You can make a gallery wall with old frames you already have or ones you purchase from yard sales or thrift stores.
• It doesn't matter if the frames match. In fact, you should aim to have an assortment of sizes and designs.

Instructions

1. Once your frames are collected, clean them with a damp cloth. Take them outside when they are clean.
2. Lay each frame a few inches from the next on a piece of cardboard or old sheet.
3. Select one or more colours of spray paint and lightly coat each frame. Rather than spraying liberally, apply several light coats to avoid drips.

Although a one-colour gallery wall is very striking, two or more colours will have a more whimsical effect. The possibilities with this idea are endless.

Before you mount the frames on the wall:

• Lay the frames out on the floor to work out the gallery-style arrangement you're seeking.
• When you're satisfied with your arrangement, take a photo with your smartphone as a reference.
• Lastly, transfer the idea to the wall with nails or picture hangers.