Reflecting on a Transformative Year: The Top 20 DIY Home Projects of 2016
As I reflect, it feels as though 2016 simply flew by in a blink! It stands out as one of the fastest years we’ve experienced, largely because my husband Robert and I embarked on an ambitious journey to tackle numerous major home improvement projects. We were determined to check off big items from our to-do list, and the dedication truly paid off.
A Year of Growth, Gratitude, and Remarkable Transformations
With 2016 behind us, we eagerly anticipate what 2017 will bring. There’s a growing sense of excitement for a potential move to a property with more land, yet we remain steadfast in our belief that everything unfolds according to God’s perfect plan. For now, our current home still holds a few smaller spaces ripe for transformation, which I’m thrilled to share with you all very soon. If you haven’t yet seen the incredible journey, I invite you to revisit our home’s full before and after 3-year blogiversary tour here. It’s truly inspiring to witness how far our home, and our skills, have evolved over the years!
None of these accomplishments would have been possible without your unwavering support, encouraging comments, and shared enthusiasm. Your engagement consistently fuels our motivation to continue exploring and presenting innovative, budget-friendly DIY solutions that we hope empower you in your own homes. From the bottom of our hearts, we are incredibly thankful for each and every one of you!
Celebrating Our Most Popular DIY Projects from 2016
As a heartfelt recap of what was undeniably the best year yet for Bless’er House, I’m excited to unveil our top 20 DIY posts of 2016. In compiling this list, I deliberately excluded seasonal projects, focusing instead on our most impactful and popular home improvement ventures, dramatic room reveals, and inspiring decorating tutorials that resonated most deeply with our community. These projects embody our passion for farmhouse style, affordability, and the joy of transforming spaces with your own hands.
20. Faux “Rusted” Vintage Scale Makeover: A Thrift Store Gem Transformed
This project remains a personal favorite, showcasing how a simple thrift store find can be completely revitalized. I discovered a plain stainless steel metal scale and, with just a bit of craft paint, transformed it into a beautifully chippy, authentically rusted vintage piece. It’s a testament to the power of paint and the charm of aged aesthetics, proving that you don’t need expensive materials to achieve a high-end, vintage look. The before-and-after is always a showstopper!
19. DIY Faux Fireplace: An Updated Focal Point for Our Living Room
Robert and I gave our beloved faux fireplace a much-needed update, transforming it into a more sophisticated and comfortable focal point for our living room. This project wasn’t just about aesthetics; it also involved a strategic rearrangement of our entire living space to optimize comfort and flow. Even our little Olivia lent a helping hand, making this a truly memorable family DIY. The updated look brought an elevated feel to the room, proving that a little creativity can go a long way in refreshing a space.
18. DIY Faux Enamel Bread Box Makeover: The Magic of Spray Paint
Another fantastic thrift store transformation, this DIY involved giving a humble bread box a stunning faux enamel finish. It’s a simple yet incredibly effective makeover that beautifully illustrates the transformative power of spray paint. With the right technique and a keen eye, everyday objects can be elevated to stylish, functional pieces that fit seamlessly into your home’s aesthetic. This project is a testament to budget-friendly decor and the magic found in a can of spray paint.
17. Eclectic Farmhouse Playroom Reveal: Conquering the One Room Challenge
Our very first participation in the One Room Challenge (ORC) was a monumental undertaking, culminating in this vibrant eclectic farmhouse playroom reveal. Despite the intense six-week deadline, we not only survived but thrived! The result is a truly functional and aesthetically pleasing space that exceeded our initial vision. It’s a room designed for both play and imagination, blending our signature farmhouse style with playful, eclectic touches, demonstrating what can be achieved with focused effort and a clear design plan.
16. Weathered Oak Dining Table Makeover: A Simple Yet Stunning Transformation
Our dining table was in desperate need of a refresh, and this makeover provided just that with a surprisingly simple transformation. Using my new favorite weathered oak stain, I was able to give the table a sophisticated, aged look that instantly elevated our dining area. This project is a fantastic example of how a furniture makeover can completely change the ambiance of a room without breaking the bank. The weathered finish adds character and a timeless appeal, making it a beloved piece in our home.
15. How to Hang Decor On Siding: Practical Tips for Outdoor Styling
This post, despite its apparent simplicity, proved to be incredibly helpful and popular among our readers. It addresses a common decorating dilemma: how to securely and beautifully hang decor on exterior siding. Sharing practical, straightforward tips for outdoor styling, this guide demystifies the process and makes outdoor decorating accessible to everyone. Its popularity underscores that sometimes the most basic “how-to” guides are the most valuable to homeowners seeking to personalize every corner of their living space.
14. Distressed Charcoal Scroll Mirror Makeover: Adding Character to an Old Find
Finding an outdated mirror at a thrift store is an opportunity for a budget-friendly transformation. For this project, I took a plain, dated mirror and gave it a sophisticated distressed finish using my favorite simple distressing technique. The charcoal color provided a modern yet classic base, while the distressing added depth and character. The result was a stunning piece that brought a touch of curated charm to our home, proving that old items can gain new life and become beautiful decor statements.
13. How to Decorate a Small Patio: Maximizing Outdoor Living Spaces
Even the smallest outdoor spaces can be transformed into inviting havens. In this post, I shared the makeover of our “itty bitty” patio, offering invaluable tips and tricks for maximizing the potential of a compact outdoor area. From clever furniture arrangements to strategic decor choices, this guide helps readers create a comfortable and stylish extension of their home, regardless of size. It’s all about smart design and making every square foot count for outdoor enjoyment.
12. How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets Like a Pro: A Durable and Beautiful Update
Six months and counting, and our kitchen cabinets still look as flawless as the day they were painted! This highly popular post delves into the entire process of painting kitchen cabinets like a professional, sharing all our secrets, preferred techniques, and, crucially, my favorite cabinet paint. This detailed guide empowers homeowners to achieve a durable, factory-like finish that withstands the test of time and everyday use, proving that a DIY kitchen update can be both stunning and long-lasting.
11. Antique Printer’s Cabinet Makeover: From Plain Buffet to Statement Piece
This remarkable transformation began with a rather plain buffet we stumbled upon on Craigslist. With a few fundamental woodworking tricks and a generous dose of vision, we reimagined it into an incredible antique printer’s cabinet. The before-and-after of this piece is truly astounding; it’s hard to believe it’s the same item. This project highlights the potential hidden within secondhand furniture and the rewarding journey of turning a simple find into a custom, high-impact statement piece for your home.
10. Favorite Budget-Friendly Blue Vintage Rugs: Timeless Style for Any Room
While on the hunt for the perfect rug for our master bedroom, I curated and shared a collection of my absolute favorite budget-friendly blue vintage rugs. This post was ahead of its time, predicting the immense popularity of deep blue tones in home decor for 2017 and beyond. It serves as a fantastic resource for anyone seeking to infuse their spaces with timeless style and warmth without overspending, proving that beautiful, quality rugs can be found at accessible price points.
9. How to Create a Weathered Wood Look With Paint: No Stripping Required!
This highly sought-after tutorial demonstrates how to achieve a beautiful weathered wood look using only paint and wax, completely bypassing the arduous and messy process of paint stripping. I applied this technique to a sofa table found at a consignment shop, resulting in a stunning, aged finish that looks authentically rustic. This method is a game-changer for anyone looking to refresh furniture with a farmhouse or coastal vibe without the hassle, offering a clean and enjoyable DIY experience.
8. Apothecary Jar Printable Labels: Elevating Everyday Glassware
If your recycling bin is brimming with interesting jars and bottles, this post offers a delightful and eco-friendly DIY solution: printable vintage-looking apothecary labels. These charming labels instantly transform ordinary glass containers into decorative pieces, perfect for displaying florals year-round. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, they also simplify flower arranging, providing a cohesive and stylish look for any bouquet. It’s a simple, free way to add vintage farmhouse charm to your home decor.
7. Decorating 101: Vignette Styling Made Simple
For many, styling mantels, shelves, and tabletops can feel daunting. This “Decorating 101” post aims to remove the guesswork, providing foundational decorating rules and principles to simplify the art of vignette styling. It breaks down the process into easy-to-understand steps, helping readers create balanced, visually appealing arrangements that tell a story. This guide empowers anyone to design beautiful, curated displays that enhance the character and charm of their living spaces, making decor accessible and enjoyable.
6. 18 Inexpensive DIY Wall Decor Ideas: Farmhouse & Industrial Style
Wall decor can significantly impact a room’s aesthetic, but it doesn’t have to be costly. Having completed numerous wall decor projects over the years, I rounded up our 18 best and most budget-friendly DIY ideas in this comprehensive post. Featuring a blend of farmhouse and industrial styles, these projects are designed to be easily replicated, allowing you to personalize your walls with unique, handmade art. It’s a treasure trove of inspiration for adding character and warmth to any space on a dime.
5. My Whole30 Body Makeover + Beginner’s Guide: A Journey to Health
Beyond home DIY, my personal health journey with Whole30 was a massive hit. If your New Year’s resolution involves improving your health and fitness, I wholeheartedly recommend Whole30. It’s not a fad diet but a sustainable approach to clean eating and body detoxification, designed to kickstart a truly healthy lifestyle. I was astonished by the weight loss and the incredible feeling of vitality I achieved in just 30 days. Robert and I are so committed that we planned to embark on another round come January 1st!
4. DIY Irish Blessing Sign and Entryway: Welcoming Charm for Your Home
This heartwarming project shared a free printable and a step-by-step tutorial for crafting a beautiful Irish Blessing sign. While initially created for St. Paddy’s Day, its timeless message of warmth and welcome makes it a perfect addition to any entryway, any time of year. This DIY offers a simple yet meaningful way to infuse your home with character and hospitality, adding a touch of personalized charm that greets guests with a heartfelt sentiment.
3. DIY Feather Finish Concrete Countertops: Achieving a High-End Look on a Budget
Concrete countertops soared in popularity this year, and our comprehensive tutorial on DIY feather finish concrete countertops went absolutely viral! This post provided our detailed, step-by-step guide, along with crucial warnings about common pitfalls to avoid during the process. It demystifies achieving a high-end, custom look for a fraction of the cost of traditional concrete, empowering homeowners to tackle this impressive project with confidence and achieve stunning, durable results that elevate any kitchen or bathroom.
2. Modern Farmhouse Kitchen Makeover Reveal: Our Biggest Transformation Yet
Our Modern Farmhouse Kitchen Makeover was an enormous undertaking, but the wait and effort were undeniably worth every moment! This post offers the full reveal, complete with a detailed source list and a compilation of tutorials outlining precisely how we achieved this breathtaking transformation. We managed to create a magazine-worthy kitchen for a tiny fraction of what professional contractors would have charged, proving that dream kitchens are achievable on a budget with careful planning and dedicated DIY spirit. It’s truly our biggest and most rewarding project to date.
1. 10 Items to Always Buy at Thrift Stores: Your Ultimate Guide to Thrifting Success
Our top post of 2016 is an invaluable resource for anyone who loves a good bargain but sometimes feels overwhelmed in thrift stores. This ultimate guide highlights 10 versatile items I consistently seek out that offer incredible value and potential for DIY transformations. Crucially, I also included a list of items to avoid, saving you time and potential buyer’s remorse. This post empowers you to navigate thrift store aisles like a pro, uncovering hidden gems that can dramatically enhance your home decor on a budget.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Bless’er House
Thank you, from the very bottom of my heart, for joining us on this incredible journey throughout 2016. We’ve had an absolute blast transforming our home, learning new skills, and, most importantly, sharing it all with our amazing community. The engagement and support from readers like you make every project and every post truly rewarding. As we close the chapter on 2016, we look forward to an even more exciting 2017, filled with new challenges, fresh ideas, and more inspiring DIY adventures to share.
Did any of our projects from 2016 particularly inspire you? Perhaps you tackled a project in your own home this year that filled you with immense pride? We would absolutely love to hear about your experiences and accomplishments in the comments below! Your stories motivate us and provide valuable insights for future content.
