10 Summer Custom Home Improvement Projects and the Perfect Tool Kit

School’s out! The kids are home, the days are longer, and the weather is sweltering hot (at least in Houston). Now is the perfect time to tackle the summer projects that have long been on your to-do list.  

Think about it: a custom home improvement project could be just the thing to spark your creativity and make your home more beautiful and functional – just when your family needs it the most. A backyard makeover gives you and your family the perfect place to get some R&R if you opt for a staycation instead of an out-of-town getaway, while unique furniture like an indoor swing gives your kids a fun hangout spot indoors for days when the sun is too hot.

Summer DIYs could turn your home into the most fun and relaxing spot this summer. And the best part is, unlike a fancy hotel, you’d never have to say goodbye to it! If you need some inspiration and guidance on getting started, then keep reading!

Fun Custom Home Improvement Ideas to Consider  

A guest room that’s missing its “oomph,” a playroom that never gets played in, and a backyard that’s become a storage space. There are many reasons you might take on some good summer DIYs.  

But the main one is that your space is your home – where you can feel comforted and replenished. 

Your home should feel uniquely yours, and DIY projects you’ve made yourself are the perfect way to personalize your home. Here are 10 ideas to get the ball rolling!  

1. Paint Your Patio Floor 

One quick and easy custom home improvement project is painting your patio floor! It can make for a stunningly beautiful backyard makeover, and while you can add little embellishments to make it pop even more, I have to say, a single color of paint may do the trick on its own! Check out this diamond tile painting I did on my patio floor! 

2. Build an Indoor Swing for the Kids 

Is the summer sun becoming unbearable even for a morning park playdate? Maybe it’s time to bring the fun inside with an indoor swing! This one might be a little tricky for beginners, but it’s well worth the learning curve. Take a look at how the indoor swing turned out in my son Zaki’s playroom! 

3. Make a Raised Garden Bed 

Do you have a green thumb? Then making a raised garden bed has got to be one of your summer projects. Having a garden bed in my backyard has not only encouraged me to get outdoors more this summer, but it’s also given me SO much space to plant some of our favorite fruits and veggies. With a bit of strategic planning, you’ll be surprised at how much you can fit into your own garden! If you’ve been following my stories you know I’ve got a massive zucchini harvest this season and there’s still more coming!

4. Spruce up a Room by Adding Wallpaper 

Do you have a room that feels “blah?” Add some wallpaper! Don’t underestimate what a good set of prints or styles can do. And if you’re anything like I used to be and are nervous about applying wallpaper on your own, check out this tutorial on how to put it up like a pro. If I can do it, so can you! 

5. Patch a Hole 

You know that hole in the wall you’ve been ignoring for a while? Yeah, it’s time to patch it up! And trust me, not only is it easier than you think it is, but you’ll feel the improvement in your home immediately. I know how busy days packed with activities and responsibilities can make you forget the hole is even there, but believe me when I say it’s bringing the room and energy down. The sooner it’s patched up and ready to be styled, the sooner your home will feel a little more whole.  

6. Create a Lamp 

Want to get a little creative this summer? Find a vase you love (or make one you’re super proud of) and turn it into a lamp with this fun and simple DIY tutorial. Creating your own home accents gives your home a unique and authentic look. As a bonus, you’ll know that no one else has the exact items you have! 

7. Hang Floating Shelves 

Looking to add some layers or different dimensions to your walls? Consider making and hanging your own floating shelves! This DIY tutorial walks you through everything and is a good option for beginner wood working projects. If you’re committed to it, I know it’ll come out absolutely perfect! Just be patient with yourself when prepping and staining the wood.  

8. Design a $10 Art Ledge 

While the floating shelves are a super rewarding project, this art ledge is probably the easiest of the beginner wood working projects if you want to start simpler. Plus, did I mention it’s only $10?! Yeah. You read that right. When you place your favorite artwork on it, it serves as a rustic and beautiful wall design. It’s a win-win in my book.  

9. Refurbish an “Antique” Stool 

Whether you have an old stool on hand or stumbled upon one on your latest Target run, this DIY project is perfect for turning any ordinary stool into the ideal “antique” or distressed accent for your home. While this project requires some tools that may feel more advanced, it’s worth the sweat! Check out the tutorial here! 

10. Construct a Coffee Table!  

Last on my stop of creative summer DIYs is one of my more adventurous projects, but also one I’m super proud to share a tutorial for. It’s a coffee table inspired by a Swedish company,  Asplund Furniture. While this tutorial is specific to a design I was trying to achieve, there are a lot of handy tips and guidance for you if you’re trying your hand at making a coffee table. It’s the perfect idea if you’re looking to give your living room a new creative uplift! 

Get Your Toolbox Ready 

Ready to tackle a backyard makeover or create unique furniture to make your kids love their playroom again? I’m excited for you to get started, too, but before you dive head-first into a custom home improvement project, we have to make sure you’re ready! If you look at any of my DIY tutorials, you’ll see that many of these summer projects require tools.  

Whether it’s something simple that you likely have on hand (such as a hammer, screwdriver, or pliers) or something more advanced, such as a miter saw or brad nailer, there’s nothing worse than clearing your schedule for a custom home improvement project only to realize you don’t have what you need.  

Take a second look at the DIY tutorial you’re looking to take on, then make sure you have what you need in your toolbag to get started! Some essential things to keep in your toolkit include:  

• Tape measure 
• Level 
• Laser Level 
• Stud finder 
• Screws and anchors 
• Picture hanging kit 
• Drill/driver 
• Drill/driver bits 
• Safety glasses 
• Safety gloves 
• Ear protection  
• Sanding blocks 
• Painters tape 
• Leatherman 

All of these items can easily be found online or at your local hardware store. 

Summertime Fun Isn’t Just for the Kiddos!  

Summertime is about finding ways for the kiddos to have fun, but this summer, I say you make room for yourself to have fun too. And for what it’s worth, there’s no reason the kids or other family members can’t join in! 

Have the kids vote on which color to paint the patio floor. Have the family choose what to make with the fruits or vegetables you plant in your raised garden bed. Explore new vibes for your home by playing with different wallpapers to spruce up a room!  

There are so many great summer DIYs you can do to make your home more beautiful and more functional. I hope you have a lot of fun making that happen with these DIY ideas. Just make sure to get your toolbox ready! 

For more custom home improvement DIY inspiration, follow me on Instagram or check out my website for other DIY tutorials.