2023 Recap: 14 Mind Blowing DIYs (That We Want to Try Next Year)
DIY
As we bid farewell to 2023, it's time to celebrate the hands-on creativity that not only left us genuinely awe-inspired, but are also getting our gears turning for next year. This year’s ORC participants showcased an abundance of talent that deserves a moment in the spotlight. In our recap, we're highlighting some of the projects that simply blew us away that we want to try in 2024. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or just enjoy a good dose of creative inspiration, join us as we revisit the ingenuity that made 2023 a standout year in the world of do-it-yourself brilliance.
As part of her office project, Jackie of Sewbrightcreations popped the previous inset cabinet out of the wall and replaced it with a version she made herself. The new inset shelves have a lovely arch that adds some great flair.
Melissa Ashley Meares made one of the best faux Frame TVs we’ve seen to date. She custom made the frame out of chair rail, spray painted it black, and finished it off with some Rub ‘n Buff.
In addition to completely de-cluttering and beautifully organizing her garage, which is a basically impossible task, Kim DIYed the epoxy floor. It looks pristine and incredible.
VIA @MAMA_CANBUILDIT
Lisa hugely elevated the previously basic dresser in her guest bedroom with a little molding, paint, and hardware. The molding addition is super subtle but adds so much flair to the piece.
Amy and her husband built this literally incredible greenhouse from scratch. We’re completely obsessed and inspired. Maybe someday…
VIA MYPDXHOME
You can never have too much garage makeover inspiration… Monica transformed her garage and added this awesome, expertly organized workshop area. The blue cabinets are fire.
During her kitchen project, Laurie completely refinished a vintage shop counter and turned it into a STUNNING kitchen island. Are you kidding me? It has so much character, and all the drawers she added to the interior provide lots of extra storage.
VIA MAPLE AND MEI
Christina’s stencil-and-paint-on-tile DIY added so much personality to her sunroom dining area. The finished room looks so fun, happy, and stylish.
For her powder room project, Erika rescued an incredible antique buffet she found on Facebook Marketplace and converted it into a vanity. Not only did this save her money, but the refinished piece is absolutely a star, especially with the new paint she chose.
VIA OLIVE AND JUNE
When the old, flaky ceiling of her screened in porch turned out to not be salvageable, Rachel decided to cover it with beadboard paneling. The finished ceiling looks so great that it’s hard to believe this wasn’t Rachel’s plan all along.
VIA WELL SHE TRIED
Jenn and her husband built this absolutely showstopping built-in desk wall for their home office project. Making the built-in frees up lots of space in the room for flexible seating, etc., but mostly we can’t get enough of those arches!
This was Kyra’s first ever ORC, and she was NOT messing around. Her workshop section of her basement used to be completely unfinished! She added drywall herself and then topped it off with some wallpaper and DIY workbenches and cabinets for tool storage.
Emily and her husband upgraded their builder-basic dining area with an amazing DIY banquette. It’s an efficient use of space, plus it makes the space feel cozy and custom.
Whatever projects you decide to tackle in 2024, we are rooting for you! Happy New Year, and happy DIYing!
