DIY but Do It Right: Staying Away from bad DIY Ideas

During a short trip to a garage sale, Sadie stumbled upon a unique wardrobe, painted in exotic colors that immediately caught her eye. It wasn’t just the colors that made it stand out, though. There was something about the piece—its hand-painted details and slight imperfections gave it character. It seemed to be calling her name, just sitting there alone, lonely and ignored in the corner of the garage. Intrigued, Sadie asked the owner how much it cost. To her surprise, the price was well over her budget—unreasonable for an old wardrobe that had clearly seen better days.

Disappointed, Sadie left without the wardrobe, but it stuck in her mind. She couldn’t shake the feeling that this piece belonged in her home. She decided then and there to take matters into her own hands. “I’ll paint my own wardrobe,” she thought. And just like that, she set foot into the world of DIY.

a woman painting a wardrobe for a DIY decor project

DIY Benefits: Why You Should Get Creative with DIY Projects

Sadie isn’t alone in her decision to go the DIY route. DIY, or “Do It Yourself,” projects have surged in popularity over recent years, with millions of people transforming ordinary items into extraordinary pieces. But why do people love DIY so much? Here are some of the top reasons why you should give it a try:

Sometimes you can’t afford your favorite piece of furniture

Let’s face it—furniture shopping can be expensive, especially when you have your heart set on something unique or high-end. Like Sadie, many of us have experienced falling in love with a piece only to find out that it’s way out of our budget. That’s where DIY comes in. With a bit of creativity and resourcefulness, you can take a piece you already own or a thrift store find and turn it into something that rivals expensive showroom items. Whether it’s a fresh coat of paint, new hardware, or a full renovation, DIY allows you to achieve that high-end look without breaking the bank.

It’s fun to get creative

There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating something with your own hands. Whether you’re painting, building, or repurposing, DIY projects give you the freedom to express your creativity. You can choose the colors, textures, and designs that speak to your unique style. Plus, DIY is a great way to unwind and de-stress. Many people find the process therapeutic—it’s a chance to take a break from daily routines and immerse yourself in a project that’s both enjoyable and rewarding.

 

DIY projects let you decorate your home with your unique style

One of the best things about DIY is the sense of ownership you get when you complete a project. Instead of buying something mass-produced, you’ve created a one-of-a-kind piece that no one else has. This allows you to decorate your home with items that truly reflect your personality and taste. Whether it’s a handmade coffee table, a custom-painted bookshelf, or a hand-sewn set of curtains, each piece has a story behind it—your story. And that’s something no store-bought item can offer.

You become independent

The more DIY projects you tackle, the more skills you acquire. Over time, you become less reliant on others for repairs and customizations around your home. Instead of hiring a professional for every little thing, you can handle many tasks yourself. This independence doesn’t just save you money—it also gives you a sense of accomplishment and confidence in your abilities.

But what about the times we fail, and waste our time and resources?

a man struggling with bad DIY ideas

Bad DIY Ideas: Not Every Project is a Success

Sadie’s artistic skills helped her pull off her wardrobe makeover, but not everyone gets so lucky. DIY can be tricky, and sometimes, things don’t go as planned. One of our users, Omid, shared his story about a DIY project that didn’t turn out the way he had hoped.

Omid had recently watched his roommate transform an old dresser into a sleek, modern piece, and it inspired him to take on a DIY challenge of his own. He envisioned creating a Victorian-style buffet that would become the centerpiece of his dining room. “Why spend a fortune on a new one when I can do it myself?” he thought.

But after a month of hard work, Omid had to admit defeat. Here’s a list of his DIY bad ideas:

Building from Scratch

While Omid had some experience with smaller projects, building a Victorian-style buffet from scratch was a whole new ballgame. Victorian furniture is known for its intricate details, such as curved shapes and ornamental legs—features that are not easy to replicate without advanced woodworking skills. 

Trusting Yourself Too Much

Sometimes overconfidence can lead to disaster. Omid believed he could figure everything out as he went along. But DIY projects, especially those involving complex designs and materials, often require careful planning and research. He found himself struggling to get the balance and proportions right, and the result was a buffet that looked lopsided and uneven.

Going for A Niche Style

Victorian furniture is beautiful, but it’s also very specific in its aesthetic. Omid’s attempt to replicate this style didn’t go as planned, mainly because niche styles require specialized knowledge and techniques. He found that the small, delicate legs of his buffet couldn’t support the weight of the piece and cracked under even the slightest pressure.

Going Too Big Too Soon

Starting with a large, complicated project like a buffet was ambitious for a beginner. Omid soon realized that he had bitten off more than he could chew. His project dragged on for weeks, and each setback made it harder to stay motivated. If he had started with something smaller and more manageable, he might have had better luck.

 

Working With Tricky Materials

Omid’s final mistake was underestimating the difficulty of working with certain materials. He chose a specific type of paint that ended up cracking for no apparent reason. Some materials require special treatments, and without experience, things can easily go wrong. 

What You Can DIY Instead

After his buffet debacle, Omid eventually found his dream piece in a small décor shop, thanks to the NextXP platform. But for those of us who still want to try our hand at DIY, there are plenty of projects that are much easier to tackle. Here are some ideas:

Start small with simple designs

If you’re new to DIY, it’s best to start with something simple. Instead of jumping into complicated projects like custom desks or Victorian buffets, try something more straightforward, like a small side table. These projects will help you build your skills and confidence without overwhelming you.

Unleash your creativity, but stay reasonable.

Creativity is the heart of DIY, but it’s important to stay within your skill level. Feel free to experiment with colors and textures, but keep your designs realistic and achievable. Overly ambitious projects can lead to frustration and burnout.

Ask for advice

Don’t be afraid to seek help from friends, online communities, or even professionals. There are plenty of resources available to guide you through tricky projects. Omid’s experience taught him that DIY isn’t always a solo venture—sometimes a little advice can save you a lot of trouble.

Look for inspiration everywhere

Inspiration is all around us—whether it’s at a garage sale, a thrift store, or even on social media platforms like Pinterest. Keep an open mind, and you’ll be surprised at how many DIY ideas you can come up with. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel—sometimes a small tweak or a fresh coat of paint is all it takes to transform an ordinary item into something special.

Failure is fine; have fun learning

Not every DIY project will be a success, and that’s okay! Failure is part of the learning process. Each mistake teaches you something new, and that’s how you improve. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the journey.

Your Dream Furniture is Just Around the Corner

While DIY can be rewarding, it’s not always the best option. Thankfully, platforms like NextXP make finding your dream furniture easier than ever. Whether you’re looking for a unique piece or just want to browse for inspiration, NextXP connects you with décor shops and furniture makers that can bring your vision to life.

Whether you’re a seasoned DIY-er or just someone who loves beautifully crafted furniture, NextXP is here to help you find the perfect piece for your home. Your dream furniture is just around the corner, waiting for you to discover it.