New year, new projects you can actually finish
Anyone who has ever stained a floor or retiled a bathroom knows there’s nothing cheap and easy about home improvement projects. Inevitably, they suck more time and resources than contractors or DIY plans initially let on. That's why many of us would rather watch hours of DIY improvement shows on TV than attempt one for ourselves. But thanks to our friends at Lowe's and projects that take 30 minutes or less and deliver major upgrades to living spaces, home improvement doesn’t have to be a headache. Whether installing a showerhead to rival the world’s best spas or updating your kitchen with a simple hardware swap, find nine easy-to-execute home improvement projects that anyone can do, ahead.
Love the idea of taking more spa days in 2022? Make it happen without breaking the bank by upgrading your bathroom’s amenities, starting with your shower head. This best-selling, dual-head shower head features two four spray settings (including massage) for a little bit of ahhhh every time you suds up. What’s more, the hardware upgrade takes just minutes to install.
SHOP: Delta Universal Showering Components Spotshield Brushed Nickel 4-Spray Dual Shower Head 2.5-GPM, $119.98, available at Lowe's
Turn any basic light into a dimmable option that can carry one of thousands of hues and never stumble into bad lighting again.
SHOP: Philips Hue 75-Watt EQ A19 Full Color Dimmable Smart LED Light Bulb (2-Pack), 89.98, available at Lowe's
Don’t have the time (or budget) to install new cabinetry in the kitchen? Instead, use a few pails of matte paint and fresh hardware to reface what you already have. These drawer pulls — which come in eight finishes, including oil-rubbed bronze and gold — are an instant way to make kitchen cabinets look elevated.
SHOP: Amerock Bar Pulls 3-in Center to Center Golden Champagne Cylindrical Bar Drawer Pulls, $8.07, available at Lowe's
With its ability to self-program after learning your temperature preferences, automatically reduce energy usage while you’re away, and clock an average of 10-15% energy savings, it’s easy to think this smart thermometer is too complicated to warrant a DIY install. The reality? Most users are able to set up the device in 30 minutes or less.
SHOP: Google Nest Learning Smart Thermostat with WiFi Compatibility (3rd Generation) - Stainless Steel, $249, available at Lowe's
Make 2022 the year you never have to call the locksmith again by installing a keyless entry system for your home. This deadbolt can be locked or unlocked simply by entering a customized code and is equipped to store 16 user codes and a master code for added security.
Kwikset SmartCode 913 Venetian Bronze Single Cylinder Electronic Deadbolt Lighted Keypad, $118.84, available at Lowe's
Add a bit of privacy to entryways and bathrooms without sacrificing natural light by covering windows with affordable frost film.
SHOP: Gila Privacy Control Frosted Window Film 48-in x 78-in Frosted Privacy-control Window Film, $21.98, available at Lowe's
Add character and charm to blah rooms and basic pendant lights with the installation of a ceiling medallion.
SHOP: Ekena Millwork Eryn 24.75-in x 24.75-in Primed Polyurethane Ceiling Medallion, $72.66, available at Lowe's
Get a jump on barbecue season by upgrading your outdoor living space. These delicate LED lights tuck easily into shrubbery, on the underside of fences, and along windowsills to add warmth and glow to any chill zone.
SHOP: Gigalumi 3.9-ft-Light Solar Orange Outdoor LED Fairy String Lights, $21.98, available at Lowe's
Forget ripping out the tub or tile: Swapping in a fresh new vanity sink proves an easy way to refresh your bathroom while adding extra storage space. What’s more, this model can be snagged for nearly half off.
SHOP: allen + roth Brinkhaven 30-in American Gray Undermount Single Sink Bathroom Vanity with White Engineered Stone Top, $699, available at Lowe's