Ten Summer DIY Projects for the Home

Summer is the perfect time to embark on some DIY projects that can transform your home and make it more inviting. Here are ten simple projects that will give your house a fresh new look without breaking the bank.

1. Repaint Your Front Door

A fresh coat of paint on your front door can instantly boost your home’s curb appeal. Choose a bold color that complements your home’s exterior. Clean the door, sand it down, apply a primer, and then paint. It's a quick weekend project that makes a big impact.

2. Add Outdoor Lighting

Enhance your outdoor space with new lighting. Solar-powered lights are easy to install and don’t require any wiring. Place them along pathways, around the garden, or on the patio to create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere in the evenings.

3. Create a Garden Path

A well-defined garden path can add structure and beauty to your yard. Use stepping stones, gravel, or pavers to create a simple path. Lay down landscape fabric to prevent weeds, then arrange your chosen materials. This project is both functional and decorative.

4. Build a Simple Outdoor Bench

An outdoor bench provides a perfect spot to relax. Using wooden boards, screws, and wood glue, you can build a sturdy bench. Sand it smooth and apply a weather-resistant stain or paint. Place it in your garden or on your porch for added charm.

5. Install Window Boxes

Window boxes filled with colorful flowers can brighten up the exterior of your home. Purchase or build wooden boxes, attach them securely under your windows, and fill them with your favorite summer blooms. It’s a simple way to add a touch of nature to your house.

6. Refresh Your Outdoor Furniture

Give your outdoor furniture a makeover with a fresh coat of paint or new cushions. Clean and sand the furniture, then apply a suitable outdoor paint. For a quick refresh, buy new cushions or recover existing ones with weather-resistant fabric.

7. Update Kitchen Hardware

Swapping out old cabinet handles and drawer pulls for new ones can modernize your kitchen. Choose a style that matches your decor, unscrew the old hardware, and install the new pieces. It’s an inexpensive update that makes a big difference.

8. Create a Vertical Garden

If you’re short on space, a vertical garden is a great solution. Use a wooden pallet, wall-mounted planters, or hanging pots to grow herbs, flowers, or succulents. Attach the structure to a sunny wall and enjoy your new green space.

9. Paint an Accent Wall

An accent wall can add a pop of color to any room. Choose a wall that acts as a focal point, select a vibrant paint color, and get to work. This project can be completed in a day and will give your room a fresh, new look.

10. Install New Light Fixtures

Updating light fixtures can significantly enhance your home’s interior. Replace outdated fixtures with modern designs that match your decor. Make sure to turn off the electricity before starting, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation.

These ten DIY projects are perfect for giving your house a facelift this summer. They are simple enough to be completed over a weekend and will make your home more beautiful and enjoyable. So grab your tools, get creative, and transform your living space with these easy updates.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Fence Options for Backyard Privacy

A private backyard oasis to enjoy during the summertime is one of my favorite things about being a homeowner. In my experience, creating a place that’s inviting and relaxing can make balmy weekday evenings feel like a mini-vacation, especially when a barbecue or bonfire is involved. 

But having an at-home retreat also means taking steps to ensure that your backyard is private and secure, especially when there is a pool or water feature in the mix. So today, I’d like to give you a peek into a range of fencing options to protect your yard and provide seclusion without forgoing great design.

Many homeowners love the aesthetic of a beautiful, timeless wood fence. They look elegant, provide fantastic privacy, and are easy to install. The downside, of course, is maintenance. With our hot summers and brutal winters, a wood fence will need regular staining or painting, a job that every homeowner dreads. On the positive side, if you like to update the look of your backyard frequently, wood can be painted in any color imaginable and it’s one of the most affordable options on the market. A six-foot panel will run around $25-$50 depending on the type of wood.

If you love the look of wood, but the upkeep has you thinking twice about the material, you might want to think about composite fencing. Composite is made from engineered wood, and while it mimics the look of the natural stuff, its lifespan is much longer with very little maintenance requirements and no worry that it will rot, splinter or warp.  The cost will vary based on the design and type, but you can expect to pay $100-$150 per six-foot section.

If you want something that’s sturdy and maintenance free, a chain link fence might be a good option for you. While they generally aren’t the most stylish in terms of design, a chain link fence will keep your backyard protected and they can be slightly customized in different colors and gauges. If you need more privacy, you can upgrade a chain link fence with metal slats. Best of all, it’s the cheapest of options, coming in at $100 or less for a 50-foot roll. If you like the idea of a metal fence, but prefer something a little more upscale, go for an aluminum option, which is powder coated and needs very little maintenance. A six-foot panel will run you $50-$75 depending on the height.

Finally, if you want something that will protect your pool without making it feel enclosed, there’s nothing like glass. A glass or plexiglass panel fence is beautiful for enclosing water without shutting out the rest of your property. Glass fences are durable, but they do tend to scratch easily and need to be cleaned regularly. They are also generally the most expensive fencing option, especially if they need to enclose a large area or in-ground pool. You’ll be looking in the ballpark of a few hundred dollars per panel.

With so many options, which do you like best? Send me an email or message me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/odonnellbros 

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

On Trend at Home with the Color of the Year

If you’re like one of the millions of people forgoing a vacation this year, you might instead be looking for ways to make your home more comfortable, fresh, and even appealing to potential buyers. You’re not alone: according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau report, home centers, hardware stores, garden centers, and building materials suppliers have seen close to a 25 percent increase in sales from last year alone. Recent research from Consumer Specialists and the Home Projects Council found that 57 percent of homeowners put an emphasis on home improvement during the first three months of COVID-19. As the pandemic continues and the colder weather sets in, more and more of us will have time to focus on making those improvements that we keep putting off. 

One of the most popular upgrades that people usually enjoy doing themselves is painting which just also happens to be a fantastic project for fall. The weather is cool enough for the paint to dry quickly, but not so cold that leaving windows open for a day becomes unbearable. Indoor painting can be tedious but it’s also a job that will give your home a major facelift with a little time and effort. 

With that in mind, the question then becomes, “what color should I paint my room?” This is, of course, a very personal choice, but with the real estate market booming and many people looking at potentially listing their home in the near future, choosing something that’s trendy and modern is an option worth considering. 

Around this time of year, the major paint brands unveil their “Color of the Year”, a hue that's often chosen for its likeability, longevity, and how it captures and enhances interior design forecasting for the future. The first paint company out of the gate is Sherwin-Williams, which announced that Urbane Bronze is their Color of the Year for 2021. Equal parts trendy and timeless, the deep organic shade was chosen for both its connection to nature and the warmth it provides when incorporated into a home sanctuary.

According to Sherwin-Williams, “Now more than ever, our homes have become the backdrop to our lives, reminding us that the moments worth cherishing have always been right in front of us. As we're looking to create the ultimate retreat for reflection and renewal, we're turning to a hue whose natural simplicity and nature-inspired energy cultivate a sense of calm from the ground up.” Say that three times fast. 

If dark paint colors aren’t your style, Urbane Bronze can be used as an accent with warmer neutrals such as a popular Modern Gray or the company’s Messenger Bag, which offers a slightly more khaki feel. 

Wondering what your other options might be? Stay tuned: Benjamin Moore will be making their Color of the Year announcement on October 14th. 

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.