7 Smart Winter DIY Home Projects to Tackle Now

There’s serious relief from DEEP FREEZE happening since it’s a balmy 25 degrees here now! Mercy, do not ever move DIY style in winter if you can help it. Picture my nearly frostbitten fairy fingers over the weekend in 16 degrees loading cherished galvanized buckets full of frozen soil to a UHaul. Life is pretty glamorous selling castoffs on FB Marketplace, sweeping sawdust from walls at the new house, and driving thru Portillo’s. Winter is a wise time to focus on INSIDE home improvement! When Redfin asked me about favorite winter DIY home improvements to tackle when there’s a chill in the air, I added my two cents. I’d love to hear about your favorites as well, and here are 7 Smart Winter DIY Home Projects to Tackle Now.

French and Swedish antiques in a Cotswolds cottage by Anton & K. #englishcottage #europeancountry #countrykitchen
Anton & K…see more of their breathtaking cottage HERE.

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

7 Smart Winter DIY Home Projects to Tackle Now

1. Paint a Room

Sure you can paint when the temp outside reads 103. But I mean. Lots of us enjoy painting our interiors DIY style, and see this for painting tips if you’re curious.

Modern farmhouse bedroom with fireplace, shiplap, and black painted French doors. Interior design by Jaimee Rose Interiors. #bedroomdesign #modernfarmhouse #interiordesign
7 Smart Winter DIY Home Projects to Tackle Now with ideas for organization as well as encouragement and humor. See more of this home’s tour HERE…certainly lovely!

Which paint color though? SEE THESE POSTS on the topic.

Winter before last, I painted an accent wall in a bedroom in our lower level (see below, and no it is not white!).

Bedroom with accent wall painted BEHR Sterling at 50% for a very pale blue-grey.
The painting on the nightstand is a prized original by Holly Irwin.

The room is large and awkward, and the bed is inset in a bump-out part of the room.

Here’s Sterling (mixed at 50%) in our little laundry room, and you can see how soft it is and the gentle contrast with white.

Behr Sterling paint color on walls and door of Hello Lovely's laundry room. #behrsterling #paintcolors #lightgreypaint #bluegrey
Hello Lovely Studio

I painted out the closet doors with BEHR Sterling and mixed 50% Sterling and 50% BEHR Cameo White together for this accent wall to arrive at a pale blue-grey in a room with only a little natural light from a small window.

Funny quote and humor about drycleaning. I have a dreclean only sweater that's about to learn some harsh truths about living with me. #funnyquote #humor #momlife

2. Touch Up Painted Trim

While it may not draw oohs and ahs as a dramatic before/after, touching up paint on baseboard and trim throughout our home is a favorite winter DIY project around here.

Serene tranquil white kitchen with farm sink, marble subway tile, Viatera Minuet quartz counters, white Shaker cabinets, and white oak flooring. Design and photo: Hello Lovely Studio. #kitchendesign #whitekitchen #minuet #whitequartz #benjaminmoorewhite
Hello Lovely Studio – Shop my kitchen here.

With painter’s tape, semigloss, and a 2″ angled brush in hand, it’s a job that can become a meditative exercise (play Mozart), educational (cue that history podcast), or even interactive (chat with a wireless cell phone headset).

Timeless and tranquil coastal bedroom with rustic wood ceiling in a luxury Inlet Beach, FL home. #bedroomdesign #coastalbedroom
Also see THIS RECENT STORY for more decor inspiration.

DIY painted trim touch-up never takes as long as you imagine it will and is highly gratifying in the end!

Laughter is such good medicine - humor and funny quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #quotes #humor #funnyquote #laughter

BONUS TIP: I do not enjoy dusting baseboard and trim, but I do it while I chat on the phone* with a favorite friend…what an uplifting feeling when the conversation is over, and so is the dust. *let’s face it…nobody seems to like picking up the phone or using their vocal chords anymore so there is always the threat of INVASION OF THE DUST BUNNIES ’round these parts.

Funny humor quote on Hello Lovely Studio.

If you’ll be painting trim for the first time rather than simply touching up, see this:

3. Organize the Pantry

While I don’t have a kitchen pantry beyond pull-outs which hold food in a tall cabinet, my creative dynamo friend Celia of After Orange County showed us the art of pantry organization. (You are bound to experience several AHA moments thanks to her brilliance.)

Well organized pantry with wooden shelves and smart ideas - After Orange County. #pantryorganization
After Orange County

Also find more organization inspo in this ditty about closets.

Step by Step Pantry Organization

Funny quote and humor about healthy food. Calories in one pistachio: 4 Calories burned opening one pistachio: 2,479 Take that kale #funnyquote #quotes #humor #kale #dieting #pistachio

4. Declutter Closets

I have been making steady progress as I address each closet in our home, and winter truly is the perfect time to dig in.

My serene Nordic French style bedroom with Benjamin Moore White walls and Stikwood accent wall. Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio

My own bedroom walk-in closet isn’t huge, but I’m fortunate to have enough space for a Victorian dresser I transformed with chalk paint. The mirror atop it is one I stenciled with a French poem…an easy 10-minute DIY. I also cozied the space with a vintage, made in Sweden, crystal chandelier. Find more closet organizing tips in THIS STORY.

Knotty alder wood interior door to my closet - Hello Lovely Studio. #closet #alderdoor #hellolovelystudio #interiordesign

5. Upgrade Closet Organization

For symmetry in my smallish walk-in closet, we installed these tower units on each wall (another easy DIY).

We also installed one of these towers in a closet in our wee laundry room.

Come see how I made our awful little pass through laundry room next to the garage function better and look peaceful with simple inexpensive DIY - Hello Lovely Studio. #beforeafter #laundryroom #diy #makeover #serenedecor

I use baskets like these below to corral my stuff but still give me easy access. Since I understand my personal style of organization, I organize with bins and use broad categories rather than very specific ones.

When it comes to re-organizing your closets, make sure your closet makes sense. You may find visual inspiration from this post with a few re-imagined and high functioning closets.

Tips for Organizing Your Closet

Serene tranquil white kitchen with farm sink, marble subway tile, Viatera Minuet quartz counters, white Shaker cabinets, and white oak flooring. Design and photo: Hello Lovely Studio. #kitchendesign #whitekitchen #minuet #whitequartz #benjaminmoorewhite
Christina Baldwin quote about the uncertainty of life. #inspirationalquotes #lifequotes

6. Deep Clean the Kitchen

Is it time to give that refrigerator or oven a good cleaning? My own frig is now sparkling clean after I removed every single thing from it and got to scrubbing. Don’t wait like I did for inspiration…just go for it! (My inspiration? Coming home from a trip to a mystery smell!)

Serene tranquil white kitchen with farm sink, marble subway tile, Viatera Minuet quartz counters, white Shaker cabinets, and white oak flooring. Design and photo: Hello Lovely Studio. #kitchendesign #whitekitchen #minuet #whitequartz #benjaminmoorewhite
Hello Lovely Studio

It’s easy to put off cleaning grout, scrubbing grime from filters for the range hood, and even emptying the toaster of crumbs, but it feels so much better when these tasks are completed.

Serene tranquil white kitchen with farm sink, marble subway tile, Viatera Minuet quartz counters, white Shaker cabinets, and white oak flooring. Design and photo: Hello Lovely Studio. #kitchendesign #whitekitchen #minuet #whitequartz #benjaminmoorewhite
Hello Lovely Studio

The two lines of cleaning products I have relied upon for years are Murchison-Hume (Australian White Grapefruit) and Williams-Sonoma (Meyer Lemon).

Murchison-Hume (Australian White Grapefruit)

Since I’m sensitive to fragrances and scented anything, I’m truly grateful that I can tolerate and enjoy hard-working, good-looking on the counter, wonderfully smelling products like these.

Psst. When I searched for an inspiring youTube of a deep cleaning kitchen tutorial, I came upon heavily trafficked vids of ordinary pony-tailed housewives scrubbing wood floors to soothing soundtracks. Note to entrepreneurial self: filming the most mundanely uninteresting semi-monthly repetitive chore may be ripe with potential for monetization…mercy!

Humor and funny quote about DIY and crafting: Why buy it for $8 when you can make it yourself with $56 of craft supplies? #quotes #funnyquote #humor #crafting #diy #holidays

7. Create Art & Get Crafting

While not everyone enjoys knitting, painting, sewing, or crafting in winter, it such an ideal time to be creative! I even gathered some of my creations together on a gallery wall in the basement bedroom I mentioned above.

Here’s my latest obsession:

Humor quote on Hello Lovely Studio.

How to Find Motivation to Begin These DIYs

We all have our sources of motivation, and I personally find that browsing beautifully designed timeless and tranquil interiors is the inspiration and nudge I need.

New Year quote - an inspirational quote to encourage and energize for the fresh year ahead. #newyearquotes #inspirationalquote #encouragement #hellolovelystudio

It seems seeing it done is what moves me to BEGIN. For example, I’m devouring the elegant simplicity within this book by Tricia Foley:

Listen to Ms. Foley describe her approach to elegant simplicity at home.

One King’s Lane recently spotlighted Foley’s blissful Bellport home and suggests decor to get the look!

Tricia Foley's elegant yet simple home filled with white decor and design from a purist. #whitedecor #interiordesign #simplehome
Design: Tricia Foley; Photo: Marili Forastieri; Styling: Michelle Wong; Source: OKL
Bob Goff inspiring love quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #lovequotes #inspirationalquotes

What are you making for dinner? I shared an easy yummy dinner recipe recently HERE in case you need an idea.

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Shop for items you already intended to buy on Amazon RIGHT HERE, and also find home decor here to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

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8 Comments

    • Michele
      Author
      January 29, 2020 / 1:40 pm

      I love your blog so much, Celia, and you offer the best tips in such a generous way. How I wish I were your neighbor, friend! Thank you so much for reading. xox

  1. Jo
    January 30, 2020 / 10:12 am

    I hope your closet renovations will spur me to tackle my walk-in closet in my master bedroom! It is such a mess now but you present some very interesting ideas. Wish me luck!

    • Michele
      Author
      January 30, 2020 / 3:59 pm

      Yay! Think of how you will reward yourself when it’s done and keep your eye on the prize. 🙂

  2. Debbie
    February 21, 2021 / 5:58 am

    Still getting those ads that cover a major part of the left side of your blog! There is room on the right side…

    • Michele
      Author
      February 21, 2021 / 6:29 pm

      Thanks – I’m seeing it too and keep hearing we are waiting on Google to remedy a ‘style issue.’ It’s a you know what show these days for all things social media! Sorry, friend.

  3. Integrity
    January 9, 2023 / 8:51 am

    Another thing I want to suggest is installing a smart thermostat. It won’t add charm and style to your interior, but with such a device, you can drastically lower your heating bills.
    Please note: not to mess with a smart thermostat too extremely (more than 5-8 degrees lower). Alsi, try not to crank it up or down too frequently, as doing so can cause stress on the heating system’s internal coils and pipe work. This can make your system wear out very quickly.

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Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing