We arrived in London this morning, and I’m excited to revisit favorite stores and discover new ones. Travel is such a strong source of inspiration for me—the “12 trips in 12 months” series has really helped fuel ideas for the home and creative projects.
Since this trip is just getting started, I wanted to share 11 DIY ideas I’ve collected while traveling. These are simple, adaptable projects you can recreate or remix to suit your style.
1. Paint a pastel ceiling. I’m dying to try a soft, powder-blue or blush ceiling—like the powder blue ceiling at the Dwell Hotel from my trip to Chattanooga. A pastel ceiling instantly adds calm and character to a room.
2. Turn a basket into a pendant light with a basic lighting kit. This is an easy, budget-friendly craft I spotted in Ben Wheeler, Texas. Plywood walls were also on display there—lovely if you like a warm, minimal aesthetic.
3. Use painted, framed pegboard as display. Painted pegboard makes a versatile and graphic way to showcase clothing, accessories, or small decor—perfect for closets, entryways, or boutique-style displays.
4. Create framed living wall art using plant pockets (like Woolly Pockets) secured inside a frame and masked with moss for a polished look. You’ll likely need backing support to anchor the pockets, but the concept is straightforward and looks great as indoor greenery art.
5. Hang items on a rope or wire grid. Use a grid to display clothes, bandanas, bags, or art—an excellent way to keep frequently used items visible and part of the decor.
6. Make dipped planters. Dip a planter partially in paint (or tape and brush the bottom) for an instant modern update. This is cheap and easy to replicate with any terracotta or ceramic planter.
7. Build a clothing rack from branches. Tie or mount medium-sized branches for a rustic, natural clothing display. It’s charming, inexpensive, and perfect for a bedroom or boutique corner.
8. DIY a brass or gold light fixture. I fell for a gold fixture at a hotel and have been planning to recreate it. Once I find a suitable flat backplate to house a bulb, I’ll post a tutorial—this shows how small details like a bold light can transform a space.
9. Paint on a circular canvas. Circular canvases are available at art stores and make a fun retro project. A round canvas allows you to play with composition differently than a square or rectangle and adds instant vintage-modern character.
10. Suspend a branch from the ceiling as a hanging rack. Use rope and ‘S’ hooks to hang a stripped branch for a simple, airy clothing display. It’s a great space-saving idea with a natural look.
11. Wrap an inexpensive ottoman or pouf in faux fur for a cozy, textured seat. This quick upholstery hack transforms flat poufs into plush, inviting pieces—and it’s an easy swap if you spot a great faux fur remnant.
Have you discovered any DIY inspiration while traveling lately? Which of these ideas are you most excited to try?