Let’s be real: home upgrades can feel overwhelming (and expensive). But you don’t need to knock down walls or spend your savings to refresh your space. These low-lift, high-impact DIY ideas are paired with cool-girl-approved brands that align with our fave values: sustainability, originality, and female empowerment.
Custom Mirror Frames - Mirrormate ($120-$150)
This one’s for our renters and homeowners alike. MirrorMate’s custom-fit frames turn boring builder mirrors into statement pieces in under an hour. No hammering, no wall damage. Their designs range from modern glam to vintage chic — and yes, you can order free samples first to make sure it matches your aesthetic perfectly before committing. Everything ships fast with easy instructions, making this one of the easiest and most impactful DIYs out there. To top it off, the frames come with a 5 year guarantee, meaning it’s a DIY upgrade that’s pretty hard to mess up!
“I didn’t know a mirror frame could make this much of a difference — it’s like I remodeled my bathroom without touching the sink.”
Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper - Chasing Paper ($45)
Perfect for a quick design fix, Chasing Paper’s peel-and-stick wallpapers are bold, stylish, and easy to apply. Their eco-conscious production and female-founded roots make them a Splendid Shopper fave.
“I put this up in my rental and it looked so high-end. It came off clean when I moved out, which is a miracle.” – Verified Chasing Paper Shopper
Drawer Pulls & Hardware Swaps - Rejuvenation ($ 16 – $ 65)
Handcrafted with timeless appeal and sustainable practices, Rejuvenation’s knobs, pulls, and plates are the fastest way to elevate your home without a full reno.
“Swapped out the hardware on my dresser and now it looks like a $1,000 piece.” – Rejuvenation Customer
Floating Shelves - Shelfology ($200-$320)
Shelfology makes minimalist, industrial-style floating shelves from sustainably sourced materials. They’re both form and function, perfect for styling books, plants, or candles.
“Super easy to install and looks amazing. The quality is way better than any big-box store.” – Shelfology Reviewer
Paint the Ceiling - Clare Paint ($74-$100)
Clare’s designer-approved, low-VOC paints are made to help you confidently color outside the lines (like, literally—on the ceiling). Their shade range is fresh, and their packaging is totally IG-worthy.
“I used Clare’s Headspace on my ceiling and it completely opened up the room. The swatch stickers are genius.” – Clare Fan
Furniture Makeovers with Eco Paint - Lick Paint ($70-$100)
Lick’s low-VOC, sustainable paint line is made for furniture flips and accent projects. Choose trendy hues and enjoy an elevated look, minus the fumes.
“This paint glides on so smooth and has zero smell. I redid an old coffee table and now everyone thinks I bought it new.” – Lick DIYer
Home should be a reflection of your vibe, not just your lease. These upgrades prove you can make a big impact with small changes—especially when you’re working with sustainable, stylish brands who just get it.
