Living in our Kent village home has taught me that small changes can make a massive impact. As someone who juggles running a blog with chasing after a two-year-old, I’ve become quite the expert at quick home updates that can be completed during naptime or over a weekend. Today, I’m sharing our favourite spring refresh projects that Steve and I have successfully tackled (usually with our little one’s “help”!).
Why Weekend Projects Work for Families
Before we dive in, let’s be honest about DIY with toddlers. Since our daughter arrived, our renovation approach has changed dramatically. Gone are the days of week-long projects – now it’s all about quick wins that can be completed while she’s napping or entertaining herself with her beloved wooden blocks. These projects are perfect for busy parents who want to refresh their space without overwhelming themselves.
The Statement Wall
Last weekend, while Steve took our daughter to the park, I transformed our living room with a fresh coat of paint. Here’s how:
What You’ll Need:
- Good quality paint (I swear by Dulux)
- Roller and brushes
- Dust sheets
- Masking tape
- Paint tray
Time Required: 3-4 hours (including drying time)
Cost: £30-50
Difficulty Level: Easy
Pro Tip: Choose washable paint – trust me, with little ones, you’ll thank me later!
Floating Shelf Display
This project was born from our need to display photos and treasures away from curious toddler hands. Steve created these over one Saturday morning:
Materials:
- Wooden floating shelf brackets
- Wooden planks (we used reclaimed wood)
- Spirit level
- Drill and screws
- Wall plugs
Time Required: 2 hours
Cost: £40-60
Difficulty Level: Medium
Window Seat Cushion Refresh
Our daughter loves sitting in our bay window watching the birds, so we decided to make it cosy:
Materials:
- New fabric (choose washable options!)
- Foam padding
- Staple gun
- Scissors
- Iron
Time Required: 2-3 hours
Cost: £25-40
Difficulty Level: Easy-Medium
Natural Rope Basket Makeover
Perfect project while supervising toddler playtime:
Materials:
- Plain storage baskets
- Natural rope
- Hot glue gun
- Scissors
Time Required: 1 hour
Cost: £15-20
Difficulty Level: Easy
Bathroom Mini-Makeover
Our quickest but most impactful update:
Elements to Change:
- New shower curtain
- Fresh bath mat
- Updated towels
- New plant additions
- Cabinet hardware update
Time Required: 1 hour
Cost: £50-100
Difficulty Level: Very Easy
Gallery Wall Creation
Steve’s favourite project – he loves updating our family photos:
Materials:
- Frame selection (mixture of sizes)
- Command strips
- Spirit level
- Paper templates
- Fresh prints
Time Required: 2-3 hours
Cost: £60-100
Difficulty Level: Medium
Kitchen Hardware Update
Amazing what new handles can do:
Materials:
- New cabinet handles
- Screwdriver
- Measuring tape
- Cabinet handle template
Time Required: 2 hours
Cost: £30-100
Difficulty Level: Easy
Upcycled Toy Storage
A necessity in our house:
Materials:
- Wooden crates
- Paint or wood stain
- Castors
- Sandpaper
- Wood sealant
Time Required: 4 hours (including drying time)
Cost: £40-60
Difficulty Level: Medium
Spring Wreath Creation
Our daughter loves helping with this one:
Materials:
- Wreath base
- Seasonal flowers
- Ribbon
- Wire
- Glue gun
Time Required: 1-2 hours
Cost: £20-30
Difficulty Level: Easy
Outdoor Seating Area Refresh
Perfect for spring evenings:
Materials:
- Outdoor cushion covers
- Plant pots
- Solar lights
- Weather-proof paint
- Brush set
Time Required: 3-4 hours
Cost: £50-100
Difficulty Level: Easy
Tips for DIY Success with Little Ones
Timing is Everything
- Plan around nap times
- Break projects into smaller chunks
- Have backup entertainment ready
Safety First
- Keep tools locked away
- Use child-safe materials
- Create a safe play area away from the project
Include Them When Possible
Our daughter loves:
- Holding the dust sheet
- Passing (safe) tools
- Choosing colours
- “Supervising” from her high chair
Be Realistic
- Start small
- Have a clear plan
- Accept imperfection
Budget-Friendly Tips
- Shop end-of-line sales
- Use leftover materials creatively
- Check local recycling groups
- Mix high-end and budget items
The Reality of DIY with Toddlers
Let’s be honest – some projects take longer than planned. Last weekend, our daughter decided to “help” paint by adding her handprints to the wall. But you know what? Sometimes these unplanned moments create the best memories. Steve now refuses to paint over those tiny handprints, and I have to agree – they add character!
Remember, home updates with little ones around might not be perfect, but they’re perfectly real. Focus on creating a space that works for your family, even if that means compromising on your original vision sometimes.
Have you tackled any DIY projects with little ones around? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments below!
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