With winter storms wafting across the U.S. (along with freezing temps and gray skies), now’s the perfect time to turn your attention indoors. And while you’ll often find us inside on a snow day with a lengthy recipe, we also love to invest time in our homes with DIY projects that add the cozy.
These five projects are quick, customizable, and use materials you likely already have—or require a quick online order. Whether you’re looking to refresh your space, get a little creative, or make something actually useful, these ideas add personality without much planning. From customizing candles to upgrading builder-grade fixtures, here’s what you can tackle this week—without ever leaving the house.
Photo by Rocky Luten
Upgrade plain old tapers into works of art with acrylic paint or melted wax from other colored candles. The best part? You don’t feed a BFA in painting to make an abstract version that looks like it would sell for a lot in a chic housewares shop.
Photo by Bobbi Lin
Give your pantry a little upgrade by making herb-infused olive oils or flavored vinegars. All you need is olive oil, vinegar, and a few flavor boosters like dried herbs, citrus peels, or garlic. Let everything sit in a sealed bottle for a few days, and suddenly, you have a gourmet addition to salads, pastas, and roasted veggies.
Photo by Bobbi Lin
This one might require a quick online order (or a little upcycling), but it’s well worth it. Grab soy wax flakes, wicks, and fragrance oils, or, if you’ve got leftover candle scraps, melt them down to make a new glow-getter. Pour the wax into old jars, mugs, or even vintage glassware for custom candles to give as gives (or keep for yourself). You can even recreate the iconic Capri Blue Volcano candle with their fragrance oil in the same scent.
Photo by Julia Gartland
A little wallpaper can go a long way in transforming a space—especially in a bathroom, where a bold print can make a big impact. Peel-and-stick wallpaper is renter-friendly, easy to apply, and just as easy to remove when you’re ready for a change. But if you’re up for something more permanent, traditional wallpaper is surprisingly simple to install—just ask cookbook author Stacey Mei Yan Fong. And, you can always steam it off later or even paint over it. Plus, tackling a small space means you won’t need a ton of wallpaper—just a free afternoon and a little patience.
Photo by Schoolhouse
Builder-grade fixtures are functional, but don’t always add character. Swapping out the cabinet or drawer pulls for something with a little more charm can make a surprising difference. Try a sleek new shower handle or these classic brass pulls from Schoolhouse—they’re small changes that make a big impact. Plus, installation is as easy as grabbing a screwdriver.
Do you have a go-to snow day project? Let us know in the comments!
