Top 10 DIY Projects from the Past 10 Years
Today I’m celebrating my ten year blog anniversary with a BIG giveaway, a look back at my top DIY projects from the past 10 years, and the inside scoop on how Lovely Etc. came to be in the first place.
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Ten years ago this week I started Lovely Etc.
Ten years!
When I started this site, I had absolutely no idea it would still be such a huge part of my life ten years later! (I also had no idea what I was doing.)
I started this blog because I wanted to do something fun that was just for me. It was a rough time in my life – I had been struggling with infertility for more than two years, I’d had two miscarriages, and I was just overall feeling pretty down and hopeless.
I decided I needed to find something that I loved to really pour myself into.
Well, the thing that I loved most was finding old junk at yard sales and turning it into something beautiful and useful. And I loved finding creative inspiration on DIY blogs so starting my own blog seemed like the perfect solution. (You can read my very first blog post ever right here – it sums up a lot of how I still feel about creating a home with soul.)
my first blog design 2011
To be honest, looking back, most of my first blog posts really weren’t very good. I don’t mean the projects – some of them are a bit dated now, but there were a lot of amazing before and afters in there. But my photos were terrible and my posts were even worse.
Most of my first DIY posts didn’t even include a tutorial for how to do the project! Just a few photos and some semi-funny comments about it.
I like to think I’ve come a long way since then!
blog design 2013
Over the past ten years a lot has changed. I’m now the mom to three beautiful little boys and this blog has brought me so many opportunities that I honestly never dreamed of.
I mostly just wanted to share my yard sale finds and crafty ideas with people who actually got it since my real life friends and family weren’t super interested. And that’s still my favorite part!
But along the way I’ve also had my projects featured in major magazines, become a published author, and managed to turn this blog into my full-time job. It’s been a huge blessing for me and my family.
As amazing as all of that is, the thing about Lovely Etc. that I am the most proud of is staying true to my mission of showing others how to turn the ugly, dated parts of their homes into something beautiful for cheap.
I’ve followed many DIY bloggers over the years who started out blogging about creating a home on a budget. But as their blogs grew, their message slowly changed until most of their projects were filled with expensive products from sponsors and saving money wasn’t really part of the equation anymore.
I’m happy for their success, but I’m also really proud that I’ve found a different path.
A few years ago someone told me that I wouldn’t be able to make money from my blog by teaching people to do things cheaply. That I needed to ‘target’ people with more money.
That really rubbed me the wrong way. The whole reason I started this blog was to share ideas for repurposing what you already have and creating beautiful spaces for super cheap.
So I ignored that advice, stopped worrying about working with sponsors, and just focused on making this blog the best it could be. Sharing original, budget-friendly ideas, taking great photos, trying to solve real problems real people have in their homes, and making sure my DIY tutorials are clear, detailed, and actually helpful. (Unlike my early attempts.)
And I am so happy that I stuck to my mission of helping others create a home they love on a budget. That is what really matters to me.
When I get an email or a comment from a reader telling me that I helped them solve a problem in their home or made them feel like they can do what I do, I know I’ve accomplished what I set out to do. In fact, I have a folder on my hard drive where I save each of those emails so I can read them again and again.
Not to mention, the business advice that I need to write for people with lots of money was also wrong because my business is doing just fine, thank you very much!
I know a lot of people are probably curious how I make money since I don’t really play the Instagram game or do sponsored posts. I make most of my money from the ads you see on this site. I know sometimes they are probably kind of annoying, but I think it’s a fair trade in exchange for all the free info I share. I also make some money from Youtube, from the woodworking plans and e-books I sell in my shop, and when you click on affiliate links here and then buy something.
My top 10 DIYs from the last 10 years
In honor of this ten year anniversary, I though it would be fun to look back at some of the best projects I’ve shared over the past ten years. I had a lot of fun digging through my old blog archives and trying to pick just one project to represent each year.
Some years were tough because it was so hard to narrow it down to just one project. And some years were tough because nothing was really standing out as particularly fantastic (those were the years I had newborns and not nearly enough time or sleep.)
But I managed to pick out one project for each year that was really popular with readers and is also one of my personal favorites.
2011- My favorite furniture redo
2011 was the first year of Lovely Etc. and I was sharing tons of furniture makeovers and other small projects that I made to sell in a local consignment booth. This antique radio cabinet was in super rough shape, but some paint and stain turned it into a one-of-a-kind beauty. (And yep, this was before the chalk paint craze began so it definitely is possible to paint furniture with regular latex paint. In fact I have lots of tips for that if you are interested.)
2012- Amazing Painted Floors
This stenciled floor was the first major home improvement project I shared on the blog. Up to this point I was mostly sharing smaller redos and furniture flips, but I absolutely had to do something about our gross carpet. Once I realized I could do some pretty fantastic things to our home for cheap, I started tackling all kinds of new projects.
2014 – Wood Plank Wall
That’s right, we are skipping right over 2013. That year I had a new baby and was working full time and there was honestly just not a lot of brain space for creativity. But things picked back up in 2014!
In 2014 I started the year by challenging myself to be more bold and take more chances and it definitely paid off. The DIY wood plank wall I created that year is still one of my favorite parts of our home.
2015 – A Bold Mural in the Nursery
In 2015 when my second baby was born, I really wanted to do something special to make the nursery feel like his. So I painted this bold wall mural and I absolutely love how it turned out.
2016 – Painted Countertops
In 2016 I started working on my budget kitchen makeover. I painted all the things including our oak cabinets and our backsplash, but painting our dated laminate countertops was definitely one of my favorite parts. I’m pretty sure my husband was silently questioning my sanity when I told him what I was going to do, but it turned out amazing.
2017 – DIY Fireplace Mantel
In 2017, I completely made over our old brick fireplace. I painted the brick a bold blue, painted the brass doors black and built a DIY chunky wood mantel. This fireplace completely changed the look and feel of our family room and it also felt like the perfect representation of how I want the rest of my home to feel.
2018 – IKEA Built-Ins
I’ve always wanted a huge wall of built-in bookcases and in 2018 I finally created one. I’m most definitely not the first person to create a wall of built-ins using inexpensive IKEA bookcases, but for me this was a major step in my DIY journey. Tackling this huge project on my own really helped build my confidence.
2019 – Reupholstered Vintage Sofa
In 2019, I checked another item off my DIY bucket list and reupholstered a vintage sofa. Even though I’d built up my DIY skills a ton at this point, upholstery still seemed intimidating. But I found this gorgeous old sofa that really needed some love and I had to go for it. It was a huge project but it turned out even more beautiful than I could have imagined.
2020 – DIY Daybed
Last year I completed many projects I really love, but this DIY daybed was definitely my favorite. This is my favorite spot for reading, working, watching my kids play in the yard, napping…basically everything! This was also one of my first major furniture builds and it just felt so darn good to create something that my family would truly use every day.
2021 – Sliding Closet Door Makeover
So far, this year’s best project has to be my sliding closet door makeover. It’s my personal favorite and it’s also been the most popular. It’s funny, this project is such a similar color to my favorite 2011 project. My DIY abilities have grown a lot over the years and my style has evolved, but my favorite colors haven’t changed a bit!
Giveaway Time!
The giveaway is now closed.
I think my ten year blogiversary is the perfect time to a do a big giveaway!
This blog has given me so much – the opportunity to stay home with my boys, the chance to meet so many amazing people online, and the perfect excuse to do a million fun DIY projects. And I know this blog would be nothing without you guys, the readers. So I want to do something for you all to celebrate.
I’m giving 5 lucky readers each a $50 Amazon gift card. That’s right – you have 5 chances to win!
To enter, simply leave a comment on this post. You can let me know how long you have been reading Lovely Etc., tell me about a DIY project you’d love to tackle in your home, or comment about anything else you want to share.
That’s it! You don’t have to follow me or sign up for anything. Just leave a comment. This giveaway isn’t about me getting something from you, it’s about me giving something back.
I’d love for you to pin this post on Pinterest!
Congrats on 10 years Carrie!! Great job!!
Thank you!
I have so many ideas for my new house thanks to you and your blog and emails. The first thing I’ll have my hubby build is that beautiful daybed you posted. I have gotten many ideas and projects from your blog over the years, so please keep doing what you are doing, I love it and all your ideas and inspiration. Thank you so much for all you do.
I’m so glad! Thank you for the encouragment!
Congratulations! I love how you’re finding success that works for your family …in your way! You are an inspiration, and I’ve appreciated your responding to my questions previously. Thank you!
Thank you! It really has been a huge blessing for my family!
I just discovered your site/blog I love it all! There is not one post so far that has not gotten me drooling, lol. Taste-wise we are sympatico!
Thank you for doing it all these years.
Thank you! It’s always great to meet someone with the same taste!
I’ve learned so much from you! I love reading your posts. I am in the middle of staining my railings and posts and stair treads and painting the spindles. It’s quite an undertaking but I believe if you could do it, I can do it too! So far it’s looking amazing. Thanks so much!!
Thank you! You definitely CAN do it!
I have been a subscriber for several years and love the DIY’s!
Thank you!
Thank you so much for sharing all your clever ideas and projects. They are truly beautiful!!! Thank you also for the many freebies you give us! Your blog is so much fun.
Sue
Thank you!
Hi! I came across your blog back in 2019 when we were looking for wall art to hang to prep our home for selling! I found the camera photo prints to be amazing! I was able to hang them in the front of the house where we had a small shelf and books! They went perfectly with the color scheme I was going for!
Yay, I’m glad they worked so well!
Congratulations on 10 years!
Thank you!
I LOVE YOUR IDEAS AND IT HAS INSPIRED ME TO GET ORGANIZED REDO FURNITURE.
I GET YOUR STUFF ON MY WORK EMAIL AND IT TOTALLY STOPS ME AND I ENJOY
READING AND GETTING THE IDEAS.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR MY MUCH NEEDED BREAKS AT WORK.
Thank you so much! I’m happy I can bring a little joy to your work day!
Wow, so many incredible projects. Amazing!
Thanks!
I’m always amazed at what you have accomplished with a lot of ingenuity and hard work. Your home looks not only beautiful but comfortable and perfect for a family. My home is important to me, as well. I spent 40 years as a military dependent so each place was our home. It was defined by my style and collections. My husband and I have settled and have our own home. We’ve painted the entire house indoors and have been repairing/replacing items as needed. Our home isn’t very old but really needs organized spaces. Thanks for the inspiration. Love your blog!
Thank you! It sounds like your home really is your personal happy place!
I’ve been following you 6 months. Your awesome.
Thank you!
How wonderful your blog is! I love that you don’t rely on sponsors of expensive products for your makeovers, I would love to win.
Thank you!
Congratulations on this milestone! It’s a pleasure seeing hardwork and the reward of it paying off, especially when it is getting to do something you love. I hope to one day be that lucky until then I’ll keeping diy-ing or collecting all the stuff to someday do that one really cool diy I want to do!
Thank you! I hope you get that one day too!
I love all your ideas and encouragement
Thank you!
Hello Carrie! Thank you offering this wonderful and fun sweepstakes! : )
CONGRATULATIONS on ten years, that is an incredible accomplishment! I am a relative newbie, I discovered you and have been reading your blogs for about 3 months now I think it is, idk, time flies! I LOVE all your ideas and they are so inspiring, you are so amazingly talented! DIY is the love of my life, I just love taking something and making it better, special, unique, fun, gorgeous! I have so many things I want to do and my head almost explodes from all the ideas I have in there from your blogs, lol I’m not even kidding! Thanks again and I look forward to learning so much more from you!
Thank you so much! It sounds like we have a lot in common!
congrats on ten years! i love following you!
thank you!
Thank you for all of the great ideas and tutorials that are helping me improve my home on a budget!
I’m so happy to share them!
I love all of your projects, but for many reasons, the daybed is my favorite. I love sitting there watching the wildlife when visiting. I have been following you for close to 10 years and find it amazing how you make old things new.
Thank you Freda!
As someone who has little to no money, I am always looking for ways to repurpose and upcycle what I already have. Thank for the ideas you have shared.
Yes! I used to think it was impossible to create a beautiful home without spending money. When I really learned how to thrift and upcycle, it totally opened my eyes to a new world.
Congratulation on 10 years as a lovely blogger and all your successes
Thank you!
Thank you for all the advice and good ideas. I love your printable pics and have used them many times.
I’m so happy the printables have been appreciated!
I love looking at your projects! You are amazingly talented! We recently purchased a lake home and trying to make it our own. I am sure one of the refinished projects will be in our new home! Thank you for counting your blog!
Congrats on 10 year anniversary!
Thank you so much!
Think I have been reading your emails/blogs for about 5 years now. I really enjoy them! I have tackled several dressers & cabinets. I am currently sanding a dresser right now (weather premiting…we have had a LOT of rain) that is solid wood and FREE! Planning on putting it in my dining room. My husband and I do 99.9999% of anything that is done in our home. I even laid ceramic tile in the downstairs of our house, included living room, entry, utility, kitchen, set of stairs, 1/2 bath, dining, hallway, storage room and all closets! My husband and I also laid laminate flooring upstairs as in all 3 bedrooms, closets, hallway and set of stairs. Not even gonna try and put a number on how many times I have painted rooms….lol. Changed out light fixtures, plumbing….list goes on and on. Congratulations on your 10 year anniversary!! Whoop! Whoop! :)
Thank you! And congrats on all of your great DIYs! Doesn’t it feel great when you can take care of things yourself!
I am a more recent blog reader — this retrospective was great! Your projects show a lot of creativity and your explanations of what you did, how you did it and why are so helpful. Congratulations on 10 years, but even more on staying true to your vision.
Thank you so much!
Congratulations on ten years Carrie! What a beautiful way to be able to stay home with your precious children.
Thank you!
Carrie thank you for sharing your gift. It has inspired me. I am going to be tackling my bathroom soon. Painting and such.
Thanks Michelle!
I really liked your reupholstery of the antique sofa. I have started a reupholstery project on a wing chair (not antique, but fits into my home full of antiques) and got discouraged. Your article is making me feel like I should not give up, but continue on the project.
Reupholstery is tough and takes a lot of time, so I definitely understand getting discouraged. But if you want to tackle it again, I really believe you can do it!
I have slowly taken apart our main bathroom pulled tile off the walls and now it’s just exposed wood we got married last month so it is taking a tad bit longer than anticipated! I’ve also started painting a few rooms here and there and started on the trim in the playroom! It will get done eventually hard to do that with 2 small kids around
Megan, I can definitely relate to this. Some of my projects take months longer than I expected – especially when trying to supervise little kids that can’t be in the DIY zone. Good luck finishing your projects!
I love all of your ideas and the printables are great!!!! I have actually used many of your ideas on my own projects. Thank you for all you do!!!!!
Thank you!
Thank you so much for sticking up for yourself and not letting others deter you from your path- you have helped more people than you know and really are inspiring. I have MS with very bad chronic fatigue and low budget but many of your projects don’t seem “out of range” for me to try like many of the other blogs….plus you are so very talented with your ideas! Thank you and please please don’t ever change! We love you just the way that you are!
This makes my heart so happy! I love hearing that my projects are approachable because I really want to show others how to do things, not just show off. And I am so sorry to hear about your health struggles.
I have only recently found Lovely Etc. I love makeovers but definitely needed advice on the best methods and products. I have done things on my own but was never quite satisfied with the result. I am currently working on two bureaus for the master bedroom and anticipated[ating a much better product that I could ever do on my own!
I’m so glad to hear that! I’m hoping your dressers are finishing up well!
I love so many of your projects. So very glad you kept your blog for all of us common people. We live repurposing and do a lot for our antique mall booth. Keep up the good work and congratulations on your milestone year!
Thank you so much!
I thoroughly enjoy your posts and always pick up ideas to use in my own home. I agree that many bloggers seem to eventually “rise above” we little guys who don’t have large budgets for decorating and I feel a disconnect when this happens. Keep your mission please. We need your inspiration and instruction! Thank you.
Thank you!
I found your site a couple years ago as I was looking to reupholster a love seat. Although I have not done it yet I have kept the information and got many clever tips from you that I would not thought of.
Believe it or not but I just got high speed internet this past April so now I can watch your videos……….I do better seeing you do the project than making it happen in my mind.
thank You for all of your tips, I have used many and will continue to do so.
Thank you! And I’m so glad the videos are helpful!
What a lot of great ideas to try
I will look closer at the Ikea built-in shelves for my tiny house. Keep up the great ideas.
Thank you!
My favorite project by far has to be the painted floor. Hoping to tackle that at home this year!
Yes, I love what a huge difference a painted floor makes!
Your posts are an inspiration! You have given me guidance on tools, materials, and design inspiration, and taken away my fear of tackling big projects! I’ve been following you for about four years now, and look forward to what you will share next!
Thank you so much! And I love to hear you aren’t afraid of tackling big projects – that’s amazing!
I enjoy your blog.
thank you!
Thank you for the chance to win! I dream of doing some projects around the house, but I am not quite there yet. I subscribed to your newsletter, though, because I like what I see; someday I will take the leap myself!
Yes, one day I bet you’ll suddenly feel inspired and take on an amazing project!
Oldies but goodies are always my favorite DIY blogs! Congrats on your 10 year success!
Thank you so much!
Here’s to continued success & motivation!
Thank you!
Congratulations on 10 years of sharing your great ideas and inspiration!
Thank you!
Congratulations on your 10-year anniversary!!
Thank you!
Congratulations on your 10th Anniversary! What an accomplishment!
Sincerely, Carol
Thank you!
Your projects inspire me. I don’t know how long I have been reading your blog, but it makes me feel like I can tackle anything! :)
I am so happy to hear that! You really can tackle anything as long as you take it step by step!
I’m so glad you didn’t cave to the people telling you to appeal to the rich. We who are retired need inspiration on a smaller budget(and I share with my daughter-in-law, she has 3 boys too!)
Thank you! And I agree – there is plenty of inspiration for people who have tons of money out there. We need more creative ways to get beauty on a budget!
Congratulations on TEN WONDERFUL YEARS!!! Wishing you the best over the next ten years.
Thank you so much!
Congratulations on the 10 years. Doing great work!
Thank you!