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!
I just started following the past few months and have found so much good inspiration and love the printables…congrats on 10 years!
Thank you!
Yes, your story is truly inspiring. What a strong woman! I’ve been following your blog for several years now and I love your makeovers. Thank you so much for the ideas and joy you bring into my life.
Thank you!
I am new to your site., but I found your ideas and tutorials easy to follow. I love your projects you have done on old finds and turn them into such gorgeous pieces. I hope someday I can be as creative as you are. Thanks for your blog and wonderful projects.
Thank you so much!
Thank you for sharing your journey. I especially love your dream big wall you shared. have been struggling for 3 years with the need for something to make my life have a new purpose, I’m an empty nester. Your 10 year Anniversary post inspires me. Hope you will have many more years of inspiring others.
Sincerely,
Angie
Thank you so much! I hope you find something that lights you up inside – or a bunch of things!
I love all your posts…so artful, so creative. You’re inspiring.
Thank you!
Congratulations!!
Thank you!
I read you blog even if I live in Italy and I love your project. I also struggle to have children, but after ten years I had triplets that now are preteens. I feel so blessed and I feel so happy for you too and your success. Enjoy your success and your anniversary!
Giorgia
Thank you! I hate that you can’t win the giveaway – every country has their own laws about giveaways and sweepstakes and it gets very complicated – but my blog is definitely for everyone all over the world! And congratulations on your triplets – what a blessing!
Congratulations on your 10 years!!!
Love all your projects.
I really want to try the built in book shelves. My daughter has about 2000 books and this would be perfect.
Thanks for showing that women can do things like this.
Thank you – we women really can do anything! And those bookshelves sounds perfect for your daughter. I’m a huge reader too though I don’t own nearly so many books.
Your site inspires me to try projects that originally seem overwhelming!
Yes! That is wonderful!
My dear Carrie, I am one of those Canadians not eligible, however that is not the point for me with any blog let alone one I truly enjoy. Yes, rough beginning, but the happy thing about that was just seeing the potential fully completed in my over active imagination!! Bwahaha, you also had the nerve to tell us plebes we could ruddy well do it too. The nerve of you and thank the vagaries of everything for that nerve.
My dream with you started with 2014 Planked Wall, but not for the wall. I have 2 worm holed solid wooden mirrors about 2 inches deep similar to your one but only with a small mirror in the centre of 4 arches. I still have them. Haunting me. Truly. Still do not not know how to make them look good for my walls of my tiny home. Walls are full of art, some photocopies framed, hehehe, children’s art, many prints, a couple of originals, from simple pure nature to wild paintings of nature that were actually fired in a kiln in wild colours that works!!! About 15 prints from Blake Richardson when he took photos of nature and painted in faces, people, animals hiding all over the place. Ahem, not saying I have experience here but it sounds like those sixties acid trips some people tripped through. Bwahaha I was born ’60 so no I did miss that movement. Very likely an extremely good things as my imagination is so fervid I do not need drugs. It just looks like I use them. Sounds like a mess eh, Carrie, but it works comfortably for our guests all every stripe. Odd, but I take that happily. However, they still sit there me at a complete loss, which is just so rare, but one day I hope to learn what to do because not once have I heard someone I love who wants them. I would be sneaking over in the middle of the night, wrapped in bow saying go wild and invite me for the results. Did I blather on enough? I look forward to your next decade. Something very attractive about your blog too is the precise lack of “you must make more and more money” taking over so very many who started attractively. Your combination and honesty is very appreciated by this elder in the middle of the bush in Northern Ontario. Thank you, deeply. Yahooooooo for your presence. Lovely, ahem, blatantly stealing your well earned title and giving it right back to you there, where it belongs. Be well, have fun, you will never be without treasures with your children about you. Best and warm regards. Yup, total stranger, but with good intent.
Thank you for your comment – you had me laughing out loud! And your home sounds like an absolute joy and most importantly, like a HOME. Thanks for sticking with me!
I spend many mornings staring at my stupid closet telling myself to just do the sliding closet doors! I knew that was going to make the list. The things that an average person is able to do on their own, with the right help, is amazing! Thank you for staying true to yourself which allows the rest of us to have a home that we love! Here’s to 10 more!
Thank you! And yes you can totally do the closet doors!
Congrats on 10 years! I enjoy finding you in my mailbox every time!
Thank you!
Thank you for sharing all of this information today. I did not know the history of your blog, and I loved having projects posted from your earlier days. I will make the effort and go back to view some of those ideas, and I hope you keep the same kind of diy efforts coming this way. Thanks also for the opportunity to win a gift card.
Thank you so much!
I’ve been following since ALMOST the beginning-the plank wall years and forward. I love reading about and seeing your projects, and I agree, too many blogs now have stuff not affordable to the general public. One redo of a bedroom recently had a mirror I LOVED, so I clicked on the source link….. $1300!!! Um, no thanks. So thanks for staying true to you.
Whoa! That must have been a gold dipped mirror! And thanks for following along – since the plank wall is pretty good!
Wow! This is such an inspirational story! Thank you so much for sharing your journey. I’ve been following for a few years, but wish I’d sooner. I love the nursery wall, amazing! I’ve always wanted a wall of built – ins! Your instructions and post for the built in wall is awesome! I hope to attempt this in our home office! Thank you!
Thank you so much!
Happy Anniversary!
Thank you!
I love that plank wall — it’s beachy and peaceful, making me think of slow days by the sea.
And that fireplace! Wow! I never thought of a fireplace being blue; I’ve always been kind of stuck in the red brick, but seeing it in that peaceful, lovely shade of blue…it looks so cozy.
I suddenly want to do my bedroom walls with the dark blue and stars…We’re working on updating our kitchen, and my mom loved this stone-patterned wallpaper. It’s pretty busy, and I think it would’ve worked better as an accent, but she asked me to choose the new color for the cabinets. My first thought was a nice, deep burgundy color, but I looked at other colors, too. I looked at pinks, purples, blues, even greens and corals! My first instinct was spot-on, though. Using a burgundy alongside the stones really warms up the room, making it feel more inviting and cozy, and I can’t wait to finish the painting.
It’s also funny, because when I look at the wallpaper, I see blues, but my mom and brother see grey. I also thought gravel was varying shades of blues and greys, but they said all they see are grey. It’s funny how the eye can interpret things so differently from person to person, and it’s become a bit of an inside joke now.
That’s so funny. We have a dark gray couch in our family room and my husband swears it is blue but to me it is definitely gray. It really is crazy how colors can look so different!
Carrie! I’ve been following so long I don’t remember when I found you! Congrats on your ten years ~ and hope you have many more!
Really enjoy the many things your share!
Thanks for giving back more now, too!
Thank you!
Congratulations! Thank you for showing us how to beautify our homes on a budget!
Thank you!
I have been reading you for a couple years now. You give me such good ideas and a can do attitude. Loved your fireplace mantel and made the same one and love it!
Thank you!
It makes my heart so happy when someone shares their time and talents with others. It makes it even happier when that person gets “rewarded” by it turning into an income generating job! Especially one that made it easy for you to be with your kiddos! Congrats on 10 years, and thank you for all that you have done during that time to help out us other DIYers!
Thank you! It really has been a win-win-win for us!
Congratulations. I wish you many more years of doing the thing you love!
Thank you!
Your emails are a wonderful addition to my life. I have so enjoyed them!
Thank you! That is so great to hear!
I loved reading this article and I agree with you about how so many other diy blogs have changed! But I have always enjoyed yours because you seemed just like me! Thanks for all your work!
Thank you!
Like the others I do not remember how long I have been following you. While somethings do not interest me I have loved your postings. The one thing I want to attempt soon is redoing our Duncan Phyff Buffet. My mother-in-law painted it black not sanding or priming so the paint is peeling off. But I am intimadated by it. I want to restore it to its original beauty but want to chalk paint it also. So here it sits in its uglyness.
Thank you! And your buffet sounds like a great project. Whether you refinish it or repaint it, I’m sure it will turn out lovely!
Happy 10 years to you, Carrie! I am new to your site, but from reading the history of your blogs, you have come a long way! A fabulous journey of crafts and ideas! I’m glad you hung in there and stood by your beliefs to do things your way! A gal after my own heart!
I have always tried many different crafts in my lifetime and am currently taking up quilting at 70 years old. There’s nothing like a handmade item whether done by myself or someone else. Creativity is what counts!
So, having said that, I’d like to take a moment and share a quick story.
I recently made a half circle quilted rug. This method of sewing was new to me, and though a bit of a challenge, it turned out lovely! Feeling proud of it, I showed it to a non- craftsy person. That person’s comment was ” Why didn’t you just go and buy one at Walmart? ” I was shocked, but brushed it off. I felt sorry that the person will never know the feeling of excitement and accomplishment of working with her own hands.
So, I wish you the best for many more years of your journey of creativeness!
Oh my goodness! If you bought a quilt at Walmart, not only would you miss out on the fun of making it, there’s no way you would be able to find the exact pattern and colors you want! Non-crafters really don’t get it.
Congratulations on 10 successful years with your blog! I absolutely love your creativity and your projects always look amazing. I recently took on the huge challenge of painting all my kitchen and bathroom cabinets and cabinet doors using Rustoleum Cabinet Transformations. It was tedious and time-consuming work but the end result was worth it. My kitchen and bathrooms look so much better and more modern. I’m looking forward to seeing all your upcoming projects, Carrie.
Thank you! That definitely sounds like a huge project but I imagine it made a huge difference in how your whole home feels!
I’ve been following for a few years. Love your projects, especially as of late the daybed. I like how as a women you make it doable to use hand tools, power or not. Very empowering for someone not used to using such tools.
Thank you! I think a lot of women grew up with the idea that power tools were for men, but women are just as capable!
Happy 10th Blogging Anniversary Carrie!!!
Thank you!
Your favorite color is my favorite color too!! I also love redoing outdated items and giving them new life. Congratulations on 10 years!!
Thank you! We seem to have a lot in common!
Hi! I have been following you for a year or so now. I have been super encouraged to try some projects at home. I really appreciate you sharing ALL of the process (including the missteps and challenges). I realized that the process doesn’t have to perfect and there is grace for me to learn along the way! Being a beginner is not bad! And the only way to learn is to try! PS I LOVE the closet doors and the fireplace!
Yes, the process will almost NEVER be perfect! But that really is okay! Thanks for following!
Your antique radio cabinet is gorgeous! My DIYs are always on a much smaller scale but I have a great respect for those like you with the talent to succeed with large scale DIYs. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you! And even small DIYs can be beautiful – and super fun!
Congratulations on your ten years! I have enjoyed your blog because it is down to earth and real. It is not about fancy or expensive ideas, but breathing new life into old items and doing it on a budget and yourself. You have inspired me to work on some fun projects! Thanks!
Thank you so much! That is exactly how I want my blog to be!
I love your blog and have been reading it for at least 6 years. You are so creative and give great DIY directions. I have enjoyed all of them Thank you for blogging and so proud for your success. I am inspired by your furniture transitions. I have several lined up to do, an antique buffet is next.
Thank you so much and good luck with your buffet!
You have inspired me to make a “ planked” wall!!! If I could attach a picture I would.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Please continue inspiring us of limited funds
Lynn Lizzi
Yes, that is awesome! I wish there was a way to share pictures here!
Conrats on 10 years!!! Look forward to receiving your email and seeing what doable & fun project is available for me to enjoy and of course “doable”. Thanks also for the free printables. Here is to another 10 years. God Bless.
Thank you so much!
I have to say you are an amazing woman! You have a style and talent that is so you, but works for so many people! Here’s to another ten years of creativity! Go for it!
What a fantastic compliment! Thank you!
Happy 10 Year Bloggiversary! I have followed you from the beginning.
Thank you so much Paula! I loved getting to meet you in person at Haven way back in the day!
As someone who loves beautiful spaces but doesn’t have a huge budget I can say that your blog is a godsend. Your back story is fantastic, thanks for doing what you do!
Thank you so much!
I believe it’s been over 3 years I have been following you! Enjoy your blog!
Thank you!
Carrie – I’ve been a follower from the beginning. I was relatively new to the area and thrilled to learn that you were in the same area. I met you at one of your yard sales shortly after.
Some of my favorites have been your back porch makeovers, painted fireplace, and my all time favorite was the children’s kitchen set.
Congratulations for all you’ve been able to accomplish.
Thank you! I remember meeting you at my yard sale – it was so fun to meet a local in the same online world!
Congrats on your 10 year anniversary! I can’t tell you how many pins I have for inspiration from your blog to help me in my house remodel. The step by step instructions are much appreciated as well. Love getting your emails and seeing the things you come up with. I think my fave is the multi-colored plank wall.
Thank you!
Congratulations! All of the projects you highlighted are wonderful! I particularly like the wood plank wall and hope to do the same in my home!
Thank you!
Congratulations on the ten very productive years. I have watched and read your blogs for close to 3 years. Some of your ideas are just incredible and really functional. It amazes me how your brain can come up with these ideas.
Thank you!
I’ve been reading your blog for a couple of years and I truly enjoy the way you ensure that your projects don’t involve buying expensive items to transform other expensive items. I love the painted/stenciled floor! It’s definitely on my to-do list! Thanks for 10 years and I hope you remain another 10 at least.
Thank you! I would love to be here for 10 more!
Happy 10 years! I came across this blog this summer and I’ve enjoyed what you’ve had to offer. Thanks for sharing all the things- from the how tos, materials, befores and afters. Keep em coming!
Thank you so much!
I always enjoy reading your blog ….BUT I seriously want to hang out in your beautiful porch ! Congrats.
Thank you! It really is the best place to hang out!
I absolutely love the sliding door, and am going to try it!
You will love it!
Congratulations Carrie and thank you for all your wonderful and creative tips! I’ve read and re-read your painting e-book and now have swatches of color all over the house. I’ve been reading you for about 4 or 5 years and your blog posts never fail to bring a smile to my face.
I love the IKEA Billy Bookcases and plan to put them in my new craft room. The chevron closet doors immediately piqued my interest and will hopefully star in the remodel of my bedroom.
Thank you! I am so glad my painting e-book has helped and I often have paint swatches all over the house too!
Thank you for offering wonderful inspiration! I appreciate your budget conscious projects and the great instructions. I wish you even more success in the next ten years.
Thank you so much!