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!
Found you recently. Congrats- you have many reasons to celebrate! I am inspired by your color choices.
Thank you!
Happy Anniversary! You’ve put a lot of quality information, plans and hard work into all this. Thank you! Here’s to another decade!
Thank you!
Your posts and insights are both helpful and encouraging! Thank you!
Thank you!
I have been following your Blog for about 4 years. Love all your ideas and they have inspired me to make some changes.
Thank you!
I’ve been following for just about 2 weeks or so. I was researching how to paint kitchen cabinets and came across your original posting of the project as well as the follow up, which I really appreciated (guilty of rabbit-holing in my research). This, of course, along with the current posting about your favorite projects has extended my already lengthy wishlist of todos:) Thank you for inspiring people to make their homes even homier in affordable ways. After a year+ where many of us have felt “stuck” at home, a refresh will be nice! Cheers!
Thank you! And I total go down the rabbit hole when researching projects too!
Congratulations!! Thank you for a decade of inspiration and eye candy! ❤️
Thank you!
Congratulations on 10 years. I have been reading your blog for years, at least 9, because I remember the stenciled floors. You are one of my favorite DIY blogs.
Thank you so much and thank you for sticking with me for so long!
I just recently starting following you and so far love reading all your DIY post! I love doing my own project and learning how to completely them with little cost has made my husband more willing to let me! Thank you!
Thank you! And getting the husband on board is always good! My husband is not a DIYer but at this point he’s happy to let me do just about anything, lol!
Congrats on surviving 10 years. That is a really huge accomplishment.
Thank you!
Happy 10 years!! So thrilled for you!
Thank you!
Carrie, congratulations on your 10 year anniversary! I’ve been following you for probably 5-6 years and I’m always amazed with your projects. You are so good at teaching your methods for those of us who are lacking in DIY skills. Thank you
Thank you so much! I’m so glad to hear my posts are really helping teach others!
I love reading your blogs and checking out all the newest projects that you have done! You are so talented and I hope I am half as good as you someday! Thank you for sharing! Have a blessed day!
Thank you!
I’ve been a follower for a couple years and I’m so glad you stayed true to your original goal–showing us how to do things inexpensively. Thank you! Fingers crossed for the nice giveaway!
Thank you!
Congratulations on 10 years. I have only been following you a short time but love everything I’ve seen.
Thank you!
Hi Carrie, and congratulations on doing it your way for ten years!! I remember finding your blog in 2012, after I purchased my first home, which was built in the early ’60s. It needs updates in pretty much every room, and I was strongly considering your stenciled floor idea! I haven’t done it yet, but I have done some other projects you’ve shared. One of my favorites is the clay stamped Christmas ornaments, which I gave as gifts to many of my friends! I love that you share really big projects and really small projects, too!
Thank you so much for staying true to your mission! I’m all about reusing and repurposing, so I truly appreciate your projects, and I’m sure glad you’re sharing instructions for them! :)
Cheers to another ten years of successful blogging!!
Thank you so much! I have to admit Christmas ornaments are some of my favorite things to make!
Happy 10 years! I love your ideas and appreciate all the inspiration you share with us! Thank you!
Thank you!
Happy 10 years! I hope one day I’ll be as good of a craft master as you are :)
Thank you!
In a world of sooooooo many websites, you are my number one go to site. Thanks for all you do.
Thank you so much for that awesome compliment!
Hi Carrie… I joined your blog over a year ago while looking at other blogs I found yours and used a few ideas & finally signed up to receive emails a year and a half ago. I love your ideas & have used several of your DIY ideas. I’ve done the plank wall in a bathroom & laundry room & it’s still my favorite. I’ve made so wooden signs, painted furniture, done Christmas decorations & other holidays. I even used some of your ideas before I ever signed up. I googled for help & your blog came up. Thank you for sharing all your talent. I’ve been able to make my house a home without over spending. Congrats on years! You’re amazing. Thank you, Terry
Thank you! I wish I could come see all of your projects – they sound wonderful!
Congrats on 10 years – I love your work and have been inspired to try some of my own DIY! Thanks for the inspiration!
Thank you!
I so admire your “ let’s just do it” attitude. I’ve been “working for the man” for over 3 decades and believe me, taking control of your own destiny and actualizing your artistic (and entrepreneurial) talents is definitely the better and happier path. I’m very late to the party but I intend to fully embrace DIY when I retire and hopefully earn some extra cash doing it!,, Congrats!!!
Yes, I can definitely say I love working for myself! Wishing you a very happy retirement just full of DIY when you get there!
Congratulations on your 10 years! I really appreciate the bloggers who have stayed true to their voice and mission. I don’t begrudge anyone a chance to make money, but it feels like some of them have sold out and I’m just reading ads for the most part. I love your creativity and use of color, and and whenever we get a lake house, I am building that last project for the porch area!
Thank you! Oh, to have a lake house to decorate!
Congratulations! You are an inspiration for us all to find a way to make your business suit your family needs and priorities!
Thank you! I really have been incredibly lucky.
My very best wishes on your 10th anniversary! I am so glad you have stayed true to your goal of keeping things budget-friendly. Keeping things inexpensive makes these projects extra fun and special. Your blog and your helpful hints and instructions for painting furniture helped greatly to get me through this year and a half of semi-isolation. I now have numerous pieces of furniture in this house that were given a whole new look. Thanks for being there, thanks for your detailed instructions on all your projects, and thanks for sharing. Here’s to another 10 years!
Thank you! And I have to agree- having projects to work on this past year has really been a lifesaver!
Congratulations on 10 years. Thanks for sharing all of your ideas. I love that day bed, I am going to have to look into building one.
Thank you!
Way to go! Your success story is amazing – and thank you for sharing all of your creativity and energy. I really enjoy following you.
Thank you so much!
Your site has been both informative and inspirational for me. It has given me the courage and know-how to tackle jobs I didn’t know how to begin. Thank you, and I hope you keep going for another ten years at least.
Thank you so much!
Happy 10 year Blogversary!! The thing I love about you is that in these last 10 years you have stayed true to yourself and you haven’t lost sight of the reason why you started this to begin with. You haven’t listened to the people telling you that you should change your content so you can appeal to more people “who have money”.
The reason we all love you and continue to look forward to all your new ideas is because you have loved us , entertained us, taught us, inspired us and supported us for the last ten years!! Even as your following grew and grew you stayed the same. True to yourself and true to all of us!! Here’s to the next 10 years!! The best is yet to come!!
Hi Carrie
I just want you to know that you are adorable & amazing. Your web site fascinates me with all the ideas you have. I want to thank you for all the ideas whether I use them or not. I’m a full time accountant/tax preparer. You give me inspiration. I want to retire and enjoy the second half of my life using your ideas to make friends and family happy.
I look forward to everything you do..
Carry on and enjoy. You have all of us admiring you.
Sincerely,
Tricia
Thank you! Your retirement plans to make projects and make others happy sounds amazing!
Thank you! Your words truly make my heart happy!
Happy 10th Anniversary I love your blog. I stumbled upon it a few years back when I was looking to do a pallet wall. You inspired me and I LOVE how it turned out ❤
Thank you and I’m so glad you love how your wall turned out!
Congratulations on your anniversary! It’s so encouraging to see that you can sync your business with family and be so helpful to others through the blog. Blessings!
Thank you!
I love your blog, always learning something. I am 80 years old and my mother was an artist and very creative. Her response to “wanting to do things was, “let’s do it!” We would figure out a way and do the project. I still feel the same way.
I admire what you do and consider you a great inspiration. Want to use some of your ideas. My problem is I wear out before getting things done. I keep going, though. Don’t believe in stopping. Have to keep the mind alert.. Even though it may take me longer “to do”, I have to keep doing. Not ready to give up yet. Thank you for what you do.
Thank you!
Happy Blogiversary!
I really need to takcle that closet door project in my bedroom – I saw it earlier and liked it a lot!
Thank you!
Happy anniversary!!!! It’s awesome that you get to do something you love for your work!
I really like your bathroom remodel. I’ve been wanting to redo a couple bathrooms in our house. I usually rely on my husband for doing a lot of the work, but you’ve given me the confidence to tackle it on my own.
Thanks
Thank you – it really is awesome when you love your work! And you can handle that bathroom – although it’s fine if he helps too. :)
I am going to make a nightstand for my daughter! ( I think I’ve followed you a few years.)
That sound awesome – I would love to build a nightstand or end table soon!
I’m a pretty new reader but love to see the transformations you make! Congrats on ten years!
Thank you!
Thanks for sticking with your roots! I have budget-friendly blood, and while I’ll splurge on something if I feel like it’s really worth it, I’m a money-saver at heart. I’ve enjoyed reading your posts, and wish you much success in the future!
What an awesome way to describe it – budget-friendly blood. I am definitely a money-saver at heart too!
I LOVE your projects-especially fireplace & Ikea bookshelf!
I want to put bookshelves in one of the rooms in our home & have been thinking of the Ikea shelves.
I also own a couple pieces of furniture I’d like to refinish/refurbish – your posts have inspired me, THANK YOU
Thank you! It sounds like you have some really fun projects waiting for you!
I have been reading your blog for several years now and have gotten so many great ideas. I have a few pieces of furniture I’m going to refinish as I’m remodeling my home and want to refresh and repurpose what I can to save money. Happy Anniversary and keep posting all your great projects and ideas.
Thank you!
Love the antique radio cabinet makeover.
Thank you!
I particularly love the DIY bed.
Keep doing what you’re doing. And congratulations. Gill
Thank you!
Thanks for all the great ideas! Yours is one of the first I search when looking for ideas on a project I’m doing. I look forward to seeing more of your ideas!!
Thank you so much!
Conratulations on 10 years! I just started following your blog after searching for gray paint ideas. I’ve actually been thinking about painting my bathroom vanity and I love all the pictures and informational posts on how to do it.
Thank you!
Thanks for all the inspiration! You have given me the courage to take on projects I was afraid to try.
That is awesome!
Congrats on 10 years. Thank you for sharing your ideas.
Thank you!
Happy 10 year blog anniversary! One of the things that drew me to your blog was the wood plank wall. It is so neat! I really do enjoy your DIY’s and love that they are affordable.
Thank you!
I LOVE seeing your projects! You always inspire me!
Thank you!
Congratulations on 10 years of inspiration! Good for you! I love your ideas and creative accomplishments, and thank you for sharing them all with us!
Thank you!
I love these ideas! Especially the billy built-Ins and the dream big walk with stars, thank you!
Thank you!
Love to see your emails! Always something interesting & practical. Congratulations!!
Thank you – that really is great to hear!
Congratulations on 10 years! I’ve loved seeing the different projects you’ve tackled and mastered, and learned a lot along the way.. So proud of your success!
Thank you Alice!