Upgrade Your Space: Practical DIY Home Improvements for 2026

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The confetti has settled, the champagne flutes are washed, and we are officially settled into the new year. For many of us, January brings a surge of motivation—a desire to reset, improve, and build better habits. We often focus on personal goals like reading more, sleeping better, or spending less time on our phones. But have you ever considered how your physical environment impacts your ability to keep those promises?

Your home is the backdrop for your life. It influences your mood, your productivity, and your daily routines. When your space works for you, sticking to your resolutions becomes significantly easier. Conversely, a cluttered or unsightly room can become a silent barrier to the lifestyle changes you're trying to make.

This year, why not pair your personal resolutions with tangible home improvement projects? Taking on DIY tasks doesn't just improve your property value; it offers a profound sense of empowerment. There is a unique satisfaction in looking at a finished bookshelf or a freshly painted room and saying, "I did that." These projects support your overall well-being and create the physical space necessary for your new habits to thrive.

Whether you are a complete beginner or looking to build your confidence with power tools, we have outlined six meaningful ways to transform your home to match your goals for the year ahead.

Resolution: Read More Books

Create a Cozy Book Nook

We all say we want to read more, but it’s hard to get lost in a story when you’re distracted by a pile of dishes or the sound of your kids playing. The solution is to carve out a dedicated reading space in your home.

Setting the Scene

Start by identifying a quiet corner. It doesn't need to be an entire room; a corner of a bedroom or a landing at the top of the stairs works just as well. To visually separate this space, consider painting an accent wall. A calming, earthy tone or a deep, moody shade can signal to your brain that this is a place to slow down.

The Built-In Look for Less

Dreaming of a custom library without the hefty price tag? With a little DIY magic, you can create a “built-in” look using inexpensive, standard bookshelves—no carpenter required!

1. Select Your Shelves: Start by selecting your bookshelves. The IKEA Billy Bookcase is a popular choice, thanks to its affordability ($70 and up) and versatility, with countless transformations showcased on social media and YouTube.
2. Add Custom Framing: To give your shelves a custom touch, consider raising them off the floor by building a simple base with lumber. For multiple bookshelves, you can create spacing between the units by adding extra lumber—this adds depth and helps achieve a truly tailored look.
3. Embellish with Trim: The key to achieving a built-in look is all in the finishing touches. Adding decorative mouldings or trim to the edges covers gaps where the shelves meet the walls and ceiling, creating a seamless, polished appearance. You can also enhance the design with details like rosettes or corner blocks for added character. Fill any screw holes with WOODPRO-X Wood Filler and smooth all the seams with EXTREME STRETCH Elastomeric Sealant.
4. Unify with Paint: Finally, unify the entire piece with a coat of paint. By painting the shelves, trim, and base in the same colour, you’ll create a cohesive, high-end look that rivals custom millwork. With a bit of effort and creativity, your dream library can become a reality—on a budget!

Finishing Touches

Once your library is built, add a big, comfortable armchair. Good lighting is non-negotiable, so invest in a quality floor lamp or sconce. Add a side table for your tea or coffee, and a few house plants to breathe life into the corner. Now, you have a physical reminder to pick up a book every time you walk by.

Resolution: Organize Your Life

Enhance Storage Spaces

"Getting organized" is a top resolution every year, but willpower alone isn't enough. You need systems. If things don't have a designated home, they end up on the kitchen counter.

Maximize Your Kitchen Storage

The kitchen is often the hub of the home, and the hub of the mess.

• The Lazy Susan: Install one in those deep, awkward corner cabinets. It makes accessing pots and pans easy, and the newfound space may even help to clear up valuable counter space.
• Vertical Cabinetry: If you have space above your upper cabinets, consider extending them to the ceiling. You can build simple box frames, attach cabinet doors, and finish them with trim. This is the perfect place to store holiday platters or appliances you only use once a year.

The Power of a Closet System

Is your closet crowded or hard to organize? Updating to a prefab closet system can make life a whole lot easier. Most big-box stores carry closet systems with adjustable rods, shelves, and drawers – for as little as $80. Pick one that fits your space—these work for clothes closets, linen closets, front hall spaces, or even pantries—and make use of every square inch of space you have.

• Start with a Smooth Foundation: Before installing, patch any old screw holes with a spackling compound, like FAST DRY, and sand them smooth.
• Fresh or Fun Backdrop: Depending on the space, consider adding a pop of colour or wallpaper to the inside walls for a whimsical touch. A fresh coat of paint can also brighten things up and make it easier to find what you need.
• Light It Up: For an extra touch of convenience, install lighting inside the closet. There are many rechargeable, battery-operated options that turn on automatically when you open the door.

Resolution: Spend Less Time on Your Phone

Build a Hidden Charging Station

We are all guilty of "doom scrolling" because our phones are always within arm's reach, usually charging on the bedside table or the kitchen island. Luckily, out of sight truly is out of mind.

Photo by Docking Drawer Canada

The Charging Drawer

This project is trending on social media for a reason. By moving your charging cables inside a drawer, you remove the visual trigger of seeing your phone and hide the mess of tangled cords.

Transform your kitchen junk drawer or upgrade your bedside table with a built-in charging unit. Docking Drawer Canada offers in-drawer power outlets that are easy to install, safe to use, and compliant with the Canadian Electrical Code – starting at around $210. Remember to research thoroughly and consult an electrician if needed.

Now, when you plug your phone in at night, you close the drawer. This simple physical barrier makes you think twice before reaching for it, helping you break the habit of checking notifications right before bed.

Learn More: DIY Drawer Charging Station: Everything You Need to Know | Docking Drawer

Resolution: More Quality Time with Loved Ones

Design a Cozy, Functional Living Room

If your goal is to reconnect with your partner or kids, you need a space that encourages conversation rather than passive screen time. The layout and "feel" of your main gathering spaces dictate how you interact.

Warm Up the Space

White walls are crisp and clean, but they can sometimes feel sterile. To foster connection, warm up your living or dining room with a coat of paint. You don't necessarily need dark colours; warm beiges, soft greys with brown undertones, or creamy whites can make a room feel like a hug.

Rethink the Layout

Take a critical look at your furniture arrangement. Is everything pointing at the television? Try repositioning your sofa and chairs into a conversational circle or U-shape. If possible, make the TV a secondary focal point rather than the main event.

Banish Clutter with a Media Wall

Clutter—like scattered toys, video game controllers, or too many decor items—can take the fun out of family game night and add unnecessary stress to your space.

To make evenings more enjoyable and relaxing, consider building a DIY media and storage wall using flat-pack furniture and lumber. You can achieve a seamless, custom appearance for much less!

Our friends at 100 Things 2 Do created a built-in unit for their home office, and their step-by-step guide makes it easy to follow along and create your own dream built-in.

Follow Along: How I Created My Home Office Built-Ins Myself | 100 Things 2 Do

Essential DIY Home Improvement Tips

Preparation is Everything

No matter what project you tackle, good prep is the key to great results. At DAP, we know that a little extra effort up front makes all the difference. Whether it’s cleaning a surface before applying sealant or filling small holes before painting, taking the time to do it right ensures better results at every step. Don't rush the process!

Know Your Materials

Not all products are the same, and understanding their unique qualities can make or break your project. Surface compatibility is crucial—some sealants work best on specific materials like wood or drywall, while others are more versatile. Paintability is another key factor if you want a seamless finish. Knowing these details helps you choose the right product and avoid problems later. For more information, check out our guides on different types of sealants and spackling compounds to find the best fit for your project.

Embrace the Learning Curve

Mistakes happen to everyone, even the pros. Don’t be discouraged if things aren’t perfect right away—practice makes progress!

Start Your Journey

The new year is an invitation to change, and your home should be a partner in that process, not an obstacle. Whether you want to read more books, sleep better, or just feel more organized, there is a project waiting for you.

Remember, you don't have to go it alone. DAP is here to support you through every stage of your home project, from the initial prep work to those final finishing touches. Having the right high-quality products in your toolbox makes every step easier and gives you the confidence to get the job done right.

Choose just one resolution from this list. Look at your home and ask, "How can I change this space to make that goal easier?" Gather your materials, watch a few tutorials, and dive in. Start your DIY journey today and see how small changes can lead to big transformations in your home and life.

Sources

Combiths, Shifrah. “I’ve Finally Found the Smartest Way to Use a Junk Drawer.” Apartment Therapy. September 17, 2021.
“DIY Drawer Charging Station: Everything You Need to Know.” Docking Drawer. July 3, 2025.
“DIY Home Office Built-Ins (Part 2).” 100 Things 2 Do. October 2021.
“DIY Home Office Built-Ins (Part 3).” 100 Things 2 Do. October 2021.
“How I Created My Home Office Built-In Myself (Part 1).” 100 Things 2 Do. October 2021.

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