Whether you have a new baby in the house, or your growing kids' rooms are in desperate need of a refresh, it's entirely possible to amp up kiddie spaces without a major shopping spree. These 24 DIY decorating hacks add personality and fun, with minimal skills required in the crafting department.
Pretty clothes hangers are an easily interchangeable way to display art. It's a casual look that makes it possible to update your wall gallery on the regular.
If you've ever been in the market for a toy-train table, you know that they don't come cheap. But the simple tutorial on Grace and Good Eats offers an inexpensive alternative that gets the job done in style. (Side note: Ikea sells a 20-piece wooden train set for $10 — the same cost as one "Thomas" character!)
Have a dresser that's boring or seen better days? Cover it in chalkboard paint and add fun labels that'll keep the kids ultraorganized.
Handmade Charlotte shared the instructions for this awesome bunk bed-fort conversion on her site, and we're smitten.
Bring a pop of color indoors with Honestly WTF's crepe-paper flowers, which can be hung from the ceiling, or anywhere you please.
Follow Pretty Prudent's easy tutorial for hanging a rug vertically, a beautiful way to display a travel memento or family heirloom.
There's no paint required for this supereasy washi-tape stool makeover. It adds a fun pop of color, whether your kids use their step stools in their bedrooms, playrooms, or to reach the bathroom sink.
It takes a slightly elevated skill level (and confidence!) to attempt this DIY from A Beautiful Mess, but this indoor baby/toddler swing will become your numero uno conversation piece and the coolest statement in your child's room — guaranteed.
Bring the outdoors in with the most magical natural nightstand, thanks to Couture et Turbulences.
Ikea's Tarva three-drawer chest is functional, but to be honest, it's also pretty boring. Turn it into a trendy study in ombré with this easy tutorial from Why Don't You Make Me? We love this for a nursery, and it could easily grow along with your little one.
We're simply in love with this Ikea Latt set makeover featured on Apartment Therapy. Transform a drab and simple set into something that's the focal point of your playroom.
All it takes is a trip to the craft store (no seamstress skills required) to construct Pretty Prudent's sweet ribbon mobile.
Alternating gold frames with casual washi tape makes a gallery wall feel fresh and youthful.
These homespun letters can be displayed on their own or as a full monogram. Depending on your level of ambition, you can even do your child's full name!
Bleach was the magic potion that transformed Ikea's Lappljung Ruta pillow into this chic and cheerful cushion that can be used on an armchair, glider, or bed.
You don't have to be a master craftsman to DIY this rolling storage tray featured on Apartment Therapy.
Tricia of Simplicity in the South was inspired by Restoration Hardware's industrial-chic (but superpricey!) steel cabinets and decided to go the DIY route instead. Starting with the Ikea PS cabinet, she transformed it with a faux patina finish to get the look — for a whole lot less.
With just a bit of creativity and elbow grease, Ikea's superbasic Grundtal mirror is transformed into an industrial rope mirror with a nautical vibe — perfect for a nursery or little boy's room.
We've narrowed down our favorite sources for free, kid-friendly art on the web that are as easy to access as clicking "Print!"
Turning a toy (one with a cool, vintage vibe, at that) into a storage solution is an idea that we'd love to snag from this playful little boy's room, designed for the DC Design House. This little red wagon corrals the little boy's library (and a few toys) in a creative and playful way.
Babies come with a whole lot of stuff (especially for being such tiny little people!). A sleek filing cabinet in a fun color doubles as smart crib-side storage.
One of our very own editors gave new life to Ikea's Tarva dresser with a midcentury-modern makeover inspired by a much pricier piece from Room & Board.
Custom framing costs a small fortune, but this smart solution allows you to switch artwork out frequently (and it looks really cool!).