I love a good DIY project. Nothing beats the satisfaction of stepping back, admiring your handiwork, and thinking, Yeah, I did that. Of course, the reality often looks a little different.

Take last weekend, for example. I had to swap out one of our external security cameras.

Easy job. I told my wife it'd take ten minutes, tops—because I'd done one a few years back in fifteen, and obviously, I'm now a seasoned expert.

Fast forward an hour (and a half...). The new camera had a USB plug instead of the usual jack, so my simple swap-out plan went straight out the window. I had to drill and redrill the hole (forgetting to feed the cable through the waterproof housing in the process), nearly shattered the double glazing, then overcompensated and made the hole too big—taking part of the wooden blinds on the inside with it.

And after all that? The cable was 50cm too short. Oh, and I somehow managed to smack my head on the bins once all was said and done. (Don't you just love dyspraxia?)

Point being, DIY always takes longer than you think. But that doesn't mean you can't make some quick, high-impact changes to your home. If you want to give your house a little facelift and make the neighbours jealous—without losing an entire weekend or half your sanity—these are the projects next on my list now that spring is just around the corner.

At least this wasn't my biggest home project failure. Take a look at my post on bodge job to beautiful, to see why you should never hire a cowboy builder.

🚀 Quick DIY Upgrades to Boost Curb Appeal in a Weekend

• Refresh your front door with a bold colour and new hardware
• Install window boxes for an instant splash of greenery
• Upgrade outdoor lighting for style and security
• Use a pressure washer to revive driveways and paths
• Frame your entryway with planters for a polished look
• Tidy up garden borders for a clean, structured aesthetic
• And more!

1. Install Window Boxes (Because a Bit of Greenery Hides a Multitude of Sins)

Nothing says "I've got my life together" quite like a house with lush window boxes. They add a splash of colour, freshen up the façade, and—bonus—you can pretend you're the kind of person who enjoys gardening. You can view window box collection options to find the perfect match for your home, and chuck in some easy-care plants. Seasonal flowers? Great. Evergreens? Even better—because they require approximately zero effort.

2. The Easiest Way to Upgrade Your Front Door?

A front door makeover is like a fresh haircut—small change, big impact. Pick a bold colour (navy, forest green, or classic red if you're feeling daring). Or, if you're more "neutral and sensible," charcoal or taupe will do the job. While you're at it, swap out the old door hardware, clean the glass panels, and slap down a doormat that says something witty (or at least vaguely welcoming).

🔗 Related: Classic Mistakes People Make When Giving Their Home a Facelift

3. Upgrade Your Outdoor Lighting for Instant Curb Appeal

Good lighting makes your home look expensive—even if it's just some strategically placed solar stake lights, wall lanterns, or string lights for a bit of ambience. Motion sensor lights are also great for security (or just for scaring the life out of the cat at 3 a.m.).

💡 Expert Tip: Choose warm white LEDs over harsh cool-toned lights—while cool white LEDs may be slightly more energy-efficient, warm white creates a much cosier and more inviting atmosphere. You know the ones I mean—the blinding, hospital-bright LEDs that seem to be on every new build these days!

I'm a big fan of the Philips Hue range and can highly recommend them for both indoor and outdoor lighting. They're adjustable, energy-efficient, and perfect for setting the right mood—whether that's a welcoming glow for your front porch or a bit of colour-changing fun in the garden.

4. House Numbers and Letterboxes: Small Changes, Big Impact

Old, mismatched house numbers and a rusty letterbox scream "DIY-averse homeowner." Upgrading them to sleek, modern versions makes a bigger difference than you'd think. Brushed metal gives a contemporary vibe, while ceramic or matte black suits a more classic look. And if your house numbers are actually visible, your delivery driver might finally stop launching your parcels over the gate (or stashing them in the bin).

I swapped mine out a few years back for one of those glass-fronted house number plates I found on HUKD for £6. Absolute bargain. And for once, it was a DIY job that actually took 10 minutes—not 10 minutes that somehow eats up an entire Saturday.

5. Pressure Washing: The Most Satisfying DIY Project

Your driveway and paths have probably collected a decade's worth of dirt, moss, and questionable stains. A pressure washer will fix that and give you the immense satisfaction of watching the grime disappear in real-time. It's basically power-washing therapy.

(Yes, I have played Power Wash Simulator... have you?)

🔗 Related: Preparing Your Outdoor Space for Summer Gatherings

6. Frame the Front Door with Planters for an Instant Style Boost

A couple of matching planters by the front door screams curated sophistication (even if you're still figuring out how to keep plants alive). Evergreen shrubs, topiaries, or seasonal flowers work well. Go for sleek, geometric pots for a modern look or classic urns if you want something traditional.

7. What's the Best Way to Refresh a Faded Fence?

If your fence is looking more "haunted house" than "family home," a fresh coat of paint or stain will do wonders. Stick to natural tones for a rustic feel, or go crisp white if you want that picket-fence dream (even if the reality is you spend most weekends scrubbing mud off the walls). Bonus points if you add a trellis and train some ivy or jasmine up it.

But don't just slap paint over moss and algae—unless you want a textured finish that peels off in six months. Get rid of it first, yes, it's a pain, but at least you can finally use that pressure washer you just bought for the driveway.

8. Turn Your Porch or Patio Into a Cosy Retreat

If your outdoor space is basically just a forgotten corner with a cobweb-covered chair, a few quick updates can turn it into somewhere you'd actually want to sit. Weatherproof cushions, an outdoor rug, and a small bistro table will do the trick. If you've got decking, a fresh stain or coat of paint makes a huge difference.

9. Tidy Up Your Garden Borders for a Clean, Structured Look

Messy garden beds and scraggly hedges make your home look unloved. A bit of edging (stone, brick, or simple metal strips) gives everything a structured, tidy appearance. Chucking down some fresh mulch helps suppress weeds, retain moisture, and make it look like you know what you're doing. If you need inspiration, Wickes has great advice on garden landscaping to help you plan the perfect outdoor space.

❓ Quick DIY FAQs

Get To It!

Upgrading your home's exterior doesn't have to mean full-scale renovations or entire weekends lost to DIY disasters (unless you're me). A few smart updates can completely transform your curb appeal, impress the neighbours, and—most importantly—give you something to smugly admire every time you pull into the driveway.

And if all else fails? Just buy a massive potted plant. It hides a multitude of sins.

What's your go-to DIY shortcut or biggest home improvement win or fail? Drop it in the comments—I need to know I'm not the only one!