My kids are a little older but I hear a lot of people talking about the juggle of having the kids at home and thought maybe the win win is doing DIY Home projects together? It’s the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with your children. Why not use the time to give your home a little refresh and get the kids involved in the process?
DIY home projects don’t have to be expensive or time-consuming – and when you bring children into the creative fold, they’re not just entertained; they’re learning new skills, gaining confidence, and making their mark on their surroundings. Here are seven simple, family-friendly interior projects to try over the summer holidays.
1. Create a Personalised Wall Art Gallery
Children love to see their creations displayed with pride – and a DIY gallery wall can be a brilliant way to add colour, energy, and personality to your home. Choose a wall in a hallway, stairwell, or playroom and turn it into a rotating mini-exhibition.
Let the kids create their own artwork with paints, pastels, or collage materials. Hobbycraft is a great place to start with aisles of inspiration and materials. You can use inexpensive clip frames, string and pegs, or even washi tape for a low-commitment, flexible display. Not only will your children feel a huge sense of pride, but it’s also a lovely way to make your interiors more personal.
2. Mini Room Makeover Challenge
Give your child the chance to “design” their own bedroom or play area. You don’t need to start from scratch – small tweaks can go a long way. Try:
- Rearranging the furniture
- Adding fairy lights or bunting
- Using removable wall decals or posters
- Creating themed corners (e.g., space, jungle, underwater)
Let them sketch out ideas and come shopping with you for a few accessories – even if it’s just a new lampshade or bedding set. It’s a fun way to teach design principles and spatial awareness, and it helps children feel ownership over their space.
3. Paint or Tie-Dye Your Own Cushions
This is a great diy home project for older children (or younger ones with supervision) and adds a truly unique touch to your soft furnishings. Use plain cushion covers (available online or in craft shops) and let the kids loose with fabric paints or tie-dye kits.
They can stencil initials, use potato stamps, or experiment with abstract splashes of colour. Once dry, pop the cushions on the sofa or beds and admire their creativity!
4. Decorate Plant Pots and Add Greenery
Decorating plant pots is a simple, low-cost way to bring a bit of nature indoors and teaches kids about taking care of living things. Use terracotta or ceramic pots and decorate with paint, decoupage, or stickers.
Choose low-maintenance plants like spider plants, succulents, or herbs (which are also a great opportunity for a mini gardening lesson). Place them in the kitchen, bathroom, or on windowsills to brighten up the home.
5. Create a Chalkboard Wall or Corner
Chalkboard paint is available from most DIY stores and can be applied to a small section of a wall, the back of a door, or even an old cupboard.
Once painted, the surface becomes a reusable canvas for doodles, messages, to-do lists or learning games. It’s a practical and fun addition to a kitchen, hallway, or child’s bedroom – and it’s especially appealing to little ones who love drawing on walls (with permission, of course!).
6. Upcycle a Small Piece of Furniture
Upcycling can be a great introduction to DIY for children – especially when it comes to simple projects like repainting a stool, shelf or bedside table. Let your child choose a colour and pattern, and involve them in sanding, painting, and decorating.
You could use stencils, stickers, or decoupage techniques to personalise the piece even further. It’s a great way to breathe new life into old furniture while building a child’s confidence in their creative abilities.
7. Build a Story-Themed Reading Nook
Encourage a love of reading and imagination by creating a cosy corner dedicated to stories. Choose a quiet corner or unused alcove and transform it into a themed nook using blankets, cushions, fairy lights and decorations.
Let your child help choose the theme – from enchanted forests to pirate ships or outer space – and involve them in making simple accessories like paper bunting or story-themed posters. Add a small bookshelf or crate with their favourite reads, and you’ve got a quiet retreat that also looks fantastic.
Final Thoughts
These diy home projects are more than just a way to pass the time – they’re an opportunity to connect, create, and build memories. Whether it’s painting plant pots, redesigning bedrooms, or crafting wall art, each of these activities blends fun with function, and gives children a sense of pride in their home.
You don’t need a big budget or perfect DIY skills – just a bit of creativity, a few basic supplies, and a willingness to get stuck in. And who knows? You might just end the summer with a more personalised, colourful home that everyone had a hand in creating.
Looking for more interior tips or family-friendly design ideas? Get in touch or follow along on Instagram for daily inspiration.