Simple DIY Projects to Refresh Your Living Space

In Austin’s high-end homes, personal expression and refined design go hand in hand. Whether you live in a contemporary residence in Tarrytown, a luxury condominium overlooking Lady Bird Lake, or a custom build in Westlake, updating your space doesn’t always require a large-scale renovation. Sometimes, a well-chosen series of small improvements can refresh a home’s entire mood.

We’ve curated this collection of simple DIY projects to refresh your living space. Each project is designed to bring sophistication, texture, and functionality—without compromising architectural character or design intent. These ideas work beautifully as stand-alone updates or as part of a broader interior refresh.

Removable wallpaper has evolved well beyond bold patterns and primary colors. Today’s elevated offerings include linen-look finishes, subtle plaster effects, and grasscloth textures that pair perfectly with neutral palettes or warm wood finishes. We often suggest clients use this material on one accent wall in a formal living room, library, or guest bedroom to create visual depth without committing to permanent change.

The best part? These options peel cleanly and offer a custom look at a fraction of the cost of traditional wall treatments—making them ideal for homes where design flexibility is a priority.

Art is deeply personal, and in luxury homes, it often plays a defining role. A thoughtfully arranged gallery wall can serve as an anchor in open-concept living spaces or transitional areas like hallways and stair landings. To keep the look upscale, we recommend using high-quality, coordinated frames in finishes like matte black, brushed brass, or bleached oak.

Curate a mix of original artwork, black-and-white photography, or vintage architectural drawings. For consistency, stick to a restrained color palette and hang each piece with precise spacing.

This project brings personality to a home without overwhelming its existing architectural features.

Floating shelves made from live-edge wood, travertine, or painted hardwood offer a modern but timeless way to showcase collected objects. They work particularly well in spaces that require soft styling—like reading nooks, powder baths, or secondary living rooms. Arrange a mix of textures and heights: a sculptural vase, a small piece of art, a pair of low ceramic bowls, and perhaps a few handpicked books.

These open displays allow you to rotate decor seasonally and subtly introduce new color tones or themes, all while keeping the room feeling balanced and deliberate.

One of the most transformative low-effort projects is replacing the inserts on existing cabinet doors. Instead of replacing the cabinetry entirely, swap glass or wood panels for textured options like reeded glass, brass mesh, or cane. This subtle detail elevates kitchen bars, home offices, or built-in storage without altering layout or function.

We’ve seen this work particularly well in homes with transitional or contemporary interiors, where clean lines and layered materials create a strong visual presence.

Painted floor elements—like border frames or stenciled insets—offer a refined way to introduce pattern or delineate space. This approach works beautifully in historic Austin homes with original wood flooring or in minimalist spaces that need a soft focal point. When done in muted neutrals or soft tonal contrasts, floor accents feel organic and high-end.

In dining areas, for instance, a painted border around the table helps ground the furniture and creates architectural intent in otherwise open rooms.

Lighting is a cornerstone of luxury design. While full rewiring may be outside the scope of a DIY project, swapping out shades or customizing fixtures can still provide a big return. Consider wrapping an existing pendant in linen, silk, or leather for a subtle shift in tone. You can also use woven materials like raffia or grass to add warmth and an earthy layer, reflecting the natural surroundings of the Hill Country.

Pair these fixtures with dimmable bulbs to control ambiance from daytime brightness to evening glow.

One of the simplest ways to elevate a coffee table or entry console is with a large tray styled with intention. Choose one made from stone, leather, or textured wood, then layer a few key items:

These styled groupings feel personal yet polished. They also create opportunities to introduce subtle seasonal shifts or add texture to minimal spaces.

Fabric has the power to shift a room’s mood. Consider updating throw pillows using luxury fabrics like linen, velvet, or bouclé in neutral or tonal shades. For a cohesive look, use down or feather inserts for a fuller shape and softer hand feel. In homes with natural light and expansive views, these understated textures create warmth without visual clutter.

Rotating textiles seasonally—from heavier wools in winter to crisp cottons in summer—keeps your space feeling curated and intentional.

Austin’s climate supports a variety of indoor plants that require minimal maintenance but deliver a strong design impact. Large-format plants like rubber trees, fiddle leaf figs, or bird of paradise varieties offer height and structure. Choose elevated vessels in materials like matte ceramic, aged terracotta, or dark concrete to contrast against bright interiors.

Plants not only improve air quality but soften the edges of open rooms, bringing an organic, lived-in feel to structured spaces.

In guest rooms or primary suites, a floating nightstand can provide elegance and function without encroaching on floor space. Use a slab of solid wood, marble, or stone, anchored beneath a wall-mounted sconce for an integrated look. This solution works especially well in homes with minimal square footage or where clean lines are essential to the design.

Add a small catchall, a favorite book, and a soft textile for a boutique feel that elevates daily routines.

At The Agency Austin, we work with clients who understand that luxury isn’t about excess—it’s about intention, comfort, and timeless design. If you’re considering updates to enhance the way your home feels or preparing to list a property with elevated appeal, we’re here to guide you.

Reach out to The Agency Austin to explore how thoughtful, small-scale design improvements can elevate your home’s presentation and support your real estate goals. Our expertise in Austin’s most sought-after neighborhoods allows us to tailor strategies that bring lasting value to your living space.