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Home » Woodworking

Top DIY Projects of 2016 – Your Favorites!

December 26, 2016 By Anika Gandhi

2016 is coming to an end! How did this year treat you? It has definitely been a whirlwind year for me! I finally took the leap and published my first blog post on January 4th. That first time when I hit the publish button, I had not imagined I would be here today, 1 year and 87 posts later, looking back at all the amazing things that have happened. I have been blown away with the love and support from all of you! Through the blog, I have gotten to know so many awesome readers and made amazing friends who support, inspire and help me grow. I want to say THANK YOU to each one of you!

Top DIY projects of 2016

Now, let’s take a look back at the top DIY projects of 2016 that you loved the most – in reverse order – and a bit of behind the scenes! Did your favorite project make it?

#10 Ikea Duktig kitchen hack 

This is one of my pre-blog projects that I almost didn’t post too since I didn’t have all the step by step pictures and I am not exactly proud of the pictures I took a long time ago. I decided to give you all the details anyway because it turned out so cute and is still used everyday! This Ikea Duktig Kitchen hack takes the plain Ikea kitchen and transforms it into a fun and colorful kids play kitchen with just a bit of paint and paper!

#9 Easy DIY Spring wreath –

Do you know I decided to make a wreath, went shopping, made this wreath and posted it on the blog within 4 hours! It was one of those last minute ideas that ended up being so pretty! This is such a pretty and bright DIY spring wreath! I love the blossoms and colors! Perfect for spring!

#8 Ikea Ivar makeover –

Another one of my bold decisions – the color red… you obviously know by now how I love color! This cabinet has lived in various forms for a few years and now it is a total keeper with its beautiful hardware and golden legs! Turn the simple Ikea Ivar cabinet into this beautiful Sideboard!

#7 DIY Outdoor Coffee table –

The very first time I drew up building plans! I built this to go with my curbside rescued patio set and it has stood the test of time very well! This SIY Outdoor table is so easy to build! She also includes the free plans!

#6 DIY X-base accent table –

This was one of the first major builds I did as a blogger and in collaboration with Rogue Engineer. I contemplated on my choice of color for this table for a long time. I love color but I was not sure if yellow would have been a popular choice. I am glad I decided to stay true to myself and go with the yellow! It is a table I get a whole lot of compliments on! Oh my god!! I can't believe how easy it is to make this DIY X-base bedside table! And I can customize it any way I want with the free plans!

 #5 Fabric paneled Ikea Tarva dresser 

This was a project I had dreamed of doing for a very long time – almost 3 years since I first saw the original blog post. I really wanted to find burlap with a shine on it but when I couldn’t, I decided to use a little trick and it worked out better than expected! Take the plain dresser to whole new level with this easy Ikea Tarva hack. This Ikea dresser makeover totally transforms the simple dresser to a high end piece!

#4 Rental Kids Bathroom makeover –

I am so glad this made it to the top 5 list. I am in love with all the splashes of colors and how the bathroom turned out! It still looks like the day I redid it expect for the mirror frame that used 3M strips… my son decided to check them and pulled them all off and I still haven’t gotten around to putting them up again! The best thing I did in this bathroom were the towel hooks – there are no more towels on the floor! A fun and colorful Kids rental bathroom makeover. Everything in here is removable!

#3 DIY Clara Bedside table –

This is the first time I actually used drawer slides! I was always wary of doing that because I was never confident of my squares. This was a great learning experience and of course the fact that I got to work with Rogue Engineer too! Wow! I can't believe this is a DIY version of the Pottery Barn Clara bedside table! This DIY knock off is just amazing! And she has the full plans!

#2 DIY Upholstered X-bench using 2 x 4 boards –

I built this bench out of 2 x 4 boards I picked up from my friend’s “burn pile”. Once again the fabric and finish choice was the hardest decision but I am so glad I ended up with that faux fur fabric… it is the best!! I can't believe how easy it is to make this bench! And it is so pretty! They have full step by step instructions on building and upholstering

#1 DIY Upholstered Storage Ottoman

This is one of the projects that took the longest time to complete – basically because I could not make a decision on the fabric! It took me almost a month to decide and then another 2 weeks before I got around to actually upholstering! Overall the project took almost 2+ months but the end result turned out so amazing! I am still in love with it! I can't believe she built this DIY Storage Ottoman from scratch! Wait till you see inside! She has all the step by step tutorials!

There you have it – the top 10 DIY projects of 2016!

Which one of these projects was your favorite? I had so much fun looking back at all these projects and it made me realize that I can be who I am and you will all love me for it! Blogging about all my ideas and projects has truly released the creative person in me and I can be fearless in my creativity! I am excited to see what 2017 brings!

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I know I don’t say this enough, but thank you to all of you who continue to stop by the blog or support me over on Instagram and Facebook!

Thank you for being awesome! I wish you all wonderful last few days of 2016 and fun colorful and creative 2017 ahead!! Go be fearless with your creativity 🙂 pin it button

WOW! These top DIY projects of 2016 are the perfect DIY beginner projects! These Woodworking ideas and furniture makeover projects are the best I have seen!

Looking for more information on woodworking and tools needed? Check out my tools and resources list – 

« DIY Jewelry Holder – How To Build A Simple Organizer
Cute DIY Valentine’s hairband – great kids craft too! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Angie ~ ambient wares

    December 26, 2016 at 3:15 pm

    Love all your projects Anika!

  2. Toni | Small Home Soul

    December 26, 2016 at 7:18 pm

    Great review girl, you’ve done awesome this year and I’m super proud of all your projects!

  3. Debrashoppeno5

    December 27, 2016 at 3:34 pm

    You have done some great work this past year. I can’t wait to see your creativity in action in 2017. Happy New Year 🙂

  4. darla

    October 30, 2017 at 7:30 pm

    i love that DIY outdoor coffee table. the color combination is pretty fabulous but the other works is good either. thanks for the inspiration mam

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