5 Simple DIY Projects for Summer
Looking to refresh your home this summer? These 5 simple DIY projects for summer are easy, budget-friendly, and full of vintage charm — perfect for homemakers and simple living!
Summer is the season of light, fresh air, and open windows, and it’s a wonderful time to give your home a little refresh. 🌸
You don’t need a big renovation budget or fancy tools. In fact, some of the most satisfying DIY projects are simple, old-fashioned touches that bring beauty, order, and charm to your space.
Today I’m sharing 5 simple DIY projects for summer to refresh your home. These are all approachable, affordable, and perfect for the vintage-minded homemaker. 🌿
5 Simple DIY Projects for Summer
1️⃣ Create a Porch or Patio Refresh
Summer is porch season, and even the simplest touches can make your outdoor space inviting.
DIY ideas:
→ Sweep and scrub the porch floor
→ Add a homemade wreath to the door
→ Repaint flower pots or plant stands
→ Stitch or refresh simple pillow covers
→ Hang vintage lanterns or solar lights
2️⃣ DIY Linen Spray or Cleaning Vinegar
There’s nothing like the scent of fresh linens in summer.
Try making your own linen spray or infused cleaning vinegar:
→ Add citrus peels, herbs, or lavender to vinegar → infuse for 2-3 weeks → strain → use for cleaning
→ Make linen spray with water, a splash of vodka, and essential oils → perfect for refreshing sheets, towels, or the sofa
Simple, frugal, and wonderfully vintage!
3️⃣ Build a Simple Clothesline
Summer is the BEST season to start line-drying laundry. It saves energy, and clothes smell like sunshine!
If you don’t have one yet, building a simple line is an easy DIY project:
→ T-posts, hooks and pulleys, or even a retractable line can work in small spaces
→ You can even start with a folding drying rack for porches or decks!
Here’s exactly how we built ours: How We Built a Simple DIY Clothesline
👉 Learn more about this skill in my 10 Vintage Homemaking Skills to Embrace This Summer post!
4️⃣ Organize or Refresh a Pantry Space
This is one of my favorite simple living DIYs, and summer is a great time to do it.
DIY ideas:
→ Paint or line pantry shelves
→ Label jars and containers
→ Add baskets for produce or linens
→ Build a small spice rack or canned goods shelf
Even one or two small changes can make your kitchen feel more peaceful and organized.
👉 You’ll love my How to Build a Simple Vintage Pantry post for inspiration!
5️⃣ Paint or Refinish a Small Piece of Furniture
If you’ve been wanting to try your hand at DIY painting, summer is the perfect time — warm weather means quick drying times!
Good starter projects:
→ A side table or nightstand
→ A wooden chair
→ A small shelf
→ A mirror or picture frame
It’s a wonderful way to bring new life to old pieces, and to practice stewardship of what you already have. I’ve shared my tops furniture painting tips here: Simple Tips for Painting Furniture
Closing Encouragement
Friend, you don’t have to overhaul your whole home to bring joy and beauty into it. These simple DIY projects for summer are proof of that.
One small project at a time…that’s how vintage homemakers did it. They cared for their homes slowly, intentionally, and with great love.
Pick one project this summer. Start there. And celebrate the peace that comes from tending your home with a faithful heart.
👉 For more encouragement, visit my Why Great Grandma Could Do It All series. It’s full of simple wisdom for living a faithful, old-fashioned life today. 🌿
Helpful Links
👉 Weekend DIY Projects
👉 10 Vintage Homemaking Skills to Embrace This Summer
👉 How to Build a Simple Vintage Pantry
👉 Why Great Grandma Could Do It All
