3 simple, affordable DIY projects

Many of us have put off projects we want to do at home because the cost is not something our budgets can handle this year. But in keeping with my DIY, a little at a time mantra, why not pick three affordable DIY projects to do this year? They don't have to be grand projects. Even refinishing or painting one garage-sale find can be just thing to refresh a room. So here are three simple, affordable DIY projects anyone can do to recharge at home.

Paint. Yes, you can. You can change a room dramatically by changing the color of the walls. And, even if you're intimidated by the thought of taking brush to a wall, the beautiful thing about paint is it's easy to paint over. Expect to pay between $200 and $350 for paint and tools for one room, but by using your time, you'll save a ton of money if you do it yourself. Need some help? Here's a How to Paint a Room buide from This Old House. As for choosing colors, here's how to use a color wheel guide to find the right colors for you. Remember, the way it looks on the chip is probably not how it will look on your wall; the light in a room affects how it really looks. The nice thing is some paint brands now sell small jars of some of the more popular paint colors so you can test a color out before buying a whole gallon.

Paint an old piece of furniture. Hit a few garage sales this year and you'll at least one piece of furniture past its prime but with a little love would change a room. If you're intimidated by refinishing furniture, think about painting instead. Of course, as this eHow article notes, first make sure your find is not an antique that will be ruined by a painting party. Check out design*sponge's Before&After features to find some wonderful reincarnations through paint.

Simple landscaping. We'd all love to call in a top-notch landscaper to clear out old brush and come up with a plan for perennials and annuals to frame our home beautifully. But if money is tight, make a vow to learn how to prune your own greenery this year. All outside projects begin with clearning and pruning. Here's a How to Prune Plants guide from HowStuffWorks. If it's as cold where you are as it is where I am, the nice thing is we've got some time to study before the snow melts and the greenery comes into full view.

All possible with some time and a little studying. What projects are you tackling this year when money is tighter than time?