Who says the best designs require an unlimited budget? Some of my favorite looks are actually DIY design ideas! It's all about rolling up your sleeves, getting creative, and finding the hidden potential in an old piece. Not sure where to begin? Try decoupage!

I love decoupage because it allows me to bring in so much self expressionism and personality! Whether you're using fabulous wallpapers, old playing cards, or even sheets of music, you can showcase your vibe and what matters to you most with the material you choose to cover your furniture. Best of all, it's eco-friendly, budget friendly DIY design, and makes something old new again.

Do you love a wild wallpaper print but don't feel ready to commit to using it on an entire wall? Incorporate the look with decoupage. All you need is white glue or decoupage medium (available at any craft store) and a paint brush or cotton swabs. Tips: start from the center and work out, pressing out any wrinkles or bubbles as you go.

Are you bored with your old lamps, candlesticks, or door knobs? Try having them plated in nickel or white brass for a sleek and chic makeover. I especially love white brass and have been using it in clients' homes for a while now. It's a great middle ground between gold and silver and having old pieces dipped in white brass will create a major transformation for little money. White brass works especially well in a bathroom, but to really reinvent your look throughout your home, try plating your hinges and hardware, too!

Lighting illuminates your home, but it can also illuminate your mood. Covering an old lampshade in a fresh, new fabric is another one of my favorite DIY design ideas. Find a swatch of fabric that puts a smile on your face or spices up your interior and recover an existing shade with a little patience and a good old fashioned glue gun. Or, skip the hard labor entirely and just design your own art shade light.

Lamps Plus custom art shades are not only made just for you, but you can also change the colors in any lamp shade pattern to perfectly match your personal decor. I promise you'll love unleashing your inner interior designer and letting your imagination fly with custom shades of all shapes, sizes, and colors. DIY design ideas should ideally incorporate an element of fun and these custom shades most definitely deliver.

Images: Kari Whitman Interiors, vivaterra.com, etsy.com, and Flavor Paper