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EASY DIY INTERIOR DOOR MAKEOVER PROJECT FOR YOUR HOME

Transform Your Interior Door with an Easy DIY Makeover

Sometimes, doors can feel flat and plain with little to no character. But don’t worry—there’s an easy way to upgrade your door using wood strips! In this post, we’ll guide you through the materials and steps for a simple interior door makeover.

Accent walls with geometric and linear patterns are all the rage right now, but a full wall might not suit everyone’s aesthetic or budget. A door makeover is a great alternative! It allows you to add stylish details to your space on a smaller, more affordable scale.

A DIY door makeover is a perfect low-budget project that can significantly enhance a room with minimal effort. Let’s face it—sometimes, doors just feel boring! By adding a few simple upgrades, you can make your door a statement piece without spending a fortune.

For example, our master bedroom door is visible from both the dining and kitchen areas, and it needed a little more life—but in a subtle way. We didn’t want to add a pop of color (though you definitely can!), just something to elevate its look.

This DIY project is quick and easy, and we’ll show you everything you need to get started—materials, inspiration, and step-by-step instructions for your door transformation.

Let’s dive into our interior door makeover!

Door Makeover Materials

  • Paint of Choice – Ours was Behr “White” with Eggshell finish
  • 3/4” wide by 3/16″ thick pine strips
    • Option 1: Purchase 1/4” x 3/4″ pine trim pieces
    • Option 2: Purchase 1×4 8ft. pine board and cut into 3/16″ thin strips
    • Option 3: Use leftover scrap wood pieces like we did. Yay reuse!
  • 1/2″ nap Paint Roller or Paint Sprayer
  • Sandpaper or Handheld Sander
  • Wood Glue
  • Painter’s Tape
  • Speed Square
  • Tape Measure
  • Miter Saw OR Jigsaw OR Handsaw
  • Table Saw (optional if splitting boards)

DIY Interior Door Makeover Steps

STEP 1: FIND INSPIRATION & CREATE A PLAN

As I mentioned, there are endless accent wall ideas out there, and Pinterest is a fantastic source for design inspiration! Simply search for keywords like “geometric patterns,” “linear designs,” or whatever style you’re drawn to, and you’ll definitely find something that sparks your creativity. Whether you’re looking for bold shapes or subtle lines, Pinterest is a goldmine for ideas that can be adapted to your interior door makeover!

As a highly visual person, I knew I needed to create a quick mockup of my accent door design before diving in. Since I’m using wood scraps for the makeover, I took a few cut pieces and used painter’s tape to experiment with different design ideas. I only had five pieces of varying lengths, so I couldn’t always create my full vision. But it worked perfectly for a quick visioning session and gave me a sense of how the design would look before committing to it. It’s a great way to test out ideas without making any permanent changes!

After that, I took it a step further as I’m a planner and want a detailed idea of what I’m doing. Additionally, I’m a heavy user of Photoshop with my design background. It’s great for quick visualizations on top of a photo you took. So even with the quick mockups, I had to take it further and fully realize what this DIY door makeover might look like when painted. Below are a couple final options.

We were looking for a subtle accent that was more about the shadow lines. However, you could totally paint it a fun color like many of the accent wall examples.

If you don’t have Photoshop or any editing software, don’t worry! You can always sketch your design out with pen and paper, or use the draw function in your phone’s editing app. Having a plan in place before starting the DIY project will make a huge difference. It acts as a guide and helps you stay on track, ensuring you don’t waste time or materials. After all, nothing’s worse than finishing a project only to realize you don’t love the final result!

STEP 2: PREP THE DOOR

Depending on the condition of your door, some prep work will usually be needed before attaching your accent pieces. You might need to fill any holes and sand the surface to ensure a smooth finish.

While some people prefer to remove the door and handle the prep and painting in a garage or workshop, we decided against taking our bedroom door off the hinges since we didn’t want to be without it. Ultimately, it’s up to you—do whatever works best for your space and convenience!

Fill Holes & Sand
If your door has any dents, scratches, or holes, now is the time to fill them. For wood doors, wood filler works great for patching up imperfections. Once it’s dried, sand the area smooth.

Additionally, be sure to lightly sand the spots where the wood strips from your design will be attached. This creates a slightly rougher surface, which helps the wood glue adhere better.

Don’t Mix Paints
A quick tip: latex and oil-based paints don’t mix well and can peel apart over time. If you’re unsure what kind of paint was previously on your door, it’s best to sand it down first to prevent any peeling issues later.

Most basic doors are usually painted with latex paint, but it’s worth checking—especially if you’re reusing an old door. To be safe, do a small test paint spot before you start the full project. That’s exactly what we did when patching up our door, as you can see in the photos!

STEP 3: MEASURE & CUT THE ACCENT WOOD STRIPS

Now that you have your design mockup or sketch plan, it’s time to measure and cut your accent wood strips.

For our design, which featured linear pieces with straight ends, I simply measured a distance and drew a straight line across the wood. If your design involves angles, be sure to use an angle guide to ensure that each strip is cut consistently.

It’s important to mark which side of each piece is the “correct” one. This helps avoid confusion when cutting and ensures you won’t mix up pieces later on. Since there were several strips of varying lengths, I also labeled each one with its length, making it easier to match them up with my design plan as I went along.

Once all your pieces are marked and labeled, it’s time to cut them to the desired length. We used a miter saw for quick and precise cuts, but don’t worry if you don’t have one—you can also use a jigsaw or handsaw. Just be sure to practice safety when cutting the wood!

As you cut, create two piles: one for your finished pieces and one for the leftovers. It’s a good idea to save the leftover pieces for future projects, as this is both eco-friendly and budget-friendly. Even the smallest scraps that can’t be used later make great kindling for a fire!

STEP 4: LAYOUT THE ACCENT WOOD STRIPS

Execute The Plan
Now that all the cutting is done, it’s time to lay out the wood pieces on the door!

Having a dimensioned layout plan makes this part much easier. Use a measuring tape, pencil, and speed square to lay out your pieces and mark where they need to go. Mark the top and bottom sides to ensure everything aligns when gluing.

It’s crucial to make sure the pieces are straight. I highly recommend measuring along the full length of each piece in several spots. Wood can warp or bow, which can cause what should be a straight line to appear wavy.

For example, the 45” long piece was supposed to be 2 inches from the edge of the door and the next piece. While the top and bottom were spot on, the middle section bowed, so the distance varied between 1 ¾” and 2 ¼” on either side. To correct this, I measured 2 inches from the edge in the middle as well and drew a straight line. This gave me a clear guide for aligning the pieces when gluing.

Make sure to measure in multiple spots on all your longer pieces to ensure they are straight. Also, check that the pieces along the edge won’t interfere with the door frame when you close the door.

STEP 5: GLUE ALL THE PIECES

After marking the door, it’s time to glue your wood strips in place. There are many types of glues available, but for this project, simple wood glue works best. It doesn’t harden immediately, giving you time to adjust the pieces if needed to ensure your design stays straight. Plus, it doesn’t add moisture or cause the wood strips to warp, which is important for achieving a smooth, even finish

DIY Tip – Avoid using liquid nails or construction glue! While these glues harden quickly, they can add moisture to the wood, causing it to warp. We’ve learned from experience that this can lead to pieces falling off after all your hard work, so stick with wood glue for a more reliable result.

Use Painter’s Tape to Hold in Place
Since the door is still hanging upright, painter’s tape is a great tool to help secure the wood strips while the glue dries.

Here’s how to do it:

  • Apply glue along the back of each wood strip.
  • Place the strip onto the door, adjusting it to align with your marks.
  • Use painter’s tape to secure the strip in place in multiple spots.
  • If the wood is bowed, use tape in the middle to gently pull it back into alignment with your marks.
  • Repeat this process until all the pieces are attached.

    DIY Tip – Be mindful of the door frame and flooring around your door. You may need to adjust your wood strips slightly to ensure they don’t interfere with the door’s function, such as opening and closing smoothly.

    To ensure everything stayed secure, I went back and added a little extra glue and tape at the ends of the wood strips. Gravity was pulling them away, and I didn’t want them popping off while drying. If your door has been removed and is laying flat, this extra step may not be necessary, but it was a helpful precaution since mine was still hanging upright.

    Now, just let all the glue dry! We allowed ours to dry overnight since wood glue typically requires about 24 hours to fully cure. However, drying times can vary depending on the product, so be sure to check the label on your specific glue to ensure you’re allowing enough time for it to set properly.

    STEP 6: PAINT IT

    Before you start painting, make sure to check for any touch-ups that might be needed. There could be some excess glue around the edges of the wood that will need to be sanded or scraped off. This ensures that the surface is smooth and ready for paint, giving you a clean, professional finish when you’re done.

    We own a paint sprayer, but in this case, it was easier to just roll the paint on. I laid down a drop cloth and used a heavier ½” nap roller to apply the paint. It covered most of the wood edges, though I did have to go back and touch up a few spots that the roller missed.

    If you decide to spray the paint, I highly recommend removing the door and spraying in a well-ventilated garage or workshop. Make sure to set up a tarped area to catch any overspray, and you’ll be able to skip taping off the door frame and walls for protection.

    For our door, we chose basic Behr white paint to match the rest of our doors and trim. We wanted the wood accents to blend in subtly but still complement the existing decor. However, you could opt for an accent color instead to make the door stand out and add contrast—choose what works best for your space!

    Depending on your paint, a second coat might be needed to achieve full coverage.

    STEP 7: FINISHING TOUCHES

    If you’re planning to add new handles or hinges, now is the time to do so. We decided to stick with the existing ones since they still worked well and looked nice. If you removed the door for painting or other steps, now’s the time to rehang it and enjoy your refreshed door!

    Once everything is done, you’ve successfully completed your DIY door makeover! Step back, admire your work, and enjoy the transformation. It’s amazing how such a simple project can make such a big impact on your space!

    DIY Door Makeover Tips & Methods

    Here are a few additional notes and tips for your DIY door makeover:

    • Detailed Plan vs. Random: We’re detail-oriented, so we prefer creating a detailed plan and layout. But you can also use what pieces you have and lay them out until it looks just right, then attach them. If you’re someone who likes to wing it and eyeball the design, that works too!
    • Removing the Door: You can absolutely remove the door for this project to avoid fighting gravity. However, keep in mind that you’ll be without a door for a while while the glue and paint dry, so make sure you’re okay with that.
    • Spraying Paint vs. Rolling Paint: This comes down to personal preference. Using a sprayer will give you a smoother finish but requires some experience and isn’t always ideal for the typical DIY setup. Rolling the paint may give you a slightly different texture but is easier for most DIYers to manage.

    No matter which method you choose, the key is to enjoy the process and get creative with your design!

    CONCLUSION

    In conclusion, a DIY door makeover is an easy, budget-friendly project that can make a big impact on the look and feel of your space. Whether you prefer a detailed plan or a more spontaneous approach, you can create a unique design that reflects your style. By following the simple steps of prepping the door, measuring and cutting the wood, gluing and securing the pieces, and finally painting, you’ll achieve a refreshed, personalized look for your door. With a little creativity and effort, you’ll have a beautiful accent door that enhances your home’s decor!

    30+ STUNNING DIY FALL FRONT PORCH DECOR IDEAS FOR A COZY VIBE

    Want to bring a cozy autumn vibe to your front porch? These DIY fall decor ideas will help you create a warm and welcoming space. From charming wreaths to creative displays, there’s a perfect idea for every style. Let’s explore some inspiring options!

    Fall Porch Sign

    Create a welcoming sign for your porch using a wooden board. The rich orange tones of pumpkins paired with the warm wood will add a cheerful touch to your home, perfect for brightening up the space throughout fall and into Thanksgiving.

    Cream Thanksgiving-Inspired Porch

    Incorporate elegant cream tones and Thanksgiving greetings to add a touch of sophistication to your decor. Imagine white pumpkins and delicate white flowers arranged in rustic pails, paired with a cozy checkered throw for a warm, inviting look.

    Falloween Wreath

    To blend fall and Halloween decor, create a sparkling “Falloween” wreath for your front door. Black and burnt orange flowers paired with metallic pumpkins add just the right touch of seasonal elegance and festive flair.

    Stylish Scarecrow

    Scarecrows are a classic autumn decoration, but who says they have to wear traditional attire? Get creative with a stylish twist by dressing your scarecrow in a cozy patchwork or granny-square sweater and topping it off with a charming floral hat for a delightful seasonal look.

    Go Spooky & Stylish

    Transform your front yard into an enchanted pumpkin patch. Use a variety of painted pumpkins with whimsical designs and faces. Add twinkling fairy lights woven through hay bales, and place a scarecrow dressed in colorful attire nearby.

    Pumpkins and Leaves

    Create the feel of a cozy fall evening stroll by decorating your porch with faux leaves in rich autumn tones. Add an assortment of pumpkins in various sizes and a warm, glowing lantern to complete the inviting scene.

    Rain Boots for a Decorative Hint

    Autumn rains often lead to muddy footprints indoors, but you can keep your home cleaner with a subtle hint for guests to leave their shoes outside. Place a charming pair of rain boots by the front door—they’ll add a cute, seasonal touch to your decor while signaling that yours is a shoes-off home.

    Cozy Seating Arrangements

    When arranging porch furniture, consider grouping seats to encourage conversation. Sets of two, three, or even four chairs create inviting spaces for gatherings, making it easy to enjoy those memorable, cozy chats. In contrast, single or scattered pieces can feel less welcoming for connection.

    Add Grain Sack Accents

    Add a touch of rustic charm to your fall decor with vintage French grain sacks, perfect for embellishing stacked pumpkins. Arrange them on the porch, perhaps beside a bench adorned with grain sack-covered pillows, to create a cozy, country-inspired welcome for the season.

    Halloween + Fall Blend

    A spooky monster dangles from the second-story balcony of this townhome, greeting guests with a sinister grin. To balance its imposing presence, alternating pumpkins and vibrant orange mums adorn the steps, while fall-colored wreaths add a touch of warmth, softening the scene amidst the scattered bones along the walkway.

    Pile it On

    Go big or go home! This stunning front porch embraces the season with an abundance of decor, featuring multiple stacks of pumpkins, a vibrant array of mums, and cozy plaid fall blankets and pillows. A unique door wreath made from pecans adds a charming touch, making this porch a true autumn showstopper.

    Pumpkin Parade

    Capture the warm and fuzzy essence of fall with this inviting front door design. Start by covering your door in brown craft paper, then slice store-bought white pumpkins in half and attach them using removable picture hanging hooks. Complete the look with a cascading arrangement of faux fall foliage and a touch of plaid ribbon for a cozy, festive touch.

    Autumn Pastel Planter

    Infuse your entryway with a touch of glamorous goth using a chic pastel urn. Repurpose an old summer planter by filling it with faux black and pink florals, plastic skulls, and sparkling turquoise pumpkins for a whimsical yet edgy display that perfectly captures the spirit of the season.

    Unmatched Foliage Views

    Diners can savor breathtaking views of the changing leaves from this cozy covered patio. Classic wooden dining chairs are enhanced with timeless tartan throws, providing warmth and comfort. A charming centerpiece features a collection of petite pumpkins and a textured arrangement, adding a delightful touch of fall flair to the table.

    Go Boho + Modern

    Create a boho modern vibe in your fire pit area this fall. This Maine backyard features a custom-built fire pit crafted from steel and wire mesh, surrounded by a circular paved space. Teak chairs and earthy textiles made from organic materials enhance the cozy atmosphere. Check out more stunning styling tips for your fall fire pit below!

    Dressed to Impress

    A bandana-clad scarecrow greets neighbors with a charming, slanted smile from the front stoop of this farmhouse. The scene is completed by vibrant marigold mums and two petite pumpkins, creating a joyful vignette that embodies the spirit of fall.

    Classic Contrast

    Creamy pumpkins, dried baby’s breath, and an abundance of ghost berries combine to create an elegant autumnal accent for this front door. Earthy pinecones add contrast and texture to the neutral display, while inky feathers sprinkled throughout provide a whimsical touch, making the entryway both inviting and stylish.

    Inspiration Abounds

    Nothing captures the essence of a bountiful harvest quite like fresh flowers, gourds, and lanterns cascading down the front steps. Leslie Davis of Paper Daisy Design recommends considering what fall looks like in your region or yard to create a more natural design. If you’re torn between a classic orange or a cool white motif, take this approach and let your landscape guide your choice for a harmonious look.

    Bushels of Beauty

    Stylist Marian Parson transformed her front stoop for fall by incorporating seasonal staples like mums and pumpkins in shades of cream, orange, and green to beautifully complement her light blue front door. Against a backdrop of fall grasses and leaves, faux red apples add an unexpected pop of color to the inviting autumn wreath, enhancing the overall warmth of the decor.

    Warm Welcome

    Craft a warm and inviting entryway for guests with a charming display of fall-themed items. Combine traditional favorites like pumpkins and bales of hay, layered with vibrant mums in rustic wooden baskets, to establish a cohesive color palette of orange and tan. To enhance visual interest, vary the sizes and shapes of the pumpkins for a dynamic and engaging arrangement.

    Quilts for All

    Although quilts and blankets are best reserved for indoor use during rainy weather, they’re perfect for snuggling up on breezy days or brisk evenings. These cozy textiles add a warm, homey touch of farmhouse style to your outdoor space and are easy to transport in and out of the house.

    Declare the Season

    You won’t find a more festive and fun front porch than this one, featuring a whimsical hand-lettered sign that captures the spirit of the season. This fall display draws attention by blending classic autumn staples with bold, modern accents, such as metallic gourds and sleek metal lanterns, creating an eye-catching and vibrant look.

    Fall All Over

    This traditional front porch receives a delightful fall refresh with a stack of heirloom pumpkins, a warm-hued autumn wreath, and vibrant yellow mums. The transformation showcases how just a few seasonal touches can effortlessly transition your entryway from summer to fall, creating an inviting atmosphere.

    Layered Rugs

    This front porch showcases a delightful fall-inspired decor with stacked rugs that create a luscious, layered effect. The bottom layer features a classic plaid pattern, while the top rug boasts a playful fall saying. Together, they beautifully complement the rich wooden door, welcoming guests in seasonal style.

    Fireside Forest Views

    A stunning stacked-stone fireplace serves as the centerpiece of this luxurious mountainside lounge. Twin teal sofas are arranged for intimate conversations, while a pair of geometric coffee tables provide plenty of room for spiked cider to chill between sips, creating the perfect setting for relaxation and enjoyment.

    Candy Corn Cutie

    If you’re a fan of this beloved yet polarizing Halloween candy, why not deck your door with a banner of handcrafted candy corn pennants? To create this cheerful yellow, orange, and white display, simply grab a store-bought cardboard pennant banner, some craft paint, and wood beads. It’s an easy and festive way to celebrate the season!

    Dare to Go Over-the-Top

    This year, go bold by transforming your front porch with a stunning, traffic-stopping pumpkin arch crafted from PVC pipe, faux pumpkins, and dried foliage. This eye-catching display not only makes a statement but also welcomes guests with a fun and festive autumn vibe that’s sure to impress!

    Cue the Color

    Warm, golden-hued planters provide striking accents on this pumpkin-filled fall front porch. Pro Tip: To create maximum visual interest, fill your planters with a diverse mix of colors, heights, and textures. This layering adds depth and enhances the seasonal charm of your entryway.

    Au Naturel

    Texture takes center stage on this seasonal front door. The charming DIY corn husk wreath embraces simplicity by opting for layers of natural husk, showcasing rich, dimensional golden hues. Complementing the wreath, a variety of buffalo check pumpkins and vibrant purple blooms in cement planters add a splash of color, brightening the entryway and enhancing its welcoming appeal.

    Glam Gourds

    Rustic textures, creamy hues, and glamorous metallic finishes unite to create a unique fall porch. A tall corn stalk in an aged bronze planter adds height to the display, while creamy white pumpkins brighten the stoop and stand out beautifully against the tan siding, enhancing the overall inviting ambiance.

    Pumpkins + Plants

    Straight from the pumpkin patch, heaps of pumpkins and gourds harmonize beautifully with potted croton and mums, creating a fall-tastic entryway full of charm. A personal touch is added with vinyl house numbers on a tall pumpkin, enhancing the display’s uniqueness. The cheerful hues of this front porch, showcased in HGTV Magazine, are guaranteed to brighten even the dreariest of days.

    CONCLUSION

    With these DIY fall front porch decor ideas, you can easily transform your entryway into a warm and inviting space. Remember, the key to a stunning display is to personalize it with your unique style and favorite fall elements. Whether you prefer a minimalist or maximalist approach, these ideas will inspire you to create a cozy and festive atmosphere that welcomes guests and celebrates the beauty of autumn.