Greetings, Decoist readers! One of my favorite ways to celebrate modern design is to create original DIY projects and share them here on the blog. I’m Kate, and today I’m taking you behind the scenes of the “after” phase of the DIY process. Many of you ask how projects hold up over time—whether a finished piece stays beautiful, how it changes, and what lessons I learned. I believe in honesty: a big part of being a DIY enthusiast is evaluating what worked, what didn’t, and how to improve the next time. Below I revisit some of my favorite projects, explain how they evolved, and offer practical tips to help you enjoy and preserve your creations.
A DIY Succulent Planter
About a year ago I transformed a votive candleholder into a succulent planter. I painted the top, added gravel to each opening, filled them with soil and succulents, and finished the look with sand and small crystals. Initially the succulents looked healthy and thriving:
Up close, the plants were clearly doing well at first:
How did it evolve? Keeping succulents in very shallow, non-draining holes proved challenging. I grew tired of repeatedly replacing wilting plants. The planter fit so well with my retro-modern powder room that I didn’t want to give it up. The solution was to let the piece become a mixed display of plants and minerals: I kept one healthy succulent, added an air plant (which needs no soil and requires minimal care), and arranged crystals in the remaining openings. The result is visually interesting and much less high-maintenance.
Verdict and tips: If you try this, select a container with deeper planting openings or leave some compartments for non-potted elements like air plants and crystals. That approach reduces maintenance and keeps the planter attractive for longer. I get compliments on this piece all the time, and it still brings a smile every time I use the bathroom sink.
A Hanging Vase with Neon Cording
This hanging vase remains a favorite because it’s affordable and very easy to make. Neon paracord and simple macramé-style knots create a modern take on a retro craft. The finished piece is sturdy and versatile—mine usually hangs in the bedroom, and I’m considering a second one for the patio.
How it’s held up: Extremely well. The paracord knotting method adapts to vases of different sizes and shapes, and I regularly refresh the vase with fresh greenery or flowers. Because it’s so simple to make, I’ve even used the same knotting technique on a wall hanging project.
Verdict: Fast, simple, and durable. It’s an easy way to add a modern, handmade accent to any room or outdoor space.
A DIY Monochromatic Painting
To add a teal-green accent to my bedroom, I created an ombré-style monochromatic painting. Layering and blending craft paint on canvas made the process relaxing and enjoyable, and the result added a focused pop of color to the room.
When laid flat on my outdoor table you can see how the color shifts from a bright emerald center to deeper forest tones at the edges:
Has it lasted? Absolutely. I display this painting on my dresser, where it serves as a perfect backdrop for a small terrarium. The colors remain vibrant, and the project is another simple, effective way to introduce or emphasize a color palette in any room.
A DIY Round Shelf
This round shelf was made from two embroidery hoop rings glued together for thickness, plus a cut piece of craft wood that serves as a central ledge. The process requires patience and precision, but results in a lightweight, modern shelf without sanding, sawing, or drilling.
Paint the outer ring in your chosen color and add cording for hanging. I consider this my favorite DIY to date.
Durability and use: The shelf stays sturdy as long as you limit it to lightweight items—small minerals, a marble piece, or other decorative accents. If you need it to hold more weight, add small brackets under the wooden ledge for extra support.
Verdict: Trendy and fun. The shelf celebrates geometric flair and is a satisfying one-hour project for anyone who wants a polished, handmade accent without heavy tools.
A Modern Wall Hanging
This piece combines a copper pipe, yarn, and simple knotting to produce a modern wall hanging with retro charm. I made it initially to bring color and texture to a Thanksgiving table, but it’s easy to refresh by swapping yarn colors to match different seasons or holidays.
How it changed: I swapped the bright orange yarn after Thanksgiving for glittery taupe and shiny beige for the holidays. The structure stayed the same, but the new palette created a seasonal, more neutral look.
Verdict: This modern wall hanging taps into a popular trend and gives you lots of flexibility. Swap out yarn segments seasonally to keep the piece fresh. It’s an affordable, high-impact DIY that’s easy to remake or adapt.
Thanks for joining me for this follow-up on projects past. Crafting can have bumps along the way, but it’s always rewarding. Don’t be afraid to adapt your projects, learn from mistakes, and make each new piece better. Happy crafting!