Top 17 'Artisan-Aesthetic' Homeware Projects to create for beginners personalizing their first apartment
Congratulations on your first apartment! That incredible feeling of closing the door, knowing this space is all yours, is unparalleled. It’s a blank canvas, a fresh start, and a place to truly express who you are. But let's be honest, after the deposits, first month's rent, and essential furniture, the budget for decor can be… well, a little tight. It’s easy to end up with a space that feels more like a showroom for generic, big-box items than a reflection of your unique personality.
This is where the magic happens. Instead of just buying decor, you're going to create it. We're not talking about clunky, obviously-DIY projects. We're diving into the world of the 'artisan-aesthetic'—creating beautiful, textured, and bespoke homeware that looks like it came from a high-end boutique or a local craft market. These pieces are all about embracing imperfection, celebrating natural materials, and infusing your home with a story. A story that starts with you.
Here at the Goh Ling Yong blog, we believe that your home should be your sanctuary and a gallery of your life. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to transform your new apartment from a simple dwelling into a personalized haven. Here are 17 of our favorite artisan-aesthetic homeware projects, perfect for beginners looking to make their mark.
1. Air-Dry Clay Trinket Dishes
There's something wonderfully grounding about working with clay. These little dishes are the perfect entry point because air-dry clay is incredibly forgiving—no kiln required! They are perfect for holding keys by the door, jewelry on your nightstand, or even a fancy bar of soap in the bathroom. The charm lies in their organic, slightly uneven shapes, which scream 'handmade with love.'
To start, you just need a block of air-dry clay, a rolling pin, and a small knife. Roll out the clay, cut out a circle (tracing around a small bowl works great), and gently press the edges upward to form a shallow dish. Let it dry completely for 24-48 hours. Once dry, you can lightly sand any rough edges, then paint it with acrylics.
Pro-Tip: Keep it simple for a minimalist look with a solid neutral color. For a touch of glam, paint just the rim of the dish with metallic gold paint. You can also press a leaf or a piece of lace into the clay before it dries to create a beautiful, subtle texture.
2. Hand-Painted Terracotta Pots
Houseplants are a first-apartment staple, instantly adding life and color to any room. Instead of leaving them in their plain plastic nursery pots, give them a stylish home with hand-painted terracotta. Terracotta is cheap, porous (which plants love), and provides the perfect canvas for your creativity. This is one of the easiest ways to create a cohesive look for your burgeoning plant collection.
Grab some simple terracotta pots, acrylic paint, and a few brushes. You can go for bold, abstract geometric patterns, simple color-blocking, or even a whimsical face planter. Painter's tape is your best friend for creating crisp, clean lines. Make sure you seal the inside of the pot if you plan to plant directly in it to prevent water from bubbling the paint.
Pro-Tip: For a more rustic, aged look, try a "whitewash" technique. Simply water down some white paint (about a 1:1 ratio) and brush it on, wiping off the excess with a cloth. This gives the pot a beautiful, weathered patina that looks like it's been sitting in a European garden for years.
3. Simple Macrame Plant Hangers
Nothing says 'bohemian-chic' quite like a macrame plant hanger. While intricate patterns can look intimidating, the basic knots are surprisingly easy to learn. A simple hanger made with just a few square knots and a gathering knot can be completed in under an hour and will instantly elevate your greenery, drawing the eye upward and making your space feel bigger.
All you need is macrame cord (3mm or 4mm is great for beginners), a wooden or metal ring, and a pair of scissors. There are thousands of free tutorials online for simple patterns. The repetitive motion of knotting is incredibly meditative, making this a wonderfully relaxing project to unwind with after a long day of unpacking.
Pro-Tip: Don't stick to just jute or cotton cord. Experiment with colored cords to match your decor or even recycled t-shirt yarn for a chunkier, softer look.
4. Abstract Canvas Painting
You do not need to be Picasso to create stunning wall art. Abstract painting is all about color, texture, and emotion, not technical skill. It's the perfect way to create a large-scale, statement piece for your living room without the hefty price tag of gallery art. This is your chance to play with a color palette that perfectly matches your new throw pillows or rug.
Start with a blank canvas (any size works!), a few of your favorite acrylic paint colors, and some brushes. You can also experiment with palette knives for creating thick texture, or even a spray bottle with water to make the colors bleed and blend beautifully. There are no rules—just have fun and stop when you love what you see.
Pro-Tip: For a sophisticated, textured look, mix a bit of joint compound or spackle into your paint. This creates a thick, paste-like consistency that you can sculpt on the canvas for a 3D effect that looks incredibly high-end.
5. Pressed Flower Frames
Capture the delicate beauty of nature by creating your own pressed flower art. This project has a timeless, romantic feel and is a wonderful way to preserve a flower from a special bouquet or simply from a walk in the park. Displayed in a simple glass frame, these pieces add a touch of organic elegance to a gallery wall or a bookshelf.
Gently press your flowers and leaves between the pages of a heavy book (with parchment paper to protect the pages) for 2-4 weeks until they are completely dry and flat. Then, carefully arrange them on a piece of cardstock or directly between the two panes of glass in a floating frame. The minimalist presentation is what makes this project so stunning.
Pro-Tip: Choose a frame with a bit of depth, or a "floating frame," for the best effect. This makes the flowers appear suspended in air. Arrange the flowers in a crescent shape or a simple cascade for a modern, artful composition.
6. DIY Terrazzo-Style Coasters or Trays
The terrazzo trend is everywhere, from high-end countertops to designer decor. You can easily replicate this chic, speckled look yourself using polymer clay. Create a set of custom coasters, a small tray for your coffee table, or even drawer pulls. It’s a versatile technique that looks incredibly polished and professional.
You’ll need several colors of polymer clay, including a base color (like white, beige, or black). Roll tiny pieces of your accent colors and mix them into the base color, then roll the whole thing out into a slab. The small bits of color will spread out, creating the terrazzo effect. Cut out your shapes, bake according to the package directions, and finish with a light sanding and a coat of sealant.
Pro-Tip: Don't be afraid to experiment with your color palette! A neutral base with pops of mustard yellow and terracotta looks very contemporary, while a black base with jewel tones feels dramatic and luxe.
7. Hand-Stamped Tea Towels
Elevate your kitchen with custom tea towels that are almost too pretty to use. This is a wonderfully simple project that adds a huge dose of personality to a very functional item. All you need are plain cotton or linen tea towels, fabric paint, and something to use as a stamp.
You can carve your own simple stamp from a potato or a block of rubber, or use pre-made craft stamps. Think simple shapes like leaves, triangles, or even just a simple plus sign. A random, all-over pattern gives a playful and modern vibe. Just be sure to heat-set the paint with an iron (following the paint's instructions) to make it washable.
Pro-Tip: Try the "block printing" style. Create one or two simple stamps and repeat them in a grid or a border pattern. This creates a sophisticated, textile-designer look that feels very intentional and artisan.
8. Upcycled Glass Jar Vases
Before you toss that empty pasta sauce or pickle jar into the recycling, see it for what it could be: a beautiful, rustic vase. With a bit of paint and creativity, you can transform your glass waste into a stunning collection of vessels for flowers, kitchen utensils, or pens. Grouping three or five of them together makes for a lovely centerpiece.
The easiest method is to paint the inside of the jar. Simply pour some acrylic paint in, swirl it around to coat the entire interior, and then pour out the excess. Let it dry upside down. This leaves a smooth, glossy finish on the outside. For a more textured, ceramic look, you can paint the outside with chalk paint or a paint mixed with baking soda.
Pro-Tip: For a coastal or farmhouse vibe, wrap the jar tightly with jute twine or rope, securing the ends with a hot glue gun. This adds fantastic texture and warmth.
9. Minimalist Line Art Prints
You don't need to be a skilled illustrator to create chic, minimalist line art. The beauty of this style is its simplicity. Abstract faces, botanical outlines, and simple silhouettes are incredibly popular and easy to replicate. This is a super affordable way to fill frames for a gallery wall.
Find a design you love online and either print it out to trace or use it as inspiration to draw your own on a piece of nice, thick paper. A simple black fine-liner pen is all you need. The key is to use confident, continuous lines. Don't worry if it's not perfect—the slight wobbles are part of the handmade charm.
Pro-Tip: Frame your art in a simple black or natural wood frame, but use a mat that is slightly oversized. This negative space makes the simple drawing feel more important and artful.
10. Painted Wooden Utensils
Add a surprising pop of color to your kitchen utensil crock with this incredibly simple DIY. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big impact and can help tie your kitchen's color scheme together. It’s a great way to make a cheap set of bamboo or wooden spoons look like they came from a fancy kitchen store.
Simply tape off the handle of a plain wooden spoon or spatula, leaving the bottom few inches exposed. Paint the handle with a few coats of non-toxic, food-safe acrylic paint. Once it's dry, apply a coat of food-safe sealant to protect the color. Create a whole set with different complementary colors.
Pro-Tip: Try color-dipping them at an angle instead of straight across for a more dynamic, modern look. Or, create simple patterns like stripes or dots on the handles.
11. Washi Tape Wall Art
Need a big impact with zero commitment? Washi tape is your new best friend. This decorative paper tape comes in endless colors and patterns and can be applied directly to your walls to create amazing geometric designs. It’s perfect for renters because it peels off easily without damaging the paint.
Use it to create a cool geometric mountain range mural behind your bed, a simple grid pattern on a small accent wall, or to outline door frames. Use a level and a ruler for precise designs, or just eyeball it for a more freeform, organic look. This is a fantastic way to add personality to a room without the mess and permanence of paint.
Pro-Tip: Create faux "wallpaper" in a small space like a powder room or an entryway nook by applying strips of patterned washi tape in vertical lines, spaced a few inches apart.
12. Fabric-Wrapped Storage Boxes
Every first apartment needs smart storage solutions, but plastic bins and cardboard boxes can be an eyesore. Elevate your organization by wrapping simple boxes in beautiful fabric. This is a great way to hide clutter in plain sight on a bookshelf or in a cube storage unit.
All you need is a sturdy box (a shoebox or a cheap photo box works well), a piece of fabric you love, and a spray adhesive or hot glue gun. It’s like wrapping a present, but you fold the fabric neatly inside the box. It’s a simple way to create custom storage that perfectly matches your decor.
Pro-Tip: Add a leather or rope pull to the front of the box to make it easier to grab off a shelf and to give it an even more polished, high-end look.
13. No-Sew Fleece Tie Blanket
Every home needs a super cozy throw blanket for movie nights on the couch. This is perhaps the easiest textile project on the planet, and the result is a plush, warm, and personal blanket. It requires absolutely no sewing, just a sharp pair of scissors and some finger dexterity.
You’ll need two pieces of fleece fabric of the same size (pick a solid and a pattern for a fun contrast). Lay them on top of each other, cut a small square out of each corner, and then cut fringes of equal width all the way around the perimeter, through both layers. Then, simply tie the top and bottom fringes together with a double knot. That’s it!
Pro-Tip: Before you start tying, stretch each fringe slightly. This helps it curl a bit and makes the knots look neater and more professional.
14. Gold Leaf Accented Objects
A little bit of gold can make almost anything look more luxurious. Gold leafing is a classic technique that is surprisingly easy to master and can be used to add a touch of glamour to countless objects. A simple ceramic vase, a plain picture frame, or a clay dish can be instantly transformed with a bit of metallic shine.
You'll need a gold leaf kit, which usually comes with adhesive size and the delicate metal sheets. You simply paint the adhesive on the area you want to gild, wait for it to get tacky, and then gently press the gold leaf sheet onto it. Use a soft brush to burnish it on and brush away the excess. The imperfect, slightly flaky finish is part of the artisan charm.
Pro-Tip: Try a "gilded edge" on things. Apply gold leaf to just the rim of a pot, the edge of a canvas, or the legs of a small stool for a subtle but incredibly chic effect.
15. DIY Rope Coil Basket
These beautiful, sturdy baskets are perfect for holding everything from fruit on the counter to toiletries in the bathroom. They have a wonderful, tactile quality and a neutral, coastal vibe that works with many decor styles. They look complicated, but they are made with a simple coiling and sewing technique.
You just need thick cotton rope and a needle with some sturdy embroidery thread. Start by coiling the end of the rope into a tight spiral to form the base. Using your needle and thread, stitch the coils together as you go, wrapping the thread around the adjoining pieces of rope. Once your base is the desired size, simply start building the coils upwards to form the walls.
Pro-Tip: Use a colored embroidery thread that contrasts with your rope (like navy thread on a white rope) to make the stitches a visible, decorative element of the design.
16. Driftwood & Yarn Wall Hanging
For a softer, more organic take on wall art, try creating a wall hanging using a piece of driftwood (or even a simple dowel or tree branch) and yarn. This is a great way to play with texture and color, and it’s a more modern alternative to a traditional woven tapestry.
Simply cut various lengths of different colored and textured yarns. Attach them to the piece of wood using a simple lark's head knot. You can arrange them in a V-shape, a straight line, or an asymmetrical design. Trim the bottom ends to create your desired shape. You can also add other elements like wooden beads or feathers.
Pro-top: Play with texture! Combine chunky wool roving with thin cotton yarn and maybe something with a bit of sparkle. The contrast is what will make your piece truly unique and eye-catching.
17. Simple Concrete Bookends or Planters
Don't be intimidated by concrete! Working with it on a small scale is incredibly easy and yields stunning, industrial-chic results. You can create hefty, minimalist bookends or small, geometric planters that are perfect for succulents.
All you need is a bag of quick-set concrete mix and a mold. For bookends, you can use an empty milk carton cut in half. For planters, you can use plastic cups of different sizes (one inside the other). Just mix the concrete with water to a pancake-batter consistency, pour it into your mold, and let it cure. Once it's hard, peel away the mold.
Pro-Tip: For a popular two-tone look, use painter's tape to section off part of your finished concrete piece and paint it with a metallic or a bright pop of color. The contrast between the raw, industrial concrete and the smooth, perfect paint is stunning.
Creating a home that feels like you is a journey, not a destination. Don't be afraid to experiment, make mistakes, and let your personality shine through in every project you tackle. These homeware ideas are just a starting point. The real beauty of the artisan-aesthetic is that each piece will be uniquely yours, filled with the story of its creation and the care you put into it.
So, which project are you most excited to try first? Pick one that speaks to you, put on your favorite playlist, and start making your new apartment feel like home. Share your creations with us in the comments below or tag us on social media—we can’t wait to see the beautiful space you create
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
Stay updated with the latest posts and insights by following on your favorite platform!