I am not a carpenter. I don't own a table saw. I've never built anything more complicated than a raised garden bed. But over the years I've collected a handful of DIY projects that are genuinely achievable for someone like me — and the results look like they came from a boutique home goods store.

Here are five of my favorites.

1. Shiplap accent wall (peel-and-stick)

Real shiplap requires a saw, nails, and a fair amount of skill. Peel-and-stick shiplap wallpaper requires a level, a utility knife, and an afternoon. The results are surprisingly convincing, especially in a bedroom or bathroom. I did our mudroom in a weekend and it completely transformed the space.

Cost: $60–$120 depending on wall size

2. Wooden bead garland

Thread natural wooden beads onto jute twine and drape over a mirror, mantel, or doorway. That's it. It takes about an hour and costs almost nothing. The effect is warm, textural, and unmistakably farmhouse.

Cost: Under $15

3. Painted terracotta pots

Plain terracotta pots painted in muted, earthy tones — creamy white, sage green, warm terracotta — look beautiful grouped together on a porch or windowsill. Use chalk paint for a matte finish that doesn't require sealing. Plant with herbs, succulents, or trailing ivy.

Cost: $20–$30 for pots and paint

4. Linen curtains from drop cloth

Painter's drop cloth (the canvas kind, not plastic) makes surprisingly beautiful curtains. Wash and dry it first to soften it, then hem to length. The natural, slightly uneven texture is perfect for a farmhouse aesthetic. A pair of curtains for a standard window costs about $15 in drop cloth.

Cost: $15–$25 per window

5. Floating wood shelf

A simple floating shelf made from a piece of rough-cut lumber and a few brackets is one of the most versatile farmhouse additions you can make. Use it in the kitchen for spices and small plants, in the bathroom for towels and candles, or in the entryway for keys and mail. No special skills required — just a drill, a level, and a stud finder.

Cost: $25–$45 depending on size

Pick one this weekend. There's something deeply satisfying about making something with your own hands — even something small. That satisfaction is very much part of the farmhouse life.