BuzzFeed's 36 subtle DIY home improvements

BuzzFeed added a new entry to its Shopping Home coverage on May 20 with a 36-item list of small DIY upgrades pitched as high-impact changes that do not require a full renovation. The article, written by BuzzFeed staff writer Courtney Lynch, was posted in the outlet’s home-shopping vertical and framed the ideas as “subtle” and “simple” changes for readers looking to update a space with limited effort. (buzzfeed.com) The roundup relies on product examples, customer reviews and before-and-after style visuals rather than contractor-led renovation plans. ### What exactly did BuzzFeed publish? BuzzFeed’s May 20 post was titled “36 Subtle *And* Simple DIY Upgrades That’ll Still Impact Your Home In A Big Way,” according to the article page. (buzzfeed.com) The piece sits in the company’s Shopping Home section and opens with the line, “Here’s proof that you don’t have to break your back for home improvements.” Courtney Lynch is credited as the writer on the post. Her author bio on the page says she has spent the last three years as a shopping writer at BuzzFeed covering home, organization and personal-care products. (buzzfeed.com) ### What kinds of upgrades made the list? Item No. 1 in the roundup is a 3D-printed switchplate cover sold on Etsy, which the article describes as a way to add “vintage vibes” and color to a room. The post says the product comes from Shape by Shake, which it identifies as a Texas-based small business. A second example in the article is removable prismatic window film, which BuzzFeed says can add privacy and light effects without glue or permanent residue. (buzzfeed.com) A third example is a velvet slipcover for an older couch, presented as a lower-cost alternative to replacing a sofa outright. ### How is the article presented to readers? BuzzFeed structures the piece as a commerce-style listicle, with each entry paired with product descriptions, pricing references and excerpts from customer reviews. The article page also includes BuzzFeed’s standard disclosure that the company and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from links on the page. (buzzfeed.com) The examples surfaced in the first entries show the editorial approach: small decorative hardware, peel-and-stick style treatments and soft-furnishing swaps rather than demolition, cabinetry replacement or permit-level work. (buzzfeed.com) That keeps the article aligned with weekend-project and renter-friendly browsing habits common in BuzzFeed’s shopping coverage. ### Where do the before-and-after elements fit in? BuzzFeed’s article uses transformation language throughout the list, including phrases such as “total transformation” for a couch slipcover example and product images intended to show visual contrast before and after installation. (buzzfeed.com) The article preview returned in search also describes the package as a set of DIY upgrades that will “make a big impact on your home.” Separate search results tied to the social discussion around the post also surfaced a 1970s kitchen remodel article showing before-and-after photography and describing a shift from a 220-square-foot kitchen to more than 500 square feet after reconfiguration. (buzzfeed.com) That remodel article is not BuzzFeed’s own reporting, but it reflects the type of transformation imagery circulating alongside the BuzzFeed post on social platforms. ### What can readers check next? BuzzFeed’s post is live in the Shopping Home section under Courtney Lynch’s byline as of May 20. The article page lists 36 entries, and readers looking for the full set of products, prices and images can find them on the BuzzFeed item page and associated Shopping Home feed. (buzzfeed.com) (fourgenerationsoneroof.com)