If you want a creative project that won’t break your budget, consider DIYs with paint. Painting an entire room or house can take time and effort, but smaller projects can be accomplished in a single weekend. You can even make your own custom decor by upcycling items you already own. Here are some budget-friendly DIY ideas with paint to try:

Decorate your coffee cup

Bring new life to your old cups and mugs by adding some paint. There are many kinds of paint you can use depending on what the cup is made of. Acrylic paints will work on most surfaces, but check the label to make sure it’s suitable for glazed ceramic, glass, metal or plastic. For a simple and modern geometric DIY paint project, try making angles and shapes with painter's tape. Opt for metallic gold or silver to add a bit of shine.

Paint your chalkboard wall

Another fun DIY with paint is creating your own chalkboard wall. You can buy chalkboard paint at any craft or home improvement store and use it to transform any surface in your home. For a simple chalkboard wall DIY, section off a rectangular space on the wall with painter’s tape. Fill in the space with a solid coat of paint, adding more if the included directions recommend it. Once it dries you’ll have a perfect spot for doodles, lists and pretty cool inspiring messages.

Add color to drawers and cabinets

If you have dressers, cupboards or cabinets with drab, unpainted drawers, try adding a fresh coat of paint to the inside surfaces. You can add fun pops of color to the inside of dresser drawers and even the backs of shelves. The color choice is completely up to your preference, whether you want something bold and bright or neutral. Even a coat of bright white on the inside of a drawer can refresh the entire piece and make the storage space seem larger.

These are just a few of the best budget-friendly DIY ideas with paint. Try these and other paint projects to add new life to your existing walls and furnishings.

Many homeowners arrange their living rooms with TV placement as their priority. As a common focal point, a TV can pose some design challenges, especially in small or unusually shaped rooms.

However, there are plenty of places to put your television in your living room without sacrificing style or comfort. To help you find the best arrangement for your living space, here are some points to consider:

Power source & outlet placement

Concerning practicality, it's important to think about placing your TV near an outlet or power source. Extension cords are plentiful and useful, but it can be a hassle to route an abundance of wiring around the room.

Remember to account for your other devices when planning TV placement as well. It’s not only your TV you’ll be plugging in - DVD, Blu-ray, sound systems and game consoles all require power of their own.

Windows & screen glare

Think about where your windows are in the room and avoid placing your TV directly opposite of them. If you have east or west-facing windows, consider the glare from low-angled sunshine early and late in the day.

Window screen glare can be eliminated by heavy curtains or closed blinds. Other sources of glare, like task or accent lighting, should be avoided when possible for a clear picture.

TV stands & living room furniture

Consider what support you need for your television. If wall mounting a TV, identify and measure the locations of studs before drilling any holes. If you prefer to use a TV stand, consider what style will work best in your living room.

Open shelves keep your components easily accessible, while closed cabinets have a sleeker aesthetic. For a fully integrated entertainment center, plan your TV placement alongside wall shelves for the best possible use of wall space.

Gas leaks are a dangerous problem for homeowners. These leaks, which can occur from gas stoves, fireplaces and other gas-powered appliances, cause natural gas to build up inside your house, which can lead to serious and potentially deadly health problems. So it's important to know when you might have a gas leak. Here are a few of the signs your gas is leaking:

Rotten egg odor

One of the most noticeable signs of a gas leak is a rotten egg smell in your home. The odor comes from a chemical that's added to natural gas, since gas itself is odorless. If you smell sulfur or rotten eggs in your home, especially if the odor is strong, this might indicate a gas leak.

Higher gas bills

Slow-leaking gas is harder to detect. If your gas bills and usage have been higher than normal, this might mean you have a gas leak somewhere in your home. Talk to your local gas company about your bill increase and have a professional plumber inspect your gas lines and make repairs as needed.

Plant problems

Houseplants or plants near your home with stunted growth could indicate a gas leak. These leaks can also cause plants to die by preventing them from absorbing oxygen. Yellowish grass patches on your lawn close to your house can also be a sign of gas leaks.

Hissing noises and air bubbles

Hissing sounds in your home can occur when there's a gas leak in appliances or pipes. This noise can happen even when appliances are shut off. Air bubbles in mud or puddles outside your home can occur when underground pipes have a gas leak.

Health Issues

You might experience health issues if your home has a gas leak. These symptoms might include headaches, breathing problems, fatigue, lightheadedness and nausea. More serious symptoms can include memory problems, more severe headaches and loss of consciousness. Seek medical care right away if you experience possible symptoms of natural gas poisoning.

If you notice any signs of a gas leak, use your gas shut-off valve to prevent more gas from leaking into your house. Open your windows and have everyone in your home, including pets, leave immediately. Then call 911 to report a gas leak in your home and wait outside for help to arrive.