(Image credit: Kirsten's Bluebird of Happiness House) Here’s the unfortunate truth about 99% of all living spaces: every house and apartment - large or small - likely has something that's weird, oddly placed, or just plain ugly. These persistent little problems (cords, vents, pipes, outlets) might drive you nuts, but stay they must, especially if you are a renter. The only solution is to get creative…. Here are 10 common household eyesores, and DIY projects and ideas to help you disguise them: (Image credit: Julie Blanner) 1. Appliances: Not everyone is as entranced by your mustard-colored stove as you are. If you are staging your house to sell, or your partner can’t handle the color anymore, try a quick makeover using stainless steel sheets. (Image credit: Ana White) 2. Bathroom Fans: I have yet to see an attractive one of these. Ana White has plans available for a vent cover that you can build. A larger version is good for wall vents as well. (Image credit: Fred Beck)

3. Litter Boxes: Yucky. I don’t think you have to be persuaded to hide your litter boxes. Here are a multitude of ideas for a very common pet problem.my ac unit is iced up (Image credit: The Lettered Cottage)floor standing ac dubai 4. Popcorn Ceilings: The Lettered Cottage covered up their speckled finish with white wooden planks.rattle in ac compressor (Image credit: Paula Grace) 5. Flat Screen Televisions: This modern problem can be fixed by installing folding screens on a recessed wall in front of the tv. Open them up at night, and shut them when you aren’t watching the Real Housewives. (Image credit: Chez Larsson) 6. Radiators: Radiator covers mask what’s underneath and become almost an added piece of furniture.

Chez Larsson made this very streamlined one. (Image credit: Manhattan Nest) Of course, if you don’t want to build a cover, or are worried about heat loss, paint it instead. Here are five strategies to choose from. (Image credit: One Kings Lane) 7. Wall Outlets: One Kings Lane used a hinged painting to cover up an ugly control panel. Do the same for any alarm, outlet, wall safe(!), or phone jack. It’s stylish, yet readily accessible. 8. Electric Cords: There are infinite ways to hide unwieldy cords, plugs, and other tech-y stuff, but I particularly like the look of books. (Image credit: Canadian House & Home) 9. Sink Plumbing: If you have exposed pipes, either under a pedestal sink, or in a laundry room slop sink, a sewn skirt is an easy fix. It also is a another curtain behind which to hide cleaning supplies on the sly. (Or, hey, you can paint your lines lime green as in the lead photo above.) 10. A/C Window Units: Hot weather is coming, believe it or not, and that means your wall unit will make its way into your window soon (if it’s not there already).

A simple fix is to hang cafe curtains on the lower part of your window, using a tension rod.A hard-to-hide household eyesore can sink your home’s appeal.These ideas will disguise what’s ugly without breaking the bank.1. How to Hide an AC UnitKim, the hardworking mom who pens “The Kim Six Fix,” was tired of her AC unit being a blot on her patio. So she concealed it with a louvered DIY screen. Why makes her idea so special?Other potential solutions would block her unit’s airflow. The slats on this cover-up direct air toward the unit while keeping it out of sight.To find out how to build your own, see her tutorial.Project cost: Kim didn’t specify, but we estimate materials to cost around $125.Tip: If you want to make your patio even more comfortable, these ideas will enhance your outdoor space. 2. How to Conceal a Crater in Your CeilingCatherine and Bryan, the DIY duo behind the blog “Beginning in the Middle,” added more functionality to their 1920s home when they updated its wiring.

Unfortunately, the electricians left a gaping hole in their ceiling.The couple wasn’t sure how to repair the hole. Plus, duplicating the ceiling’s one-of-a-kind painted texture would be nearly impossible.So they scoured the Internet for possible solutions, and they came up with a really good-looking and affordable fix — foam ceiling tiles.  The tiles were not only a cinch to install, but they also added architectural interest to their home.  For the full DIY skinny, check out their tutorial.Project cost: $400Tip: You can fix small holes in drywall with a cosmetic sponge — seriously. How to Camouflage a Cement FenceWest Sacramento, Calif., DIYer Jalena Rusaw-Slape wasn’t a fan of the cinder block fence that separates her backyard from the main road. So she disguised it using sheet metal and wood fencing. Her beautifying project took two days and plenty of elbow grease. For additional DIY details, check out her tutorial.Project cost: $150Tip: A unique fence can boost your home’s value.

Find a style that’s up your alley here. 4. How to Hide Unsightly Walls and PipesBecky, the neat-and-tidy maven from the blog “Organizing Made Fun,” wanted to make her basement laundry room — and laundry day — more pleasant. She concealed the ugly mess of pipes that ran along the dingy concrete wall by her washer and utility sink with a brightly stenciled pegboard that also provides storage. She says her practical idea took the drudgery out of laundry chores. You can get the full tutorial here.Project cost: $50Tip: Save energy while adding more functionality to your laundry room with this DIY drying rack. Build two frames out of 1x4s. Each is 44" tall and 42" wide. Use a pneumatic staple gun to attach 1' x 3' cedar planks to the frame to make the screen (Image 1). We chose cedar for its weather resistance. Drill pilot holes for the wrought-iron hinges, which will join the frames. The hinges will allow the homeowner to easily fold up and remove the screen when the A/C unit needs to be serviced.

We chose wrought iron because it matches the style of the house. Attach the wrought-iron hinges with screws (Image 2). Attach the cane bolts with the mounting bracket and screws that are supplied with the bolts (Image 3). Cane bolts are often used to secure gates. Place screen in front of AC unit and secure bolts in ground. Sign up for weekly project ideas and advice from experts Privacy Policy Sign Up for More We love to DIY. You love to DIY. See the latest DIY projects, catch up on trends and meet more cool people who love to create. Make It. Fix It. Learn It. Find It. Get quick inspiration from Made + Remade each week. Try These Plants and Groundcovers The Essential Steps to Landscape Design 10 Things You Must Know About Landscaping Lush Landscaping Creates Major Curb Appeal Reducing the Size of a Lawn Making A Checkerboard Patio Garden Some of the Most Desperate Landscapes Water-Wise Landscape for the Northeast Desperation Turnaround: America's Most Desperate Landscape 2012