Taking a do-it-yourself approach to your home decor can not only save you a ton of money, but can also be incredibly rewarding. Here are five sites that offer great ideas for DIY projects.

1. apartmenttherapy.com has been around since 2007 and is the web’s most popular resource for DIY projects. You’ll find tutorials, inspiration galleries, photo home tours, and more.

2. manmadediy.com specializes in rustic, industrial, and (you guessed it) masculine DIY ideas. You’ll learn how to build shelves from old belts and 2x4s, or make a desk out of an old door.

3. vintagerevivals.com is a great site if mid-century modern is more your style. You’ll get some tips on how to capture that Mad Men look.

4. brightnest.com combines the DIY spirit with important home maintenance tips, and even reminds you when you need to com- plete a task, like replacing smoke detector batteries.

5. thedesignconfidential.com is perhaps the most complete online DIY resource. It has illustrated instructions and complete materials lists for hundreds of projects. The handier you are, the more useful this site will be. 

According to a recent survey conducted by houzz.com, here are five things that consistently make people happy with their homes.

1. Big windows and comfortable furniture
Nearly 75 percent of respondents listed these two items as major difference-makers. It’s a no-brainer—people like lots of light and a good place to relax.

2. A big-screen TV
This is more likely to be a key feature for men than women. 40 percent of men said having a big-screen TV makes them happy with their homes, compared to just 17 percent of women.

3. Overall design and layout
87 percent of the 6,000 people surveyed said the design of the home is a major contributor to overall happiness. If you’re unhappy with your home and there’s a project you’ve been wanting to tackle, get to it!

4. Home cookin’
39 percent of respondents said the scent of good cooking or baking made them happiest. Clearly, it helps to have a capable chef around the house!

5. Keep it tidy
72 percent of homeowners said they’re happiest when their houses are clean and well-organized. If you want to be happier with your home, try having a place for everything, and put everything in its place.