Are you looking to give your home in Costa Rica a fresh feel without hiring contractors or starting a major renovation? You’re not alone. Whether you live near the beach or up in the cooler mountains, a few simple DIY projects can completely transform your space. The key is knowing what works best in Costa Rica’s climate and lifestyle — and how to tackle the project yourself with confidence.
You want quick wins. You want to make your home feel more inviting, and you probably don’t want to spend a fortune or wait weeks for supplies. So, what are some easy ways to refresh your home in Costa Rica without the stress? This guide will walk you through a few practical, stunning updates that work with the natural environment — and your time and budget.
Add Color with Tropical-Inspired Paint Accents
Painting is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to give your space a whole new vibe. And in your Costa Rica home, bold color just works. Think ocean blues, leafy greens, sun-washed yellows, and warm terracotta.
You don’t have to paint an entire room. Just focus on an accent wall, door, or even a window frame. Choose moisture-resistant paint that holds up to humidity — look for brands rated for tropical conditions. Don’t forget to prep your surfaces first. Clean, dry walls help paint stick better in the heat.
Want to create a breezy, open feeling? Try a pale aqua on one wall in your living room, or bring in warmth with a deep coral tone behind your bed. If you’re not sure what will work, test a few swatches and see how they look at different times of day. After all, what looks great at noon might feel totally different at sunset.
You don’t have to paint an entire room. Just focus on an accent wall, door, or even a window frame. Choose moisture-resistant paint that holds up to humidity — look for brands rated for tropical conditions. Don’t forget to prep your surfaces first. Clean, dry walls help paint stick better in the heat.
Want to create a breezy, open feeling? Try a pale aqua on one wall in your living room, or bring in warmth with a deep coral tone behind your bed. If you’re not sure what will work, test a few swatches and see how they look at different times of day. After all, what looks great at noon might feel totally different at sunset.
Refresh Outdoor Living Spaces with Natural Touches
If you live in Costa Rica, chances are, you spend plenty of time outside. Whether it’s a patio, terrace, or just a covered porch, your outdoor space can feel like an extension of your home. Plus, it doesn’t take much to upgrade it.
Start by cleaning everything thoroughly. Humidity and dust can dull furniture and tile quickly. Once it’s clean, add easy touches like a bamboo privacy screen, hanging plants, or woven baskets. Use local materials — teak, driftwood, rattan, or clay — to add texture and durability.
Want to make your space cozier? Try adding outdoor cushions in washable fabrics. Neutral tones work well with pops of color from throw pillows or hammocks. Solar-powered string lights or lanterns also go a long way in creating an inviting atmosphere.
Start by cleaning everything thoroughly. Humidity and dust can dull furniture and tile quickly. Once it’s clean, add easy touches like a bamboo privacy screen, hanging plants, or woven baskets. Use local materials — teak, driftwood, rattan, or clay — to add texture and durability.
Want to make your space cozier? Try adding outdoor cushions in washable fabrics. Neutral tones work well with pops of color from throw pillows or hammocks. Solar-powered string lights or lanterns also go a long way in creating an inviting atmosphere.
Create a Statement Wall with Local Art or Handmade Decor
Costa Rica is full of talented artists, and their work can give your space a sense of place you can’t find anywhere else. A DIY art wall is a perfect way to showcase local creativity while making your home more personal.
Visit local markets and look for paintings, wood carvings, woven textiles, or ceramic tiles. Even postcards or handmade paper can be framed and turned into art. Try grouping smaller pieces together in a gallery wall to make a significant impact.
If you're into crafts, try making your own wall hangings using natural materials like driftwood, macramé cord, or dried palm leaves. It’s an easy weekend project that adds personality to any room.
Visit local markets and look for paintings, wood carvings, woven textiles, or ceramic tiles. Even postcards or handmade paper can be framed and turned into art. Try grouping smaller pieces together in a gallery wall to make a significant impact.
If you're into crafts, try making your own wall hangings using natural materials like driftwood, macramé cord, or dried palm leaves. It’s an easy weekend project that adds personality to any room.
Swap Out Hardware for an Instant Upgrade
You’d be surprised how much difference a few straightforward changes can make. Swapping out drawer pulls, cabinet handles, and doorknobs is quick and affordable and makes your furniture or kitchen feel brand-new.
Look for materials that hold up well in humid conditions. Stainless steel, bronze, or ceramic tend to last longer than cheap metals, which can rust quickly in coastal areas. You can find plenty of options in local hardware stores or markets.
Pick a finish that complements your space. Matte black adds a modern touch, while brushed bronze brings in warmth. Colorful ceramic knobs add a touch of charm and work especially well in kitchens and bathrooms.
Look for materials that hold up well in humid conditions. Stainless steel, bronze, or ceramic tend to last longer than cheap metals, which can rust quickly in coastal areas. You can find plenty of options in local hardware stores or markets.
Pick a finish that complements your space. Matte black adds a modern touch, while brushed bronze brings in warmth. Colorful ceramic knobs add a touch of charm and work especially well in kitchens and bathrooms.
Bring the Great Outdoors In with a DIY Plant Wall
Plants are a natural part of the Costa Rican setting, but instead of just placing pots on the ground, why not go vertical? A DIY plant wall adds stunning greenery and style without taking up floor space — and it’s surprisingly easy to build.
Use a wooden frame, hanging baskets, or even an old ladder leaned against the wall. Then, fill it with tropical plants that thrive in humid conditions. Great options include pothos, ferns, snake plants, and philodendrons. Just make sure your wall receives enough natural light.
If you're worried about water dripping onto your floor, place trays underneath or line baskets with plastic. Watering every few days is usually enough, especially during the rainy season. A living wall instantly makes your home feel fresher and more alive.
Use a wooden frame, hanging baskets, or even an old ladder leaned against the wall. Then, fill it with tropical plants that thrive in humid conditions. Great options include pothos, ferns, snake plants, and philodendrons. Just make sure your wall receives enough natural light.
If you're worried about water dripping onto your floor, place trays underneath or line baskets with plastic. Watering every few days is usually enough, especially during the rainy season. A living wall instantly makes your home feel fresher and more alive.
Frame the View with DIY Window Treatments
Costa Rica’s natural splendor is one of the biggest perks of living here, so why not highlight it with the right window treatments? Curtains and shades can frame your view while helping control light and heat inside your home.
DIY bamboo shades are easy to make with rolls from local hardware stores. They filter sunlight while still letting you see outside. Lightweight linen or cotton curtains work great, too — especially in white or sandy tones that reflect light and keep rooms cooler.
DIY bamboo shades are easy to make with rolls from local hardware stores. They filter sunlight while still letting you see outside. Lightweight linen or cotton curtains work great, too — especially in white or sandy tones that reflect light and keep rooms cooler.
In the end, refreshing your home in Costa Rica doesn’t have to mean extensive renovations. With a little effort, some creativity, and a few simple DIY projects, you can completely transform how your living space feels. So, whether you're adding color, building a plant wall, or just swapping out the hardware, every small change brings you one step closer to the home you’ve been imagining.
If you’re ready to find your dream home in Costa Rica, team up with Costa Rica Christie’s International Real Estate for trusted guidance.
