Archives for 2013

Easy DIY Home Improvement Projects for a Creative Space

November 9, 2013 By EmmanuelFonte Leave a Comment

There’s nothing like a good DIY project! This article from Decoist rounds up the best and the brightest. In fact, today we take things in a home improvement direction… You know when you want to spruce things up, but you can’t invest a week of your time in a long do-it-yourself endeavor? Today’s easy DIY projects get bonus points for do-ability and creativity.

We might also add that sometimes seeing a DIY project in action can spark an original idea, or a variation on the idea at hand. From furniture makeovers to paint-it-yourself projects, the pics below will inspire you with their innovation. Don’t forget to tell us about your favorites at the end of the post. Not to mention, let us know if you have a whirlwind idea of your own…

DIY Projects for the Walls and the Floor

Our first set of DIY projects involves some amazing paint-it-yourself endeavors that are easy and fun. All you need is a little patience… We begin by featuring these colorful painted patio tiles by Elsie from A Beautiful Mess. Boasting a ’60s look, these tiles were also inspired by Palm Springs style and Kate Spade. Pantone paint colors were used–how wonderfully vivid! Head over to A Beautiful Mess for all the details!

Colorful painted patio tiles

You’ve gotta love this next DIY painting project, especially because it involves freehanding the design at first. There’s nothing like getting to paint what your heart desires without worrying about measurements! The precision comes from the eventual addition of painter’s tape used to help define the lines, then a generous coating of the entire wall in white paint, only to peel off the tape for the big reveal. Confused? Don’t be. All the details for this Geometric Painted Wall can be found at Design Sponge…

DIY geometric wall

Speaking of freehanding it, that’s exactly what this next DIY project involves. It’s all about being brave and trusting that your artistic talent won’t lead you astray. Really! The key to this elegant look involves choosing a light color such as taupe to paint stalks, stems and flowers. Isn’t it lovely how this design combined with the wall sconce creates an Art Deco look? Read the details at Jan R. Miesse…

Subtle floral DIY painting technique

Let’s move into the kitchen… Emma from A Beautiful Mess created this DIY Kitchen Pegboard, which actually hangs in her dining room to free up space in her small kitchen. We think it’s DIY perfection! This project involves painting pegboard and wood for a frame (on which you’ll mount the board), as well as outlining items with a white paint pen, as shown below. Check out all the details at A Beautiful Mess…

DIY kitchen pegboard

Furniture DIY Projects

Next we move to DIY furniture projects that can make a big difference in your space. Let’s face it–outdoor furnishings are expensive. Especially if you’re looking for quality modern pieces. That’s why we love this concrete block bench from Better Homes and Gardens, which is super affordable and super easy (if you don’t mind hauling the blocks). Add pillows and a cushion, and your yard becomes an outdoor retreat! [via Curbly]

Concrete block bench

Wish you could design your own fabric? All you need is a Sharpie! Yes, this Awesome Patterned Chair Makeover from Little Green Notebook involves an IKEA chair and its white slipcover, plus a little creativity. The fluid look of the dots below gives the finished project character. If you’re wanting a different design, that’s between you and your Sharpie. Yes, the sky is the limit! [viaCurbly]

IKEA chair makeover

Yellow and white stripes will always say “chic” in our book. This Enamel Paint Project makes over a plant stand using oil-based enamel paint (love that shine). It’s quite simple, but it may require some patience due to overnight drying time in between coats. Apply his technique to any slotted furnishing you have using any kind of paint you wish! [from Fudgeyjoy]

Enamel paint DIY project

DIY Finishing Touches

We end with a trio of finishing touches that will add that extra special something to your interior. How fun is this Geometric Party Installation from Oh Happy Day?! It’s as easy as buying some wooden dowels and Styrofoam balls, then adding a dash of imagination. We think this installation can stay up well past the party…

Geometric installation

There’s nothing like a grouping of colorful artwork to make a big statement on your wall. This Illustrated Calendar Art project idea from AmeriFirst Home Mortgage can be done with the kids. All you need is a collection 8 x 10 photo frames, some colorful paper (make sure the calendar dates are printed on the page before you start), and some fun collage-style art ideas to give each month’s pic a different look.

Illustrated wall calendar pictures

Our final featured project involves jazzing up the ceiling with DIY pendant lights made from wooden bushel baskets. Note how the conduits are covered in rope for a nautical look. Featured on the DIY Network, this project was designed by Brian Patrick Flynn. It’s fun to see bushel baskets juxtaposed with crisp geometric wallpaper…earthy meets modern! Check out all the details here.

Wood basket pendant lights

Filed Under: Blog, Home Care, Home Remodel

Art Deco & Modern Style In Glamorous Master Bath

November 8, 2013 By EmmanuelFonte Leave a Comment

With a freestanding tub, meticulously cut tiles and a spacious walk-in shower, this St. Louis bathroom blends elegance and functionality.

After living in a Victorian-era home with tiny bathrooms and cramped shower-tubs, a St. Louis family was craving something more luxurious. For three years the owners dreamed and planned, finally building an addition that included a luxurious new art deco–inspired bathroom.

Art deco was an apt choice. Achieving popularity a few decades after the decline of the Victorian era, deco was glamorous and less fussy than its predecessor, but still richly detailed, lending itself to a cleaner, brighter look that jibes with the bathroom’s spaciousness and modern-day functionality. It also makes it seem as though the house and the new addition evolved slowly over the past hundred-plus years, as opposed to an obviously contemporary design that would have contrasted with the rest of the home.

“The style of the bathroom blends the elegant and romantic feeling of the Victorian-era home and their modern needs,” says Joni Spear, the interior designer on the project.

Art Deco Style Meets Modern Sensibility in a Glamorous Master Bath

Architects, interior designers, and more ∨Browse bedroom ideas, from loft beds to luxury duvet covers, and dream in style.
Browse top designers interior portfolios, from high-quality cookware and decorative dinnerware to ideas for remodeling bath and kitchen.

Filed Under: Architecture, Blog, Home Remodel

Is Your Kitchen Fire-Safe? Put Your Knowledge to the Test

November 7, 2013 By EmmanuelFonte Leave a Comment

Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association, which reports that they accounted for more than 150,000 home fires and $794 million in damages in 2012.

Do you know how to stay fire-safe when you’re cooking in the kitchen?

Put your knowledge to the test. See if you can spot the fire hazards in the infographic.

Then click here for the answers, and some more helpful kitchen fire safety tips.

Filed Under: Appliances, Blog, Home Care

How Does My Home Rate As An Investment

November 7, 2013 By EmmanuelFonte Leave a Comment

Money.cnn.com put out a cool calculator that shows how your your home’s rate of return compares to a variety of investment instruments. Choose dates and use the sliders to show your return.

Filed Under: Blog, Economy, Real Estate, Real Estate Investment

The Importance Of Curb Appeal

November 6, 2013 By EmmanuelFonte Leave a Comment

Great infogrpahic from dooremporium.com

Filed Under: Blog, Home Care

Low-Impact Sustainable Homes for Families in Remote Places

November 5, 2013 By EmmanuelFonte Leave a Comment

No matter how you feel about the energy, forestry and mining industries that have taken up residence in Canada, the fact is that those industries are firmly entrenched in Alberta. The housing market has shifted considerably since this rush, with housing prices going up and housing becoming far more scarce. A team of students at the University of Calgary and Mount Royal University have joined forces to find a simple but effective solution to this situation.

borealis modular homes alberta canada

modular sustainable home alberta

kitchen borealis modular home

They came up with Borealis, a sustainable pre-fab home that can be transported anywhere, even to remote locations, and assembled on the spot. The homes aren’t luxurious by any standard, but they are strong enough to withstand harsh Canadian winters comfortably. The main part of the home – the middle module – contains a kitchen, bathroom, and dining area. The additional modules on either side contain an office, a living area and bedrooms.

living wall sustainable borealis modular home

alberta canada modular borealis homes

The sustainable part of the design comes from the 10 kw rooftop photovoltaic array and an interior air purifying green wall. Outside, the units are meant to mimic and complement the surrounding natural beauty of the area.

Filed Under: Architecture, Blog, Technology

Stunning Prefab Micro-Homes Go Together Like LEGO Bricks

November 4, 2013 By EmmanuelFonte Leave a Comment

adaptable customized modular prefab homes

The era of suburban sprawl seems to be over, and many people find themselves downsizing to homes that are smaller than they ever considered possible. Alchemy Architects is a firm that helps homeowners realize their miniature home dreams with the weeHouse.

weehouse modular prefabricated green homes

Just as it sounds, a weeHouse is a tiny alternative to a traditional home. Modular and prefabricated, these homes can be dispatched and assembled anywhere. But they aren’t simple cookie cutter houses that get lost in the slew of other tiny abodes – these are fully customizable designer mini homes.

weehouse building blocks

not-so-weehouses

The home designs are based on the concept of building blocks. Each “block” is one module – these modules can be stacked or put side by side to create the exact specifications the customer wants. Although they are meant to create small-space homes, the modules can be linked in various ways to make stunning larger homes.

prefab modular eco-friendly homes

Regardless of the chosen size of your weeHouse, Alchemy allows for a huge amount of customization. The flooring, siding, counters, windows, fixtures, outdoor areas, and everything else are up to the customer. WeeHouse buyers can build their dream home from start to finish, adding in the perfect elements and ending up with something truly lovely, whether it is actually “wee” or a bit larger.

weehouse in the woods

WeeHouses were built to withstand nearly any environment from snowy mountains to windy coasts. By integrating green technology into the home designs, Alchemy Architects also ensure that their homes will have as little environmental impact as possible. And at 10 to 15 percent less expensive than a conventional house of the same size, a weeHouse will also have little impact on your budget.