With the Grain

Re-Purposing Household Items

2008-11-24T08:30:00.001-08:00

Question: When you see a ladder, what's the first thing that comes to mind?

Typical Answer: Something to climb on to reach things that are, well, out of reach.

Designer Answer: A shelving unit!

There's no right or wrong answer here. This is an example of how there are varying opinions about how things should be used. This is particularly true for those who are looking to improve their living spaces for little money. By adding some scrap wood to the ladder rungs, a bookshelf is created. Or, couple two ladders together and string longer pieces of wood between then. Add some paint, and you're done!

Re-purposing items into unique items to improve your home not only saves money (and time shopping), but it also allows for interesting design features in your home. Consider shopping flea markets, salvage stores, and antique stores to find items that could be used for other purposes (like the ladders, for example).

Slipcovering Furniture

2008-11-20T08:20:00.001-08:00

Do you have a sofa that you're tired of, or that doesn't match the color scheme you want for a room makeover? Do you have a dining set that could use some elegant sprucing up?

Rather than replacing these pieces, cover them over! Slipcovers have come a long way since the days of bouffant floral patterns, bagging seams, and frilly edges. Not only do consumers have the choice between modern clean lines, they can also choose vintage and traditional looks.

Here are some links to lead you:

Slipcovers are particularly beneficial if you're staging a home for resale. Not only is it an inexpensive alternative to furniture replacement, it's a quick-fix room enhancement. Consider stepping out of your comfort zone a bit and exploring different patterns, fabric textures, and colors. If you don't like it, just slip it off!

Multifunctional Furniture Pieces

2008-11-19T05:15:00.003-08:00

It seems that, nine times out of then, when the term multi-function furniture piece comes to mind thoughts automatically shift to sofa beds. While the fact of the matter is true that sofa beds do serve well as a multi-functional piece, they are not the only type out there. For those living in small apartments, lofts, dorm rooms, and other small living spaces incorporation of multi-functional furniture pieces is beneficial.

Here are some examples:

Sofas, love seats, ottomans and arm chairs with storage built-in under the seat cushion.
Ottomans with wheels so they can be moved in front of furniture to use as a coffee table, or away from furniture to use as additional seating.
Chests and trunks serve well for both storage and as a coffee table or TV stand.

When browsing through catalogs and visiting furniture stores, be sure to think about the many uses pieces can serve (or the ways you can change them out or make additions to them to make them more functional). A lot of creative thought comes into play when choosing multi-functional (or multipurpose) furniture pieces for small living spaces.

Faucets: Fanciful or Functional

2008-11-18T05:09:00.001-08:00

When choosing a faucet for a kitchen it can be difficult to determine which would be the best option . . . something that is functional and not all that exciting to look at, or something that is pleasing to the eye and the overall design of the space. This is tricky when it comes to home improvements, particularly if you're working toward bringing up the value of your home for a future sale.

However, if you're making this choice for a home you have no intension to leave anytime soon, why not choose something that is valuable to you . . . and not just what will increase the value of your home. Kitchen updates alone, be it fancy or functional, are a winner no matter what choices are made because people want to see working plumbing and fixtures that aren't out of date. So, either way, there really isn't a poor choice that can be made here.

The bottom line: choose what appeals to you if you're staying, choose what will appeal to many if you're going. I know, that really doesn't break down the particulars when it comes to making a choice like this. It's a matter of opinion, really. There are so many options and choices out there when it comes to kitchen faucets, and there are also a lot of suppliers and customer service representatives available to help guide you in the right direction.

Recycled Glass Countertops

2008-11-17T09:29:00.000-08:00

Did you know that you could have a countertop in your kitchen or bathroom make from recycled glass? For those looking to incorporate many green features, are trying to have all green features, in their home this is particularly appealing. It is as hard as concrete, as damage resistant as granite, and is extremely durable making it stand the test of time.

Where can you get recycled glass countertops, you ask? Good question! Here are some links to lead you:

If you haven't noticed, these countertops come in a wide variety of colors and styles suitable for just about any design plan. Because this is such an eco-friendly alternative to the typical countertop addition during a standard build, this type of home improvement project is surely to raise in popularity.

Garage Organization - Get it Done!

2008-11-15T07:36:00.000-08:00

Wouldn't it be nice if a a garage just all of a sudden wasn't a clutter magnet and was built with ready-made organizational features from the get-go? It would also be nice to have a magic wand, but that won't be happening anytime soon either. In the meantime, you need to get cracking!

This home improvement project will dramatically increase the efficiency of your garage, as well as save a lot of time when it comes for searching for what you need. Because everyone's garage serves each individual home owner's specific needs, it's important to set up zone that work for you rather than following a cooking cutter recipe for organization.

There is a plethora of organizational tools and supplies just a click away:

Isn't it funny how quickly a garage can become cluttered full of things you didn't know you had . . . and it takes what seems like an eternity to clean it all up? Creating an organizational system will prevent this from ever happening again . . . hopefully! Good luck!

Book Cover Basics For Home Interiors

2008-11-14T06:46:00.000-08:00

Do you have a large collection of books in your primary living space? Do you want to create a new look for your room? A simple way to unify the look of a room you're decorating is to cover over all the books in matching or complimentary colors. Even if this is a small tucked away corner in a home office or bedroom, the cohesive look really brings new life into the room.

There are a variety of materials that can be used to cover over the books:

wallpaper that is not pre-pasted
fabric remnants
canvas fabric pieces
heavy craft paper
mulberry paper
homemade paper
tea stained heavy-weight paper
high quality (it's thicker) gift wrap

When putting the cover on to the books, don't apply any glue or tape directly to the book. That way, these covers can be changed out easily from time to time and it will also prevent any damage to the book's cover from occurring. Don't be afraid to experiment with unusual patterns, bold colors, and designs that are beyond your comfort zone. This type of home improvement can be completed quickly and easily!

Interesting Staircases

2008-11-11T07:27:00.000-08:00

Are you interested in adding some interesting architecture to your home's design? This can be done with staircases and stairways. Even if you're already living in an existing structure, it's still possible to complete this type of home improvement. It's a very complex process, so you'll need a lot of information before you get started.

Here are some links to lead you:

The addition of spiral and curved staircases add an interesting flair to your home's design, as well as an interesting opportunity for you to learn something new. Be aware that this is not a project for those who are novice or inexperienced. If you're at all unsure if you're able to complete this home improvement project on your own, enlist the help of an experienced DIY'er or hire a contractor.

Indoor Flowering Plants

2008-11-10T11:22:00.000-08:00

How often do you equate using potted floral plants to improve your interior living spaces? Not that often, right? I know whenever I think of a potted floral, I wonder where I can set it on my deck or stairways outside. Rarely do I think of where I can put them inside, unless I'm using Poinsettias.

Why are flowers destined for vases full of water indoors? Can't we have potted floral plants adorning our interior spaces the way houseplants do? Of course we can! Here are some potted floral plants that are perfect for sprucing up home interiors:

Flowering maple
Gardenia
Hydrangea
Orchids

Be sure to speak to the garden center about how to care for these plants correctly, as well as to get a more extensive list of what flowering plants will thrive indoors. There are some plants that require a lot of sunlight, while others will do fine with indirect sunlight. Be sure you're certain which is which and your flowering plants will do just fine!

Improve Your Home With Houseplants

2008-11-09T12:16:00.000-08:00

Did you know something as simple as houseplants have a way of significantly improving the quality of life? Not only are they pretty to look at, but also they are believed to have health benefits such as fighting off headaches. Some plants are known for their air purifying properties. These plants include:

Ferns
Ficus
Ivy
Spider plants

What is typically on the list of home improvements when staging a home for sale, or bringing a space up to date? Generally, it's bringing life into your living space and what better way to do this than with houseplants? This includes window box herb gardens, hanging plants in windows, and adding larger plants in corners or on hearths. Liven it up!

Use of Reclaimed Wood Flooring

2008-11-08T06:34:00.000-08:00

It seems like whenever you turn on a home improvement show, or a home decorating show, use of hardwood floors is highly recommended and incorporated into designs. This is for a variety of reasons including the wood floor's durability, it's beauty, how wood floors reduce allergens, and how easy they are to maintain.

More and more, there are also those teaching how to use reclaimed wood flooring in green designs. Those who are environmentally conscious are particularly interested in this flooring option, therefore learning about its use seems second nature. Here are some links to guide you:

Something about using a piece of wood, or several pieces of wood, that has a history is particularly appealing. What was this wood used for before? How many people over the years have used this wood, or walked upon these planks? It's very interesting!

Simple Seasonal Decor Changes

2008-11-07T07:51:00.001-08:00

Now be honest, do your spaces look bland and uninviting? Similar to staging a home for sale, there are a lot of quick and inexpensive decorative changes that can be made from season to season. Simple changes really improve the look and the feel of the space and, guess what? You don't have to paint!

For example, the room pictured to the left could experience the following for fall:

Window treatments: because of the rich tones of the surrounding trims, moldings, and flooring a rich burgundy with some gold trim would create a traditional and elegant dining space. Running them completely to the floor will warm up the space.
Flooring: add an area rug with the same colors as the walls and window treatments. Many oriental style rugs pull this off perfectly, while still lending themselves to the rich, warm look.
Fabrics: change out the seat cushions and add a table cloth in coordinating colors. Experiment using a color one shade darker than the wall, or using the same color as the window trim.
Trimmings: dress the table with a floral or fruit center piece, add some taper candles, and use dinnerware with a gold trim.

See what I mean? This room could easily go from drab and cold to warm and inviting with those simple changes. Shop outlet stores, second hand stores, remnant stores, and surplus salvage stores for great deals in fabrics, and rugs.

Should You Compost...Or??

2008-11-06T08:11:00.001-08:00

Do you think a compost system is (a) something that will devalue your home, or (b) a home improvement that will benefit your home? Let's pick this topic apart a bit:

Why should homeowners use compost? I found these great reasons from WhatCom:

Because compost:
Improves the soils structure, porosity and density, creating a better plant root environment.
Increases permeability of heavy soils, reducing erosion & runoff.
Improves water holding capacity of sandy soils, reducing water loss & leaching.
Supplies a variety of macro & micronutrients
Can control or suppress certain soil-borne plant pathogens
Supplies significant amount of organic matter
Improves cation exchange capacity of soils, improving their ability to hold nutrients for plant use.
Supplies beneficial microorganisms to soils and growing media.
Improves and stabilizes soil pH
Can bind & degrade specific pollutants.
Although compost is not considered a fertilizer, it does have a positive, cumulative effect on soil nutrient levels. Whatever nutrients are present, are more bioavailable to plants growing in soils with added compost.

Are you still on the fence about compost? Don't worry, you're not alone. There are a lot of people who think they're a messy, stinky hazard that do nothing but make the property resemble a landfill. This isn't true, but it seems to be a consensus among certain individuals. There's nothing wrong with having a point of view, but in this day and age of healthier living, reducing, reusing, and recycling the addition of a compost bin is rising in the ranks of popular home improvement projects (or, as some say, life improvement projects).

Should You Get a Leaf Blower?

2008-11-05T09:01:00.001-08:00

When I was younger, I don't think anyone knew about leaf blowers. Well, unless you count wind. We'd spend hours raking, piling, bagging, stacking, and hauling. REAL work, right? Yeah, and then we had to walk two miles up hill to school the next day barefoot in the middle of torrential rain storms!

That's another story for another day.

If you're like me and would love nothing more than to chuck your rake into the burn pile, here are some links to help you decide what leaf blower might be best suited for your needs:

There's nothing wrong with raking, don't get me wrong. Use of a leaf blower is a time saver, and it also helps those who are unable to rake for long periods of time due to joint mobility issues and other health concerns. Above all, don't ignore this maintenance task be it raking or leaf blowing.

Get Cleaning, People!

2008-11-04T05:03:00.001-08:00

I'll admit the very first time I ever heard anyone say they were getting a shop vac, I thought, "I'll never had any use for one of those." Well, I was wrong and I have no problem admitting that. When completing home improvement projects, garage clean-up, basement clean-up, and automotive clean-up these vacuums are a huge asset.

How do you choose which shop vac is right for you? Here are some links:

Now, you may not think you need a shop vac now . . . but, eventually you will see how beneficial these vacuums are for a variety of home improvement tasks. Like I said, I was certainly wrong about needing one. As a matter of fact, I used one the day before yesterday after I finished cleaning and organizing my basement. Once the floor was clear, it was obvious I needed a heavy-duty vacuum the finish the job. Thankfully, I had one!

Winter Bird Feeding: Dish it Up!

2008-11-03T05:25:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but I love bird watching. I used to have all sorts of bird feeders outside so I could attract this, that, and the other kind of bird. Some don't consider the addition of winter bird feeders a home improvement, per se, but if it improves the quality of your life in some way . . . wouldn't it make sense that it improves the quality of your home?

How does one attract birds in the winter? Use this links to lead you:

Even if you're not living in the middle of nowhere like I am (I'm lucky enough to have an acre or two of trees to sprinkle bird feeders throughout), hanging bird feeders off railings, decking, plant hangers, and pots is still possible. Have fun, be creative, and get feeding!

Wondering Wallpaper Woes

2008-11-02T16:17:00.000-08:00

Are you the type who has a difficult time making a commitment to wallpaper? This is perfectly normal because, let's face it, this home improvement project does not rank top on the easy to do list. Not only that, but there are new chic and stylish patterns and color choices now more than ever.

For a simple solution to your wallpaper woes, consider wallpapering stretched canvas. Choose large pieces of stretched canvas with a beveled edge (to give it a "framed" look) and adhere the wallpaper as you would to the wall.

Hang these canvases in the room where you're having trouble deciding on the wallpaper choice. Live with it for a month or so, and then change it out to another pattern you're juggling. Live with that one for a month, as well and, if you're juggling another pattern repeat this process.

You may realize that this is the solution you're looking for. It's a quick project, requires less supplies, and is portable for those who are unable to paint or wallpaper because they're renting.

Bathroom Storage: Look UP!

2008-10-30T05:30:00.001-07:00

Does your bathroom lack the amount of storage necessary to accommodate your household's needs? Depending on the size of your bathroom, this problem could be solved in a number of ways. First, look up. Do you have a lot of wall space above:

your toilet?
along side the doorway?
above a tub that is not a shower enclosure?
next to a tub?

If you have a lot of wall space, the solution could be to hang either shelving or additional cabinets. For example, in one of my bathrooms I could surround my toilet with one of those standing cabinet units that come with shelves. In my other bathroom, I could hang a cabinet over my toilet and I could add a miniature linen closet next to my tub.

Look for opportunities where they may not be obvious. Whenever you're in need of extra space, don't forget to look up. This home improvement project is relatively simple.

Create a Kitchen Island Using Dressers

2008-10-29T15:34:00.000-07:00

You know what they always say, "one person's trash is another's treasure." And, in the case of creative country design, there are numerous opportunities to exercise this fact. Today, we're going to talk about kitchen islands.

Have you always wanted a kitchen island, but believed it was beyond your budget? Experienced do-it-yourselfers can complete this home improvement project with no problem. Those who are less experienced should ask for help.

First, find two dressers similar in size. You may Have to adjust the height by either removing the feet or adding a small framed base. Next, prime and paint each piece to match the kitchen. Attach a sheet of pine to the top of the dresser once they've been attached together. Dress the edge with trim, and oil the surface with a food safe oil.

You're finished! You may want to change out the original hardware so it matches what exists in the kitchen, or keep it a miss-matched country design. You may also want to consider adding gliders to the drawers so they'll open and close easier.

Light it Up! How to Change a Chandelier

2008-10-28T10:23:00.000-07:00

Are you growing tired of the chandelier in your dining area? Do you have an outdated lighting fixture that needs replacing? For some, this is a very challenging home improvement project. However, it doesn't have to be a challenge at all.

Once you have chosen the chandelier you would like to install, it is important to do your homework. Because you are going to be working with electrical wires, do not perform this home improvement project if you feel the slightest bit uncomfortable. Ask for help!

Here are some links teaching how to install a new chandelier:

There are many reasons for performing this type of home improvement. Your reason could simply be one of personal taste, it could be because you are in need of a more efficient fixture, or it could be to stage a home for sale. Whatever the reason is for changing out an outdated or ugly chandelier, it certainly provides many benefits!

Install Base Molding

2008-10-27T15:21:00.001-07:00

There are several reasons why homeowners use base molding when building and remodeling their homes. Not only does it give the room a finished look, but it also covers up any imperfections in the sheetrock at the base. Here are some links teaching how to install base molding:

· How To Install Baseboard Molding, Even On Crooked Walls: Tricks ...

· How to Install Base & Shoe Molding | Expert Village Videos

· A Guide to Installing Molding

· How To Install Baseboard Molding | OnlineTips.org

· Installing Base Molding

If you're doing a remodeling project, updating the baseboards is a home improvement that will not only boost your home's value but also its appearance. There are many different styles of base molding to choose from ranging from genuine wood to plastic. Be sure to do your homework before making a final decision!

Halloween Decorating Ideas

2008-10-25T07:48:00.001-07:00

When I was younger, Halloween was one of my favorite days of the year. I loved all the decorations throughout the school, the stores, and our neighborhood. I loved seeing all the lights at night when we drove around, and I loved picking out costumes. Every year, my next door neighbor would throw a really fun Halloween party that every kid in the neighborhood looked forward to attending.

Here are some fun Halloween decorating ideas to help give some kids in your neighborhood some good memories to look back upon:

make foam ornaments in the shape of skulls, bats, and pumpkins: hang them off shrubs, patio umbrellas, screen doors, and trellises
pick up some pumpkin carving templates: create an assortment of carved pumpkins to dress your porch or deck
get some plastic spiders to hang from fishing wire all over the place
gather some old clothes and make a family of scarecrows to sit on your patio furniture or on bails of hay
set up a small plastic caldron (most big box stores and discount outlet sell these) with some dry ice

If you have children, encourage them to come up with some ideas for decorating the exterior of your home and your yard. You'll be surprised what kind of creative ideas they'll come up with! Remember, have fun!

Natural Light or Black Out?

2008-10-24T12:50:00.000-07:00

Choosing window treatments can be a very tricky home improvement project for some. Because you will be living with these blinds or shades for many years, it's important to take your time during the selection process. Don't rush into a decision just because you see something on sale, or because the neighbors are selling theirs in their yard sale for a very low price.

Ask yourself the following questions before making this home improvement purchase:

Do you want a lot of natural light shining through the window you're purchasing blinds or shades for?
Is the room one where you would prefer to have to black out shades or blinds?
Does the window have a nice view that you would rather not have obstructed with horizontal shades or blinds?
What is your budget for dressing each window with shades or blinds?
Are the proper tools for this home improvement project on hand, or do you need to make these purchases as well?

There's a lot to consider beyond these questions, also. What color is the room you're making this purchase for? Do you prefer wood or vinyl? Would you rather have fabric Roman shades? Are you interested in a natural material? Visit your local home improvement center, or surf online, to view the many choices available before firming up your decision.

Re-Purpose That Furniture Piece!

2008-10-23T07:30:00.000-07:00

Re-purposing furniture has got to be one of my all time favorite home improvements. Because we live in a "hand me down" type of situation, our home is decorated in a very bohemian style. There are formal pieces over here, cottage pieces over there, modern pieces sprinkled in there, and so on. Sometimes, what we receive isn't used exactly for what it is intended for. Here are some of what I've re-purposed:

I changed a two-tier step stool into a miniature bookshelf for the kids in the living room.
A table my dad made for his stereo equipment in the 70's is now our TV console.
We're ripping down a hand-me down (very humungous) TV cabinet into a bar height desk.
Two end tables butted up next to each other became a console table behind our love seat.
A hand-made dry sink cabinet given to us has now become a type of hope chest in the living room.

I also re-purpose old steamer trunks in various sizes into bookcases, blanket chests, and toy boxes. The idea behind this home improvement is to think outside the box and the possibilities are endless.

Clothes Dryer: Is it Time For an Update?

2008-10-22T09:04:00.000-07:00

How old is your laundry dryer? Are you aware of how much energy your dryer uses on a monthly basis?

An electric dryer tends to suck up a lot of energy usage each month, particularly those that are older models. Older models, in most cases, need repairs and more maintenance. Here is an article providing more information about how much energy electric clothes dryers use:

How Much Energy Does an Electric Clothes Dryer Use?

This is a very informative article about energy saving tips when choosing an electric dryer (and there's also a good comparison between gas clothes dryers and electric clothes dryers): Clothes Dryers - Energy Choices at Home.

Saving money is on everyone's minds these days, so why not take a harder look at what you can do to improve your home's efficiency? This includes, of course, the appliances in your home. Take the time to complete these types of home improvements and you will not regret it once you start seeing a more budget friendly utility bill each month!