DIY Life

Hardware Store Decor

Kristine Hansen — 2011-09-12T08:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Crafts, Living Rooms, Home Offices, Living Spaces, Crafts & Celebrations

Looking for chic, industrial housewares? Look no further than your local hardware store. The new book "Home From the Hardware Store: Transform Everyday Materials Into Fabulous Home Furnishings" shows you how to transform utilitarian items into furniture and accessories that really work.

Machine-Age Candlesticks, as seen on page 106 of Stephen Antonson and Kathleen Hackett's book, require no tools to assemble. Photo: Lesley Unruh

For co-authors (and real-life couple) Stephen Antonson and Kathleen Hackett, it all goes back to a chandelier in Paris. Shortly after they began dating, Kathleen moved to the City of Light for six months. On his first visit, Stephen noticed the peaked ceiling in her rented apartment, thinking it could really benefit from a chandelier.

That day, while Kathleen was running errands, Stephen took a quick trip to the hardware store and picked up four supplies -- a pair of pliers, a single jack chain, a baling wire, and four candles -- which he used to make a chandelier by the time she got home that afternoon.

"I make a lot of things...whenever we need something I make it," says Antonson, who met Hackett when we was a home editor and she was an executive book editor at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. Soon after that chandelier was hung, he and Hackett realized they had a book idea on their hands. To come up with enough projects to fill an entire book, Antonson would wander the aisles of local hardware stores (they live in New York City) each morning with a cup of coffee, in search of inspiration.

The end result, "Home From the Hardware Store: Transform Everyday Materials Into Fabulous Home Furnishings" (Rodale Books, $23), was published in early November. It contains dozens of affordable DIY decorating projects, which use common hardware store items in brilliant yet simple ways to create modern, industrial decor. "If you can wrap a birthday present, you can do half this stuff," says Antonson.

Not familiar with hardware store items? Not to worry; you don't need to know an item's intended use. Instead, look to the lines, materials and beauty in each individual piece.

(Left) The Space-Age Coffee Table uses galvanized elbows (a type of pipe fitting) as an unexpected table base. (Right) The Periscope Lamp turns a crimp elbow (also a pipe fitting) into functional art. Photo: Lesley Unruh

Some of our favorite projects from the book include the Machine-Age Candlesticks (pictured, top), which require no tools except your own two hands. We also love the Periscope Lamp (pictured, above right), which transforms a crimped elbow into display-worthy light source.

The authors were kind enough to let us share with you our favorite project of all, the Space-Age Coffee Table (above left) -- an ideal DIY project for a weekend warrior.

SPACE-AGE COFFEE TABLE
To fasten the tiers together, you need to assemble the base without screwing anything together, and then disassemble it in vertical sections, which is not exactly an intuitive process, given the way the base it stacked.

Materials

Eight 90-degree galvanized elbows, 7" each
Four 90-degree galvanized elbows, 4" each
Eight zine bolts and nuts, 8=1" x 32
Twelve #6 sheet metal screws. 1/2" each
36" x 1" round solid pine panel
One quart primer
1/2 quart paint in desired color (we used Benjamin Moore Soot/#2129-20)
Industrial strength adhesive-backed Velcro, 35" x 2" strip

Tools

Black permanent marker
Drill with 3/16" and 1/8" bits
Phillips-head screwdriver
120-grit sandpaper
2" all-paints paintbrush

Instructions

1. Join four 7" elbows to form a circle. Repeat with the remaining 7" elbows, and then join the 4" elbows to make a smaller circle.

2. Stack the circles on top of one another to form tiers, aligning the ribs and placing the smaller tier in the middle. Find the seams where two elbows meet. On the ribs adjacent to the seams, mark the tiers deep in the middle, where they meet, with a horizontal line.

3. Pull the stack apart in half vertically, making note of the top and bottom of the base. Using the marks as guides, mark an X 1" beyond them, toward the center. Use a drill with a 3/16" bit to drill a hole at each X.

4. Break the tiers into quarters so you can fasten one quarter of the base together at a time. Rest the elbows on a work surface so that the openings of the elbows are facing you. Align the holes, slide the bolt through, and fasten the nut with your hands. Don't fasten it too tightly -- once you put the entire base together, you'll need a little room to play. Repeat with the remaining three sections of the base.

5. Put two sections together to make half the base. Use an 1/8" bit to drill a hole 1/2" from the seam on each tier, through two layers of elbow. Screw in the sheet metal screws. Repeat on the other half of the base. Put the two halves together. Screw them together in the same manner, drilling a hole 1/2" from the seam on each tier, through two layers of elbow, and fasten with the sheet metal screws. Set the base aside.

6. Sand the top, bottom, and edge of the pine round. Wipe it down with a soft cloth, brush with a thin coat of primer on the top and edge, and let it dry. Sand the round all over and wipe it down with a soft cloth again. Apply a coat of paint on the top and edge and let it dry. Apply a coat of paint on the bottom and let it dry.

7. Cut the Velcro into twelve 3" pieces. Separate the hooks from the loops. Wipe down the top of the table base with a soft cloth to remove any traces of grease or residue. Remove the adhesive backing from one of the loop pieces and fasten it 3 1/2" from the outer edge of the base, along a rib. (This is the high point, where the tabletop makes contact with the base.) Repeat with the remaining loop pieces and ribs.

8. To determine where to put the hook sides of Velcro on the underside of the table, set it on top of the base. Use a pencil to mark the underside of the tabletop where the Velcro is attached to the base. This is where the outside long edge of the hook sides of the Velcro should be attached. Place the tabletop wrong side up on a work surface. Remove the adhesive from the hook pieces of the Velcro and fasten them to the table, using your pencil marks as guides. Flip the tabletop over and set it onto the base, aligning the Velcro pieces.

Related:

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Tour George Nakashima's "Handmade House"

Michael Gotkin — 2011-08-29T15:40:00+00:00

Filed under: Living Rooms, Exteriors & Facades, Living Spaces, Outdoors

It only makes sense that artists' homes would be as inspired and beautiful as their work. Case in point: The Pennsylvania home of George Nakashima.

We're so excited to get a peek inside the new book "Artists' Handmade Houses". Below, an excerpt for your enjoyment. Text by Michael Gotkin; Photography by Don Freeman; Published by Abrams.

George Nakashima, New Hope, Pennsylvania. Nakashima designed the Arts Building, completed in 1967 and later renamed the Minguren Museum, as a tribute to his friend Ben Shahn. The southern facade, shown here, has a second-story porch and covered walkway to the cloister, a separate three-room building used to house guests. Photo: (C) Don Freeman

George Nakashima
New Hope, Pennsylvania

Though he originally trained as an architect, George Nakashima became so disappointed by the construction methods he observed being utilized in buildings that he changed course, deciding instead to start a career making furniture, which he could control entirely from design to construction and finishing. On this new path, Nakashima would become a great innovator in twentieth-century furniture design, with few rivals and countless imitators. Influenced by the craftsmanship and simple lines of traditional architecture in both the United States and Japan, Nakashima created a distinct hybrid of the two cultures in his hand-finished furniture and in the complex of buildings, including home and workshop, that he designed and built in rural Bucks County, Pennsylvania. These buildings combine his sophisticated understanding of architectural engineering with his respect for humble, vernacular structures. He produced designs that are modern yet imbued with the handmade quality and values of a bygone era, and they continue to inspire new generations.

George Nakashima, New Hope, Pennsylvania. In Kevin's House, a natural peeled post provides structural support and adds a decorative element in the doorway between the kitchen on the left and the dining and living areas on the right. Three Concoid chairs surround a Minguren table in the dining area. Photo: (C) Don Freeman

Nakashima embraced construction as a kind of improvisation, noting that "the house was built without plans, and the detailing was developed from the material on hand or that which was available." The house was constructed without nails, and Nakashima employed prefabricated industrialized materials like corrugated concrete panels for the roof, which were purchased cheaply as army surplus. It is this unlikely marriage between American vernacular influences and Japanese sensibilities, along with a willingness to embrace the engineered forms of the modern age, that lends Nakashima's work its beauty and vitality. But Nakashima believed that it was the methods underlying design, and not (what he considered to be) superficial forms, that imparted integrity. "Perhaps the greatest drawback in domestic architecture is that only the forms change," he said, "but the methods are the same, whereas the greatest need today is a creative study of the 'method'-not merely the mulling of forms on paper or the building of models, but a synthesis of the techniques of building within our present requirements."

Most of the designs that Nakashima used in his home were replicated for sale at his shop. One of his most popular designs was a diminutive three-legged chair called "Mira" after his daughter, for whom it was first fashioned. Nakashima's furniture had clear lines of reference to early American furniture, such as traditional Windsor chairs, captain's chairs, and trestle tables, but Nakashima developed those basic style tenets further and produced his own unique models, creating, for example, a Windsor-derived chaise longue, or retrofitting the bases of trestle tables to chairs. Nakashima also admired the simple domestic interiors of the American Shaker community, and joked that he was a "Japanese Shaker," seeing the confluence of aesthetics between the two cultures.
Over time, Nakashima became increasingly drawn to irregular shapes in wood, which he sought to preserve in his tabletops and chair arms; these irregularities became a hallmark of his work.

Just as he had been experimental with his furniture designs, Nakashima sought variety and contrast in the complex of buildings on his property. Only a few years after completing his home, he built a thin-shell, conoidal concrete studio with the help of famous engineers Paul Wedlinger and Mario Salvadori: The team created a soaring, arched ceiling that resembled a giant seashell. Nakashima also built a showroom and guesthouse, where visitors could view his furniture in a domestic environment. He added, over time, an expanded workshop, offices, an arts building, pool house, and a reception house to complete his compound. Maintaining Nakashima's home and business since his death, Mira Nakashima, who was trained in woodworking by her father, has developed her own line of furniture, some of it based on her father's original prototypes. Mira continues the evolution of design in which divisions between historical and modern are erased in the quest for structural integrity, innovative methods, and sculptural form.

LEFT: George Nakashima, New Hope, Pennsylvania. This interior shot of the pool house, completed in 1960, shows the building's dramatic plywood barrel-vaulted roof. Nakashima's French Walnut Minguren III table and bench are sheltered below. The stools to the right of the table are Kikkoman soy sauce kegs from a Nakashima-designed Kikkoman display in New York. (C) Don Freeman RIGHT: George Nakashima, New Hope, Pennsylvania A Conoid Room Divider, Conoid Cushion Chairs, and a Conoid Cross-legged End Table are in the foreground of this view of the Conoid Studio. (C) Don Freeman George Nakashima, New Hope, Pennsylvania A Conoid Room Divider, Conoid Cushion Chairs, and a Conoid Cross-legged End Table are in the foreground of this view of the Conoid Studio. (C) Don Freeman George Nakashima, New Hope, Pennsylvania A Conoid Room Divider, Conoid Cushion Chairs, and a Conoid Cross-legged End Table are in the foreground of this view of the Conoid Studio. (C) Don FreemanGeorge Nakashima, New Hope, Pennsylvania A Conoid Room Divider, Conoid Cushion Chairs, and a Conoid Cross-legged End Table are in the foreground of this view of the Conoid Studio. (C) Don Freeman

Sigh -- we can't get enough of this place. If you're left craving more handmade house tours, pick up a copy of "Artists' Handmade Houses"!

Photo: (C) Don Freeman

Or check out:
House Tour: Industrial Designer Joe Doucet's NYC Apartment
House Tour: Vidal Sassoon's Modernist Bel Air Home
Celebrity Decorator Kevin Haley's Hollywood Hideout

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5 Unusual Uses For Place Mats

DIY Life Staff — 2011-08-25T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Crafts, Living Rooms, Bedrooms, Living Spaces, Crafts & Celebrations

Give your place mats a second life with these creative ideas.

Who knew? You can use place mats as a wall divider. Photo: Jonathon Fong Style

When I'm shopping for decor, I'm consistently drawn to the misfit aisle. You know, those $3.99 clearance bins overflowing with mismatched items like place mats and hand towels. And since I tend to buy stuff like this all the time, one of my favorite pastimes is figuring out what to do with a set of mismatched items.

Place mats are particularly fun to pull for these types of projects, since you can do so much with them. Next time you come across an odd number of clearance place mats, or maybe just a pair made with a lovely fabric, here are some crafty things you can do with them.

Unusual Use #1: Wall Decor and Dividers
With a few packages of clasps and an eye for arrangement, you can transform square or circular place mats into eye-catching wall dividers and displays. Just drill or punch a hole into the top and bottom of each place mat and link them by hanging hooks or clamps to binder rings or fishing swivels.

Bonus idea: Placed over a clear shower curtain lining, they can double as bathroom decor. Or try waterproof plastic place mats as an outdoor patio or garden wall. Check out your local hardware store or Ball Chain for the supplies you'll need to secure them at top and bottom.

Courtesy of: mmmcrafts

Unusual Use #2: Pillows and Tote Bags
Fabric place mats offer endless possibilities for decorative textiles. Shop the place mat section of home design stores (online too!) and build your own throw pillow at a fraction of the price by stitching the sides together. If the place mat has a complicated design that would be challenging to line up, consider covering a pillow with a bold, solid case and centering the place mat design for a crisp, eye-catching effect. One crafty blogger used Anthropologie place mats to make the stylish throw pillows to the left.

Bonus Idea: Cute cotton or polyester fabric place mats can make great tote bags too!

Unusual Use #3: Pops of Color

When it comes to place mat shapes, who says one size fits all? With a good pair of scissors, plastic or polypropylene place mats can be cut down to all shapes and sizes to make a counter top space more colorful and chic.

A couple of ideas:
- Cut out individual pieces of place mat to line the surface around your kitchen sink. Place everyday items like sponges or scrub brushes on top -- the fabric will absorb excess water and you can easily toss it in the washing machine as needed.
- Skip the boring contact paper and line your cabinets with modern prints.

Unusual Use #4: Decorative Odds and Ends
- Transform one sturdy plastic or cork backed-place mat into a whole stack of decorative drink coasters.
- Size down a plastic place mat into a custom-designer mouse pad.
- Play with place mats of different shapes, colors and textures to infuse a garden space with different designs beneath standard planter pots.
- Pick a simple place mat print and frame it with brightly-colored frames for instant wall art -- great for the kitchen!

Unusual Use #5: Quick Tips for Mastering Place Mat Chic
- If ordering online, always check the fabric and dimensions of the place mat before purchasing and make sure the fabric matches the project. Cotton fabric place mats are better for bags and pillow covers while plastic, lacquered and polypropylene place mats are better suited for cutting, crafting and cleaning.

Now, ever wonder what you could do with Velcro? Check out our story on unusual uses for the hook-and-loop tape.

And check out some of our favorite stories from around the web!
Exclusive Interviews and a Tour of the Showtime House 2010!
Banter Banners To Set The Mood
Troubleshoot Your Coffee Grinder
Money 101: How To Buy Your First Home

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Window Maintenance

DIY Life Staff — 2011-08-23T13:33:00+00:00

Filed under: Kitchen & Bath, Big Projects, Living Rooms, Living Spaces

Windows feeling extra heavy? We swear they're not gaining weight. Replace those window sashes and they'll open and close smoothly.

Photo: Age Fotostock

Maintaining old windows takes time, but it's is worth the effort if you like historical features, prefer wood to the vinyl of most replacement windows or if you simply aren't ready to invest in new windows. Periodically, old windows will need new glazing compound, paint inside and out, and of course cleaning. But there's one repair that comes along so infrequently, you may not be familiar with it.

When an old double-hung window suddenly feels as though it weighs a ton, it's not because you skipped going to the gym for the past month. More likely, a sash cord has broken and you're no longer getting an assist from the weights and pulleys that are hidden behind the window jambs. To fix the problem, assemble the necessary tools and supplies and follow the steps listed below.

Tip: While the sash are removed and you have access to the weights, it's wise to replace all four sash cords so you won't have to face this problem again for many years.

Here's what you'll need for the project:
Tools
-Vacuum
-Screwdriver
-Pry bar
-Utility knife

Supplies
-Sash cord
-String
-Screw or nail

Joe Provey

Step 1: Remove the interior window stops. They are pieces of molding that help form the track in which the lower (inner) window sash slides. Removal involves taking out several screws and using a utility knife to break the layer of paint or varnish that may also be holding the stop in place. In some cases, a pry bar or putty knife may be helpful when removing the stops. Apply pressure carefully, however, so as not to damage the molding.

Joe Provey

Step 2: With the interior stops removed, pull the sash carefully from the window opening and disengage all sash cord, broken or otherwise.

Step 3: To remove the upper sash, pull out the parting stops or strips that separate the two sashes. They fit into a groove in the jamb and held in place by friction. With some windows, there are metal tracks, not parting strips, that you must remove.

Step 4: Make any necessary repairs to the sash while they are out, such as repairing badly cracked or missing glazing compound, repainting and cleaning.

Joe Provey

Step 5: Remove the access cover to the weight pocket. It is a wood panel that's usually held in place with a single screw.

Step 6: Then pull the weights from the pocket. Have a vacuum handy. After years of being enclosed in the wall, there will be some dust.

Step 7: Cut a piece of sash cord to the length of the old sash cords, plus about 6 inches. Use only sash cord; do not substitute clothesline or other rope products.

Step 8: Tie one end of the cord to a piece of string.

Joe Provey

Step 9: Tie the other end to a screw (or nail). It will serve as a weight.

Step 10: Then insert the screw into the opening above the pulley and lower the string. When the screw reaches the weight pocket opening, feed the tied-off end of the sash cord over the pulley and use the string to pull it down into the weight pocket.

Step 11: Remove the weighted string and tie the sash cord to the sash weight. Use a double half-hitch knot; it gets tighter as you pull on it and will prevent the weight from coming loose during operation.

Step 12: Put the weight back into the weight pocket.

Joe Provey

Step 13: Tie an overhand knot at the other end of the sash cord at the same point at which knots are tied for the other sash cords. Cut off excess cord about 1/4-in. from the knot. Replace other sash cords in the manner described above.

Step 14: Fit the knots into the groves and knot holes at the top of each sash edge. Then reinsert the sash into the window opening.

Step 15: Reinstall the parting strips and window stops.

Now that that's taken care of, tackle your other window woes:
Window Insulation Film
Weatherstripping Doors and Windows
The Daily Fix: Clean Mold From Window Tracks

By Joe Provey

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Behind The Scenes: The B Brian Atwood Showroom

Brie Dyas — 2011-08-17T16:15:00+00:00

Filed under: Living Spaces

We were so excited to hear that one of our favorite shoe designers is launching a contemporary line: B Brian Atwood. But what got us talking was the label's amazing showroom in New York City's Meatpacking district.

Located inside a building dating back from 1901, the showroom features an almost reptilian sculpture made of mirrored tiles. The space-and sculpture-was designed by installation artist Sebastien L. Agneessens. Agneesens, who is a musician and sound designer in addition to his work as creative director of design and production studio Formavision, compliments Atwood's architectural shoes with an environment inspired by music and art.

"When designing the sculpture, I kept in mind how a giant glam rock vibraphone would look, something Daft Punk would play with at their concert," he says. "It has the ability to

capture and reflect the light in a fantastical way, and further translates the look and feel of the

space: organic, yet contemporary and hopefully elegant."

To see how the space came together, check out this behind-the-scenes video of the B Brian Atwood showroom.

And if you're in New York City, visit the B Brian Atwood trunk show August 18-19 at Saks Fifth Avenue.

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Random Recast Round-Up: 4 New Ways with Egg Cartons

Brie Dyas — 2011-08-14T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Crafts, Know-How, Living Spaces

In this week's Random Recast, we took a look at a few unexpected uses for egg cartons.

Day 4: Egg Carton House

Goldenhen

It's not coming to a development near you, but it's nice to look at isn't it? This art installation by the Australian studio Goldenhen turns egg cartons into ersatz bricks. A wry commentary on the dream of suburban homeownership, this piece is based on the Howard Arkley painting "Family Home: Suburban Exterior" (1993).

Want to see the rest of this week's Random Recast? Visit ShelterPop.

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Inside Country Living's Plantation Home Makeover

Brie Dyas — 2011-08-13T11:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Bedrooms, Living Spaces

We're taking a room-by-room look at the unbelievable home transformation featured in the September issue of Country Living-out on newsstands now!

Today: The guest bedroom.

Country Living

This room sits at the top of the house, which gives it the interesting architectural feature of a sloped ceiling. It's a feature that adds to the hideaway feel of this room, meant for the homeowner's grandchildren. The soft white walls are Benjamin Moore's classic Navajo White (which can do no wrong in our book), while the furnishings all came from mass-market stores like Target and Dillard's.

But our favorite detail has to be the unframed children's book art on the wall. It's hung with clothespins for a super-casual feel.

Missed the room-by-room look at this amazing home transformation in September's Country Living? Check out...
Inside Country Living's Plantation Home Makeover: The Living Room
Inside Country Living's Plantation Home Makeover: The Exterior and Entryway

And don't miss these great stories from Country Living...
DIY in a Day
Inside Sarah Richardson's Cottage Makeover
Get Your Garden On

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Random Recast: Egg Cartons Day 3

Brie Dyas — 2011-08-13T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Know-How, Living Spaces

In Random Recast, we give ordinary things a more stylish second life. This week: Egg cartons.

Otero Design Studio

In this innovative chandelier by Otero Design Studio, egg cartons become an unexpected lampshade. Though it's more on the "inspiration" end of the spectrum, there is a way to DIY it. To find out, check out ShelterPop.

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Inside Country Living's Plantation Home Makeover

Brie Dyas — 2011-08-11T19:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Living Spaces

We're taking a room-by-room look at the unbelievable home transformation featured in the September issue of Country Living-out on newsstands now!

Today, it's all about the living room.

Country Living

This traditional-style living room gets an updated look with just a few key accessories: An array of white platters hung on the wall along with eye-catching black-and-white photographs. The plates add an architectural element to the walls and the photos perfectly complement the overall classic look.

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First Look: Country Living's September Issue

Brie Dyas — 2011-08-09T19:05:00+00:00

Filed under: Exteriors & Facades, Living Spaces

This latest issue of Country Living (out August 9) is all about before-and-afters. Subtitled "The Makeover Issue," you'll find some really amazing home transformations-big and small.

My favorite is the story of Laurietta, a plantation home in Fayette, Mississipi. To say that this home needed work is a major understatement. In fact, when Tere and Mac Thomas took a look at the newly-purchased property, they were greeted by a roosting buzzard.

I loved the story so much that Country Living is kindly giving DIYLife readers a peek into the incredible renovation. We'll take a day-by-day look at the revamped rooms, starting with...the entryway.

Here, the clean-lined frames surrounding the matted illustrations beautifully echo the painted treads of the stairway. Beautifully simple, spare and graphic, this entryway is a lovely welcome to the home.

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CustomMade Curator: Flower Chandeliers

Brie Dyas — 2011-08-05T15:17:00+00:00

Filed under: Living Spaces

CustomMade is a new site filled with fabulous furnishings, accessories and more that you can get, well, custom made. Here, we spotlight our favorite item of the week.

CustomMade

This whimsical chandelier by CustomMade artisan HiiH Lights reminded us of the garden scene in Alice in Wonderland. The dramatically oversized blooms aren't too much on the whimsical side, though-their elegant lines and brilliant hues put these flowers firmly in the "sculpture" category. To see more botanical designs, visit CustomMade.

Want to be inspired by more incredible custom creations? Check out...
CustomMade Curator: Oreo Cookie Sculpture
CustomMade Curator: Dolphin Tree
CustomMade Curator: Bicycle Seat Bench

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First Look: Design Sponge At Home

Brie Dyas — 2011-08-05T12:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Crafts, Know-How, Living Spaces

We recently caught up with amazingly talented Grace Bonney of Design Sponge, who is coming out with a new book full of inspiration and projects in September. Here's a peek of what you can expect from the much-anticipated guide.

Design Sponge at Home (Official Book Trailer) from The Panic Room Videos on Vimeo.

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Make a Bench from a Coffee Table

Brie Dyas — 2011-08-04T18:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Living Spaces

Make a bench out of a $7 thrift store find with this easy idea from DIYLife favorite ModHomeEc.

ModHomeEc.com

For four legs and a flat surface, a bench can be an oddly-expensive furniture piece. But, you can make your own bench without any woodworking skills necessary. Just follow the lead of Shelly Leer and start with...a coffee table. She added an upholstered cushion and a square of tinted glass to make her combo bench-and-side-table. And even though she included these details, the total cost of the DIY was less than the cost of a retail-sourced bench. The coffee table alone was $7.

For the full tutorial, visit ModHomeEc.

Want more ideas for creating unique seating? Check out...

Curbspotting: Vintage Chair
Turn chairs into a bench for two
DIY Warrior: Reupholster a Bench

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How to Hang Curtains: A Quick Refresher

DIY Life Staff — 2011-08-03T10:15:00+00:00

Filed under: Essential Skills, Know-How, Living Spaces

We all could use a quick refresher on the right way to hang curtains-especially if you picked up a new style of panels, sheers or drapes.

audringjr, flickr

Learning how to hang curtains so they're at the right height and level can seem tricky...but if you just follow these simple steps, you'll finish the job in no time.

How to Hang Curtains: 1. Measure the Window
First, measure the width of the window. You want the curtain rod to be at least five inches longer than the window. You can attach the curtain to the window frame, but generally it is more visually appealing to move the rod outside the frame to the drywall. Drywall is also easier to fill and repair than wood should you decide to move or even change the style of curtain rod.

Exceptions to this are if you are hanging long dramatic window treatments and want to alter the perception of the window size. By attaching rods several inches to a foot above the top of the window opening and hanging long curtains, you can make short windows look longer. For long skinny windows, extending the curtain rod out on each side of the window a foot or more will make the window appear wider.

Using your tape measure, measure out from the side of the window frame. Make a light pencil mark. Now measure up from the window frame. Two inches is the standard measurement for both of these, but as discussed above, you can do whatever feels right for your decor. (Note: two inches out is standard for where the bracket should be installed. The rod itself extends beyond the bracket.)

How to Hang Curtains: 2. Make Sure the Curtain Rods Are Level
Once you've measured the location of the curtain rod hardware on each side of the window, get out your level and make sure that the marks are level. This is especially important in older houses that have "character"-meaning, uneven ceilings, window casings, etc.

How to Hang Curtains: 3. Install the Curtain Rod Hardware
Using your drill, drill a small hole on your mark. This is called a pilot hole. Never, ever, ever just screw something into your wall without making a pilot hole first. If you hit a wood stud behind the drywall, you're in luck! You can just screw your bracket in with the hardware that has been provided.

Most likely though, you won't hit a stud. In this case you'll have to use drywall anchors, which look like tiny plastic projectiles. Once you tap them into the wall they spring open behind the Sheetrock and anchor in your screw.

You are going to need to drill a hole that is the exact same size as the anchor. This is not as difficult as it seems. And remember you can always go larger if the hole you initially drill is too small. Drill your hole.Gently tap your anchor into place with your hammer. It shouldn't slide in too easily,nor should take brute force to try and muscle it into place.

Screw in your curtain hardware directly into the anchor. Repeat the process on the other side of the window. Then hang your curtains. Step back and admire your work!

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A Barbie Dream House With Design Cred

Brie Dyas — 2011-08-02T15:05:00+00:00

Filed under: Living Spaces

You know, we always thought Barbie's home could use an overhaul...especially since she has a new career as Architect Barbie. And apparently, The American Institute of Architects (AIA) agreed. They recently held a contest for its members to re-imagine the design-focused doll's home. The entries in the AIA Architect Barbie Dream House competition were winnowed down to 5 finalists, which were then put up to a public vote.

So, who's the winner? Find out on ShelterPop!

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CustomMade Curator: Oreo Cookie Sculpture

Brie Dyas — 2011-07-29T18:05:00+00:00

Filed under: Living Spaces

CustomMade is a new site filled with fabulous furnishings, accessories and more that you can get, well, custom made. Here, we spotlight our favorite item of the week.

CustomMade

This edition of CustomMade Curator made all of us here...hungry. But these cookies are definitely not for eating: They're exceptionally realistic sculptures made by Robin Antar. Her other works include Peppermint Patties, M&M's and even the odd Diesel denim jacket. For more info, check out CustomMade.

Want to see more remarkable custom made creations? Check out...
CustomMade Curator: Ship Weathervane
CustomMade Curator: Dolphin Tree
CustomMade Curator: Artichoke Table

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Turn Columns Into Floor Lamps

Southern Living — 2011-07-27T08:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Know-How, Living Spaces

Architectural columns abound at salvage shops, but we never really thought they could have any other use...until we saw this genius project by our friends at Southern Living.

featuring

Eddie loves to transform castoffs into masterpieces. He spotted these 5-foot tall fluted columns, reminiscent of grand, old homes with wide, open porches. He loved the beaded detailing around the tops, but multiple lives had resulted in layers of cracked and peeling paint, so they were in dire need of an update.

Left, Babs Perkins; Right: Miki Duisterhof

With fresh coats of paint and easy upgrades, they became beautiful floor lamps. Look for columns such as these at flea markets or salvage yards for around $100 and up.

Materials
2 hollow columns
2 lampshades
handheld electric sander or sponge sanding block
primer (shellac-based stain blocker)
white paint
cordless drill or screwdriver
2 electrical lamp kits
2 fence post caps
8 leg mounting kits
8 - 2.5" round bun furniture feet
16 -1" finishing nails

Step 1: Add Height
Using a cordless drill or screwdriver, attach one mounting plate to each of the four bottom corners of the columns. Secure the feet into the plates with the nails included in the leg mounting kit.

Step 2: Prep and Paint
Sand and prime your columns before painting to ensure a smooth and lasting finish. Begin by using a handheld electric sander or sponge sanding box to remove any loose paint. Then, use a damp cloth to remove any remaining dust or dirt. Apply one coat of primer to the columns, fence post caps, and feet. Allow them to dry. Next, apply two coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry between applications.

Step 3: Wire for Electricity
Drill three separate holes, all in alignment, to thread the wiring throughout the body of the hollow column: 1-starting at the center of the fence post cap, drill a hole. 2-move to the center of the column top and repeat another hole. 3-turn the column over and drill the last hole directly through the center of the column base. With the three holes completed, follow the directions included in the lamp kit.

Tip: Depending on the height of your column, you may need a longer length of cord than the one provided in the kit. To see how much cord you may need, measure the height of the column. Add the distance between the lamp and plug. Then give yourself two extra feet. For a pair of lamps, double the overall length. If you do need to purchase more cord, be sure to pick up two quick-connecting flat-cord plugs as well.

Step 4: Cap it Off
Once the columns are wired, attach the fence post cap to the top and secure with finishing nails. Complete the lamp by attaching a socket, harp (included in your lamp kit) and shade.

Step 5: Porch Perfect Shade
Since Eddie's lamps are for the porch, he had a friend create custom, porch-appropriate shades using outdoor fabric, water-resistant adhesive, and vellum plastic frames. If your lamps are well protected from the elements, store bought shades will work just as well.

For the full how-to complete with step-by-step photos, visit Southern Living.

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9 Free Ways To Cool A Room Better

Brie Dyas — 2011-07-22T08:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Essential Skills, Know-How, Living Spaces

With record-breaking temperatures around the country, we all want to know how to cool a room- fast. These nine tips won't set you back a dime, but will make your air conditioner, central air system or fan do its job better.

Medusa Properties, flickr

Yes, it's hot outside. And inside, for that matter. But if your preferred cooling system-whether it's an a/c or a fan-doesn't seem to cool a room as good as it should, try these nine fixes.

Window or Portable Air Conditioner

- Clean The Air Filters. Trapped dirt will most definitely reduce air flow through the unit, leaving you with disappointingly weak breezes from the vents. So, give the air filter a good scrubbing with soap and water at least once a month (more if you live in a city, or if there's been lots of humid weather). While you're there, clean the evaporator coil. Dirt there will just insulate the coil, reducing its ability to absorb heat.
- Move It. Your air conditioner will work overtime if it's near a heat source, which can be anything from somebody else's a/c to a cable box. Or, if it's surrounded by junk. These all reduce airflow, which means less cooling power.

Central Air/Split System

- Clean The Condensing Unit. This can get filled with leaves, grass clippings and dirt. Clean this loveliness away with a soft brush. Also, remember: The condenser should have 24 inches of breathing room in order to run properly and keep from overheating.

- Add Duct Tape. Go to the attic to check for gaps in ceiling ducts. A good way to test this? Light incense, then see if the smoke gets pulled towards or away from the ducts. If it does, this indicates a leak. Patch it up with duct tape.

Ceiling Fan

- Clean The Blades. Yes, we're cleaning again. Caked-on dirt can slow the blades down (and it doesn't look very nice, either). Turn off the fan, then clean each blade.

- Make It Run Counterclockwise. Did you know that your ceiling fan has a "summer" setting? Me neither. But it's simply flipping a switch on the side of the motor housing. Trust me, you'll notice a difference.

- Balance It. If your ceiling fan gets wobbly when you run it, the alignment is out of whack. Turn off the fan, then make sure the blade holders are firmly attached to the flywheel. Tighten any loose screws.

Plug-In (Box or Stand-Up) Fan

- One more time: Clean It. This is easier on a box fan, where all you have to do is unscrew the front and back grates (and dip them in a bath, or hose them down). If you have a stand-up model, check out this tutorial for how to clean an oscillating fan.

- Open The Top Window. This is if you have casement windows, of course. But opening the top half of the window will create cross-circulation, giving a place for hot air (which rises) an escape hatch.

Want more cool cures? Check out:

Energy Savings: Central Air Conditioning
How to Clean and Maintain Air Conditioning Systems
The Daily Fix: How to Balance a Ceiling Fan

And to see how to change out the air filter in your central air, watch this...

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Random Recast: Corks Day 4

Brie Dyas — 2011-07-21T19:15:00+00:00

Filed under: Small Projects, Know-How, Living Spaces

In Random Recast, we find new uses for ordinary things. This week: Corks.

Yes, I know what you're thinking: That's a lot of corks. But would it make you feel any better if I told you that each cork was sliced in half? So really, it takes half the corks you'd think to create this mat. Using real cork will make this mat antibacterial, mildew- and water-resistant. Your local wine bar (or fine restaurant) can often supply you with a bunch of corks, but I've also heard that wineries will ship old corks to you if asked. For the full tutorial to create this bath mat, visit Craftynest.

Want to catch up with this week's Random Recast: Corks? Check out...
Random Recast: Corks Day 3
Random Recast: Corks Day 2
Random Recast: Corks Day 1

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Are Houseplants Better Than Boyfriends?

The Frisky — 2011-07-20T13:10:00+00:00

Filed under: Living Spaces

They need nurturing, can give you flowers and make you smile when you see them. No, we're not talking about boyfriends, but houseplants. Our friends at The Frisky give us three reasons why tending to pretty pots of greenery can matter more than any guy.

Featuring

I don't have a dog ... or a boyfriend. Once upon a time, I had both. This is not a country song by the way, I am going to take this in a different direction so stick with me.

susan nyc, flickr

If I did have a dog, I might be writing about all the wonderful ways my imaginary dog, Sprinkles, enhances my life in the absence of a man. But Sprinkles is just a dog I met on the street while her real owner was walking her. And my landlord doesn't allow pets in the building anyway.

So that's neither here nor there. For now, I'll have to bestow all my loving praise upon my very cherished succulent, Curly. A loyal plant can bring much joy to a single ladies' life. Curly has been with me now for almost four years and I feel like we have a very solid relationship. After the jump, some reasons why having a plant is better than having a boyfriend.

They are always available to listen. Curly is a plant of few words, specifically, none. But he is a really great listener and he's available anytime of the day or night. He is never too busy with work or hanging out with his buddies to lend a leaf. And he never judges me or thinks I'm "overly emotional" when I cry. I know I can go to Curly with life's joys and pains and he will listen without ever saying a word or trying to figure out how to "fix" things. If only more boyfriends could do the same.
They need you, but not too much. My beloved plant needs me -mostly to water him-but still, he needs me and is not afraid to show it. When I'm away for a week, Curly's tentacles droop slightly with the sadness of my absence. When I water him, he perks back up but I tell myself that it's because he is very happy to see me. When I think of "what I have to come home to," after a particularly annoying family weekend, I can count on Curly to be sitting placidly still on my windowsill waiting. But as thrilled as I am that Curly needs me, he is also totally self-sufficient on the days that he doesn't need to be watered, pruned, or repotted, which isn't very often. Men would be wise to take note of this delicate need/self-sufficiency balance.
They never complain about anything. Plants turn excessive sunlight into photosynthesis and 10 days worth of rain into emergency food storage. Curly makes the best of every situation. You won't hear him complaining about how his branches could be fuller if he only sat on a more sun-drenched ledge or got watered more often. If Curly's arms are dropping or he sheds excessively, you won't see him blaming me for making him that way or waiting for me to make him grow. Curly knows this too shall pass. What an inspiring outlook on life!

See more of what Ami has to say about houseplants, relationships and more at The Frisky.

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