DIY Life http://www.diylife.com DIY Life http://www.diylife.com/media/feedlogo.gif DIY Life http://www.diylife.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/How to Paint Kitchen Cabinetshttp://www.diylife.com/2011/08/28/how-to-paint-kitchen-cabinets/http://www.diylife.com/2011/08/28/how-to-paint-kitchen-cabinets/http://www.diylife.com/2011/08/28/how-to-paint-kitchen-cabinets/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Yes, you can paint kitchen cabinets...and not be left with exposed brush marks or peeling paint. Kate from Centsational Girl shows us how she achieved these amazing results on her kitchen island.

paint-kitchen-cabinetsCentsational Girl


The right way to paint kitchen cabinets has always been a mystery to me, one that I've always been too intimidated to undertake by myself. That's why I was thrilled when DIY home remodeling genius Kate from Centsational Girl has done gone through the tough task on her kitchen's center island. And it turns out that the task isn't so tough anyway. Here, check out her before...

paint-kitchen-cabinetsCentsational Girl


It's impressive to see that the new white coat of paint is just as smooth as the original finish. You would really think that she had bought the island new. So, how did she do it? First, lots of sanding. While we always know to clean off the cabinets before painting, some of us (maybe even me) neglect to thoroughly sand the finish. Kate also recommends light sanding between paint coats as you work. (This is what prevents brush strokes.)

Another hint is to use an oil-based primer, which has a bonding agent and dries to a hard finish. Kate says that it's also helpful to use a conditioning additive like Penetrol to lengthen the time you have to work with the primer and to also minimize brush strokes.

Once the primer coat completely dries (and you've sanded away any rogue brush strokes), apply two coats of oil-based paint. While latex does dry quicker, an oil-based paint tends to be more durable over time. (Just be careful of white and paler shades, since oil-based formulas in these hues can yellow as they age.) For more tips, check out Kate's post on how to paint kitchen cabinets.

Want to read up on painting cabinets before you bring out the brush? Check out...
Replace, Reface or Refinish?
Painting Kitchen Cabinets
The Daily Fix: Cover a Scratch on Your Painted Cabinet


And to see another way to paint kitchen cabinets...



How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets

 

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]]>how+to+paint+kitchen+cabinetshowtopaintkitchencabinetspaint kitchen cabinetspaintkitchencabinetsBrie Dyas2011-08-28T12:00:00+00:00Notes from a Renovation: Bathroom Makeoverhttp://www.diylife.com/2011/07/25/notes-from-a-renovation-bathroom-makeover/http://www.diylife.com/2011/07/25/notes-from-a-renovation-bathroom-makeover/http://www.diylife.com/2011/07/25/notes-from-a-renovation-bathroom-makeover/#commentsFiled under: , ,

This guest bathroom renovation took a weekend and totaled $1,000 (all fixtures included). Here's the scoop straight from the handy homeowner, Michael Phillipou.

renovationMichael Phillipou


Overall, how much did the renovation come to?
We spent roughly $1k on the renovation. The expenses were: A new toilet, vanity, sink, faucet, mirror, towel bars, toilet paper holder and light fixture as well as the cost of paint, spackle, tile, grout and thinset. The "day laborers" were compensated in beer, a home cooked meal and MarioKart on the Wii (photographic proof included).

renovationHow to save on labor costs: Include XBox privileges. Photo: Michael Phillipou


So, what made you decide to undergo the renovation?
This was the last unrenovated space in our home. We adhere to the "one working bathroom rule" during all renovations, so we left this out of our original renovation scope. The home just didn't feel complete until the last bit of formica was banished. Also, my wife was pregnant with our daughter and this is the bathroom attached to the nursery, so we wanted to freshen it up at the same time we were painting and preparing the nursery.


How long did it take?
We knocked it out in a 3-day weekend. Day 1 was demolition and patching the wall where the old mirror was, then the light fixture and towel bars had to came down. Day two was sanding the patch areas and painting. Day 3 was install. Most of days 1 and 2 consisted of waiting around for paint/spackle to dry.

renovationMichael Phillipou



Any lessons learned during the whole renovation process?
As you can see from the picture, when we removed the old vanity, we discovered that the contractor never tiled under the center of the vanity. We had already decided to keep the existing tiles and had a hard time finding an exact match. Turns out there was a tile border on the wall inside the linen closet and so we canabalized those tiles and used them to fill the gap then patched and painted the closet wall. So our lessons would be: Expect the unexpected and then think outside the box to solve the unexpected.

And also, using your wife's hair dryer to speed up spackle drying will kill the hair dryer, get you in the doghouse, and end up costing you more than just buying a heat gun in the first place.

We should mention that Michael is a renovation junkie (in case you haven't noticed) who refreshed his entire home. And, it's on the market if you're lucky enough to live in the New York metropolitan area. To see more pics, check out the apartment listing.

Feeling inspired to take on your own renovation? Check out...


And for a few pro tips on how to get the most value from your bathroom renovation, watch this...

 

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]]>renovationBrie Dyas2011-07-25T11:00:00+00:00Notes from a Reno: Bungalow Kitchen/Dining Makeoverhttp://www.diylife.com/2011/06/28/bungalow-kitchen-dining-makeover/http://www.diylife.com/2011/06/28/bungalow-kitchen-dining-makeover/http://www.diylife.com/2011/06/28/bungalow-kitchen-dining-makeover/#commentsFiled under:

In this makeover, designer Sarai Mitnik of Colette Patterns creates a cohesive look between the kitchen and dining room of her bungalow.

But first, some old linoleum has to come off...
bungalow

In an old bungalow, you'll never quite know what you'll find underneath any surface. Years of other families can mean countless layers of wallpaper (I know of one person who discovered a layer of wallpaper held up by hot glue), paint or, as Sarai Mitnick discovered, linoleum. Below the unassuming flooring was the bungalow's original hardwood floors.

Removing old linoleum can be a gamble. Most of the time, the adhesive has bonded to the underlying layer, meaning you'll end up ripping out chunks of the original floor as you lift away the linoleum (if you're strong enough to even be able to rip away the linoleum). But if you decide to try, work section by section, using a heat gun to loosen the adhesive. (This can get a bit fume-y, so definitely keep the area ventilated, and wear a mask.) Then, lift away the linoleum, scoring it with a knife to keep the sections small and easy to deal with.

So, what's the after look like?
bungalow

The wood floors were refinished, creating a natural transition between the dining room and kitchen area. In addition, Sarai painted all the built-in cabinetry white and replaced the hardware. The walls were painted in a soothing blue/green palette. (She used Benjamin Moore's Irish Mint.) To see more before and after photos from Sarai's bungalow makeover, visit Sweet Sassafrass.

Want some quicker fixes for your hardwood floors? Check out...
Quick Fix for Dull Wood Floors

Fix Scratches and Squeaks in Wood Floors

Price Patrol: Refinishing Hardwood Floors

And to see what you'll need to refinish your floors, watch this...

Tools Used to Refinish Wood Floors

 

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]]>bungalowBrie Dyas2011-06-28T10:20:00+00:00Bathroom Makeunder - Notes from a Renovationhttp://www.diylife.com/2011/06/21/bathroom-makeunder-notes-from-a-renovation/http://www.diylife.com/2011/06/21/bathroom-makeunder-notes-from-a-renovation/http://www.diylife.com/2011/06/21/bathroom-makeunder-notes-from-a-renovation/#commentsFiled under:

This guest bathroom had potential that was hard to see under that New Yorker cover wallpaper, vinyl flooring and boxy enclosures. The "after" proves that less is more when it comes to bathrooms.

bathroomWade Freitag

When you see how soothing this Portland, Oregon guest bathroom turned out, it's hard not to look at the before photo and go "yikes." The large enclosures around the sink and bathtub ate up a significant amount of floor space and created an awkward layout. The homeowners noted that the vinyl floor covering was impossible to clean. And then there's the matter of the New Yorker cover art wallpaper, a busy pattern that made the room feel smaller and, well, chaotic. All of these elements had to go.

The biggest difference, of course, came from paint (Antique Gold by Benjamin Moore). But the new double-hung window (which replaced the aluminum sliding window), smaller mirror and hexagonal floor tiles subtly enhance the space further. And here's something interesting: The tile wainscot was replaced with subway tile, not only for stylistic reasons, but also because existing tile that's 10 years or older can be impossible to match just right.

To find out more about this renovation, visit Style 1900.

Feeling inspired to take on your own bathroom renovation? Check out...
Adventures in Virtual Bathroom Remodeling
Perpetual Remodeling Syndrome: Bathroom Makeover
2011 Bathroom Trends

And for some bathroom improvement ideas, watch this....

How to improve your bathroom

 

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]]>bathroomBrie Dyas2011-06-21T09:55:00+00:00Architectural Inspiration: Daylightinghttp://www.diylife.com/2011/05/25/architectural-inspiration-daylighting/http://www.diylife.com/2011/05/25/architectural-inspiration-daylighting/http://www.diylife.com/2011/05/25/architectural-inspiration-daylighting/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

If you plan on renovating this summer, there's new reason to rethink window placement: Research has shown that daylighting (an official-sounding term that refers to maximizing the natural light in a space) can make a room feel more inviting and you more productive. Also, it looks great. See for yourself with these amazing projects by the masters of daylighting, KSS Architects.



daylightingKSS Architects; Taylor Photo


Let me ask you: Which space is more appealing to you, the left or the right? If you answered "the right" (I'm guessing 100% of you did), you just learned the core principle of daylighting: Maximizing the light through windows and details. KSS Architects completely transformed West Chester University's 25 University Place building by opening up the ceiling and adding a high row of windows. But while daylighting might be associated with windows, a neutral color palette and unobtrusive lighting are also ways to boost the bright factor.

Your takeaway: Blonde wood accents, neutral flooring and discrete overhead lighting (check out the bent-arm lamps) can be just as effective as adding windows.



daylightingKSS Architects; Taylor Photo


This project really sold me on the power of daylighting. Here is the dramatic before and after of the basketball court at New Jersey City University's University Academy Charter School, another KSS project. The building had a nice big window, but obviously little charm (an understatement). KSS kept the brickwork but did something that I thought was interesting: Instead of repainting the walls white for a uniform look, they chose to strip the paint to reveal the natural hue of the brick.

Your takeaway: While white paint tends to make a space feel larger, sometimes it's best to expose the original finish of a high-quality material.

daylightingKSS Architects; Doug Snower Photographer


At Lawrence University's Warch Campus Center, KSS added Mondrian-esque windows and filled the space with brushed metal accents (which gently reflect light without scattering intense beams of sun all over the place). Like the 25 University Place project, neutral wood elements punctuate the room. To make the juxtaposition less jarring, stone tiles in both browns and grays were installed on the floor.

Your takeaway: Brushed nickel accents give you the gleam of metal without the upkeep (no worries about smudges). To integrate it into a space that has a lot of wood, opt for a natural stone tile that has bits of both hues.

Want more ideas for brightening up your home? Check out...
Easy Ways to Brighten the Kitchen and Living Room ... - ShelterPop
11 ways to brighten a room - DIY Life
10 Things You Can Do (Right Now!) to Brighten Your Home - Shelterpop

And to see how you can quickly boost the light in any room, watch this...



How to Brighten Up Your Rooms

 

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]]>daylightingBrie Dyas2011-05-25T08:00:00+00:00Weekend Project: 3 Kitchen DIYshttp://www.diylife.com/2011/05/13/weekend-project/http://www.diylife.com/2011/05/13/weekend-project/http://www.diylife.com/2011/05/13/weekend-project/#commentsFiled under: ,

Get a jumpstart on your weekend to-do list with these quick kitchen ideas from our sister site Shelterpop. These projects prove that small details can make a huge difference!

Weekend project #1: Rethink your kitchen cabinets
A standard-as-can-be kitchen gets a pop art-inspired new look thanks to the most creative use for posters we've ever seen.
weekend projectPhotographs by Jason Radspinner of Image Locations, Inc.

Weekend project #2: Fake a beadboard wall
In tough times, an interior designer tests how far she can stretch a dollar. What I loved about this story was the faux beadboard wall made by applying beadboard wallpaper ($25/roll). Much easier than adding the real thing.

weekend projectPhoto: Michael J. Lee


Weekend project #3: Change up your color palette with paint
In this makeover, a traditional kitchen gets a modern look. Though the tiled backsplash, new counters and cabinets are a little beyond the scope of a weekend project, the new soft neutral hued walls made just as big of an impact in a fraction of the time.

weekend projectRaenovate.com


Looking for more great projects? Check out...
The Best Looks From Design on a Dime

Minute Makeover: An Herb Garden in Your Kitchen

Laundry Room Ideas: Cheer Up Your Chores

 

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]]>Brie Dyas2011-05-13T14:10:00+00:00Hanging Art...When You Don't Have Anyhttp://www.diylife.com/2011/05/06/hanging-art/http://www.diylife.com/2011/05/06/hanging-art/http://www.diylife.com/2011/05/06/hanging-art/#commentsFiled under: , ,

How one talented illustrator (and Mom!) displayed treasured finds and sentimental mementos to create a whole new approach to hanging art.

hanging-artSummer Pierre



When Summer Pierre wanted to create a happy focal point above her son's changing table, went for a salon-style arrangement of hanging art, with a twist: Instead of prints, the talented author and illustrator went for a mix of scavenged and saved items. Her son's handknit "jeans" (a gift from a friend), a vintage sign and even an egg beater.

hanging-artSummer Pierre


In her own studio space, she took a more traditional approach to the art, but not the hanging method. Here, she clamped her latest illustrations using a clothesline. How cute! For more ideas, check out her house tour.

Looking for alternatives to typical hanging art? Then check out...
Wall Art Ideas to Make You Smile - Shelterpop
Atypical Wall Art - Shelterpop
Bright Idea: Recipes (and Food!) as Art - Shelterpop

 

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]]>Brie Dyas2011-05-06T12:00:00+00:00From Books to Wallpaperhttp://www.diylife.com/2011/03/30/book-wallpaper/http://www.diylife.com/2011/03/30/book-wallpaper/http://www.diylife.com/2011/03/30/book-wallpaper/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Bored with paint? Intimidated by wallpaper prices? Make your own wallcovering with book pages.

Check out this creative DIY project from our friends at Houzz!

book-wallpaper


A quick look through my design portfolio and it's obvious I'm a fan of wallcovering. From grasscloth to fabric, geometric prints to toile, adding texture, color and/or pattern with textiles is always my preference over paint.

book-wallpaperBefore: A blank slate. After: Beautiful DIY book wallpaper. Photos: Houzz.


Since many high-end wallcoverings come with high-end price tags, we can't all shell out the clams to clad our walls so elegantly -- unless we get creative, that is. Here's a way to cover your walls with words and illustrations from old books. If you've ever (a) read a book (b) held a paint brush (c) cut a piece of paper, you can do this project. Check it out:

First up, you've gotta decide on the proper room for this project. Kitchens and bathrooms? No -- in fact, consider all wet spaces totally off limits. Guest rooms, offices or reading nooks? Yes, please. For my own little typography-fest, I chose a bachelor's attic which is used for quiet escapes.

Want to get the full step-by-step? Head over to Houzz for the full story.

Or check out these great stories for more cures for the common white wall:
Wall Decor Ideas: What to do with a Blank Wall
Decorate Walls Without Paint
Dining Room Decorating Ideas: Ikat Pattern Wall Stencil

 

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]]>Houzz2011-03-30T12:00:00+00:00Is This the Kitchen of the Future?http://www.diylife.com/2011/03/23/kitchen-of-the-future/http://www.diylife.com/2011/03/23/kitchen-of-the-future/http://www.diylife.com/2011/03/23/kitchen-of-the-future/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Looking for space-saving ideas for the kitchen? We're putting this remote-controlled island on our DIY wish list.

kitchen of the futureDesign Milk


When our friends at Curbed and Design Milk both posted this amazing video of a retractable kitchen island we watched it twice: Once to bask in the coolness of the project and then again to try and figure out how the brilliant Tim Thaler made it happen. Behold: The centerpiece of the kitchen of the future.



We took to Thaler's YouTube page where he's been dutifully posting answers to the many questions coming in. Here's a peek at the discussion:

Q: Show us the inner workings! What was the pricing and installation like? How long did it take?
A: I'll post a video of the inner workings next week! Sadly, I spend endless nights planning the logistics of it and how to do it. When I started all I knew was I wanted an island to come out of my floor, and retract back without anyone knowing it's really there... I had to figure out everything myself, as there really isn't any "how to" documents for something like this. I did the entire installation myself, bought used parts, and managed to make it for under $1000.00.


Q: Why was it so quiet going down but noisy coming up?
A: it's hydraulics. A motor runs to pump oil in when going up, when going down, it's just releasing the oil that is built up.


Q: How to you maintain the hydraulics and clean the pit of inevitable grit, grime, and dropped food scraps?
A: The hydraulics just take regular Mobil 1 5W-30 motor oil... And I clean the same way anyone would, a sweep and a dustpan. Plus, I rarely prepare food on the island, that's what the countertops are for with an undermount sink and garbage disposal...

kitchen of the futureTim Thaler via Design Milk

If you had the time and energy, would you take on this project?

And now that you have kitchen islands on the brain...
That's Smart: Kitchen Island Alternatives - Shelterpop
Kitchen Islands: Kitset vs. DIY - DIY Life
How to Use a Cardboard Box to Measure for a Kitchen Island

 

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]]>Amy Preiser2011-03-23T08:00:00+00:00Bathroom DIY Storage: Instant Makeoverhttp://www.diylife.com/2011/03/15/bathroom-diy/http://www.diylife.com/2011/03/15/bathroom-diy/http://www.diylife.com/2011/03/15/bathroom-diy/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Our writer faces her sink mess head-on with a fun bathroom DIY: Cubby holes to contain the clutter.

If you're like me and your home's single bathroom is no bigger than a phone booth, it's easy for the space to quickly get out of hand. Take the photo below, for example. Hand towels, candles, lotions, shaving cream -- where can you possibly stash it all? Alas, it all gets lined up along the sink?

bathroom diyMy bathroom, pre "contain the clutter" makeover. Photo: Sara Brown


Enter the bathroom cubby holes. Cute, cheap and easy-to-assemble, they're the perfect minimalist catch-alls that look great in any type of space. Genius, right?

Here is a photo of what used to be on my bathroom wall, at left, and the sleek white cubbies that I made in their place, at right:

bathroom diyPhoto: Sara Brown


So, here's how you make them:

For each cubby you'll need four pieces of 3/4-inch-thick plywood, which you can purchase at Lowe's, Home Depot or any neighborhood hardware store. I made mine in two different sizes to house different items. The top, bottom and sides are mitered along the ends, glued together, and secured with 1 1/2-inch finishing nails.

If carpentry isn't exactly your forte, you can skip the mitering part -- instead, purchase top and bottom pieces that are 10 1/2 inches by 9 inches, and sides that are 12 inches by 9 inches. Then, glue the ends of the bottom and top boards to the inside edges of the side boards, and secure with finishing nails. Sand, prime and paint the wood. Mount a tiny hanging bracket on the back of each cubby and hang on a nail in the wall. Feel free to situate the cubbies in any way on your wall. Randomly placed or lined up in a row, they'll look great!

Sound easy? It is.

For more DIY inspiraton, check out ShelterPop writer Laura Fenton's table and bench makeover.

And check out this a video about a $100 bathroom makeover:


 

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]]>home-decoratingSara Brown2011-03-15T11:00:00+00:00Home Style Upgrades on a Budget - DIY Linkshttp://www.diylife.com/2011/03/04/home-style-upgrades/http://www.diylife.com/2011/03/04/home-style-upgrades/http://www.diylife.com/2011/03/04/home-style-upgrades/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Hack your way to sophisticated home style with these innovative, budget-friendly projects from around the web.

home styleMarcus Design


Dorothy Draper Hollywood Regency furniture pieces can easily set you back thousands of dollars. But a trip to IKEA can garner you the materials to create a fabulous knockoff -- one that costs just a little more than $30. Nancy from Marcus Design has step-by-step instructions to transform an affordable, bland dresser into a gorgeous DIY showpiece.[Marcus Design via Ikea Hacker]

home styleApartment Therapy

MacGyver may have met his match in Ohdeedoh's Katie Steuernagle. With a few pieces of wood, vinyl strips and a concrete form, she whipped up an amazing DIY nightstand. The nailhead trim gives this DIY creation a high-end look -- for only $30! [Apartment Therapy]

home styleDIY Network

Want a beautiful kitchen remodel without spending major cash? The key is to get the most out of inexpensive materials. Take for example this sleek kitchen island, which is crafted out of two-sandwiched IKEA cabinets topped off with butcher-block. The soda-fountain stools were online finds that were anchored into the floor. [DIY Network]

home styleBetter Homes & Gardens

Bookcases and storage cubes are simple pieces that can be converted into custom furniture creations. Turn stackable storage cubes into an entertainment center by screwing the cubes together and adding metal legs (pictured left). For a floating store-and-serve buffet, use wall anchors and mount bookcases horizontally (center). Also, you can transform a bookshelf into a bench by adding a cozy cushion and wooden furniture feet (right). [Better Homes & Gardens]

home styleNesting Place

Accent pieces don't have to be expensive to be beautiful. Add instant style to a room with this dramatic DIY sunburst mirror. Folded poster board, mirror and glue are the main materials used to create the pretty display. [Nesting Place]


home styleCharles & Hudson

Think you can't paint bathroom tile? Think again. Using Glidden's Gripper Primer, the folks at Charles & Hudson easily upgraded dated dandelion tiles with a modern, high-gloss finish. [Charles & Hudson]

 

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]]>Cheryl Thompson2011-03-04T10:00:00+00:00Kitchen Remodel Ideas for Every Budgethttp://www.diylife.com/2011/02/14/kitchen-remodel-ideas-for-every-budget/http://www.diylife.com/2011/02/14/kitchen-remodel-ideas-for-every-budget/http://www.diylife.com/2011/02/14/kitchen-remodel-ideas-for-every-budget/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Think a renovation is out of your reach? It's not! We lay out some kitchen remodel ideas for every budget, from $50 to $10,000.

kitchen remodel ideasCorbis

It's not necessary to spend an astronomical amount of money on a kitchen remodel. Whether your budget is small or sizable, it's possible to get the kitchen you yearn for at a price you can afford. In fact, you can begin making improvements for as little as $50. Remodeling in stages is an excellent way to update in a manner that will fit your budget. But make sure you tackle projects in a logical order, or you could end up wasting a ton of money. For example, if you plan to rearrange cabinets and appliances, hold off on replacing the flooring. Similarly, don't install a new sink or faucet if replacing the countertop is also on your to-do list.

Use this road map to create the kitchen of your dreams -- no matter the reality of your budget.

BUDGET: $50 OR LESS
Paint is the easiest, least expensive way to transform a tired looking kitchen. Choose a semigloss latex paint, which will allow you to easily sponge off the inevitable food splashes and spatters. Also, opt for a semigloss finish on the trim, such as the baseboard and around windows and doors. For best results, don't skimp out on prep work. Kitchen surfaces accumulate grime, so be sure to wash all walls and the ceiling with a TSP (trisodium phosphate) or a TSP substitute before painting. This will help clean and prepare the surface so that the paint adheres to it properly.

kitchen remodel ideasSchulte


BUDGET: $100 OR LESS: ORGANIZERS
Now matter how expensive your cabinets and countertops are, an organized and tidy kitchen will always be an instant upgrade. If your budget is $100, it will be well spent on organizers.

Pot racks, lid holders, shelving, drawer organizers, pullout trays, and utensil crocks are affordable ways to keep clutter at bay and let the charm of your kitchen shine greatly. Open shelving takes advantage of empty walls and gives the kitchen an airy feeling. Stretch your makeover dollars by DIYing your storage organizers.

kitchen remodel ideasMCT

BUDGET: $200 OR LESS: LIGHTING
Another quick, inexpensive way to update a kitchen is with the right lighting.

Replace those dim CFL floods with halogen floods. You'll still save energy over traditional incandescent bulbs, and the light will be a substantial improvement. Install a dimmer switch so that the halogens last a longer and save even more energy. As for those still-good CFLs, don't toss them. Save them for use in utilitarian spaces, such as the garage, basement, attic, or closets. Add under-cabinet lighting to existing kitchen cabinets and bring countertop work areas out of the shadows. Use decorative lights over kitchen tables to change the mood when it's time to dine.

kitchen remodel ideasGetty Images

BUDGET: $350 OR LESS: REFURBISH CABINETS

Cabinets are often the most expensive items in any kitchen makeover. If yours look worn and have become soft and gummy around the pulls, consider refinishing or repainting the doors and frames instead of replacing the entire units. This will make a big impact in your kitchen at the fraction of the cost of brand-new cabinets.

- Refinish: Use a furniture refinisher, such as the one made by Formby's or Minwax, to strip off most clear finishes. Refinishers often remove some of the stain, too, so you may have to even out the remaining stain color by rubbing on one or more coats of a matching stain. Once the color is to your liking, allow the stain to dry, wipe carefully with a tack cloth, and apply a new clear protective coat. Just be sure to protect yourself from fumes; use a respirator (with the correct cartridge), allow for plenty of ventilation, and work in a dust-free environment as possible when reapplying the clear coat. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully, especially with regard to health and safety, as these products are flammable and poisonous.

kitchen remodel ideasEmily Farris

- Paint: If you want to repaint cabinets, be sure to prep surfaces by cleaning them thoroughly and sanding them with a fine-grit sandpaper so that the paint sticks. Virtually any surface can be painted, but some are better suited to it than others. Metal, solid wood, and plywood cabinets take paint well. Thermofoil cabinets, which are made of MDF that's wrapped with vinyl laminate, may not. If the laminate is loose or bubbled, painting is not a good option. Even if the paint adheres to the vinyl, the vinyl will probably continue to delaminate. In some cases, it may be possible to peel the laminate off the cabinets, prep, and then paint the underlying MDF.

Check out this video demonstration of how to paint kitchen cabinets:


























Regardless of the surface, use a high quality primer and a durable topcoat, such as Benjamin Moore's Impervo (alkyd) or Impervex (latex). Apply paint to the rails and stiles (cabinet framework) with a high-quality brush or foam roller. For an extra smooth finish on the doors, remove them from the cabinet frames and take off all hardware. Number the doors and cabinets to make rehanging the doors easier. Then rent a compressor-powered sprayer to apply the paint. This will minimize those annoying brush strokes in the finish. Be sure to practice on scrap wood first to master the spraying technique. Apply several coats for best results. Sand lightly with a very fine abrasive paper and wipe off dust between coats.

kitchen remodel ideasqmnonic, Flickr

- Hardware: Clean cabinet knobs and pulls thoroughly and buff with a clear wax. If your hardware is dated, replacement pulls, knobs, and hinges can be purchased online or at many home centers. Swapping out tired old hardware can give your kitchen a facelift on the cheap.

kitchen remodel ideasGetty Images


BUDGET: $500 - $1000: NEW FLOORING
Refresh your kitchen flooring for a brand new look.

Vinyl floor tiles are not only affordable, but have come a long way in terms of style and ease of installation. This type of flooring is comfortable to walk on, easy to clean, and durable. To install, you no longer have to deal with messy adhesives; the floors float atop the underlayment. At less than $2 per square foot, you can put a vinyl floor in just about any kitchen for $500.

Want a more natural flooring material? Choices include wood (solid or engineered), cork, and bamboo. You'll have to shell out two or three times the price of vinyl, but the finish can not be beat. Avoid laminates, which are susceptible to moisture damage. Also, try to steer clear of ceramic tile, which is cold and hard to the touch, plus cracks easily.

kitchen remodel ideasCorbis

BUDGET: $1000 - $2500: NEW SINK, FAUCET and COUNTERTOPS
Sinks and countertops bear the brunt of work in the kitchen. As a consequence, they can look very worn after 10 or 15 years. A new sink, faucet and countertops are within this budget -- providing you choose economical materials for the countertops, such as plastic laminate or wood. You can dress up the former with a beveled or rounded hardwood molding along the front edge. Or fake the high-style look of granite, marble, or soapstone with affordable laminate. Butcher block, long neglected as a countertop material, is again in vogue and quite functional. It will need periodic sealing with mineral oil, but can be easily renewed with a sander when needed.

kitchen remodel ideasA green kitchen in Windermere, FL. Photo: Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel/MCT

BUDGET: $5000 - $7,500: A RECYCLED KITCHEN
Now that we're talking about serious money, you can consider buying a complete recycled kitchen, often with the appliances included. Check out Green Demolition at and similar organizations that accept and resell used building materials. Green Demolitions' New York metropolitan area showrooms offer entire kitchens that have been donated by homeowners who are about to remodel. The donors get a tax deduction, and the purchasers get kitchens at prices that are a fraction of the original list price. Everybody wins, including the environment.

kitchen remodel ideasGetty Images

BUDGET: $7,500 - $10,000: NEW CABINETS
This budget range will allow you to purchase new kitchen cabinets. Stock cabinets for a 10 x 12 kitchen start at about $5,000. Custom cabinets, that are built to order, cost $8,000 and up. Solid wood, plywood, and stainless steel cabinets are best. Cabinets made of MDF (medium density fiberboard) are good. Avoid cabinets made with particleboard. Look for well-crafted rabbeted or dovetail joints, especially on drawers. They should be carefully glued and fastened. You may also be able to replace your old countertops in this budget range, but most likely not with granite or other synthetic stone materials. To keep this remodeling project under $10,000, you'll have to do much of the work yourself and minimize changes to plumbing, venting and electrical systems.

- Consult with a pro: If your budget is in this range, do yourself a favor and spend some of it on a professional designer. If you have a pretty good idea of what you want, $500 spent on consultations and plans can go a long way. An experienced designer has seen it all and will likely be able to help you avoid costly mistakes. In addition to suggesting an efficient layout for cabinets, counters, and appliances, a designer will help you create free-flowing traffic patterns to dining rooms and to outdoor entertainment areas. They can help with a lighting plan, mudroom or kitchen-office solutions, color selection, material and appliance choices. A good designer will suggest ways to minimize changes to your kitchen's footprint that can add significant cost to your project.


SEE ALSO:
DIY Kitchen Islands
Refacing Kitchen Cabinets
Minute Makeover: Remove Kitchen Cabinet Doors (ShelterPop)
Makeover Inspiration: Color in the Kitchen (ShelterPop)

 

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]]>budget+kitchen+remodelbudget+kitchen+remodel+ideasbudgetkitchenremodelbudgetkitchenremodelideaskitchen+ideaskitchen+remodelkitchen+remodel+ideaskitchenideaskitchenremodelkitchenremodelideasJoe Provey2011-02-14T12:00:00+00:00Not Your Typical Shower Items!http://www.diylife.com/2011/02/09/not-your-typical-shower-items/http://www.diylife.com/2011/02/09/not-your-typical-shower-items/http://www.diylife.com/2011/02/09/not-your-typical-shower-items/#commentsFiled under: , ,

More than half of US adults claim to use their showers for more than just washing up. Here are some of the most unusual shower items they admit to bringing into the stall. Do any of these sound familiar?

shower itemsTheresa Coleman Clement

Do you do more in your shower than, well, shower? According to a recent study by Delta Faucet, more than half of us -- and perhaps this includes you -- are bringing more than just the typical shower items like razors and loofah sponges.

"Everything we do starts with market research and really understanding how consumers use our products," says says Susan Fisher, Director of Brand Management for Delta Faucet. "And this study gives us more insight into that very personal space."

And, there's a lot of things people do in that particular box that I hadn't ever considered trying. But, when you consider that only 34 percent of Americans live in a single-family home, according to the National Multi Housing Council, not everyone has a utility sink or access to a hose. So the shower might just be the best (and only) solution available when you need access to water.

Snowy or dirty boots. While some of us may remove our dirty boots before entering the house or rinse them with the hose, some of us are cleaning them in the shower.

garden tools, diy supplies, shower itemsTheresa Coleman Clement

Tools. When our tools get dirty, about one-quarter of Americans are cleaning them inside the shower.

Theresa Coleman Clement

Pots and pans. Sink size can make it tough to fit soup and stock pots or other large pans in a standard size kitchen sink. So people are heading into the shower to clean them.

Window screens. Cleaning window screens is a big job. You may reach for a hose, but not everyone does. Window screens are being cleaned in the shower.

shower itemsTheresa Coleman Clement

Plants. Plants, like us, need water to survive. A watering can may be the typical way to hydrate the hibiscus, but some are getting their fill in the shower.

shower itemsspike55151, Flickr

Bleaching whites. If you need to soak your whites with bleach and don't want to occupy your washer on laundry day, you might want to use your tub/shower.


OK, maybe these aren't SO wacky, but...

baby in shower, shower itemsPhilip J. Beyer, Flickr

Babies. Babies don't need a bath as often as their parents, but some parents actually bring their babies into the shower to clean them.

dog in bath, shower itemsGetty Images

Pets. Did you know that about a quarter of Americans wash their pets in the shower? Considering the American Veterinary Medical Association's tally that about 63 percent of all households in the United States have a pet, this research from Delta Faucet means that about 40 percent of pets are taking a shower like the rest of us.

couple in showerPhoney Nickle, Flickr

Significant other. If you are from the South Atlantic (Maryland through Florida), you might think this shouldn't make this list. Delta Faucet uncovered that people in those states are 12 times more likely to bring a significant other into the shower than those living in New England.

Cleaning-up from 'accidents.'Now this may seem a little vague, but Delta Faucet says this category include 'things that need to soak and be in standing contained water' to be cleaned. I'll leave you to use your imagination here.

"Research like this helps us keep up-to-date on current trends and gives us inspiration to develop new products that make living with water a lot easier," says Susan.

So Delta Faucet is creating showering products that go beyond just helping us bathe our bodies in the shower and offering us tools to get all the other showering activities accomplished. They've created a new showerhead call In2ition that it designed to clean other things, too. It's a showerhead and a hand-held shower that docks inside in an integrated space, helps get the water where you need it without cluttering our very busy showers. They also have a Palm Shower that might be ideal for washing pets and pots in the shower.

Is there something that you bring into the shower that didn't make our list? We'd love to know: What unusual things do you bring into the shower?

If you're worried about how much heat you're losing through all the hot water that runs through your shower, watch this video, in which DIYer Danny Lipford explains how to reduce the energy used by your home's water heater.

 

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]]>diy+dirty+laundry+shower+kitdiy+showersdiydirtylaundryshowerkitdiyshowersnate+berkus+shower+head+cleanernateberkusshowerheadcleanershowers+for+petsshowersforpetsTheresa Coleman Clement2011-02-09T09:00:00+00:00DIY Links - Winter Home Projectshttp://www.diylife.com/2011/01/28/winter-home-projects/http://www.diylife.com/2011/01/28/winter-home-projects/http://www.diylife.com/2011/01/28/winter-home-projects/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Trapped inside due to the snow? Bummed about a weekend without football? Channel your restlessness into winter home projects from around the web.

winter home projectsPhoto: CasaSugar

A drafty home can easily hike up your heating bill, but you have the power to keep the cold air out and your utility bills low. Seal up the leaky doors and windows in your home by crafting draft blockers (pictured), applying weatherstripping or using heavy-duty plastic to combat the chill. [CasaSugar]

winter home projectsPhoto: Apartment Therapy

By now you may have lapsed on some of your New Year's resolutions. But if organization was on your to-do list, you can rebound this weekend with a neat and tidy bedroom. Try doable projects to clean your mattress, clear the dust, organize your closet and freshen up your bedroom's style. No matter if you have 10 minutes or a whole weekend, learn the tricks that will tame the chaos once and for all. [Apartment Therapy]

winter home projectsPhoto: The Kitchn

Replacing an old faucet fixture is one of the easiest ways to give your bathroom or kitchen a brand-new look on a tight budget. Plus, the installation process won't leave a mess behind. From contemporary to tradition, there is a wide-range of faucet finishes and styles to satisfy your design tastes. [The Kitchn]

leaky faucet, winter home projectsMoShotz, Flickr

Leaky faucet driving you crazy? Or maybe it's the clanking, squeaking sounds or blurting water flow? Popular Mechanics has the secrets to fixing bad-tempered faucets without calling a plumber. [Popular Mechanics]


winter home projectsPhoto: This Old House


After you've tackled that leaky faucet, turn your attention to fixing the nonstop trickling sound from your toilet. A runny toilet wastes gallons of water each day, but luckily, there's an easy fix. Use this guide to identify and eliminate the problem before it burns a hole in your wallet. [This Old House]


winter home projectsPhotos: Copyright CICO Books, 2010

Make your weekend a productive one by transforming an old chest of drawers into a stylish showpiece. ShelterPop's easy-to-follow instructions will have you sanding, painting and switching out old drawer pulls like a pro. [ShelterPop]

winter home projectsPhoto: Houzz

Sometimes a can of paint is all you need for a big impact. Paint the back of a cabinet or built-in unit to add a shot of color to any room. Take off a few cabinet doors for colorful open shelving. [Houzz]


winter home projectsPhoto: Real Simple

With the Super Bowl only a week away, now is not the time to drop the ball on your TV display. From recessed shelving to open cabinets, build the perfect media center that will give your party guests perfect views of all the pigskin action. [Better Homes & Garden]


Over time, small cracks may show up on your home's wall surfaces. They're not pretty, but thankfully there's an easy way to repair. Scoop Spackle on a putty knife to cover the cracks. Once dry, sand the surface, and apply a coat of primer and paint. According to Real Simple, a pro would charge you $75 to complete this project. DIY it and it will only set you back $9.50 for supplies. [Real Simple]


Don't give up on bathroom tile that's old, dirty and grimy. Fight icky mildew buildup by re-grouting your bathroom tile. [The Nest]

 

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]]>diy+home+projectsdiy+projectsdiyhomeprojectsdiyprojectswinter+home+fixeswinter+home+projectswinter+projectswinterhomefixeswinterhomeprojectswinterprojectsCheryl Thompson2011-01-28T11:45:00+00:00Cabinet Doors: Removing Them for Open Shelvinghttp://www.diylife.com/2011/01/20/cabinet-doors-removing-them-for-open-shelving/http://www.diylife.com/2011/01/20/cabinet-doors-removing-them-for-open-shelving/http://www.diylife.com/2011/01/20/cabinet-doors-removing-them-for-open-shelving/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Interested in storing and displaying your kitchen wares? Consider removing your cabinet doors -- a process that's hardly labor-intensive yet high in visual impact.

cabinet doorsRemoving cabinet doors is a relatively simple job, but some care is required to prevent mishaps! Photos by Joe Provey, Home & Garden Editorial Services

Earlier today, our sister site ShelterPop inspired us with their post about removing cabinet doors to acheive a more open, airy design while revealing display-worthy dishes, glasses and other kitchen wares.

From a functional standpoint, it's easier to access stored items in open cabinets -- and easier to put them away, too. Of course, the next thing we thought was, is the process of removing cabinet doors as easy as it sounds? The answer: Yeah, pretty much.

A lot of care goes a long way, though, so be gentle when removing the doors to avoid damaging them (you may want to rehang them some day). It's also easy to damage the frames of the cabinets as you remove the doors, and the damage will be very obvious once the doors are off.

The good news? Follow the steps below and you shouldn't run into any problems.

removing cabinet doorsJoe Provey, Home & Garden Editorial Services

Step 1: Remove bottom hinge screws first while holding the cabinet door so it remains aligned with the cabinet frame. If the door swings out of alignment with only one hinge attached, the frame or hinge may be damaged. Keep a container handy for the hinge screws.

removing cabinet doorsJoe Provey, Home & Garden Editorial Services

Step 2: Remove the top hinge while grasping the door firmly. You may want to have a helper support the door to be sure it doesn't drop as you remove the last screw.

removing cabinet doorsJoe Provey, Home & Garden Editorial Services

Step 3: Fill screw holes with wood patching compound. You may use a plastic putty knife or a craft stick, as shown here, to push the compound into the holes. (Fingers work fine, too!) Choose a latex patching product that can be stained or a pre-colored one that matches the color of your cabinet.

removing cabinet doorsJoe Provey, Home & Garden Editorial Services

Step 4: Smooth the filled holes with 120-grit (or finer) abrasive paper.

removing cabinet doorsJoe Provey, Home & Garden Editorial Services

Step 5: Use an artist's brush to apply a matching stain to the filled holes and to other nicks and worn spots.

removing cabinet doorsJoe Provey, Home & Garden Editorial Services

Step 6: Wipe away excess stain, allow to dry, and reapply if necessary to match the cabinet stain. The filled holes should not be very noticeable when you're done.

After You Remove Your Doors
Keep the hinges screws in an envelope or plastic bag, and tape it to the cabinet door so they don't get lost. Store the doors in a dry place where they won't get knocked around. Tip: The doors will be easier to store, and less likely to be damaged, if you remove the hinges and door pulls before stacking them.

SEE ALSO:
New Uses for Old Kitchen Cabinets
Refacing Kitchen Cabinets

See a tip on how to organize kitchen cabinets in the following video!

 

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]]>Joe Provey2011-01-20T17:00:00+00:00Refinishing Furniture with Martha Stewart Living's Kevin Sharkeyhttp://www.diylife.com/2011/01/14/refinishing-furniture-martha-stewart-kevin-sharkey/http://www.diylife.com/2011/01/14/refinishing-furniture-martha-stewart-kevin-sharkey/http://www.diylife.com/2011/01/14/refinishing-furniture-martha-stewart-kevin-sharkey/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Martha Stewart's right-hand man offers furniture refinishing tips and guidance for newbies and the faint of heart.

Martha Stewart, Kevin SharkeyKevin Sharkey shares his tips for refurbishing furniture as part of a blog tour for Martha Stewart Living magazine's January 2011 issue. Photo: Martha Stewart Living

When DIY Life was asked to participate in the week-long Martha Stewart Living Blog Tour, we jumped at the chance to get firsthand, Martha-approved advice about the art of refinishing furniture. We spoke exclusively with Kevin Sharkey, Senior Vice President and Executive Editorial Director, Decorating, and Executive Creative Director, Merchandising for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (yes, that's really his title!).

DIY Life is final stop in the tour, but don't forget to check out yesterday's post in Huffington Post's food section all about acheiving the most scrumptious roast chicken. And of course, head over to MarthaStewart.com for lots of top-notch DIY ideas for the new year!

Flea market finds are perfect candidates for furniture makeovers. Photos: Martha Stewart Living

We don't know about you, but sometimes we get a little hesitant about refinishing furniture. Even if we have a great armoire and a rich shade of espresso that we know will really make it pop, we think: What if we ruin it? What if we don't use the right paint? Should we stain it instead? So we asked Kevin Sharkey to address the concerns of DIYers who are new to refinishing furniture. Luckily, he put our fears at ease (hopefully yours, too).

DIY Life: When is it worth it to refinish a piece? And when is it not worth it?
Kevin Sharkey: It's really determined by what the piece means to you. If it's a family heirloom, like a Chippendale sideboard that you want to preserve and pass down, it's worth refinishing it. (Note: Sometimes a piece is worth more with a slight blemish than completely refinishing it.) However, I would recommend you consult with a professional. This should not be the first piece you attempt to refinish. But if you pick up a chair or table at a consignment shop or at a flea market, give refinishing a try. It's a perfect opportunity to try your hand at refinishing.

Make things even easier by starting with an unfinished piece like this Ingrid Table. Photo: Martha Stewart Living

DIY: What are the best pieces/types of furniture to refinish and why?
KS: I would say if you are new, start small: Chairs are ideal to refinish; so are small side tables or benches. Then as you build your confidence, you can try a bigger piece like a dresser, or sideboard. Obviously, the simpler the design, the easier the job. In general, square shapes are easier to refinish than round ones. Something with intricate carvings or turned legs should probably be handled by a professional. Painting a piece is a great option for the beginner. A flea market table can be upgraded easily with a simple but impactful coat of white or black paint.

An even easier approach is to buy an unfinished piece. This allows you to truly customize the look and try out refinishing in an expensive way.


DIY: What are the most common mistakes people make when embarking on a refinishing project?
KS: Not taking time to prep the piece properly. Like painting, 90% of the work is in the prep to achieve the desired result. Sanding, cleaning and priming the piece properly will pay off in final product. Sanding is key as it smooths imperfections and opens up the grain to receive the finish. Cleaning ensures there is no residual dust or residue that can mar the stain's appearance and priming or using a pre-stain will help you achieve consistent color and finish -- just like painting a room.

DIY: Can you ruin a piece of furniture while trying to refinish it?
KS: You can't really ruin a piece. If you make a mistake, there are ways to fix it. If you are staining and you have a blotchy spot, you can sand it down or apply a darker color to cover it up.

DIY: What advice would you give someone who is stripping a piece of furniture for the first time?
KS: Stripping is a pretty toxic process. Follow manufacturer's instructions diligently, and always wear proper protection.

DIY: What are some of the most common pitfalls to avoid when prepping a piece of furniture?
KS: Make sure you thoroughly sand the piece down. Don't rush because you are excited to get the stain on. Next, remember to thoroughly clean after the sanding process. Even the slightest residue can cause imperfections in the finish. I would recommend using a tack cloth, available at hardware stores; they're great for removing any sanding dust. A vacuum cleaner with the dust brush attachment is also a good option. The last thing to avoid is rushing through the coats of stain. It's critical that each layer dries completely before applying the next one.

DIY: How do I choose between different finishes? Should I use wax, oil, polyurethane?
KS: It depends on the look you want to achieve. Other factors include how you will use the piece. If, say, a table is going to be placed in a busy traffic area to corral mail, keys, etc., you will probably want to go with polyurethane or a high-gloss finish. This will be make the finish more durable.

DIY: Do you have any special tools that you use when refinishing furniture?
KS: The manufacturer always directs you to the best tools for the job. For example, if the stain recommends applying the product with a cotton rag, use one to achieve the best results. When sanding in hard to reach spots, a course, use a steel wool pad rather than sand paper; a steel wool pad mold easier to these areas. The same thing applies to the type of brush. If you are using an oil paint, thr manufacturer may recommend a synthetic brush then say a milk paint which is typically applied with a natural-bristle variety. For pieces that have a sizable area to cover, consider using a small paint roller. This works well for styles with flat surfaces such as a simple chest of drawers.

DIY: Do certain types of wood take certain types of paints and stains better than others?
KS: First and foremost, it's always helpful to identify the species (i.e. maple, birch) to help determine the best process. But in general, if you have an antique farmhouse table that is made of oak and has beautiful wood grain, you'll want to preserve that look. A stain is ideal for this. However, if a pine side table has visible knots, you may want to cover those. Here, you could use paint, milk paint, or even spray paint, like our line of Martha Stewart Living paints at Home Depot, which is wonderful for painting furniture pieces.

Try your hand at this DIY project. Photo: Martha Stewart Living

Feeling inspired? Get started on one of these refinishing projects this weekend!


- Make an Impact With Pattern: Another interesting way to use paint on furniture is to create a contemporary pattern on a classic piece, as the editors from MSL have done at left. This caned bed's look was achieved using a hardware-store staple, blue painter's tape.


- From Eyesore to Eye-Catching: Budget Furniture Makeovers. Check out these wallet-friendly ways to transform old furniture into dazzling updated focal points.


- DIY Warrior: Refurbish a Concrete Porch. A once-charming front porch crossed over from shabby chic to utterly disgusting. Sound familiar? Take a peek at this porch makeover.

 

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]]>Laura Fenton2011-01-14T08:00:00+00:00DIY Links: Storage Projects for Less, Chic Bath Updates and Morehttp://www.diylife.com/2010/11/12/diy-links-storage-projects-for-less-chic-bath-updates-and-more/http://www.diylife.com/2010/11/12/diy-links-storage-projects-for-less-chic-bath-updates-and-more/http://www.diylife.com/2010/11/12/diy-links-storage-projects-for-less-chic-bath-updates-and-more/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Furniture knockoffs, bathroom fixtures, kitchen organization tricks, and life-changing home projects: save money with a little DIY blogosphere love.

DIY Network, kitchen pantry organizationDIY Network

- Get into fall cleaning mode (who says you can only tidy up in spring?) with these inspirational kitchen pantry organization projects. Seriously, wouldn't you love the inside of your pantry to look like this? It can! [DIY Network]

- Obsessed with furniture but not the price tags? Enter Ana White with her free DIY design plans for contemporary classics! Here's an inexpensive C Table you can make on the cheap. [Ana White]

DIY pot rack, Re-NestA DIY pot rack is one of Re-Nest's 25 affordable DIY projects. Photo" Re-Nest

- Don't forget about the fourth wall: jazz up your ceiling with a decoupage project! [Apartment Therapy]

- $50 goes a long way with 25 affordable home projects. [Re-Nest]

- Quick! Grab a hammer and some paint because DIY projects can change your life. [Shelterpop]

- Don't let your fear of paint paralyze you. Here's how to choose colors you won't regret. [This Old House]

- Thanksgiving will be here before you know it. Wow your guest with easy and beautiful DIY table décor. [Holidash]

- Turn a boring spot in your home into a conversation piece with a reclaimed wood accent wall. [Curbly]

- Save money and spruce up your bathroom by replacing a faucet fixture yourself. [DIY Network]

- Update any piece of furniture with a fabulous coat of wood stain. [ReadyMade]

 

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]]>DIY LinksCheryl Thompson2010-11-12T13:00:00+00:00Quiz: What's Your DIY Personality?http://www.diylife.com/2010/11/08/quiz-diy-personality/http://www.diylife.com/2010/11/08/quiz-diy-personality/http://www.diylife.com/2010/11/08/quiz-diy-personality/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

When it comes to DIY, are you do or die? Or would you rather die than DIY? Take our quiz to find out!

DIY quizWhen it comes to DIY, are you this guy or that guy? Photos: (left) Getty Images; (right) Corbis

All DIYers are not created equal. There are those of us who consider doing our dishes a do-it-yourself project. Others are so natural with power tools you'd think they used them for a living (and some do!).

So we thought it would be fun to see what kind of personalities you -- our readers -- have when it comes to your DIY projects. Choose an answer to each of the following scenarios, then add up your selections to see which DIY personality fits you.

http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=moreQuizzes&id=951844&pid=951843&uts=1289237736
http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/personality_quiz/personalityquiz.swf

 

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]]>Jaime Derringer2010-11-08T12:30:00+00:00DIY Links: Daylight Saving Time!http://www.diylife.com/2010/11/05/diy-links-daylight-saving-time/http://www.diylife.com/2010/11/05/diy-links-daylight-saving-time/http://www.diylife.com/2010/11/05/diy-links-daylight-saving-time/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Time is on your side this weekend! Thanks to Daylight Saving Time, you'll get an hour back on Sunday. So make the most of this extra hour by squeezing in a DIY project or two.

Unplggd

- Free up floor space with an easy DIY floating desk. [Unplggd] - For under $100, you can build a custom side table. [This Old House]

- From painting to organizing, these six projects only require an hour to complete. [Shelterpop]

- Who knew burlap and upholstery tacks could add up to one slick DIY wall covering? [Apartment Therapy]

- Paint is the easiest (and cheapest!) way to update a room, and painting stripes can take it to the next level. But achieving straight, even lines can be a pain. Luckily Centsational Girl has the secret to perfect stripes! [Centsational Girl]

- Get a leg up on your Thanksgiving hosting duties with this bountiful guide to ironing and caring for your holiday table linens -- Holidash

mod chandelier, curblyCurbly

- Have $10? Then you can also have one spectacular DIY chandelier (pictured). Tip: Spray paint the structure metallic for a glam effect. [Curbly]

- Brrrrrrrrr. It's getting colder, and Jack Frost will be here in a flash. Take some time to prepare your home for winter. [DIY Network]

- High-end décor on a low budget? Sign us up! Nate Berkus shows us how to transform inexpensive figurines into porcelain treasures - with just a can of spray paint. [The Nate Berkus Show]

- Head back to school and turn any surface in your home into a blackboard with an application of chalkboard paint. [Benjamin Moore]

- Need extra storage? Build a simple staircase bookshelf. [ReadyMade]

 

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]]>diy linksdiy projectsCheryl Thompson2010-11-05T16:00:00+00:00The Vanilla Ice Project: Our Revealing Q&A with the Rapper-Turned-Remodelerhttp://www.diylife.com/2010/10/07/the-vanilla-ice-project-exclusive-interview/http://www.diylife.com/2010/10/07/the-vanilla-ice-project-exclusive-interview/http://www.diylife.com/2010/10/07/the-vanilla-ice-project-exclusive-interview/#commentsFiled under: ,

In 1990, he created a sensation with his hip-hop single, Ice Ice Baby. Two decades, several public controversies, and many life lessons later, Rob Van Winkle emerges from the shadow of his alter-ego, Vanilla Ice, to debut a mellow, more mature attitude and a new show, The Vanilla Ice Project, on the DIY Network.

We spoke exclusively with the rapper-turned-remodeler about his life in and out of the public eye, and how he found solace as a professional DIYer.


The Vanilla Ice Project, DIY NetworkThe Vanilla Ice Project premeires October 14th on the DIY Network. In it, Rob Van Winkle renovates this 7,000-square-foot mansion in Florida. Photo: DIY Network

When you hear the name Vanilla Ice, you probably think of the young, cocky rapper who exploded onto the music scene with his 1990 hit, Ice Ice Baby -- the first hip-hop single ever to top the Billboard charts. You probably would not imagine the serene, grounded, knowledgeable gentleman I spoke with by phone recently following an appearance of his in London.

During his early adulthood and beyond, Vanilla Ice -- born Rob Van Winkle in 1967 -- drew both fame and disdain for his outsized personality, over-the-top outfits and hairstyles, and -- a bit later -- his onscreen rants while destroying sets on MTV and VH1's The Surreal Life. While most of these antics happened years ago, they live on in YouTube clips and the collective public memory.

In the past decade, though, out of the camera's eye, Rob got married, had two children, rediscovered his childhood love of making things, and grew into an accomplished builder, renovator and savvy house-flipper. "A lot of the things I do in these homes are personally gratifying," Rob told me. "You can cross your arms at the end and say 'Wow. I did that,' and you can take pride in it."

Most recently, Rob landed his own half-hour series, The Vanilla Ice Project, which premieres October 14th on the DIY Network. In it, he chronicles his experiences flipping a 7,000-square-foot mansion in Palm Beach, Florida.

We had a few questions for the star of the show:

The Vanilla Ice Project, DIY NetworkRapper-turned-remodeler Rob Van Winkle installs hardwood flooring in his new TV show, the Vanilla Ice Project. Photo: DIY Network

DIY Life: How did you get into flipping (buying, fixing up and selling) homes?

Rob: I learned to invest in real estate by accident. When I was in my early 20s, I earned a ton of money; about $20 million. I'm not a rocket scientist. I don't know anything about the stock market. So I thought, "Ok, I'm going to buy a home in L.A. because I work a lot in L.A." I bought a home in New York City too -- on Bleecker Street in [Greenwich] Village -- because I'm there 3 or 4 months out of the year. And I bought myself a ski resort house in Snowbird, Utah.

For three years I was on tour around the world. Finally I went back home and looked [around my] houses. No one had been there, and there were cobwebs in the corners. I stood there going, "Gee, I spent all this money on these houses and haven't used any of them. [I'll just] sell 'em all and if I need [someplace to live] I'll rent something." When I sold the homes, I made money on every single one of them -- hundreds of thousands of dollars. I thought, "You've got to be kidding me. It can't be this easy." Of course, that's when real estate was really good (in the 1990s).

Finally I bought a home on Star Island in Miami Beach, and I lived there for 11 years. I was a bachelor and had like 14 bedrooms. So I had [the house] decorated. I had a purple room. I had a red TV room. It was like a big nightclub. I'm talking bachelor pad to the -nth degree. I loved it for a year or so and then I'm like, "It's just not feeling like home. I want to get out of there. I want to take vacations." I didn't even want to stay in my own house. And I always had to have friends over. I'd say to them, "Can you come spend the night with me? I'm lonely. I'll pay for your plane flight."

DIY Life: So you got married in 1998 and you had two kids. Is that when you seriously got into building?

Rob: Yes, I've been doing this for more than 10 years. Not just flipping homes, but remodeling them. And when the market was really good, up until 2005, I was also buying land and building homes. It would take me more than a year to get a return on the money [for each home].

So I [went] to these seminars by (real estate investing guru) Robert Shemin. I read his books and learned a ton about real estate. And with the economy dropping and the real estate market dropping like it did [in the past few years], I learned how to adapt -- and it actually works better for me as an investor now. Now I can buy a home [for less money] than I can build one, and I don't have to go through that long-term process of building it. I can get these distressed homes, and get some really good deals. Then three or four months later [after renovating them], I can make money. It's very profitable. And it's something I enjoy doing. It's actually fun for me, you know?

DIY Life: It was reported in the news that you had some rough years and got into drugs. Were you living in that house when you had some of your lowest years?

Rob: Yeah, I had a "weekend" that lasted a few years. But I made it through. I'm a survivor. You live and you learn. They say yesterday's history and tomorrow's a mystery. I strongly believe in that. That's what makes you who you are, when you think about it. All the negatives that happen in your life, you can turn [them] into a positive. You know that path leads to self-destruction, and it's miserable and you don't want to end up down there and so you don't take that path.

The Vanilla Ice Project, DIY NetworkRob Van Winkle, a.k.a. Vanilla Ice, says his crew loved being on camera during the filming of The Vanilla Ice Project. Photo: DIY Network

DIY Life: You have a reputation for having a temper. On this show, people might be expecting you to get angry; after all, construction and remodeling houses can be frustrating. But watching the first couple of episodes, I was amazed that you were so calm.

Rob: I've had therapy so I'm good. (laughs)

But years ago I went onto MTV and with Jon Stewart, Jeneane Garofalo, Chris Kattan and they wanted me to take a hammer and destroy my own music video. It was like throwing me out there in a pack of wolves. And I (had) made MTV millions and millions of dollars. And I said instead of me smashing my own video I'm going to smash your whole set up. And it was great. It got the highest ratings of all their shows.

And so then I went on [VH1's] The Surreal Life and smashed up the set. But a lot of people don't get it with these reality shows, and I hate to say this, but a lot of the stuff is staged. It's not as real as people think. I played up to that role because I know it creates ratings and people really get into it.

DIY Life: Tell me about the house that The Vanilla Ice Project revolves around.

Rob: It's a 7,000-square-foot mansion that once was beautiful but had been completely gutted, inside and out. There was no cabinetry, no toilets, no air conditioning, no stair rails. They took the doors and the door frames, the Jacuzzi tub. They even took a hammer to the beautiful Travertine tile on the walls of the shower and the pavers around the pool. They ransacked this house.

DIY Life: Who would ransack a beautiful house?

Rob: You basically have someone who bought the house in 2005 or 2006 and they probably paid way too much for the house with the market dropping. And they probably had to spend 20 percent to get the mortgage so they've lost a couple of hundred grand. So they took everything, even the crown molding. On one side you really can't blame them for trying to recoup some of their money. But on the flip side, they destroyed a beautiful house. And what didn't work out for them worked out great for me. I got a great deal on it from the bank on a short sale. The shell was there, the concrete work was in, and the roof was tight, so I didn't worry. To me it was a lot of work, but it was all cosmetic. I knew I could handle the job pretty easily. We spent a couple of hundred grand fixing it back up and remodeling it.

DIY Life: So do you think you'll make money on this house?

Rob: Yes. The process is pretty simple. If you buy a house, even today, way under the appraised value, you can make money. This house appraised for way over what I paid. I paid about $420,000 and there are about $300,000 in fix-ups. It's 7,000 square feet. It's got vaulted ceilings. It's got 8-foot doors all throughout, Travertine tiles, hot tub, tons of crown molding. It should appraise at about $1 million when it's done.

DIY Life: Is this a good time to be fixing up and flipping houses?

You can get some really good deals out there because people are hurting; they want to work, so labor costs a little less money. You can get some good deals on cabinetry and floors because manufacturers are struggling too.

DIY Life: On "The Vanilla Ice Project" your crew seems to be having a good time. What's it like in real life?

Rob: We have a good time. [I could] crack a whip on the guys and say, "You didn't show up for work on time," or "Here's your agenda for the day; get this done," but that just kind of make it miserable for the guys. I do it way different.

I'm the kind that likes to get in there with the guys and swing a hammer. I also take [the workers] to lunch every day and make it fun. We jackass around; I want them to have fun at work. But I also let them know [they shouldn't] take that for granted.

I also like when the guys take on a little project themselves so they can sit back and feel proud of what they're doing, and it's not just like punching a time clock. I create a long-term relationship with these guys so that when it's time to go work for Rob, they drop everything else. It's fun to go to work. When you keep the morale up, [people] work harder and get your stuff done better and easier, with less headaches and drama.

DIY Life: One of my favorite scenes in the first episode is when you're fixing the pipe that goes from the lake to the sprinklers and you're on your side on the grass and barefoot. You're very relaxed but you know what you're doing with the pipe and adhesive. How did you learn all that?

Rob: I guess I learned just [being] hands-on, doing it for all these years. It's kind of [a new concept] to the public, but like I said I've been doing this for over 10 years so I know the way a house goes together, how the sprinklers work, how PVC pipe works. You just pick it up along the way.

DIY Life: Do you fix your own houses up too?

Rob: (laughs) Yes. I can't stop. It drives my wife crazy. I'll sit in the backyard and go, "I could see a fireplace over there, or an outdoor kitchen or something." And sure enough, there will [eventually] be one.

DIY Life: What else should we know about your show?

Rob: Whether you're a fan of Vanilla Ice or a fan of construction -- or neither -- I think people are going to get a really good kick out of the show. Not only is it interesting as a celebrity-type show, but we do a lot of things that are ultra-modern, that will wow people.

[For instance] we put an infinity pool in the yard with these fire pods that throw up like 8 feet of fire and change color. We put a theater in what used to be an attic. You hit one switch and the lights go down, the screen comes down, electric curtains slide open. And then we have mood lighting. If you walk in and you're in a bad mood, the lights go red. And they're fiber optics, with shooting stars all over the ceiling.

Plus, we create less of a carbon footprint. We use a lot of LED lights. We got rid of a big dangerous water heater in the garage. If you ran into it it would have flooded the garage, or if you break a gas line in the garage and light a cigarette it would explode. So we installed a tankless water heater outside. It costs less to run, and you never run out of hot water.

DIY Life: Besides touring with your music and releasing albums, what's next in the flipping department?

Rob: I'll be working on my next house whether [it's filmed] or not. But it would be great if there were a show because my guys seem to work harder when the camera's on. That motivates them. At the end of this house [project] we sat back and patted each other on the back and said, "Good job guys." I think it's a feel-good house and I hope that translates through the camera.

The Vanilla Ice Project debuts October 14, 2010 on the DIY Network. Check your local listings.

SEE ALSO:
Ex-rapper Vanilla Ice Flips Houses in Florida (Housing Watch)
House-Flipping Makes a Comeback (Wall Street Journal)

So you don't have a reality show and you're not an ex-rapper turned renovator -- it's okay! You can still start a renovation with great tips in this video:

 

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]]>Kathy Price-Robinson2010-10-07T09:00:00+00:00