DIY Life

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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Patio Flooring Ideas: What's Right For You?

DIY Life Staff — 2011-08-12T16:07:00+00:00

Filed under: Patios, Porches & Decks, Essential Skills, Know-How, Outdoors

Before you renovate your patio, make sure you know all the flooring options. From stone to brick, these five materials are sturdy and great looking -- but only you know which one is the perfect fit for your yard.

Can you tell that these decks are both made of composite decking? Photos: This Old House

Do you feel like you just don't know where to start when it comes to your patio? If you're suffering from a bland concrete slab or a blanket of grass, there are a number of outdoor decking and patio options that are easy to install, beautiful to look at and long-lasting. Don't let another summer go by hanging out in the driveway -- you can create the perfect space for entertaining, you just need the right footing.

1. Wood or composite decking. Decks are probably the most popular outdoor addition that a homeowner can create that also is one of the biggest bangs for your buck. Choosing between wood and composite decking can be difficult, as there are pros and cons to each. Composite decking is a newer innovation, made of a combination of plastics and recycled cellulose-based fillers such as wood fibers from recovered saw dust and bamboo. Wood decks are made of, well, wood. You can refinish a wood deck, but you cannot do so with a composite deck. You will need to re-seal a wood deck each year. Both materials are very durable, but wood may become victim to mold, rotting or termites whereas composite decking may stain or warp in intense heat.

A cedar or redwood deck costs roughly $18 to $22 per square foot, but a more inexpensive choice would be southern yellow pine at $10 to $15 per square foot. In comparison, composite decking is about $20 per square foot. These prices include installation.

2. Concrete pavers. Concrete was the most popular outdoor patio material for many years. However, in this day and age, concrete options have expanded far beyond the single slab. Concrete now comes in various sizes and shapes, and you can even stamp your concrete with different patterns.

Concrete is very affordable too, around one-fifth less than natural stone pavers, running anywhere from $1 to $3 per square foot compared with $7 to $10 for natural stone. However, concrete is slightly less durable than natural stone. Keep in mind: it can crack, so purchasing and saving a few backups pieces is a smart move!

Deck tiles work on top of just about any surface. Photo: Handy Deck Systems

3. Wood deck tiles. If you can't have a raised deck, or you are going for a slightly more modern look deck tiles might be the best solution for you. They are called the "instant outdoor floor solution" not only because they're fast, but they're very easy to install. Most companies offer wood deck tiles that just snap and click together. You can now even get them in FSC-certified lumber. While these deck tiles are usually pre-finished it is important to oil them every 6 to 12 months to keep them looking new.

The costs vary depending on the manufacturer, but typically plain deck tiles run anywhere from $7 to $12. You can also get them in wood composite.

4. Stones and pebbles. While this might seem fairly old-school to you, stones and pebbles are making a comeback. Not only are they easy to install (as long as you can sweat it out shoveling and wheeling them into your yard), they're easy to maintain, are kid- and pet-friendly and work well in just about all weather conditions. In modern gardens and yards, pebbles are a must-have. Plus, there is something so tranquil and zen-like about using stones in your landscaping.

A brick patio is a timeless option for an outdoor space. Photo: Corbis

Stones and pebbles are calculated by the pound or ton and vary in price depending on the type of stone and the size. You can usually grab a bag of river pebbles from your local hardware store for $5 to $7, but if you're doing a large project like a patio area, consult your local nursery or landscape company. Don't forget to measure first!

5. Brick. Nothing seems more beautiful and timeless than well-laid brick. However, this little red buddy can be quite a challenge. For one, brick patios can be plagued by salt stains, moss and weeds, and on top of that, they're expensive to lay. The can get very hot in the summer, and can be difficult to sweep or shovel. However, bricks are a very eco-friendly material. You can even get historical or used bricks from builders or construction companies. Also, check sites like Craigslist -- you might luck out and get an entire patio's worth of brick for free (as long as you haul it away)! Your local home improvement store probably sells them for around $0.35 to $0.65 per brick.

Love the outdoors? Go beyond the brick or get some shade on your new patio with these fun patio umbrellas.

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Habitat Landscapes: Messy Yard, Wild Garden or More?

Brie Dyas — 2011-07-28T17:40:00+00:00

Filed under: Outdoors

I was intrigued by the story of award-winning landscape designer Margie Ruddick, who received a summons from the City of Philadelphia for violating property maintenance codes. Why was this remarkable? Because her yard was a well-managed, naturally-growing habitat of gorgeous native plants rather than an unkempt mess.

So who's to decide what's unkempt and what isn't? I chatted with her to find out more-and learned that letting your yard go natural can be a beautiful thing in more ways than one.

Margie Ruddick

What's the difference between an "unkempt" yard and a "natural habitat"?

A yard that has just been "let go" does not necessarily promote habitat. It can attract invasive plants with low wildlife value, such as barberry. But if you manage the landscape- weed invasive species and plant new species that attract wildlife - it's possible to increase the wildlife value. Another answer would be, however, that beauty is in the eye of the beholder; some people consider a fenced-off area, completely unmanaged, to be "natural habitat."

What made you let your yard go natural? (I'm finding it funny that I chose the word "let" here, as if the yard had to ask for permission.)

The idea that I inherited a totally empty rectangle of grass, one third of an acre, was really scary, not least because there was a big sign on the lawn for a nationally known turf company whose name sounds like an industrial cleaner. My friends and colleagues were pretty shocked when they saw it - one of the only amenities hanging out there on the lawn was a blackened barbecue fashioned out of an old oil drum. It really was a little post-nuclear for me. Toxic - I had been working on a project in India where conventionally maintained rice fields were being transitioned to organic farming, and the theory was that it takes seven years for the chemicals to dissipate at least enough to grow untainted plants. I didn't really think it through as a clear strategy, I just a. didn't have a lot of money to do the total overhaul it needed; b. didn't know what I would do even if I did have the money, and c. I think I intuitively sensed that the place needed to lie fallow after all those years of fertilizing and pesticiding.

How did your neighbors initially react to it?

Well, it ranged from skeptical to appalled to angry. One of my neighbors, however, drives home with the director of a local arboretum known for its wild areas, and he watched the process over the first couple years, and through my generous neighbor he gave everyone on the block some language: "It's a meadow," he declared. I would never have dared to tell them it was a meadow, looking the way it did, I think that would have made the situation worse. "She says it's a meadow," I could hear them saying, not blaming them at all for their skepticism.

Margie Ruddick

Should more people re-think the way they approach their lawn and yard maintenance?

YES. From an environmental standpoint, it is "greener" on many levels. Not only does it promote habitat, it reduces the amount of storm water you are sending out into your creeks, streams and rivers (lawn absorbs less water than meadow or woodland); you are sequestering more carbon (so reducing the amount of carbon escaping up into the atmosphere and contributing to global warming) because there is more biomass, more leafy material, processing that carbon; you are using a mower less (and I learned the hard way that old-fashioned hand-pushed mowers do not work as well as powermowers, which contribute to greenhouse gases). If you are not maintaining a perfect lawn you are not raking or blowing (ditto about greenhouse gases on the blower) the leaves and bagging them and sending them away, but letting them mulch in - they disappear during the spring, as the plants leaf out and as the leaves decompose. From an aesthetic standpoint, having paths and meanders actually makes your landscape look bigger, and there is actually something to look at as you move through it. From an experiential standpoint, it just feels better - more crickets, more birds, more leaves moving in the breezes.

I loved this quote from you, which appeared in the story about your yard in the New York Times: "You have to allow a certain amount of mess to create a habitat," But "it also pushes a boundary that's very uncomfortable: the sloppiness and the ugliness, the awkward moments when things are cut" before "it starts to get its own shape." Why do you think it's a boundary for us/why does it make us uncomfortable?

We are transgressing a bunch of social norms. I would venture that for most Americans, keeping one's lawn cut is just one of the cardinal points of being a good neighbor and a good citizen. Then there are my own norms - I am a designer with rigorous design training, not to mention the natural control-freakiness of a designer, which is necessary and good in terms of quality. Having an out-of-control-seeming landscape half of which can flop over (pokeweed in particular) and fall apart from one day to the next is a little anxiety-producing. When you begin to manage the landscape as a woodland, and cut plants back hard, they can look stumpy and awkward for a while. The whole thing takes a strong stomach, but the rewards are immeasurable.

Margie Ruddick

I wish I had a [big] yard, because I was so inspired by your story. I would love to let things go and see what grows there, and nurture plants that are completely native to my area. I feel many readers feel the same way...what advice do you have for them on creating their own natural habitat yards?

I really want to stress the design aspect of this - it is a design assignment that should be taken as seriously as a Japanese garden. My place started to look acceptable when I began to place planters around and the flowering shrubs and perennials I planted at the edges and within the meadow/woodland really started to take off. If you don't know that much about plants or this process, hire someone. Hire a landscape architect! Or ask a friend to help you. It's a long row to hoe doing this alone, and not nearly as much fun.

Margie Ruddick is an internationally known, award-winning landscape designer. She is recognized for her environmental approach to urban landscape design. To see more of her work, visit margieruddick.com or follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

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It's Hot Outside: Creative Ways To Beat The Heat

The Daily Beast — 2011-07-22T17:35:00+00:00

Filed under: Outdoors

It's hot as hot gets outside, but our friends at The Daily Beast have compiled a list of 12 ways to beat the dog days of summer. Here's our favorites.

featuring

We're having a heat wave! From fruity drinks and boozy ice pops, here are the coolest ways to find some relief from the sun.

Marilyn Conway/Getty Images via The Daily Beast

Homemade Ice Pops: Take two parts childhood nostalgia, add one part adult privileges, and voila! Boozy Popsicles. Paper cups, tongue depressors, and a freezer will get you started. Try a grapefruit Campari, a fennel Pernod, or a mojito. Break them out for post-burgers dessert.

Infuse Cocktails: Nothing wrong with a simple gin and tonic, but for summer, herb-infused cocktails can turn a run-of-the-mill barbecue into the type of event Martha Stewart would plop down on a lawn chair for. They're easier to make than you think. Pick a drink-vodka is usually easiest-add a fresh fruit or herb, seal both in a glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid, and shake once or twice a day. Fruits can take up to a week to infuse properly, so keep tasting and when you get the desired flavor, break it open, ice it, and serve.

Work Out..In The Early Morning: "Boot Camp" sounds more like torture than a workout routine, but not to the dedicated followers of Robin Hart-Cohen, a former dancer whose Los Angeles-based Hart's Fitness Camp promises all gain, no pain. And you don't have to live in Southern California-follow her schedule for a week during the cool(er) wee hours of the morning to keep your physique in place through August. Lest you think it's time to throw in the towel, there are plenty of beach days ahead to keep you inspired.

To see nine more ways to beat the heat wave, visit The Daily Beast.

Or, distract yourself from climbing temperatures with these great stories:
This Week In Red Carpet Glam
10 Most Expensive Summer Camps
J. Lo's Media Victory

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CustomMade Curator: Ship Weathervane

Brie Dyas — 2011-07-22T13:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Outdoors

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

I admit to never giving much thought to weathervanes, except when I wonder if anyone still uses them. (Do you?) But if I were to have my fantasy vacation home, I would love to have this fantastic nautical weathervane by CustomMade artisan Tuck & Holland. In addition to a ship, you can also get a school of fish, mermaids and well, anything your heart desires. Remember, it's custom!

Want to see more fabulous custom made creations? Check out...
CustomMade Curator: Bicycle Seat Bench
CustomMade Curator: Artichoke Table
CustomMade Curator: Frog Beds

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CustomMade Curator: Dolphin Tree

Brie Dyas — 2011-07-15T17:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Outdoors

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

In this edition of CustomMade Curator, I had a hard time choosing just one photo from Artistry In Wood. This artisan, whose main specialty lies in wood sculpting, creates remarkably detailed pieces inspired by wildlife. But what really impressed me was the on-site stump carving service. They'll come over to your home to turn a dead or damaged tree into a gorgeous work of art...like this tree, which has been damaged during Hurricane Katrina.

For more photos and info, visit Artistry In Wood.

Want to see more remarkable custom made creations? Check out...
CustomMade Curator: Bicycle Seat Bench
CustomMade Curator: Artichoke Table
CustomMade Curator: Frog Beds

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How To Get Rid of Flies - Reader Tips

Brie Dyas — 2011-07-14T08:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Know-How, Living Spaces, Outdoors

When I tested the top homemade ways to get rid of flies, the response was overwhelming. Here's a sampling of ideas straight from DIYLife's ingenious readers.

mastahanky, flickr

When you want to get rid of flies, you'll often get exceptionally creative. Check out these tips:

Be a sharp-shooter

I shoot their wings off. When the wife's not around one of my favorite sports is hunting flies with my father's old pump pellet rifle. I just give it two or three pumps (no pellet), sneak up on them and pow!. The compressed air leaves a scattering of wings and legs.
It's no country for old flies...
- erebus99

I like to hunt them down and kill them. I tie several rubber bands together, stretch it back and flip them with it. Very effective once you refine your aim. It's flips them so fast they never see it coming. My dog loves it. When they hit the ground bussing and spinning he bites them and spits them out.
- DaveCski

Be a hostess

The way I get rid of flies and other insects is to play hostess. I put out goodies for them on a small paper plate, like honey, sugar, crumbs of all kinds, etc. If they venture near the plate, it's only for a quick browse, then their off and I never see them again. Perhaps I somehow offended their filthy little palates.
- Anaconda

Bring out the booze

I went on a vacation to Cancun, Mexico. We ate all our meals outside in a restaurant with no walls, just a ceiling. I noticed there were NO FLIES anywhere near our food....asked the waiter and he said "look up," and I saw clear plastic bags (like Baggies) hanging from the rafters...and he said they were full of vodka. For some reason, flies cannot stand the smell of vodka. I now use then on MY patio and it works great.
- Valerie

A soda bottle with about an inch of Sour Mash Whiskey. It will collect flies like nothing you have ever seen short of a cadaver.
- Ace (And we'll take your word for it, re: cadavers!)

This is my foolproof way to kill the big green flies that are common to living near the coast....When one of these "jumbo-jets" enters the house, my first defense is to try to get him drunk by spritzing him with a blast of alcohol from a sprayer bottle. When he drops to the floor, I finish him off. For particularly energetic flies who defy the alcohol blast, I use light to entice him into a small space such as a bathroom. How to lure him into the bathroom is easy. Turn off all the lights in the area and leave on the light into the bathroom. He will follow the light. Once you see him fly into the bathroom, close the door and spray him with either alcohol or insect spray. He will drop, spin and die.
- NANCELO

Repurpose household helpers

My non-toxic solution to the fly problem indoors is my vacuum cleaner. I use the hose attachment and turn it on and start fly hunting. The trick is to wait for the fly to land on something, then approach it very slowly. If you do it right, the fly gets sucked in just before it feels threatened enough to fly off. I feel like a big shot small game hunter now!
-Becky Johnson

I caught my 5 yr old son doing this...once you have your 'eye on the fly', spray it with Windex...Clean your windows, stop the fly dead in its tracks, and leave a clean fresh scent as well...all at the same time.

Your results may vary.
- John From Philly

Krud Kutter is amazing at knocking out flies cold! It's biodegradable and non-toxic too.
- Brian

Want more tips on how you can get rid of flies? Take a look at...
Testing: 10 Odd Ways To Get Rid of Flies
The Daily Fix: Get Rid of Fruit Flies
Recycle plastic bottles into fly traps

And for the most unusual way to get rid of flies, try this carnivorous plant...

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The Best Way to Paint: Patio Furniture

Brie Dyas — 2011-07-09T15:15:00+00:00

Filed under: Know-How, Outdoors

A resin patio furniture set can get a whole new look...if you know the best way to paint it. Designer Laura Bray shares how she turned a typical white patio furniture set into a retro red ensemble.

Laura Bray

When Laura wanted to update her 15-year-old patio furniture (without having to shell out for a new, fancier set), she decided to simply give it a color makeover. And the best way to paint it? With a spray paint formulated for use with plastic, such as Krylon's Fusion for Plastic line. Laura decided on a red hue, which complimented the green and purple colors in her backyard garden.

For a table and four chairs, Laura used about six cans of spray paint. And other than a nice cleaning beforehand, there was no prep work (i.e. sanding and priming) needed before hand. To finish off the makeover, Laura stenciled blooms on the chair backs. For a full tutorial, visit Laura Bray Katydiddys.

Want more ideas for bringing patio furniture back to life? Check out...
The Best Way to Clean: Patio Furniture
The Secret to Painting Metal Patio Furniture Red
Outdoor pillows spice up your patio furniture

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Summer Fun: Washable Sidewalk Paint

Brie Dyas — 2011-07-09T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Crafts, Outdoors, Crafts & Celebrations

Get the kids in on some DIY summer fun with this fun spin on sidewalk chalk.

Wendy Copley

Getting the kids to go outside for some summer fun (with minimal eye-rolling) isn't such a chore when there's the promise of a mess to be had. This sidewalk paint is just right And don't panic just yet because I said "paint": The stuff is completely and totally washable. Think sidewalk chalk in liquid form. To make it, combine one part water to one part cornstarch, then add food coloring. For the full how-to (and to see more photos of the paint in action) visit Wendolonia.

Want more ideas for summer fun? Check out...

Let's Make: Sidewalk Chalk
Kids Party Ideas - A Cheery Carnival Party
Avant Yard: 75 tricks to get your kids outdoors

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Testing: 10 Odd Ways To Get Rid of Flies

Brie Dyas — 2011-07-08T08:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Know-How, Living Spaces, Outdoors

You don't always have to be on swatter duty in order to get rid of flies. Whether the pests are bringing your picnic down or calling your living room home, I tested 10 ways to deter flies using stuff we all have in our homes. And I promise, you won't have to squash anything (unless you want to, of course).

Problem solved. Photo: Refracted Moments, flickr

If you'd "never hurt a fly," then you've never experienced the...pleasure...of having to run inside from a lovely picnic because flies kept bumping into guests' heads while on a quest to eat their potato salad. Then the flies followed everyone inside. And that, in case you were wondering, was how I spent my Fourth of July weekend.

For me, the problem comes from living in a house that dates back to 1825. Yes, it's charmingly covered in ivy, but the floors and windows are at a subtle angle. Which means that a. you can look taller if you stand in certain areas of the house, and b. windows and doors don't always have a seal against the outside world. The small openings are the portals to housefly Narnia as they try to find relief from summer heat. Really, even scrupulous cleaning isn't enough to deter summer flies.

To get rid of them, I tested the following home cures that promise to get rid of flies (either by repelling them away from you and your guests, or by trapping them). Like my tests for controlling ants, these cures were culled from internet boards and well-meaning friends. And for good measure, I tested them indoors and out.

Here's what worked...and what didn't:

- Fabric softener sheets. I hung these from a clothesline, an action that alarmed my neighbor. "Forgot your laundry!" he said, holding up his laundry basket in an attempt to re-acquaint me with what laundry looks like. After I restored his faith in my sanity, I sat near the line and relaxed with a glass of lemonade. Again, the neighbor pops his head over the fence. "Drinking alone, huh?" he said. And then a fly landed on the lemonade glass. So: Hanging fabric softener sheets will make your neighbors think you've lost your mind and will ultimately do nothing to repel flies. Bottom line: Get new neighbors.

- Plastic bags filled with water. Though it always looks like a practical joke in progress, the local cafe swears by the fly-disorienting powers of the clear plastic bags of water suspended next to the doorways. I rarely see flies there, so I hang a plastic bag of water next to the back door (outside). In direct sunlight, the bag appeared to work in its immediate vicinity. But come twilight, the flies paid no mind to the obvious bag-of-water. Bottom line: This works if you use it during the day. (Readers suggest that adding a penny to the bag will make it work at night.)

- Crushed mint. Is there a mint lobby? Because I see "crushed mint leaves" as a suggested solution to everything from ants to headaches. Unsurprisingly, they were suggested for repelling flies. Like a good scout, I crushed fresh mint leaves, placed them in small cups and left them out around the back steps and on my kitchen table. The flies didn't land in the cup, but they buzzed around near it. Bottom line: Does not work.

- Lavender-scented candles. This sounded like the loveliest idea for repelling flies. I had a few lavender candles that had been given to me as gifts, so I placed them on the back stairs, a picnic table and in the kitchen. The results are mixed: The candle on the picnic table adequately kept the flies away, while the ones on the stairs and in the kitchen didn't do much. However, all the candles were not the same. The one on the picnic table was a three-wick candle that had a high concentration of scented oil. The rest were smaller single-wick candles with a fainter fragrance. So I think the key here is that the extra heat generated by three flames distributed the fragrance further than a standard candle. Bottom line: This works. Just be sure to use a big, highly-fragranced candle.

- Sugar trap. I was optimistic about this one: Dumping a quarter cup of sugar into an open mason jar, then filling the jar halfway with water. The hypothesis is that the flies are attracted to the sugar, then fall into the jar and drown. But I guess the flies here laugh in the face of such low-tech devices, instead preferring to walk down the sides of the jar, sip the nectar and fly out. Two fell in, though. Bottom line: Doesn't really work.

- Dish soap trap. Instead of sugar, pour an inch of liquid dish soap directly into the jar, then add another inch of water. This worked nicely to trap flies. However, not all liquid dish soap fared well. A floral scent didn't attract flies to the trap, but a green apple scent beckoned the flies to their doom. Definitely go for a fruit scent. Bottom line: This works. Be sure to use a fruit-scented dish soap.

- DIY fly paper. (Cover paper in syrup or honey, then sprinkle with sugar.) As I type this, I realize how naive it was to think that this wouldn't turn out to be a disgusting mess. I distributed relatively neat blobs of honey on heavy paper, dusted it with sugar and placed these around my counters and the picnic table. Then, I ran errands. In the two hours I was gone, the heat further "melted" the honey, creating disgustingly sticky pools that were nearly impossible to clean up. Yes, there was a fly stuck in one of them. Bottom line: Gross and does not work.

- Clove-studded apple. If you'd like to spend an hour jamming cloves into apples, be my guest. Your house will smell like Christmas but will still have flies buzzing about. Bottom line: Does not work.

- Basil. The herb makes a nice centerpiece. That's about it. Flies still landed on the leaves. Bottom line: Does not work.

- Fan. This ended up being my favorite way to deter flies from getting anywhere near you, indoors or out. Get a big box fan and place it by the screened window, so the cooled air is directed towards you. To a fly, this is basically a wind tunnel. This, combined with the soap traps, effectively solved the fly problem. Bottom line: Works wonderfully to get rid of flies.

Want more tips for getting rid of household pests? Check out...
Testing: 8 Odd Ways to Get Rid of Ants
Mosquito Prevention: The 10 Most Bizarre Tips
The Daily Fix: Get Rid of Aphids Naturally

And if you have other types of flying bugs bringing you down, watch this...

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Make a Rug From a Tablecloth

Brie Dyas — 2011-07-06T18:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Patios, Porches & Decks, Living Spaces, Outdoors

Yes, you can make a rug (a spill-proof one, no less) without going near yarn, wool or even a sewing machine. All you need is a tablecloth, polyurethane and a non-slip carpet runner. Believe it.

Laura Hayes

If you'd like to make a rug that's stylish AND stain-proof, bookmark this page now. And then head out to the store and grab the cutest tablecloth you can find. Because this tutorial, created by the genius design expert Laura Hayes, turns a tablecloth into an indoor/outdoor "rug" that you'll use long after summer ends. The instructions are very simple: Just apply a few coats of polyurethane (clear, satin finish) to the tablecloth, allowing it to dry fully in between. To make it slip-proof, add a rubberized carpet pad underneath. Ta-da, it's a rug. For the full tutorial, visit Design Share.

Want more ideas for updating your outdoor space? Check out...
Update Your Patio Space
Outdoor Living: Design with Style
Arrange-a-Deck helps you redesign outdoor living spaces

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The Best Way to Clean: Patio Furniture

Brie Dyas — 2011-07-03T11:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Outdoors

Because a little dirt goes unnoticed until it's time to entertain guests, here's the best way to clean off that patio furniture.

limonada, flickr

Plastic patio furniture may get a bad rap in the decor world, but there's no cheaper way to seat lots of people outdoors. The main problem isn't a stylistic one, though. It's that plastic is porous and can hold onto dirt like there's no tomorrow. For a particularly stubborn stain, the vinegar treatment and standard soap-and-water didn't help. I even tried tile cleaner, but all I got was a headache.

I had a few Magic Eraser sponges (swear this is not a product placement) in my cleaning cabinet and on a whim, used it on the stain. To my surprise, it removed the stain with minimal effort. Just don't rub too hard, because I noticed that the sponge can dull the plastic surface.

Want more tips on cleaning outdoor furniture? Check out...
Removing Rust from Metal and Concrete
How to clean outdoor furniture
Prepare Your Outdoor Furniture For Entertaining

And to see other methods for cleaning patio furniture, watch this...

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High-Design Hack: Anthropologie Beach Chair

Brie Dyas — 2011-06-29T08:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Outdoors

Designer Shelly Leer loved an Anthropologie sling chair, but not its $268 price tag. Instead, she created her own version for about $30. Impressive.

Shelly Leer, ModHomeEc

Anthropologie seems to be the place where dreams are made...then quickly die with a reveal of a price tag. Shelly Leer felt that pang of wallet envy when she came upon a not-so-typical beach chair sold by the retailer of all things pretty for a cool $268.

The chair in question had a canvas sling emblazoned with a bold, colorful pattern. Since the main selling point of the chair was the fancy sling, Shelly decided to try her hand at crafting her own seat. Starting with a $20 chair frame, she created a sling from remnant fabric. That was the easy part. The hardest part was actually removing the original sling, which was anchored to the frame with staples. Pliers are your friend. To see the full tutorial, visit ModHomeEc.

Want to catch up with our High Design Hack series? Check out...

High-Design Hack: Pouf Ottoman
High-Design Hack: DIY Faux Bois Print Fabric
High-Design Hack: Make a Pillow Inspired by Moschino Maison

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How to Build Gravity-Stacked Stone Walls

Brie Dyas — 2011-06-22T10:14:00+00:00

Filed under: Know-How, Outdoors

Gravity-stacked stone walls give a romantic look to any outdoor space...and require surprisingly little effort to construct.

Morgon Mae Schultz, flickr

Growing up, any family Sunday drive through the country was punctuated by my Mom demanding to pull the car over...because she spotted some rocks. She'd send my father out to get the larger ones, while my brother and I (because we had small little kid hands) were responsible for digging out promising specimens. The idea was to get enough natural rocks to eventually build a few stone walls in the backyard, but we only ever amassed enough for garden borders.

If there had been enough rocks, we would've gone with a gravity-stacked retaining wall. This method really requires little more than stacking rocks against dirt fill. Depending on the type of stone chosen, you can have a formal or romantic look, but overall you will want to choose flatter rocks. (Which are, of course, easier to stack.) For the more tips and a complete project outline, check out out post on building a natural stone wall.

Want a few more ideas for building stone walls? Check out...
How to build an engineered retaining wall
How to Build a No Mortar Wall Video
Cultured stone - How I learned to love "phony stone"

And to see how to build stone walls, watch this...

Stone walls

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Yes You Can...Paint a Grill

Brie Dyas — 2011-06-13T16:20:00+00:00

Filed under: Know-How, Outdoors

Make your old grill look new again with this under-the-radar product: High-temperature paint.

another pint please; flickr

So, an ugly, banged-up, scratched and chipped grill hood won't have any impact on your BBQ fare. But if the state of your grill hood has been bothering you, there's an easy fix that you might not know about: High-temperature paint. It's frequently used for cars, stoves, fireplaces and yes, grills. Generally, the paints can withstand temperatures of up to 1200 degrees (making it OK for the exterior, but obviously not okay for interior grill components) and can be found at most hardware stores. Spray paint formulations dominate (though some brush-on varieties exist), since they reliably produce a glossy, smooth coat.

Though the painting process is a straight-forward one, there's one step not to forget before you paint the grill: Removing oxidation damage. Oxidation appears on the exterior elements of your grill as kind of a dull, ashy cast. Though it looks irreversible, you can get rid of it by simply washing down the grill exterior with dish soap and water. Then, you'll just scrub away any debris, apply a primer if desired and then spray on a few light coats of paint.

Want to know more about getting your grill into shape? Check out...
Quick Refresher: How to Clean a Grill
The Daily Fix: Repair a Gas Grill
How to Remove Discoloration from a BBQ Grill Hood

And for ideas on upgrading your grill, watch this...

BBQ Grill Accessories

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Let's Make: A Picnic Suitcase

Brie Dyas — 2011-06-09T12:45:00+00:00

Filed under: Crafts, Outdoors

Picnic baskets are cute, but there's never really enough room to hold everything you need. This fab idea from ReadyMade solves the problem with style to spare.

Sibylle Roessler

Fun fact: I keep a picnic tote filled with a blanket, unbreakable plates and utensils in the back of my car during the warmer months of the year. While it does keep me prepared in the event of an impromptu picnic, it's not the most organized way to pack. (I've lost many utensils.) And there's not enough room to pack food. A picnic isn't fun when you have to haul multiple bags of stuff.

Instead, I'm thinking of trying this DIY picnic suitcase spotted on ReadyMade's. To make it, you simply paint an old suitcase, re-line it with a cheery fabric (sealed with ModPodge) and then add elastic straps. Though you can use any hinged storage box, a suitcase will give you a generous "tabletop." I'd probably make one change, though: I'd skip the step of sealing cotton fabric with ModPodge and just start out with oilcloth, which is already sealed for easy cleaning. To see the full how-to, visit ReadyMade.

Want more ideas for your next picnic? Check out...
How to Picnic Bug-Free
Picnic like a pro, without becoming a basket case
A Greener Picnic

Want something new to pack for that picnic? Watch this...

Spring picnic idea

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The Secret to Painting Metal Patio Furniture Red

Brie Dyas — 2011-06-08T13:35:00+00:00

Filed under: Essential Skills, Know-How, Outdoors

Red gives any old patio furniture an effortless retro-chic look. The problem? Getting a true tomato hue. We've pinpointed the problem and found the secret to painting metal patio furniture red.

Top row left to right: Anthropologie; RefinedStyle; Ficurinia, etsy; industry-west; Bottom row left to right: Anthropologie; Jules Seltzer Store; Remodelista

It all started with a red garden love seat (in fact, it's the one on the bottom left). I saw it at anthropologie last year and thought it would make a great addition to the backyard of my then-apartment, but ultimately passed it up because of the nearly $1000 price tag. (It eventually went on sale...for $500.)

Though I made the smart budget decision not to buy it, I still find myself thinking of the garden bench, mostly because red patio furniture is everywhere this season. Taking the DIY approach, I started to paint a wrought iron daybed in the hopes of re-creating the look, but stopped the project when the fire engine red paint started drying to a rusty orange hue. Not ideal.

The problem was all in the primer: I used a typical brown primer, which had pigments that deepened the red hue no matter how many coats I painted on. (You should always use a spray formula when painting metal furniture, by the way. It'll give you the most even coverage, especially for detailed metal work.) The other options? Orange or gray, which can both often give a dingy cast to red.

In my research for a primer ideal for painting metal, I came upon a red-tinted lacquer spray primer used for automotive paint jobs. It creates an even base that will let you layer on the wildest red you could ever want. You can find it on the Automotive Touch-up website. Use it with confidence.

Want more tips on refreshing your old patio furniture? Check out...
Cheap Trick: Fix Up Old Patio Furniture
Prepare Your Outdoor Furniture For Spring
How to clean outdoor furniture

And to see how a pro gets his patio furniture ready for summer, watch this...

How to Clean Patio Furniture

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How to Make Lanterns From Jars

Brie Dyas — 2011-06-06T13:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Crafts, Patios, Porches & Decks, Outdoors

From the ModCloth look book to your summer table, here's how to make lanterns from jars.

ModCloth

When we spotted the colorful glass candleholders in the ModCloth catalog, we immediately coveted them (along with about 20 dresses). So we were thrilled when we saw that the purveyor-of-all-things-cute offered a tutorial on how to make lanterns using little more than glass jars and tissue paper.

You'll start by raiding the recycle bin for a few glass jars. Any size will do, but I find that it's best to start with a smaller jar until you get the hang of the technique. Next, paint on a coat of white and then layer on bits of colored tissue paper. Let dry completely before dropping in a small votive candle. Simple, right? To see a video tutorial on how to make the lanterns (and other outdoor party decorations), visit the ModCloth blog.

For another take on party lanterns, check out...
Paper table lanterns make inexpensive centerpieces
Make a solar lantern
Chinese Can Lanterns with Ribbon Birds

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Random Recast: Milk Jugs Day 1

Brie Dyas — 2011-06-06T11:40:00+00:00

Filed under: Know-How, Outdoors

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

vintagecat, flickr

Whether you're starting plants from seeds or cuttings, save yourself the hassle of having to rustle up pots by crafting milk jug planters. Simply cut off the top of the jug to create a high-walled planter that will protect the delicate leaves from the elements. (Plus, the plastic will create a mini-greenhouse atmosphere that will nurture plants.) Best of all, the handle makes the planter easy to tote when it comes time for transplanting.

A few tips: It can be a pain to cut through the plastic of a milk jug, so I generally nix scissors in favor of a craft knife. Also, you'll want to cut a hole in the bottom for drainage.

Want to see the wackier side of milk jugs? Check out these must-see projects...
Make a milk jug skeleton
Create a stylish lighting fixture from milk jugs
DIY milk-jug iPod case

For another way to use milk jugs in the garden, watch this...

DIY Watering Device for Outside Plants

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Build a Patio: Notes from a DIY

Brie Dyas — 2011-06-03T08:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Patios, Porches & Decks, Know-How, Outdoors

Yes, it's possible to build a patio (attractively and for a fraction of the pro price) if you know what's in store beforehand.

Russet Street Reno

Some women long for diamonds, my mother just wants to build a patio. Whether it's the dead of winter or the height of summer, the patio project is the perennial topic of conversation, especially if she happens to be in earshot of my dad.

"Just think, we could find some stone and put the patio right behind the dining room window," she says, gesturing her arm in a sweeping motion before the window, like Vanna White introducing a prime showcase prize.

"Nothing big, just a small patio, enough for a table and chairs, how hard could it be?"

The patio still hasn't been built, no matter how hard she lobbies. My mom can convince anyone about anything to the point where I think of her as a People Whisperer. If you give her 5 minutes, she'll convince you to get bangs and paint all of your furniture white. Even if you didn't intend to ask her about hairdos and furniture makeovers. But she hasn't made progress on the patio project, because there is an unshakable fact that my father must know deep down in his heart: Building a patio is difficult.

Which is true.

But it's not impossible. Sara at Russet Street Reno tackled the project and the results (above) seem worth any sort of trouble that may have come up in the process. Her quoted price to get it built was $8,000, but her DIY (materials and all) set her back $2,400. Here's the before:

Russet Street Reno

See? Totally worth it. Sara details the whole process from start to finish on Russet Street Reno, but here are a few of her "Nobody will tell you this beforehand" tips:

- Most dumps won't take dirt/sod. After digging the patio area with a rented sod cutter (a must), Sara and her husband tried to rid themselves of the huge pile of sod. Turns out that most dumps won't take it. But a craigslist ad turned up many people who were happy to take the dirt off their hands (and lawn).
- Skip the playground sand. When filling joints, sand is a must. But use polymeric sand instead of the playground stuff. It'll dry to a hard finish that keeps weeds at bay.
- Pallets are refundable. Once your done with your project, return the wooden pallets back to the place where you bought the stone. You'll get a small refund for doing so.

Want some inspiration before your build a patio? Check out...
5 Patios in the Round
Patio Flooring Ideas: What's Right For You?
Five Deck and Patio Options

And to see how a pro installs patio pavers, watch this...

How to Make Patio Pavers and Walkways

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