As soon as the snow melts, you'll probably start thinking of spring and summer and outdoor living spaces again. You can start the grilling and lounging-around-the-deck season a littler earlier with a patio heater. There are quite a few models...

Source: http://www.luxuryhousingtrends.com/archives/2009/01/natural_gas_han.php

building materials building renovation building supplies bungalow remodel

Using painter?s tape where the walls meet trim is a good way to get professional looking results in your painting job with clean straight lines. The type of tape you use can make a big difference as well. Watch this video to learn about the advantages of ScotchBlue Painter's Tape for Delicate Surfaces.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/danny-lipford/~3/3I28ZlAFUP8/

bathroom remodeling contractors bathroom remodeling costs bathroom remodeling plans bathroom renos

How to Replace an Air to Air Exchanger

Source: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/mitsubishi-how-to-replace-an-air-to-air-exchanger

best home improvement projects build your own home build your own house builder contractor

Need a hand? A good set of helping hands is crucial for any tiny jobs you might have - especially when dealing with electronics. An extra set of nimble fingers goes a long way. Mike from Instructables has put together a guide for making the ultimate set of helping hands using some commonly available pieces.

DeskSquid / Helping Hands. [Thanks, Mike]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Diyhappy/~3/Fc23t1Y360I/desksquid-the-ultimate-helping-hand

build your own house builder contractor builders building a house

King of Pop Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009, and his heart failure was ruled a homicide. Now that the trial of his doctor, Conrad Murray, has begun, which of these lingering questions about Jackson's death might be answered?

Source: http://feeds.howstuffworks.com/~r/DailyStuff/~3/eUBjkrmw2ok/5-questions-after-michael-jacksons-death.htm

bathroom home improvement bathroom home remodeling bathroom ideas bathroom improvement

Sometimes you just want to do a little heart monitoring without going into debt for the rest of your life (yes, that's a not-so-subtle jab at our wonderful healthcare system). When you can't afford the real thing, this $1 home made electrocardiogram will allow you to monitor your heart as you go into cardiac arrest while opening bills from your previous hospital adventures. This is much simpler than our previously covered homemade ecg, and probably about as accurate (read: not very). [via]

Notice: This ECG cost less to make than an artery clogging burger from your local BK. Therefore, we do not recommend making medical decisions based off of the data received from it.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Diyhappy/~3/6Vdb6runI4U/1-op-amp-ecg

bathroom tiles bathtub refinishing bay area contractors bedroom additions

The reclaimed wood walls almost overshadow the fab food and drink at MB Post, a restaurant in Manhattan Beach, California. Stephen Francis Jones, the architect behind the hot spot's design, lets us in on how you can create your own rustic walls.

To give the new restaurant a cozy, lived-in feeling, architect Stephen Francis Jones turned to reclaimed wood. Though reclaimed wood is a hot commodity in the design world, Jones tells me that you can actually buy it online through Trestlewood.com. "You can actually pick out the bundle of wood you want, down to the colors and textures," Stephen says. "Just keep in mind that it is 'recycled', so you may get a few bad pieces in the mix."

And to create the wood wall, Stephen recommends starting out with a drywall surface that's been painted black. Then, simply adhere the wood to the wall with construction glue and nail with finishing nails.

You can also use the reclaimed wood wall technique on an exterior surface. Check out MB Post's entrance:

Feeling inspired to see what else reclaimed wood can do? Check out....
In the Spotlight: Eco-Friendly Flooring
Trend Spotting: Five Non-Paint Wall Ideas
Design Influence: Wood - Shelterpop

And for experienced woodworkers, watch how to make a coffee table from reclaimed wood...

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/09/11/architectural-inspiration-rustic-wood-walls/

bathroom additions bathroom contractors bathroom countertop bathroom design ideas

Filed under: Crafts & Celebrations

Sometimes you just can't help but grab a few paint sample cards at the home improvement store. If yours are piling up, here are a few genius ways to get some use out of them.

Featuring

Upcycling Idea #1: Bunting
Perhaps paper bunting is an obvious paint sample craft, but so are "Your Mom" jokes, and yet we still love them. Moreover, they're easy - a paper punch and a threaded needle are all you need to complete this cheery décor. For the complete tutorial, visit Little Bit Funky.

Upcycling Idea #2: Mosaic Table Top
Need to hide a few of your coffee table's scrapes and bruises? Cobble the table via paint samples for an easy-meets-trendy makeover. It's your call whether those sassy paint sample names get to show, but we vote yes. To see how to do it, visit Craft Ahoy.

Upcycling Idea #3: Mosaic Art
For unique wall decor, consider creating this paper mosaic using clipped paint samples. Straight lines and striking colors are the key to this design, but don't let that stop you from curving outside the lines. Get the full directions to make your own art piece at How About Orange.

Want to see 7 more ideas for upcycling paint samples into impressive accents? Visit Craftfoxes.

And don't miss these great stories...

The Beginner's Guide to Scrapbooking
Vintage-Style Aprons from "Oh Sew Easy" (Pattern)
Knitting vs. Crochet...What's The Difference?

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/09/16/3-ways-to-upcycle-paint-samples-into-impressive-accents/

bedroom renovation before and after renovations best home improvement projects build your own home

Looking to make yourself a ghoulish pumpkin, Hey why not go steam punk. in this I will show you step by step on how I came up with The STEAM PUNKIN   Pick a victim This is whats the fun about coming up with your pumpkin going to your local super market or Home Depot and picking one out, This...
By: BooKooDesigns

Continue Reading »

Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/STEAM-PUNKIN-1/

bathroom remodeling bathroom remodeling contractors bathroom remodeling costs bathroom remodeling plans

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unusual Use #3: Pops of Color

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/08/25/unusual-uses-place-mats/

basement bathroom remodel basement contractors basement design basement finishing