I have really enjoyed the Peloton workout since they offered the app on a 90 day trial during Covid. I have a spin bike and set my iPad on the handlebars to watch/do the workout. Unfortunately, with the iPad on the handlebars, it is difficult to stand and pedal during the workouts. This DIY stationary bike computer stand is working great! I didn’t grab photos all along the way but the feature photo offers a good idea of the PVC plumbing pieces that were used. (1) 1 inch PVC pipe (2) 1 inch flange to attach stand to platform (4)...
DIY Projects
Anthropologie Tassle Curtain DIY
In my latest flip, I brought together disparate decor items to create a cohesive and cozy look in master bedroom. In this case, I got inspiration from these adorable tassle curtains below from Anthro. These tassles made all the difference in bringing together the various colors (blue, yellow, cream and grey) from the staging pieces I collected along with texture! I found these curtain panels on Facebook Marketplace (originally from World Market) that work well with the light gray wall color. The blue from the adjoining master bath vanity and storage cabinet needed to be carried into the master bedroom...
Cozy DIY Kitchen Ledge
For a recent kitchen renovation, I was looking for a feature that would add some warmth and interest without breaking the bank. The simple route would have been to install the quartz used for the countertop for the ledge as well. But, this would have added to the “white” in the countertop, backsplash and walls. Big box stores and the local lumber yard were either too costly or did not have 2 x 15 piece of wood. I improvised by joining 3 pieces of 2 x 6 together – similar to how one would assemble a table top. I selected...
Make Your Pantry Custom
The pantry is a key feature in a kitchen so why not make it look custom? This newly built pantry was a blank slate and needed some interest with pattern, color and dimension. The wall paint is Sherwin Williams Alabaster – one of my “go to’s” for ceilings, mouldings and walls. I had a stencil made in the same pattern as the backsplash tile and used three colors I had on hand, in an attempt to replicate the tile. (Sherwin Williams Alpaca, Alabaster, Pewter Cast) Taking a queue from the wooden ledge in the kitchen, these faux floating shelves are...
Vintage Vanity & Storage Made Classic & Current
Sometimes it takes some vision to repurpose vintage pieces while preserving the charm and making them work in newer spaces. These two pieces were gifted to me by a good friend and are about 100 years old. I really deliberated over what to do with these. After some research, I found that while these are old, they were only worth about $150 each. This is what they looked like when I got them. I held onto these for several months and coincidentally, the china cabinet was the perfect size to fit in a nook in the master bath and the...
MCM Pieces get new life with Some Embellishments
These mid-century modern tables have sleek lines were good project pieces with a lot of lessons. Another way to say this is — I almost threw these out because it was challenging all along the way. Ever have a project that you think is a good idea in the beginning and just lose steam? I was feeling that with these two tables. If I started with the “finish” photo in mind, it would have been much easier. I love “before” pictures”. This is what these tables looked like before I started. I was overly optimistic that I would be able...
Key Tips for Painting Cabinets
Newly painted cabinets can totally transform a kitchen and worth the effort. I researched YouTube and Pinterest and found what worked for me within my skillset! Below is what I found to be the key success factors in getting the job done. Paint & Primer Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane works so well on cabinets, doors and trim. It is SW’s top of the line paint, so a bit pricey. Purchase this paint during their paint sales (30% or 40%). I just love it! I apply the paint and primer with a paint sprayer, so I add about 20% water to...
Paper Mache Pumpkins
Paper mache pumpkins are a great canvas for Fall creativity and with a little paint and patience, these pumpkins looked fancy! These little pumpkins from Inspire Me Home Decor gave me inspiration. SUPPLIES: Paper mache pumpkins Sherwin Williams Chalky Finish Paint (Pure White and Tricorn Black) I had these on hand from when I pained Christmas ornaments. Minwax Polycrylic Semi Gloss Liquid Leaf Painter’s Tape Paint brushes These pumpkins are a good size (10 x 10) which, for me, made it easier to paint. (Old eyes!) I applied two coats of the white chalk paint. Then, tape off the various...
Serena & Lily Inspired Dip Dyed Stool
These “Serena and Lily Dip Dyed Stools” are so simple and pretty, but a bit expensive! I wanted to build a DIY version of this and searched for some hacks. In the end, I used tips from Shanty 2 Chic on cutting circles and others for tips on attaching the legs and House Becoming Home for tips as well. This is the inspiration picture! Isn’t she pretty? The materials for this were not expensive, apart from the tools, which I consider an investment. I used a single 2 x 4 x 8 (less than $6); a 2 inch dowel (~$15,...
Refinished Garage Sale Desk
Making spaces for home schooling is a big topic this year and it doesn’t need to be expensive. This piece was a garage sale find that was gifted to my sister (Cost = $0) . It was refinished using primer, poly, powder glaze, sponges, bondo, shellac that were all on hand. (Cost = $0) The only purchase was a quart of paint that was on sale! ($13) This is a super solid piece and needed only a minor repair on the drawer using bondo. I sanded it down to scuff the surface and mostly removing the varnish. I used a...
Settee Upholstery Success!
Upholstery can be daunting – but, doesn’t have to be! I took an online course created by @chairwhimsy (Wendy Conklin) and it approached upholstery with some simple chairs and worked my way to this settee. My neighbor’s settee needing re upholstery is pictured below. The piece looks to be about 100 years old based on the nails used to attach the fabric and the hay used for cushion. The most challenging part of this project was removing the fabric. The nails were difficult to remove and especially without damaging the wood. I did some minor repair on the wood and...
Restoration Hardware Inspired End Table (White)
I loved this table so much, my daughter and I made two! (The first one was not painted.) These plans from Rogue Engineer as super easy to follow and great for beginners. Using select pine, Kelly worked her way through the cut list. The only thing I would do differently, is to cut the pieces for the top and bottom shelf after the frame is built. This way, you can cut the boards for an exact fit. We had to trim ours down a bit. This was a great project for Kelly to learn how to use the miter saw...