Real Decorating for Real People
A recycled jar “carrier” can be used for so many things. I like the idea of silverware and napkins for a buffet, but it could hold candies, craft items, office supplies and more. This is also a good project to do with kids since you can have most of the cutting done at your local…
Of all of the rooms that Shari and I have decorated, the most difficult to organize is the kitchen. There’s just too much stuff, and not enough places to put it. Pots and pans seem to present one of the biggest storage dilemmas. If you have an island in your kitchen, you might try hanging…
Turn an empty corner into useful storage and display space with an easy to make corner cupboard. Shari and I have decorated numerous bathrooms, and all of them share one common problem – not enough storage. Typically, the only places to store items are the medicine cabinet and under the vanity, neither of which were…
This pot and pan rack beats them all because it looks permanent and it has lighting inside to brighten up the counter top. A hanging pot and pan rack is perfect for kitchens with a lack of storage space and those looking for a focal point or a little bit of drama. This one is especially nice because it…
Get your shop in shape ’cause this is a big project, but a mirrored hallway bench would cost an arm and a leg if you bought it – build it yourself and pocket the bucks! A tall mirrored bench with a shelf underneath makes a great place to sit and remove boots or shoes and to hang…
Storage is an issue even when you don’t have a hobby, so add to that all the “stuff” needed to really get involved in your favorite pasttime and look out…”stuff” overload. If you’ve been out shopping for storage containers, you know that the world of storage solutions has become huge. There are plastic boxes, bins,…
Baskets require linings for several reasons, and keeping delicate items safe is one of them, along with the fact that a lining makes the basket that much more attractive! I think there’s no denying that baskets are made for storing stuff. Sure, they can be totally decorative or even totally functional like a laundry basket,…
When it comes to storage, I don’t think there is a house out there that has enough and that’s only because you ladies buy so much stuff. Holiday stuff, seasonal stuff….shhh, don’t let Shari hear me because I’ll hear about my shop. We all know that place is crammed full of tools and toys! But…
Certain times of the year are prime for clearing out clutter, so when that time comes, here are some tips to help you through the family junk drawers! Well, the holidays are over, faster than usual this year. (Sigh!) I do enjoy every minute of the holidays, but there’s the whole feeling of starting anew…
With the Holiday’s just around the corner, we thought it would be fun to have our good friend Shelley from Single Stone Studios start this season’s decorating with one of her wonderful decals. Enjoy the following article and look for Shelley and Single Stone Decals in the Better Homes and Gardens Christmas Ideas Magazine. So without further delay…
Whether you use them to put a gift inside or make the boxes as presents themselves, the effort involved will be much appreciated and the box will be kept for years to come. I don’t know about you, but Matt and I both agree that hearts and chocolates are a mainstay of the holiday. So, why not…
Round up all your recipes from friends, magazines, copied on scrap paper, and lets figure out the best ways to file them so you can actually find them when you want to make something! When it comes to recipes, organization is key. You want to be able to find the recipe when the urge hits…
A baker’s rack is one of those pieces that will fit in any room in your home, and who doesn’t need versatility like that? I guess everyone doesn’t need a baker’s rack, but if you have a kitchen with a little extra wall space, or a porch, entry or dining room — heck, even a…
If you like “neat”, you will love this shoe caddy that keeps that pile of old shoes in order in the bottom of your closet! If you are anything like me, as soon as you walk into your house, you kick off your shoes and throw them into your front closet (or back closet or where…
Cell phones, I-pod, MP3 players, GPS’s all things that need to be plugged in, and where Oh where do you store all these things and make sure that they are being kept charged for your techno gear family? In a caddy you build yourself! Well, instead of having all your personal electronics cluttering up a…
There are closet systems, and then there are closet systems. This, I have come to find out through trial and error. Or maybe I should say through, “cheap” and “alright, I’ll pay the bigger bucks”! Not that much bigger mind you, but by stepping up one quality grade, the integrity of my closet jumped up…
You can keep the paint colors you choose for your home fresh for a long time for touch ups if you know how to store them properly. I was just reminded by Shari that it is painting season again, funny she seems to say that every time the weather changes. I think I finally figured…
Sure they are gorgeous as accessories in your home, stacked, tucked in a bookcase, or placed on a coffee table, but consider them as gifts as well since they are functional and beautiful. I believe this is about the third ribbon top box I have made. I don’t remember where I saw it first, but…
