You Said It: ‘Use the Imperfect as an Opportunity’ and More Wisdom

This week the range of Houzz topics that caught my eye was one of the most diverse yet, but a common thread was that they inspired me to try new things.

Whether they helped me appreciate and enhance one of my home’s quirks, look at wasted space in a new way or learn what switching to a permeable driveway would entail, a lot of stories made lightbulbs go off and added to my project list.

Did something you saw on Houzz this week give you a nudge in a new direction? Please let us know in the Comments section.

“I am a champion of using the imperfect as an opportunity.” — Leanne Ford, in a Houzz Tour by Mary Jo Bowling

What a great attitude — instead of letting something that doesn’t look “just so” annoy you, enhance it and let it lend character to your home. I need to remember to do this more often.

Full story: Houzz Tour: Black and White and Beautiful in Upstate New York


Lavender Linen Sachet - $12 “Fall asleep with a lavender eye pillow for a restful night, or just tuck a couple between your headboard and mattress for a scent that lingers.” — Erin Souder

This was the advice I put into practice immediately this week. As an insomniac, I loved this idea so much that I cheated and just stuck a lavender-scented Mrs. Meyers dryer sheet under my bottom sheet. It worked like a charm.

Full story: Guest Picks: Sleepy-Time Soothers


“If you give the bulb the conditions it needs, it will grow and rebloom for years.” — Therese Ciesinski

Bookmark this ideabook, because every January when your holiday amaryllis is done, you’re going to be tempted to toss it. Ciesinski gives you all the information you’ll need to enjoy it the following year.

Full story: How to Get an Amaryllis to Rebloom


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“Acaroglu can spin six panels located on the upper half of the bookcase to open the living room to her bedroom.” —Mitchell Parker

This is the cleverest thing I saw on Houzz so far this year. Don’t miss seeing how these shelves transform an entire apartment with a spin or two.

Full story: Watch an Innovative Bookcase Convert Before Your Eyes


“Don’t just hang up a calendar or artwork — make the most of the available space by mounting rows of racks on the wall from floor to ceiling.” — Laura Gaskill

If there’s one room where most of us would give up a pinkie toe for more space, it’s the kitchen. This ideabook is full of great ideas for making the most of every single inch.

Full story: 10 Big Space-Saving Ideas for Small Kitchens

Writer Laura Gaskill has done us the same favor with bathrooms. That ideabook also posted this week, so be sure to check it out: 9 Big Space-Saving Ideas for Tiny Bathrooms.


“Much stormwater runoff finds its way into nearby rivers and lakes.” — Jen Dalley

This ideabook is not only a great resource for how to create less runoff water; it explains why this is important. It’s very important.

Full story: How to Build a Greener Driveway



“Artist Jordy Morgan created the live-edge bench from the only tree that was taken down on the property during construction.” — Mitchell Parker

If you have to cut down a tree during a project, I can’t think of a better way to honor it. This home is spare yet full of meaningful touches like this.

Full story: Houzz Tour: A Farmhouse Branches Out


“White drywall and sleek built-ins reinforce a clean, contemporary aesthetic. Neither are authentic Eichler features, but both enhance the home’s livability — an Eichler mantra.” — Annie Thornton

I really love this attitude. Instead of asking, “What did Joseph Eichler do back then?” the designers asked, “What would Joseph Eichler do today?” While the renovation is as respectful of the home’s pedigree as possible, they looked to an iconic designer’s belief system instead of getting bogged down in pure emulation.

Full story: More Room Makes an Eichler Even More Livable


“Use dead space.” — Becky Dietrich

This series is not just for those who are downsizing. I find myself looking around my home for ways to use Dietrich’s suggestions every week. This photo of shelves at the end of the bathtub really brought it home; it’s so useful and pretty.

Full story: Downsizing Help: Storage Solutions for Small Spaces



“Like moths, kids gravitate toward the light.” — Mary Jo Bowling

Bowling’s story is full of tips for getting game day going, inspiring the kids to pick Uno over the Xbox. Heck, inspire yourself to choose Cards Against Humanity over another Netflix binge.

Full story: Great Game Setups for Snowbound Days

URL: You Said It: ‘Use the Imperfect as an Opportunity’ and More Wisdom http://www.decor-ideas.org/cases-view-id-22637.html