You Said It: ‘Give the Kitchen a Little Wake-Up Call’ and More

I picked up many ideas for my own home this week on Houzz. I’m eyeing my white cabinets and thinking of colors I might paint the lowers, I’m considering replacing some ’90s blinds with Moroccan zellige-patterned shades (I also learned what a zellige pattern is), and I found out that a solar water heater is not as far-fetched an idea for my home as I thought it was. I laughed at carrots being grown in a toilet tank, realized my rock and sea glass collection could make a great shoe tray, and was inspired to put a little more thought and effort into my housewarming gift picks. Here are a few of my favorite ideas of the week.

“With spring arriving soon, it feels like a good time to give the kitchen a little wake-up call.” — Laura Gaskill

All-white kitchens have been the rage for a while, and while the look is elegant, there is a definite trend toward more color in the kitchen. These are easy ways to bring it in without breaking the bank.

Full story: 15 Ways to Wake Up Your Kitchen With Accessories


“Roller shades printed with a Moroccan zellige pattern add ethnic interest to this spare loft, while assuring privacy from neighbors.” — Kurt Cyr

This is one of the most beautiful and inventive things I’ve seen all week.

Full story: 12 Great Decorative Alternatives to Curtains



“I searched around Houzz for examples of kitchens where just the bottom cabinets are painted a color. I think the results are fresh, the color adds character, and the pale uppers make the kitchens feel more spacious.” — Fred Albert

Another way to rev up a white kitchen is to paint the bottom cabinets a different color from the uppers.

Full story: Keeping Cabinet Color on the Down Low


“He knocked on strangers’ doors, asking if he could photograph their homes and study their construction. About half said yes.” — Fred Albert

Doug Towle is my hero. I’m gobsmacked by the passion he has for restoring buildings; part of one dates to 1645. The icing on the cake is the one-room schoolhouse he moved to the property — I can picture Eliza Jane Wilder teaching Laura, Nellie, Willie and Albert in this very room.

Full story: Houzz Tour: Recalling the Pilgrims in a 350-Year-Old Home


“The structure honors its roots but is distinctly modern.” — Annie Thornton

I had not heard of New Zealand’s baches before, but I loved learning about them and seeing this firm’s fresh take on a house inspired by these unique pieces of architectural history.

Full story: Houzz Tour: Simple Vacation Style in New Zealand


“Fill a rimmed baking sheet with rocks for a shoe mat.” — Mitchell Parker

Cool idea. And 22 other ones. Be sure to check them out.

Full story: Practical New Uses for 23 Old Things


“A solar water heater can be added to an existing system with relative ease, as long as the installer is experienced in this particular kind of system.” — Mariana Pickering

If you’ve wanted to add some energy efficiency to your house, look into a solar water heater. Pickering has laid out all the details of what to expect in costs, savings and time allotted for the project, and a solar water heater is far more attainable than I had ever thought.

Full story: How to Add a Solar Water Heater


“The painting shown here was done by a friend as a housewarming gift; it depicts the family’s move from city to country.” —Luci Dibley

This kind of thoughtful housewarming gift puts my go-to of a basil plant or orchid to shame.

Full story: My Houzz: Lively Color Animates a Traditional Aussie Home


“The trick is not only to figure out what’s right for you, but to embrace it — and maybe when you embrace it, you will stop imposing your way onto someone else.” — Jessica McClendon

I think this is a nice sentiment to keep in mind when commenting on a story. I love to read a full range of opinions, but please remember that someone worked hard on a project and that someone lives there and loves their home just the way it is.

Full story: Inherited Pieces: Embrace the Approach That Works for You


“I have a friend that used an old toilet in her garden. Grew carrots in the tank!” — Houzz user drewsigner

I’m guessing this one will be the winner as the craziest place for growing edibles. It’s certainly not for everyone, but for me it was the most hilarious.

Full story: Houzz Call: Where Are the Craziest Places You Grow Edibles?

Tell us: What struck a chord, inspired a project, got filed away in your dream house folderor just made you laugh on Houzz this week? Please share with us in the Comments section.

URL: You Said It: ‘Give the Kitchen a Little Wake-Up Call’ and More http://www.decor-ideas.org/cases-view-id-22912.html