You Said It: ‘We’re Here to Stay’ and Other Houzz Quotables

This week on Houzz, we’ve been spring cleaning, using April’s showers to bring May flowers and wedging those flowers and vegetables into wherever they’ll fit, even if it’s in a hell strip. Seriously, did you know that piece of land between the sidewalk and the street is called a hell strip? Chalk that up as something new I learned on Houzz this week. There is also a bookmark-worthy ideabook about teaching the kiddos good habits that will ultimately help you around the house, and one about what to go over with your contractor before a project begins.

“Every member should have a home for his coat, shoes, hat and gloves, backpack or purse, papers in the case of students, and keys, wallet and phones for adults.” — Alison Hodgson

You and your family can start making a mess as soon as you walk in the door. If you conquer this area, it’s a great springboard for keeping the rest of the house clean.

Full story: Do It for the Kids! A Few Routines Help a Home Run More Smoothly


“April is a month of renewal. It’s time to dust off the outdoor furniture, tidy up and refresh decor.” — Laura Gaskill

Here’s your to-do list for this month; it’s nice to start on it early so you can complete it all at an easy pace.

Full story: Your April Checklist for a Smooth-Running Home



“What’s the password, sucker?” — Mary Jo Bowling

This is a nice guide to using speakeasy grilles on modern doors, with a little history thrown in.

Full story: A Cool Door Feature With a Clandestine Past



“Before work begins, make sure you and your contractor are on the same page about how things will go.” — Anne Higuera

Folks, things will only go downhill from this initial conversation, so make sure you get it right. This is a must-bookmark for anyone who ever plans to hire a contractor.

Full story: 10 Things to Discuss WIth Your Contractor Before Work Starts


“[Thomas] Church believed that gardens were a logical extension of the house and should be designed with a homeowner’s needs in mind, launching the concept of outdoor rooms and outdoor living that is predominant today.” — June Scott

I really enjoyed Scott’s explanation of modern landscapes and the philosophy behind them.

Full story: Elements of Modernist Landscapes, Classic and New


“Add perennials to vegetable beds.” — Charlotte Albers

Going back about 200 years before Tommy Church’s time, there was a glorious mix of vegetables and perennials in colonial gardens. You can see re-created versions of those gardens here. There are also ways you can use some plants to keep pests away from your veggies, so the idea is practical as well as beautiful.

Full story: Spring Garden Ideas From Colonial Williamsburg


“That narrow strip of land between the sidewalk and the street, often called the hell strip due to its notoriously inhospitable growing conditions, has become a favorite spot for gardeners wanting to farm their yards.” — Annie Thornton

Now, this article did not actually post this week, but somehow I missed it last week and needed to right the wrong of not including it in the roundup. I shouldn’t play favorites, but this story is the coolest one I’ve read on Houzz in 2014 so far. I love to see creative people making the most of what would otherwise be wasted space, transforming it into something wonderful.

Full story: How to Farm Your Parking Strip

If you want more specific advice for making the most of a tiny space no matter where it is, check out How to Grow a Kitchen Garden in 16 Square Feet


“Strawberries are just plain fun to grow.” — Bill Marken

If you fear you have a black thumb, or just don’t know where to start when it comes to growing edibles, this ideabook is a helpful guide. I vote strawberries for you. Marken is right: They are really fun to grow, and the plants are sweet.

Full story: If You Have Room for Only One Summer Crop


“An estimated 25,000 young adults age out of foster care every year.” — Annie Thornton

This is just a feel-good article about what can be accomplished when caring people give their ideas, their time and their energy. Lauri Burns’ The Teen Project helps so many teenagers find their way, and this latest venture, Freehab, came together with the help of designers, a rock band, an environmental nonprofit and other volunteers.

Full story: At-Risk Teens Get a Well-Designed Home and Real Hope


“We’ve lived here for 15 years, so the [Oregonian] mailbox is my way of saying, ‘We’re Oregonians, and we’re here to stay!’” — Allie Jenson, as told to Whitney Lyons

There was something about this story, this family, this house that really touched me. I loved all of the special touches, the antiques picked up years ago for “someday,” the realistic ways the homeowner kept things on budget yet beautiful. If you’re going to actually read the captions (not just skim through the photos) for just one Houzz Tour this week, I highly recommend this one.

Full story: My Houzz: A Country Home Built on Dreams and Determination

Did something you read on Houzz this week resonate with you? Please share it in the Comments section.

URL: You Said It: ‘We’re Here to Stay’ and Other Houzz Quotables http://www.decor-ideas.org/cases-view-id-23190.html