You Said It: ‘Photovoltawhata?’ and More Houzz Quotables

This week on Houzz, an underlying theme stood out: how to make major lifestyle changes via your home. Sometimes the changes were born from how people reacted to disasters. Others were from conscious changes to lessen carbon footprints. A tornado forced an unexpected remodel; a fire left a family living with relatives for six weeks; a couple left the big city to connect to the landscape and nature’s rhythms; a diagnosis sent a woman searching for more meaning by paring down to the minimum; and many more folks are living off the grid than I ever imagined. Plus, there was a great reminder to go easier on ourselves when it comes to home projects and to just enjoy what we have.

“But your home is not a design contest; it’s real life. If you’ve been pressuring yourself to take more risks with your decorating choices, consider this your official excuse to let yourself off the hook.” — Laura Gaskill

I have to admit something: I could probably complete this roundup every week with quotes just from Laura Gaskill. She always brings such a clear, practical and relatable point of view to home decor, just like she did in this comment. It’s OK to feel inspired by an idea and then never come close to executing it. And she made me feel better that I’ve had wallpaper samples tacked to some of my walls for quite a few years now!

Full story: Step Away From the Wallpaper: Why Decorating Risks Are Overrated


“If you feel happier without a bunch of half-finished DIY home projects littering your living space, be honest with yourself about it.” — Laura Gaskill

See what I mean? While I respect and envy all of you DIY mavens out there, I have proved to myself time and time again that I will never be one of you. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. Thank you, Laura, for giving me a pass so that I can stop destroying my house in my efforts to improve it.

Full story: 8 Reasons to Jump Off the DIY Bandwagon


“With an older home, you come to expect nasty surprises behind walls and under floors.” — Marie-Eve Best, as told to Le Michelle Nguyen

This was said regarding an unexpected carpenter ant invasion discovered during Best’s home renovation. You must expect the unexpected when your house is being torn apart, or risk a nervous breakdown. Keep your eyes on the prize. In spite of the ant infestation, this reno was completed in three weeks, and it’s a great inspiration.

Full story: My Houzz: From Dated to Dreamy in 3 Weeks


“One awkward conversation could save you years, maybe even a lifetime of conflict and stress.” — Alison Hodgson

While she’s referring to money matters with this particular sentence, Hodgson’s statement applies to any number of issues long-term guests and hosts can face: from where to park the car to whether or not to take off shoes; from what to do with clutter to how children should be disciplined. While her ideabook is tailored for an extended guest stay, all of her advice will help make for good guest-host relations, no matter how long the visit.

Full story: How to Navigate an Extended Guest Stay


“When you look across the courtyard from one wing of the house to the other, you see a seamless design.” — Bonnie Monte

This story is a stellar example of how to create harmony between a house and its surrounding landscape. While the existing yard was nice, the improved one truly extends the living space beyond the home’s walls.

Full story: Unifying and Beautifying a Washington Island Landscape


“Honestly, if the tree hadn’t fallen, we would never have been able to think of creating the home we are in now.” — Lenore LoCascio, as told to Sarah Greenman

Way to make lemonade out of lemons! This family’s remodel, spurred by a fallen tree, gave them a more comfortable, open and inviting home.

Full story: My Houzz: Twister Damage Sparks a Whole Ranch Remodel


“Connection is central to how the homeowners live their lives.” — Jeni Lee

We posted many beautiful Houzz Tours this week, but this one touched my soul. This couple is living a beautiful and dreamy life in Australia’s Barossa Valley, connected to the land and their 1860 farmhouse. If you read one tour this week, read this one.

Full story: My Houzz: Ease and Coziness in Rural Australia


“So she sold her house and set out to build a tiny house that would give her the life she wanted.” — Mitchell Parker

Dee Williams pared down her possessions (the current number is 305) and ditched her mortgage in order to simplify her life and reduce expenses, so she could pursue the things that were most meaningful to her. For anyone considering tiny house living, her new book is a must-read.

Full story: Life Lessons From 10 Years of Living in 84 Square Feet



“Photovoltawhata?” — Christine Tusher

This play on a word made me giggle out loud. And yup, it pretty much sums up my solar engineering knowledge, no matter how hard I try to learn. However, this ideabook simplified the explanation for people with my limited level of understanding. And is there anything more compelling than the fact that solar power can decrease my home’s carbon footprint as much as planting 88 trees could?

Full story: Going Solar at Home: Solar Panel Basics


“Approximately 200,000 Americans have taken the plunge into true off-grid living.” — Jen Dalley

I had no idea so many people besides Ed Begley, Jr., were living off the grid. Accomplishing this is not as far-fetched as you might imagine; if you’re intrigued by the idea, be sure to bookmark Dalley’s guide.

Full story: Off the Grid: Ready to Pull the Plug on City Power?

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

URL: You Said It: ‘Photovoltawhata?’ and More Houzz Quotables http://www.decor-ideas.org/cases-view-id-23310.html