You Said It: ‘Each Piece Has a Story’ and More Words From the Week

This week ingenuity was everywhere on Houzz. I had a ball seeing charming backyard sheds that Houzz users had put together themselves with all sorts of creative and unique moves — you all made me eager to get my hands dirty in some soil and seedlings. We met a musician and photographer couple who comb Craigslist and thrift stores for almost all of their furnishings. We learned about 35 different tools and what people use them for (and these were not from your average toolbox; there were a lot of tools I had never even heard of, and some that weigh several tons). We learned about impactful and inexpensive ways to use custom furnishings at home, and creative ways to save money on kitchen remodels. Here are some of this week’s highlights.

“Because Michael’s extensive record collection had been stored in various places throughout the apartment, Kristen strayed from her usual approach of finding appropriate pieces and had a record shelf built for his birthday so, as she says, ‘he could have all of his records and player in one place without having to walk to different rooms to find a record he wanted to listen to.’” — Ellie Arciaga

Now that’s such a thoughtful and useful gift — it’s really inspiring. The shelf is an anomaly in the couple’s apartment; almost everything else was a thrifty find from Craigslist, an online ad, or an antiques or thrift shop. “This approach to decorating means that each piece has a story,” Arciaga writes. With so many stories behind this couple’s pieces, conversations in their home will never run dry.

Full story: My Houzz: Vintage Furnishings With Stories to Match


“Before they knew it, their small project became a significant update and included an extension of the garage for better storage and the occasional square-dancing keg party.” — Mitchell Parker

I think this is the best-looking garage I’ve ever seen. The couple who lives here carefully saved a wreck of a stone garage while working carefully to respect and enhance the historic structure. And the thought of a kegger square-dancing party in here is just too much fun.

Full story: A Historic Garage Expands for Storage and Parties


“Vintage glass plates built into the siding add decorative interest and let in more light.” — Annie Thornton

Along with a handful of other Houzzers, Anne and Bob Krekelberg shared their wonderful backyard shed. It was impossible to pick a favorite, but the way they used vintage glass plates on the facade deserves a big shout-out.

Full story: 7 Backyard Sheds Built With Love


Paper artist Claudia Lee’s “favorite tool, called the Hollander beater … turns plant fibers, including flax and iris leaves, into paper pulp.” — Annie Thornton

I loved this ideabook so much — the creative talents shown blew me away. I learned about all sorts of tools I’d never heard of and what talented people use them for, and the variety was amazing. The tools ranged from a plastic bag used to create an effect on glazed walls to a pile driver used to secure strong bases for coastal homes.

Full story: 35 Makers Show Us What They Do With Their Favorite Tools


“Keeping the appliances where they are will save you thousands of dollars.” — Kelli Kaufer

The average price of a kitchen remodel may be scaring you off, but you really can get much-better-than-average results without breaking the bank. Kaufer’s suggestions include reusing existing cabinets or using ready-to-assemble over custom, using open shelving, considering alternative countertops, repurposing a piece of furniture as an island and more.

Full story: 9 Ways to Save on Your Kitchen Remodel


“To make the space seem somewhat less sleek, the architect lined the ceiling with beadboard and chose gray grout.” — Mary Jo Bowling

In just a few short years on Houzz, I’ve watched the all-white kitchen go from being all the rage to something that makes people crave color again. I still love a mostly white kitchen, and I enjoy seeing how the white kitchen is evolving. Country music star Chad Warrix and wife Lori’s kitchen is a great example.

The white provides a backdrop that lets the thoughtful features and details stand out: the island, the Hicks pendant lights, the stunning cabinet hardware and the textiles. In addition, architect Blaine Bonadies added vintage texture via the beadboard ceiling and gray grout.

Full story: Houzz Tour: Classic and Contemporary Styles Harmonize in Nashville Home


“One way to ease your way through tough and turbulent times is to create soothing spaces in your home. Specifically, I think bedrooms and bathrooms ought to be made into sanctuaries. That way you start and end your day in a good place.” — Jennifer Ott

Ott recommends starting with soothing paint colors, an inexpensive move you can do yourself. She shares her color expertise not only by showing us seven calming rooms, but also by providing us with the exact paint colors to use.

Full story: 7 Soothing Spaces: How to Use Color to Create Calm at Home


“In many cases it is possible to extend a ready-made panel instead of starting from scratch … a seamstress (or skilled DIYer) can cut the bottom of a packaged curtain and attach a panel of a second fabric, creating a perfect-length, color-block statement without the full price tag.” —Yanic Simard

“Custom” scares us off, because we hear the word and think “expensive.” Simard’s article is full of great tips and hacks for customizing your home on a budget. Other areas where a few bucks can be stretched a long way include seat cushions, carpet tiles, bathroom mirrors, cabinets and vanities.

Full story: Where to Embrace Custom Furnishings in Your Home

Your turn: Did you see a creative idea that inspired a home project for you this week? Do tell; please share it with us in the Comments section!

URL: You Said It: ‘Each Piece Has a Story’ and More Words From the Week http://www.decor-ideas.org/cases-view-id-25645.html