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Easy DIY: Change the color of your countertops!

Jun 24, 2010

A while back I wrote about Modern Masters Countertop Transformations for giving old laminate counters a stone look (check out that post here). And yesterday I discovered an even easier and more affordable way to change the color of worn or dated countertops. I was at Lowe's looking for the perfect spray paints for an upcoming project, and I noticed a new(ish) product: Rustoleum Specialty Countertop Coating.

Rustoleum Specialty Countertop Coating in Cobblestone. I like that this paint produces a true satin finish, unlike the old method involving 4-5 coats of polyurethane.

It's a rollable/brushable base that can be tinted to one of 16 colors. Application involves thorough cleaning and drying (but not sanding), then rolling two coats of the paint, using a brush for small areas, and allowing it to dry 3 days before use. Sounds simple. A quart can costs $19.97 at Lowe's and covers about 25 linear feet of counters.

There are always doubts about the durability of paint treatments on laminate. Online reviews for this product are mixed. A smart strategy would be to try it on a laminate scrap (probably available for free from a countertop dealer), or try it in a bathroom first, where it won't get as much wear and tear as a kitchen, and it's a smaller area should you need to redo or replace it.

This seems like an especially smart option for getting your home ready to sell. If ugly counters are stopping buyers at the kitchen door, give it a try. Then send me before and after photos!

Do you shy away from simple projects like this one because it's too hard to make color decisions? I can help. My online or in-home color consultations are $75 for the first room, $30 for each additional room in the same home. You'll get a complete, customized color palette that fits your home and your personality. It's a guide for every color decision you need to make in the room. Save time, frustration, and the cost of redoing mistakes. Want to get started? Just email me. —Diane

TAGS: rustoleum specialty countertop coating paint review modern masters countertop transformations reviews cheap affordable inexpensive ways to change counters colors staging kitchen home resale selling

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Easy DIY: Hose Holder Made with Recycled Wooden Spools

Jun 16, 2010

One outdoor job I really hate is winding the hose after I'm finished using it. (Unwinding it isn't so fun either, after that hog-snake incident a few years ago.) Of course, I could make the job easier with a hose holder. But they always seem to be overly ornate and fancy, calling undue attention to utility. Put a grimy hose on it, and it sort of ruins the effect, right? You've seen the standards, like these:

Or worse yet for hiding critters like snakes:

Photos: Sources unnamed to prevent any of you from buying one of these.

No thanks! I'll take this easy DIY option from the brilliant editors at Sunset Magazine. It barely even calls for instructions.

Photo: David Fenton for Sunset Magazine.

Antique wooden spools are attached to the siding with screws. Wind 'er up, and you're done. You can find spools at antiques stores, flea markets, barn sales, farm auctions, and the like. Or if the search frustrates you, check eBay for plenty of options, most selling in sets for under $20. Click on the Antiques category, then search for "spools." Make sure to check dimensions. These come in all sizes and scale can be deceiving in photos, so if you aren't careful you might end up receiving tiny bobbins. This set fits the bill, complete with chippy red and blue paint, currently at $9.99 and ending tonight. Or check out Traditions in Thyme for a large selection of spools and other original primitive antiques. —Diane

TAGS: primitive antiques projects hose storage winder bracket easy diy recycled upcycled reclaimed vintage antique wooden spools bobbins

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Easy DIY: How to Make a Window Valance from Wallpaper

Mar 12, 2010

{Short & Sweet Friday}

Happy weekend, everyone! Looking for a quick and easy spiff-up you can finish this weekend? Check out this idea from a Sunset Magazine Idea Home. It's a fun way to add a touch of pattern to a room with no sewing or painting, and it gives you a hit of the current wallpaper trend without committing to paste on your walls. It's a wallpaper valance!

PHOTO: David Wakely, Sunset Magazine

How to Make a Wallpaper Window Valance

You'll need:

Wallpaper, two to three times the width of the window
Yardstick
Pencil
Scissors
Hole punch
Cable drapery rod kit

Mark a sheet of wallpaper with a yardstick and pencil to the height you prefer and at least twice the width of the window. For a fuller look, go even wider. Cut the strip with scissors, maintaining a smooth, straight edge.
Use a hole punch to create holes about every 6 inches along the top of the valance, placing them at least one inch from the top edge. Wallpaper won't fray or tear easily, so no reinforcement is needed.
Install the cable drapery rod kit on the window. These kits are inexpensive and easy to install. Try the Deka system from Ikea for $4.99.
Before securing the cable into the second clamp, string the wallpaper onto it, folding it loosely back and forth as you string it on.
Secure the cable into its clamp, done!

Do you feel like your room is "stuck"? It's hard to have a vision for a space you see every day. Check out my eDecor Plans, complete room design plans that give you all the ideas and sources you need and even show you what it will look like when it's finished! —Diane

TAGS: how to make a wallpaper valance ikea deka window treatment cable system easy diy project

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Easy DIY: Mirror Groupings

Mar 09, 2010

Finding creative ways to make a big impact with a small amount of money is pretty much the foundation of budget decorating. One trick that almost always works is to use groupings of small objects instead of one or two large objects. If you have a space on a wall that's begging for an interesting focal point, but you don't want to shell out for a large painting or grand mirror, try this trick: mirror groupings.

You can pull off this look with a random collection of mirrors or pieces that have something in common, such as frame color. And it's a collection that's easy to grow, and easy to curate. Mirrors of all styles and eras are plentiful at thrift stores and flea markets. Those with flaws can add to the charm if your style is vintage or eclectic. If you prefer a more polished and uniform look, paint the frames all the same color. Or collect only one shape: rectangular, round, oval, fancy.

Don't expect to go out and finish this project in a weekend. Take your time and let the collection evolve and grow. Whatever you do, don't buy a coordinated set if you want a collected look. Here's some inspiration.

White on off-white was the perfect color choice for this filigreed collection. The subtlety of the colors lets the intricacy of the frames stand out. Photo: flickr user kimhas7cats.

Don't be too rigid with the arrangement. At left, the grouping showcases variety in shape and size but keeps a consistent color scheme. At right, round mirrors look beautiful in a linear arrangement on photo ledges. Photos: Martha Stewart Living.

A sparse grouping makes a subtle, artsy statement. Photo: via Remodelista.

Paint frames a bright color for major impact. The idea of consistent color is especially important where more than one collection is displayed. Photo: via AStorybookLife.

Variety makes this collection interesting. Note how objects on the table are integrated into the shapes of the wall arrangement. Photo: Real Simple.

HOW TO ARRANGE A GROUPING OF MIRRORS ON THE WALL

Lay each mirror on a piece of newspaper or kraft paper. Roughly trace its outline and cut it out.
Arrange the paper outlines on the wall with low-tack artist's tape. Move everything around until you're happy with the arrangement.
On the back of each mirror, determine the placement of its hanger and hammer a nail or picture hanger into the wall through the corresponding paper outline.
Tear paper away, then hang mirrors in place.

You might be surprised what kind of collection you already have in your home, just waiting for its moment to shine! Have me over for a "Work with me, here" session, and I'll look at your stuff with a fresh eye and help you redesign your room using only the things you already own. Sounds impossible, I know. Trust me, it works! Email me for more details.—Diane

TAGS: mirror grouping on wall how to hang gallery style collection antique vintage mirrors

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Easy DIY: 8 Fast Fixes to Help Your House Sell

Jan 27, 2010

Everyone knows that selling a house right now is hard. You have to remove as many design barriers as possible to make your house stand out from the many choices buyers have. There are a lot of opinions about where to spend your staging budget, but not everyone has a staging budget! Here are some things you can do yourself easily, without spending much money, for a big impact on buyer impressions.

This vintage illustration came from retrorenovation.com and its very cool blog. If your home is circa 1940s–1960s, check out this blog post for ideas to update your home while respecting its retro roots.

Clean.

If you've browsed the MLS lately you'll see that not everyone thinks this is important. Remember that most buyers can't visualize or see past what's already in the house, including your dirt and clutter. And after curb appeal, scent is the first thing that will make an impression.

Seriously critique the outside of the home.

The front facade and entrance to your home make its first impression. It should look inviting and stand out as one of the nice houses in the neighborhood. Simple things that can improve its curb appeal include a fresh coat of paint or a power-washing, clean windows, a neat front yard, new house numbers and mailbox, a new doormat, and a polished knocker. If you have a seating area outdoors, make it look inviting with furniture. Borrow it if you have to.

Touch up paint.

The scuff you've grown to overlook will stand out to buyers. And this is probably the only situation where I'd advise against no-VOC paint. The smell of fresh paint instantly tells buyers you've taken care to freshen things up.

Uncover wood floors.

Wood, bamboo, and even wood-look laminate floors are a huge asset right now. If yours are covered with carpeting or large area rugs, uncover them! Be obvious about your home's strong points.

Uncover views.

If you have a nice view out a window, remove or minimize window coverings. Make sure all shades are raised for showings. The more natural light, the better.

Dedicate a weekend to finishing all those projects.

Small details may not seem significant to you, but buyers see unfinished details as a sign of your general care of the home. Anything unfinished raises questions.

Start packing.

You have to do it anyway, so do it now and get the place decluttered. Forget about that moving sale in the spring— just get the junk out before buyers come in. Rooms should look furnished but spare. Let buyers see the open space and create a nice traffic flow. Also store personal items like family photos and pet gear.

Create a showing checklist.

Be prepared to get your house showing-ready in an hour or less. Make a list of everything that needs to be stowed away (or even thrown in the car), and have a routine for cleaning touch-ups. This is one time you aren't going for a lived-in look.

Need some help getting your house ready to sell? I offer both flat-fee consulting appointments and staging sessions where I work together with homeowners to make the most of their house with resale in mind. In most cases, homeowners don't have to buy anything to outfit the house— I can work with what you have. An investment of $100 to $300 can result in a faster sale and a higher price. Email for more information.

TAGS: home staging how to stage a house to sell real estate realty tips put house on market

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