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Imagine the scenario: armed with a plumber's wrench, you square off with your leaky water heater resolved to fix it in time to make your dinner date. Several hours and obscenities later, you are in the same spot, overwhelmed with frustration...
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A simple repair to your garbage disposal. A fresh faux paint treatment to a bedroom wall. A once-tired table that's been sanded, stained, and brought back to life. None of these may seem like life-changing achievements at the time. But a home improvement project actually has the power to...
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[Ed. note: We're certainly not here to endorse Ryland Homes in any way, but Shine user BeJane.com does have some interesting info about the first-time-home-buyer temporary tax credit that we thought was worth highlighting. Keep that in mind...
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As projects go, it was about as big as they get: homeowner Maggie McGee had budgeted $400,000 for a major remodel of her New York house. She was expanding, yet trying to retain the home's architectural character. The project was projected to take four to six months to complete. Two years later,... Read More »
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Your old faucets are driving you nuts. But your mate has put on the brakes to a DIY fix. Now what? Maybe it's that your mate doesn't see a problem with your leaky, rusted 1970s bathroom faucet. Or perhaps he doesn't want to spend the money, or questions your do-it-yourself ability.... Read More »
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If you've recently stumbled upon a little extra real estate in your home because your kids have moved out or your partner went back to a full time job, why not turn it into a room that truly reflects your interests? Here are five inspirations for creating a room of your dreams that can... Read More »
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Is every square foot in your home cluttered? Have you forgotten whether your floor is carpet or wood? Do you have problems finding your stuff because it's buried under so much other stuff? If so, you may be living with a packrat (unless you’re the one who’s the rat!)…and they are often... Read More »
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Question: Which room in your home is typically the smallest, the busiest and the most cluttered?
Answer: The bathroom, of course.
Big or small, private or shared, there never seems to be enough bath room for everything you need. But space-finding ideas can help you create an organized sanctuary.
Clutter is the absolute antithesis of relaxation, which is why spa design always emphasizes clean lines and open spaces. The basic rule of bathroom storage is to keep objects near where they're used. This means placing frequently used items in the front of wall cabinets between waist and eye level, and storing bulkier items on lower shelves. Unsightly items such as blow dryers, curling irons, plungers and cleaning products should always be hidden from view.
Here are some basic tips: Read More »
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[Ed. note: I've been invited to (and have attended) painting parties before, in the homes of friends who've just moved, but never a full-on d.i.y. renovation party. Is this something you would put your friends up to? Why or why not? Tell us in the comments!]
Is there a do-it-yourself project you’re aching to do but you can't, well, do it yourself? If the size of your project has you Google searching a contractor, consider this: maybe the right solution isn't a professional but your friends. We’re all always looking for a reason to get together; why not throw a do-it-yourself party?
It may sound crazy, but you'd be surprised how many people will embrace the idea as long as you’re a good host. The key is making the project seem like fun and less like a giant chore. This is a perfect opportunity to get everyone together, show off your Jane skills, and get something accomplished at the same time. Hey, we've all been to dozens of birthday, holiday and housewarming parties; this is a chance to be truly original!
Send out Invitations
To make your DIY bash more official, send out invitations. A quick e-mail invite always works, but consider the lost art of putting ink to paper. An hour or two on the computer can produce cute, detailed invites complete with icons specific to your project, such as paintbrushes, drills, hammers and more. Get those creative juices flowing and pick a fun title for your gala. Penny's Painting Party! sounds better than Please Help Me Save $$. Read More »
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Summer is upon us, and that frequently means travel – which too often translates into lumpy beds, flat pillows, and Aunt Ruby's overly-friendly cats. But you can give your guests the royal treatment with a few simple, inexpensive steps. The next time you’re hosting company, let your loved... Read More »
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