Category: entryway

Home DIY: How To Get Started
A Beginner’s Guide to Woodworking Projects

Items made of solid wood have an undeniable appeal. They’re solid, have a great feel and each has a unique pattern only nature could provide. The ability to find a design and make the item yourself from start to finish provides a satisfaction that can last a lifetime. Woodworking does not require a workshop larger than your first apartment or a Bugatti-and-caviar budget. Building wood projects yourself has advantages and is a lot of fun. It requires only a modest budget for a few basic tools to get started. Some great practical starter projects are suggested below.

Benefits of DIY Woodworking

Making it yourself has several advantages. First, you can customize what you’re building. Rather than search for the exact size, color and features you want, find a plan and create it. By making it, the choice of material, finish and size is in your control. A second reason is cost. Even if you could find everything you want available for purchase, you may pay a premium for it. Making it yourself, especially when working with all-wood projects, is frequently far less expensive. A third reason is that creating items can be mentally stimulating. Using math, doing 3-D spatial visualization and following detailed directions engages the left side of your brain while the creativity of finishing a piece and improvising when necessary engages the right side. Woodworking uses both sides, so whichever side of the brain you normally use, most woodworking is part comfort zone and part experience in new terrain.

Tools to Get Started

A few basic tools will be required to get started. It does not have to cost too much at first. As you take on more challenging projects, you can upgrade some of the hand tools to power tools.
- Power drill. It’s worth spending money on a drill that gives not only good power but options for attachments. Some come with an impact driver, which can drive a screw without a pre-drilled hole. A variety of drill bits, including a countersink bit, screwdriver bits and paddle bits will come in handy. A pocket-hole jig to create angled holes is useful for many jobs. If you are working with a lot of metal, don’t settle for anything less than precise reamers and reaming tools. They can help you achieve the precision you need for installation pieces. You can also get the exact contour or smoothness of the metal you envision with the right tools. Therefore, you can be sure that everything fits perfectly in whatever home DIY project you embark on.
- Miter saw. A miter saw helps get straight or angled cuts exactly right every time and you will be surprised how often you use it. A compound miter saw does beveled cuts and a sliding variation will cut wider pieces of wood, so anticipate your needs, space and budget when buying. Check this great article about miter saws on WoodworkBoss.com
- Circular or jig saw. According to SawsHub, a circular saw is the ideal tool for long lengths of wood, which the miter saw is unable to do. A jig saw is light and flexible and best for cutting shapes.
- Electric woodworking router. A router can be fit with a variety of bits and put to several uses. Its most common use is to round the sharp edges from a board. It can also add decorative effects to trim pieces or carve grooves to create joints where boards meet. You may be able to put off the router if you pick up a hand planer for rounding edges.
- Hand tools. An assortment of basic hand tools to have on hand would include a hammer and counterpunch, wood rasp and chisel set, sanding blocks and a variety of clamps.
- Safety equipment. Basic safety equipment to stock would include safety glasses, masks to avoid inhaling sawdust and ear protection
Suggested Starting Projects

Finding plans for projects is easy. Hundreds are available for free online or in library books and those TV shows with the giant workshops often offer their plans at the end of the show. Below is a list of woodworking projects perfect for a beginner that rely on basic tools. Accessories: A variety of easy-to-make home accessories are available that will be practical and help you get to know your tools.
- These hanging shoe racks use premade dowels and can be placed in out-of-the-way spots.
- This sectioned tray is designed for office use, but could find dozens of uses.
- This super-easy cutting board uses a variety of woods for a striking effect, although it requires a power sander or planer.
Storage: Everyone can use more storage options and shelves are a good first project.
- These standing shelves could be built in multiples to fill a space.
- These sturdy floating wall shelves are good to tuck into a small space.
Tables: Tables offer a variety of uses, indoors, outdoors and in the workshop. Here are three inexpensive designs that are easy to build and can be used in a number of ways:
- Small indoor/outdoor end tables.
- A larger coffee table.
- A corner media center with storage.
Garden planters: Outdoor garden items make good starter projects because they’re often simple to make and there’s less perfection expected for items that are going outdoors. The last two projects call for expensive cedar because it is naturally weather-resistant, but a less expensive wood could be substituted and coated with an outdoor paint, especially if the plants are going to be in individual pots.
- These super-simple plant stands create a designer look for a few bucks.
- This free-standing tiered planter could also be used for garage or kitchen storage.
- This window box would add instant curb appeal.
At the end of a woodworking project, you have a customized item ready for use, but that’s not all. You also have additional skills that have prepared you to tackle your next project. Thanks to Woodworkboss.com for contributing!
June 1, 2018
7 Interior Design Secrets for Small Spaces

When you live in a small house, there is not much choice but to maximize the space that you have. You cannot extend the house without having to spend thousands of dollars so you will have to make do with the area you have now. These are seven interior design tips that will help you make a pleasant home even with a small space:

1. Paint With Neutral Colors, Accentuate With Bold Hues

One of the most effective ways for a small space to feel welcoming is by picking out the right colors. Colors can set the mood of the people in the room so it is important that you choose something that is relaxing to the eyes. The cardinal rule is to use light but neutral paint or wallpaper. This is effective in making the area look more spacious and airy than it is. Apart from that, it also gives you a wider range of choices on what you can use for the accessories later on. Just because you are using neutral colors does not mean that you should shy away from putting up other decorations. In fact, you should pick those with bright or bold hues as it adds drama. When you have a cramped space, drama will distract a person’s eye from assessing just how small the room is.

via Studio McGee

2. Get Rid Of Clutter

When your space is limited as it already is, clutter is the last thing you want in a room. When you see that the room has a lot of stuff and furniture, you no longer want to get inside. Visual and actual space are important in this regard. You have to get rid of the things that you do not need. Only those that you truly value should be left on display. You want to leave as much spcae for people to move around.
If you must, buy storage equipment. You can put them in other rooms. Or you can choose storage pieces that will fit in with the small space.

via Studio McGee

3. Use A Large Area Rug

If you are to choose an area rug for your floor, make sure that it is something that covers the majority of the floor space. Picking smaller ones will draw attention to the small space, which you do not want.

via Studio McGee

4. Be Mindful Of Scale And Proportion

Scale and proportion are two important things that every homeowner should remember in trying to decorate a small space. There should be balance between large and small furniture pieces. One example that shows how important proportion and scale are is when you choose the couch. A small couch will seem too dwarfed while a large one can only highlight the size of the space.

via Studio McGee

5. Be Smart About How You Arrange Furniture

How you arranged the furniture can make or break your efforts to design a small space. You need to minimize the space that the furniture you have occupies so that there will still be room to move around. As a general rule, always leave adequate space between furniture pieces and with the wall.

via Jac Interior

6. Use Mobile Furniture

If you easily bored with your furniture, why not consider having mobile furniture? This way, it will be easy for you to do redo the arrangement of the furniture should you want it. This will give you more chances of experimenting with the interior design. Interior designers from top interior design firms know exactly what kids of mobile furniture is perfect for small rooms. Maybe you can consult a professional designer around you about it.

via Studio McGee

7. Hang Beautiful Curtains

Curtains are a blessing for anyone who has a small room. For one, if you choose great curtains, it can add beauty to the space. Pair a curtain with light color to a wide window and you will surely enjoy looking out into the balcony. Another advantage of using light-colored curtains is the fact that it maximizes the natural light. It eliminates the dark corners that make the space too tight. By letting in more light, you are highlighting the décor as well which, as already mentioned above, distracts the eye from the small space that is in front. When putting up the curtains, it would be best if you mount it as high as possible. There should be a slight overlap with the windows as well. This creates the illusion that the space is bigger and that the window is larger.

via DecorPad

Conclusion

These are some useful tips to make a small space look gorgeous. If you are not an experienced and skilled interior designer, you can hire an interior designer to make your small rooms bigger and look beautiful. If you are from Los Angeles, you can try best interior designers Los Angeles for professional interior designs of your rooms and homes.

Thanks to Jac Interiors for partnering on this post

May 8, 2018
DIY Tricks to Protect Your Home from Burglary

Keeping your home secure from any kind of unwanted visitor is a priority for any responsible homeowner. The absolute best safety seems to come at a high price, however, as home security systems tend to break the bank. It doesn’t have to be this way, though. There are some easy DIY tips and tricks to keep your home on lock-down while you’re away that won’t require taking out a second mortgage to afford.

via ?

Smart-Home Platforms

In between “DIY” and a standard home security system are smart home security systems. While the mechanical aspect of the system is provided by a company, the homeowner is who monitors the cameras. By providing a homeowner with around 3-4 sensors and cameras placed in entry ways or by windows, you can monitor activity through the use of a smart device, such as your phone. Monthly fees for this service typically range between $20-$40 a month. Although these aren’t the least expensive option, they’re cheaper than a standard home security system.

via Ballard Design

Sensors and Cameras

Now before you go off signing a pricey contract with a home security company, there is a way to install your very own security system that is even less costly than a Smart-Home platform. Home security is really just as simple as monitoring activity and alarms.

You can install sensors at entry ways such as doors and windows that, when tripped unintentionally, send an alert to your phone or tablet. You can even use cellular security cameras to watch your driveway in places that are too far away from your WiFi signal. They can easily be deactivated when you or somebody else you trust is at home so that you don’t accidentally trigger any kind of alarm. Connecting the sensors to alarms, with the addition of camera surveillance, ensures that any would-be crook is scared off before any damage could be done.

Locks

Perhaps the most important piece of this “home-security jigsaw” are the kind of locks that are on your doors and windows. The first step to preventing burglary or vandalization is ensuring that entry is incredibly difficult for intruders. Choosing a good, sturdy lock that is hard to pick and makes a forced entry extraordinarily hard will prevent break-ins before they even happen.

via Jaclyn Paige Kiawah Island project, Elizabeth Newman decorator, Front entry

There are locksmiths that provide locks that will fit aesthetically within your residence. An example of such is Positive Security service Commercial properties as well as homes can benefit from the array of new locking systems that professional locksmiths can provide. The locks that secure your home are the cornerstone of home security, and cutting no corners when it comes to this aspect will guarantee protection from any kind of typical burglary.

via Coastal Interiors

Other than these options, there are other small ways that you can add on to the total amount of security and surveillance surrounding your home when you’re away. Contact a nearby friend, relative, or neighbor to check on your house periodically to make sure that there is no nefarious activity or anybody scouting out your property from a distance. These methods will provide you with the utmost security and ease of mind.

Thanks to www.positivesecuritywa.com.au for partnering on this post

April 4, 2018
5 Things That Might Cost You This Winter

As the temperature gets colder, more and more people rely on energy and electricity to keep their homes nice and warm. But are you being energy – and money – efficient when it comes to heating your home? Here are a few things that might be costing you major money without you even knowing it.

via Pinterest via Style at Home

Window And Door Insulation

Your windows and doors may actually be costing you a lot more than you expect. Heat escapes through any cracks in the entry points to your home, rendering your heating system less efficient and causing you to spend more money for less heat. There are insulating window treatments that you can try out to conserve heat and energy. You can also apply hard plastic to your windows during winter months to help keep the heat in, or caulk the perimeters to ensure that no obvious gaps are letting cold air in. Doors should be checked to make sure they fit their frames properly. Otherwise, you’ll be losing heat that way, too.

via Pinterest via ?

Temperature Regulation

Many people leave their heat running all day, regardless of whether or not they’re actually home. This is a costly move with little for you to gain. Instead of doing that, try turning the heat down when you’re away from home or while you sleep at night. You can even invest in a thermostat controller, which allows you to change the temperature whether you’re at home or away from it.

You could also try lowering the thermostat by a few degrees even when you are home. Chances are you won’t notice the difference, but it could make a big impact on your heating bill.

via Pinterest via One Kings Lane

Poorly Maintained Fireplace

Your home doesn’t necessarily need to rely on the heat from a fireplace for it to cost you money. If you don’t block it off properly in the winter, it acts just like an open door or window would, siphoning the hot air from your house and costing you extra in heating costs.

If you do use your fireplace, then you won’t be getting the most out of it if it’s poorly maintained. Moreover, you could actually be putting yourself at risk for a house fire if the ventilation isn’t good enough or if the fireplace itself isn’t cleaned. Make sure to have yearly maintenance performed on your fireplace at minimum to ensure it’s running as it should be.

via Pinterest via?

Hot Water Heater

Your water heater’s default temperature setting rests at a very hot 140 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you could save some money by dropping it just 20 degrees so it rests at 120 degrees Fahrenheit instead. In the same way that you likely won’t notice a difference if you lower your thermostat by a few degrees, you probably won’t be bothered by water that’s still warm enough to take a cozy shower in.

via Pinterest via Between Naps on the Porch

Broken, Damaged Or Old Furnace

Your furnace doesn’t have an indefinite expiry date, and an old one will begin to have issues. Old furnaces or ones that are showing wear and tear may become obvious when your bill begins to hike. It can also begin to make noises that you aren’t used to. Finally, damages can actually appear in the forms of cracks or other blemishes to the furnace itself. You can check your furnace for these signs if you believe that your furnace may be contributing to your heat loss or climbing bill costs. If you notice any, chances are pretty good that you’ll need some repairs or even a furnace replacement.

If you’re interested in seeing less of your heat and money fly out the window this winter, give these tips a try. You’ll be surprised to see how much money just a few changes can save you.

This post in consideration with Ray & Son Heating and Air Conditioning

December 22, 2017
Pet Friendly Homes

via Lepetitchouchou.com.br

Your household might be toxic or hazardous to your pet without you even knowing. You’re probably aware that chocolate is bad for dogs and cats shouldn’t chew poinsettia leaves, but do you have the full list of household items that can endanger your pets? Being a pet owner is a big job, and you love these animals like family. You need to baby-proof a house when you have an infant, and you should pet-proof your house when you’ve got pets. Whether you’ve just adopted one or have had pets for years, ensure your home is safe for your animals.

image via Domino

Grapes and bleu cheese are dangerous for animal digestive systems. If you’re tempted to let your dog snack off your plate, you’ve got to know which human foods aren’t safe for your dog. Though it isn’t as fun, giving your dog the right kind of dog food, or making your own dog food at home, is the safest way to ensure your dog gets the right nutrition. The same is true for cats, though most cats turn their noses up at grapes and chocolate.

via Style at Home

An air quality test of your home could reveal all sorts of particulates that you don’t want to be breathing in. Dirty air isn’t healthy for your pets, either, and can cause respiratory issues or colds that cost you in vet bills and worry. Check your air filter, vacuum often, and be sure to give your furry friend a good brushing every so often. Learn more about having a home safe for pets in the Healthier Pet-Friendly Home infographic.

via Style at Home

October 20, 2017
Spanish Colonial House Tour: Don’t miss it!

Spanish Colonial House

This Spanish Colonial is in Santa Monica and was built in 1928. It went through some changes but then ultimately wasn’t touched for 50 years. That is, until designer Christine Markatos Lowe relocated from SOHO with her family and decided to lovingly restore it while preserving all of it’s charm and character.

Archways galore. Can you have too many? I love the old wood floors contrasting with the stainless steel island. And that chevron tile backsplash?

The entry is kept true to the houses roots by being light and sparse.

Materials are kept relatively unadorned and allowed to shine.

The tiled powder room and stairway are new to the home, but fit in beautifully.

The home originally only had 1 bathroom – not easy with 2 kids, so Christine rethought the entire floor and added an extra bathroom.

Believe it or not this is the mudroom, adorned with pink and green. It used to be a breakfast nook, but with a busy family I’d pick a landing pad over a breakfast nook any day!

See/read the whole story at Domino Magazine.

Want to see more Spanish Colonial homes? Check out Sheryl Crow’s 1926 Spanish Colonial in Hollywood Hills

October 19, 2017
Ideas for decorating around exposed brick

Exposed Brick

Exposed brick is a beautiful thing. Being a beautiful thing you can just leave it on it’s own to shine, but setting it off with great decor, lighting, and furniture arrangement is paying it the homage it deserves. The spaces below do just that.

I love that the brick in this room is made more sophisticated by moulding and columns. Adding the floating shelves between columns is a nice touch too.

How STUNNING is that chest? And the play of all the linear directions between the chest, brick, and shutter is really cool too. It’s also inspired me to re-style my shelves and dressers!

2 images above via DecorPad

In this entryway the modern wallpaper with the aged brick is a beautiful contrast.

Painting this brick white keeps it from clashing too much with the polished counter top.

I love the simplicity of this space and the mixed materials between the fireplace, brick, wood, and glass.

Modern but warm

4 images above via Dering Hall

Want more brick? Check out Brick and Wood

October 4, 2017
Modern Country House: Fresh and Welcoming

Modern Country House

This house tour embodies what the modern country house is and should be – welcoming and warm, but also fresh and bright.

An amazing open concept kitchen – white tile backsplash, marble island, wide plank floors, and built-ins galore

You guessed it – John Robshaw bedding makes this guest room serene but not sterile.

The light throughout this house is amazing

How about the meadow rooftop garden?

Image via Cottages & Gardens

May 18, 2017
Calming color: beautiful hues for relaxing interiors

Calming color

I think lavender is a surprising calming color that doesn’t get a lot of attention. So here’s a little spotlight on lavender – I hope you find it inspiring!

A lovely rug or throw blanket can do the trick if you are the person who loves to change up colors often. This shade of lavender is so pretty

Using lavender in a modern application can help the space from feeling two feminine. This shower curtain might be purple, but it has a modern indie vibe to it that won’t scare off the men folk.

This bedroom is so pretty and comfortable looking. And it was designed for a (very lucky) teenage girl!

The lavender used in this entryway and stairs is soft and unobtrusive, but you still notice it.

Are you a fan of lavender?

May 3, 2017
Summer Entryways and Foyers

Summer Entryways and Foyers

There are your “traditional” elements that no entry or foyer should be without – but shoe storage and a key tray don’t necessarily make an entry way that makes you smile when you walk in the door. Here are a few elements that do…

Art with impact.

via Pinterest via Waiting on Martha

Live plants/flowers.

via Pinterest via 11 Magnolia Lane

An oversized mirror.

via Pinterest via Desert Domicile

A dramatic entry rug.

via Abbey Carpet of SF

…and of course, your best friend waiting for you.

via Pinterest via Chango.co

April 21, 2017