DIY 187 Ideabooks

You don't have to be a glue gun genius or a sewing superstar to have a crafty home. And you certainly don't need a 500-square-foot craft room, either. All you really need is a sense of adventure, some imagination and a little DIY gumption. To... more »

I never had a headboard until I made my own. A few years ago I followed Real Simple's step-by-step instructions (reproduced here) and in one day... more »

Target's release of 1.2 million limited-edition Campbell's cans sporting Warhol-inspired labels has me walking down memory lane and reconsidering the tin can. When I was growing up, our basement was overflowing with Campbell's soup labels, because my... more »

This weekend we're going to jump to a room that can be completely organized in a few hours: the bathroom. This project will satisfy those who like to jump from room to room as well those who like to finish one room all at once. We're going to... more »

With any home purchase, there are plenty of positives and hopefully few negatives — and ours was no exception. Our home has great potential and good bones, but with those positives we also inherited many flaws, like banged-up walls, scratched laminate... more »

It is not every day that you stumble upon perfect decor in your local thrift store. Once in while, though, it happens — and sometimes it happens in bulk. I was shopping in a run-down thrift store, really not anticipating any great finds, when I stumbled... more »

Homes, even beautifully designed ones, receive their fair share of abuse over the years. Unsightly holes from repair projects gone wrong, rough and tumble children or those pesky doorknobs can detract from the lovely home you've created. While seemingly... more »

When it comes to getting the most bang for your decorating buck, there is no question that paint reigns supreme. But if you really want to make the most of your purchase, try stretching that can of paint by using it in a number of smaller projects. Whether... more »

My design style is traditional, blending contemporary and vintage pieces plus a few quirky accessories thrown in. This eclectic combination of design elements can create a stylish home with a fun, sophisticated vibe. While I'm always on the hunt for... more »

If you like the layout of your existing kitchen and your cabinets are in good shape, painting them can be a smart way to go. Another budget-friendly route is to purchase and install new cabinet boxes (or "carcasses," as I've heard them called fondly)... more »

Chalkboard paint is popular thanks to its blend of sentiment, whimsy and practicality. Whether it's painted on walls, furniture or appliances, chalkboard paint has certainly come a long way from the basic green or slate gray boards used in schools. I... more »

Today businesses give away refrigerator magnets with their names on them, but 60 years ago they gave away something much more charming and useful — wooden rulers with their names on them. You'd be forced to think of your hardware store or bank every... more »

Whether they're horizontal or vertical, stripes are one trend I hope won't go out of style any time soon. This versatile motif adds visual interest... more »

For those who are creatively inclined, it can be a challenge to find the right fabric at the crafts store. If you like the DIY route, though, it's easy to make your own. With a simple stamp... more »

True confession: My pantry is a nightmare. Every weekend I swear I'm going to clean it out, but then I come up with an excuse not to. I know that hot cocoa mix from my secret Santa is lurking in the back among expired soups and the jumbo box of straws... more »