My favorite challenge was our fireplace. We live out in " cow paddy USA" surrounded by cornfields, central Illinois:). There were no stores nearby where we could see or purchase the mantle and marble surround and hearth. We did research online and searched for stores within driving distance where we might be able to purchase what we were looking for. We finally found an upscale furniture store about an hour and a half away. They didn't carry anything in stock but we were able to order from one of their catalogs. Of course, one of the surround legs was broken but they reordered and we have a beautiful fireplace in our new home. Happy ending.

Gosh - since we try to DIY a lot I guess in general my favorite challenge would be taking a picture of something and trying to recreate it on our budget and skill level. From trim, to mudroom benches, tile shower surrounds and archways, fireplace built-ins and surrounds. A lot of opportunities for challenges.

While the budget doesn't seem to grow with knowledge and practice (darn it all!) - the skill level does! We have been in the house for 3 years now and just recently I find myself looking around for a new project. I think I am going to tackle refinishing our dining room table and chairs that were a Craig's list find when we first moved. The researching has started - and I hate sanding so I am going to focus on patience because this project will need lots of both sanding and patience!

figuring out how to redo open plan into a semi-open one..:)

ah, and finding non-slippery tile that'd fit house's aesthetic..took months, literally. I'm not sure was my favorite since very time consuming and felt like very hopeless at times..but sure am happy I found the solution.

Since I did nearly everything myself, there were plenty of challenges, from design through completion. Like others, the challenge of building an interesting yet affordable house was foremost. I guess my favorite was hunting down bargains and working them into the house. In particular, repurposing old stuff. The floors were milled out beams from an area textile mill. Several antique light fixtures were re-wired and employed. All of the interior doors are antique, as well as the glass knobs and brass backplates. Even the kitchen pulls are old- handles from type trays!

mushcreek we're put in a lot of old stuff too! but not to the level you did it. Our GC would flip..I'd love to see your house!

Favorite challenge is keeping subs and reps on track to my design specs. Subs to maintain extreme precision and accuracy and reps from bidding out on most expensive options despite having agreed to specific types/options, most recent one being following a windows walk through.