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Posts categoriezed as DIY

6 Deadly Sins of DIY

6 Deadly Sins of DIY published on

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HGTV came up with these 6 Deadly Sins of DIY, but here’s our own take on it.

1. Time. “People often underestimate how long it takes to do a job properly.” Ha! That’s an understatement! Our first home took 9 years to complete. We started out with a bang and got bored with it. Eventually, we got used to living with the construction mess. And we never learned. Bed Stuy is over the 2 year mark and Beacon is going on 4 years with no end in sight. Time…yes, it always takes longer to finish a project. But if you’re talking about a big DIY renovation, consider the fact that you’re going to lose interest in the middle.Continue reading 6 Deadly Sins of DIY

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DIY: Dishwasher Panel

DIY: Dishwasher Panel published on

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Photo is Miele panel, not DIY

I recently purchased a dishwasher that wasn’t exactly my taste. I couldn’t afford the one that was. In researching this, I learned that panel kits cost about $400. But that’s not all. They will only work with high end models. So you can’t buy an inexpensive dishwasher and expect to change the look.

Or can you?

I found this DIY tip in “HGTV’s Before and After Decorating” book but could not find an online link to the article. I hope I won’t get sued for copyright for posting it here. I made a few changes.

Here’s the HGTV’s how-to:Continue reading DIY: Dishwasher Panel

Keeping Your Antique Windows

Keeping Your Antique Windows published on

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Our window has been looking like this for 2 years. And our porch still looks like this.

One of the things we fell in love with in our Beacon home was the wavy glass of the antique windows. Every window in the house is original wood, hardware and glass. Some of them don’t work too well and they are all terribly DRAFTY! But there was no way we’d ever even think of replacing them. So, we set out to restore them.Continue reading Keeping Your Antique Windows

Raised Panel Wainscoting

Raised Panel Wainscoting published on 1 Comment on Raised Panel Wainscoting

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I’ve always preferred raised panel wainscoting to bead board. It’s not as readily available and I haven’t been able to locate FSC certified, but still…I like the look.

At one time, you would have to be a skilled carpenter to install this stuff. Now several companies offer kits for the do it yourselfer. They range in quality. Some are veneer. Some aren’t even wood. The better quality ones come in a variety of wood species that are stainable or paintable.

Have a look:

New England Panel
RJ Millworks
Deco Moldings
Architectural Depot

Related “This Old House” article

I’m Starting to Groove to Cork

I’m Starting to Groove to Cork published on 1 Comment on I’m Starting to Groove to Cork

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Back in November I did an article on cork flooring. I listed the pros and cons, but my own hesitation with cork is that it reminds me too much of the 70’s. I don’t know why I can’t get passed this since my sense of style terminated in the 80’s. But I’m trying.

I just came across cork mosaics at Habitus NYC. They look great, they are waterproof and best of all, you can stain them some funky ass colors! Since they’re waterproof, they can work perfectly in a bathroom or kitchen. I was also informed that they have antibacterial qualities.

The cork mosaics look like penny ceramics and need to be grouted same as any other tile. They’re made from recycled wine stoppers. Since they start at $12 per square foot, I’m thinking of drinking more wine (lots) so I can make my own mosaics.

Anatomy of a Brownstone:Green Depot

Anatomy of a Brownstone:Green Depot published on

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Sarah Beatty, CEO of Green Depot, the Brooklyn based green building materials company, spoke with Rolf and Emily. Green Depot is the materials supplier for 93 Nevins.

Sarah founded Green Depot in 2005 when she realized how important sustainable building had become. She found a backer in the already established Marjam Supply Company. Ok, so it didn’t hurt that her husband owns Marjam.

Green Depot is a green building superstore, with locations in various Mid Atlantic and Northeastern cities, including Brooklyn, NY. They sell pretty much everything, including soundproof drywall, eco friendly cabinets and a variety of solvent free adhesives.

Sarah spoke of the importance of using non toxic caulks, sealants and cleaners as well as alternatives to fiberglass insulation and taking advantage of low VOC paints.

Home Depot Contest

Home Depot Contest published on

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A couple of weeks ago we announced that Home Depot is having a contest to win a $25k gift card. We had every intention of entering, but since we haven’t even gotten our act together to do our holiday cards yet, it probably ain’t gonna happen.

We pulled a few of our favorite entries to share. It was really slim pickin’s. Is there no creativity outside of New York? Anyway, at least they got their entries in on time.

Anyone intend on joining in on the fun?

DIY: Rocking

DIY: Rocking published on 10 Comments on DIY: Rocking

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6’4″ guy and shorty husband

Our Bed Stuy bedroom is coming along! It’s only taken us a year to get to get some walls up. Ok, to be fair, we did put in a laundry room and bathroom in that time, but I know…still pretty lame. To be fair, it took a while to get the structural work done. Lots of repointing and sistering of joists, leveling floors, yada, yada.

Anyway, figure we might as well do a DIY post on drywall.Continue reading DIY: Rocking

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