DIY Archives - Page 17 of 20 - reclaimedhome.com

Craig and Yvonne, Why Must You Taunt Me So?

November 27, 2007 RH 8 Comments

I first discovered Our Victorian House shortly after we went into contract on Our Own Victorian House in Beacon. I visited the site frequently for inspiration. When I showed it to my husband, filling him in on my intentions, he felt the need to send an email to Craig and Yvonne…something to the effect of “How dare you give my wife these crazy ideas? Thanks alot, buddy!”

Three years later and sidetracked by a totally different restoration, I just checked back on their site. They’re, like, finished.

I hate them.

Hate them because they had the focus to stick to one house and finish it.

Hate them because their house is so friggen beautiful.

Hate them because they were able to afford massive amounts of Bradbury wallpaper when they said they’re not rich.

Hate them because they used real artisans for detailing I attempt to do myself.

Hate them because they even finished the exterior! Oh, how I hate them for that!

Hate them because of that green eyed monster we call “Envy”.

So, you think you’re so great, Craig and Yvonne? Well, why don’t you come to Beacon and show us what you can do with this house? I dare you!

Yeah, I thought you would back down. Losers.

Hudson Valley Materials Exchange Needs Your Help

November 27, 2007 RH

Hudson Valley Materials Exchange, a not for profit environmental organization, is being evicted. The building surplus and craft supplies warehouse located at Stewart Airport is getting the boot due to airport expansion. Although personally, I’m happy to travel a traffic free 10 minute drive from Beacon to Jet Blue when I visit my folks in Florida, I hate to see them being displaced. They are a great asset to homeowners and artisans in the area.

The Exchange will be closed for the winter and they’re currently looking for volunteers to help with everything from sorting and packing to renovations to getting the word out (hey, I just did that while sitting on my ass!). You can also dig into your pockets and make a donation. They’ve set up PayPal so you can donate online.

We hope to see them back in action soon!

DIY: Antique Glazing Cabinets

November 20, 2007 RH 2 Comments

Previously, we did a DIY on repainting cabinets. We didn’t go over the faux technique we used on these cheapest of cheap Home Depot jobbies we salvaged from the house. Our tenant who inherited the cabinets told us that everyone who comes to visit asks about them. So, we figured we’d share.Continue reading DIY: Antique Glazing Cabinets

Corrugated Cardboard Wall Covering

November 20, 2007 RH 1 Comment

Via CribCandy, via Craftster

Jonathan Fong has some amazing designs on his site, but what I like most of all is that many of them are DIY projects. He offers step by step instructions for some of his creations.

This corrugated cardboard wall covering seems pretty easy to do. Jonathan’s is not recycled, but how much cooler (and more time consuming) would it be if you used recycled cardboard? It would give it a whole new look because no two pieces would match. It might look terrible…but it would be recycled! Try it….lemme know how that goes.

How To

Liquid Stainless Steel

November 19, 2007 RH 5 Comments

Before

Et Voila!

This is one of those things that might look ok online, but the verdict is still out until I see it in person. It’s difficult to get a good idea of what it looks like since the images are shoddy and the display samples are crappy whatever color they are. But hey, it’s probably a good idea if you want to freshen up your kitchen on a small budget and you have ugly appliances that work just fine. Don’t know how green it is. Probably no less green than buying new appliances.

This is actually water based automotive grade stainless steel that you can roll on without priming in many cases. You must apply the finish coat afterwards. It can be used on most surfaces, but is not recommended for counter tops.

Thomas’ Liquid Stainless

DIY Linkorama

November 19, 2007 RH 2 Comments

Replacing A Dishwasher

Attic Insulation

Dealing With A Wet Basement

Exhaust Fans

Throwplace

November 16, 2007 RH 1 Comment

Here’s another materials exchange for ya.

Throwplace is a website where individuals and businesses can list items for donation. All items are FREE! Registration and listings: FREE!

There are four sections: US Charity, International Charity, Business and Up For Grabs. Individuals cannot take from the charity sections. You can browse the listings and classifieds, but must be registered to donate or request items.

Happy hunting!

Shopping For Bargains

November 15, 2007 RH 1 Comment

I like to think of myself as a savvy bargain hunter. My husband just calls me cheap. At any rate, I’d like to pass along some of my favorite places for shopping for home related bargains.

1. First off, I always try to go second hand. Craigs tops my list, followed by Ebay. Then there’s always Goodwill, Salvation Army, Housing Works as well as other thrift shops too numerous to mention. And don’t forget the flea markets.

2. Pearl River Mart : Chinese department store in Soho (formerly on Canal St). Lighting, bedding, table settings, window treatments…you name it. Gorgeous stuff at fab-o prices!

3. Ikea : Not exactly a secret. If you haven’t been since you bought that futon in college, they’ve got lovely bedding, rugs, fabrics and kitchen ware for cheap! I always, always buy my wine glasses there because I go through them quickly. Under $5 for a 6 pack.

4. National Wholesale Liquidators: They are all over the tri-state area. Anything from small appliances to linens to rugs, lamps and window treatments.

5. Target : Another favorite for cheap funky finds that don’t last very long. I always buy my sheets there and about a month later, they look like shit. But I can’t help it! They are cheap and cute. And you know what? The only reason our good “guest sheets” look any better is because we never use them! Anyway, lovin the Target.

6. Overstock.com: Yeah, I’ve done well with them from time to time.

Cork Flooring

November 14, 2007 RH 9 Comments

I haven’t explored cork flooring yet because it reminds me too much of the 70’s. I still have nightmares about cork walls (my friend did his entire room in brown cork) and cork wedge heels. Hold on…I just had another memory! Does anyone remember Azuma on W. 8th Street? They had lots of cork.

Maybe here’s where I need to say “Cork has come a long way.” Actually, it was around long before the 70’s. It’s a sustainable, resilient material now being used in homes of people with taste (unlike the 70’s when nobody had taste).

Pros

Cork is from the bark of the tree. If harvested correctly, the tree is unharmed and the bark will regenerate.

Easy DIY. Cork often comes in 12″ squares for easy installation.

Absorbs sound.

Thermal insulation.

Comfy in bare feet.

It comes in colors! Not just brown.

Cons

Don’t expect it to last longer than 10 years.

It scratches.

Tends to yellow and fade in the sun.

It does need to be sealed.

Green Living
Cork Floor
Duro Design

Hideaway Kitchens

November 14, 2007 RH

I’ve been looking into hidden kitchens lately for our Brooklyn crib. It’s a garden level apartment which we’ve configured as a 1BR. That means the kitchen will be in the living room. Since we don’t live there full time and we never cook, a dorm style set up will do. We have an antique armoire which was once my hidden office. Now that my office has exploded all over the house, I’d like to use the armoire to house our kitchen.

I’m thinking something along the lines of the photo above. Hubby sez “no”, but we’ll see.

Given the size of NYC apartments, I’m surprised I couldn’t come up with any local search results.

John Strand
Yanko Design
Apartment Therapy

Boat Bath

November 14, 2007 RH

Husband, get nervous. Very nervous. My rubber ducky and I want this tub! I saw it on the wonderful Designer’s Block and can’t find any more info on it. That’s fine, because I’m sure it’s more than I could afford anyway.

So here’s what I’m thinking. Take an ordinary tub and frame the exterior to make it “boat like”. Ok, so the tub is oval and the boat is….boat shaped, but that just means you have places to put your shampoo and soap.

Think it can work? I’ll need to buy another house since I’m running out of bathrooms to work on.

Anatomy Of A Brownstone: Green Restoration

November 13, 2007 RH

Saturday, Dec 1, 2007, 1 to 5 p.m.
Anatomy of a Brownstone Part 6: Going Green
Greening your House and Living Sustainably
Seminar on Green Restoration and Renovation
City Tech
300 Jay Street, Downtown Brooklyn.

Admission: $35 per person
Register in advance by calling 718.552.1170.

Interactive lectures with architects, contractors, designers, green building firms and the folks from Keyspan, Con Ed and Energy Star.

CEU Credits for Real Estate and New Jersey State Home Inspectors may be available for this course.

For more information, contact Debra Salomon at dsalomon@citytech.cuny.edu.

Image Tiles

November 13, 2007 RH 3 Comments

Image Tile of Clifton, NJ offers in stock designs such as the one pictured above. They are fabulous, yes, but what excites me about this company is they can do custom tiles with any digital photograph. And as a photographer, I’m loving that, baby!

The ceramic or porcelain tile is commercially tested and rated. It is unaffected by sunlight, strong chemicals, fire, water or wear. It’s ADA compliant and slip resistant.

Here is the process as described on their website: “Imagine Tile uses a process in which ceramic glazes act like printing inks. Pure minerals and ores are ground micro-fine and suspended in a liquid to produce ink-like substances similar to that a printer uses. The mineral and ore based image is put onto paper and coated with a refractory material that puts a glass finish on it. At Imagine Tile’s production facility in Texas, the glazes are placed on the surface of a glazed ceramic tile. When the tile is fired at temperatures of approximately 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, the glazes fuse with the body of the ceramic or porcelain tile.”

The company manufactures wall tiles and custom murals as well as flooring.

Home Depot Is Giving Money Away!

November 12, 2007 RH 2 Comments

I saw this on Bob Villa’s site.

The Po is holding a contest for DIYers. Wannabe Bobs should upload a 30-60 second video to YouTube detailing your renovation project should you win the $25,000 gift card. Creativity is encouraged and submissions are being accepted between November 10th and December 15th. Other prizes are being given away as well as the grand prize, so it’s worth a shot.

Let us know if you decide to tape something and we’ll be glad to show it here (rated PG only). Good luck!

You Tube/Contest

Dirt Floors: Green, Cheap and DIY

November 12, 2007 RH 2 Comments

I read about this in The NY Times way before I had a blog and it was one of those things that stayed with me.

I’ve never seen an earthen floor in person (or have I?), but it looks alot like stained concrete from the pictures. It’s beautiful and it’s totally green. Materials can cost as little as $1 per square foot, plus it can be done DIY!

So, what are the drawback? Because you know it sounds too good to be true.

Well, patience, for one. It takes weeks to properly dry before you can seal it with linseed oil and beeswax.

It doesn’t work well in kitchens and baths, where there is water around. Unfortunately, these are the rooms where it would look best.

It dents easily. But then again, that can add to the character, which some say, looks like old leather after awhile.

On the plus side, the most practical benefit of earthen floors is thermal. When the floor receives direct sunlight it can act as a passive solar device, absorbing heat during the day and releasing it at night.

Landerland: DIY
Eco Action
I Love Cob via Materialicious

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