Come Tour The 2013 HGTV Smart Home With Me!

HGTV Smart Home 2013 - home exterior

Yesterday, I just happened upon the HGTV website, and I saw all of these mentions about a 2013 HGTV Smart Home.  I was like "whaaaaat?"  How long have they been doing this?  I knew about the annual Dream Home, and the annual Green Home (which I completely missed this year!!), but I don't think I've ever heard of the Smart Home.  How long have they been doing this?! Y'all know I don't have cable, right?  You're supposed to keep me informed … [Read more...]

Wainscoting: A Classic Or A Trend?

Small condo breakfast room makeover

A couple of days ago, I had someone ask me on the A2D Facebook page, "How much is too much board and batten in a home? I LOVE the look, and I want to do nearly all of the rooms in my house!"  So I started thinking about the question, and then I started realizing just how much wainscoting (whether it's bead board, board and batten, tongue and groove, inexpensive wood slats, bead board wallpaper, or some other unique wainscoting) is going up in … [Read more...]

My Small Condo Laundry Room (a.k.a. Hallway Makeover) Before & After

Small condo laundry room disguised as a hallway

When you live in 834 square feet, the idea of having an actual laundry room is nothing but a dream. We small space dwellers have to carve out specialized utility space where we can find it, and I just happened to find space in my hallway. So now, after a creative hallway makeover, I basically have a small laundry room. It's out in the open, it's the first thing you see when you walk through the front door, and it's disguised as a … [Read more...]

Front Door Decor — Spring Wreath Alternatives

there's more to decorating a door than wreaths...
wreath alternative front door decor--umbrella vase from eclectically vintage

I love a gorgeous wreath on a front door just as much as the next person, but wreaths on a front door are kind of expected. Lately I've really enjoyed seeing what other things people use to decorate their front doors for spring, and there are some real out-of-the-box thinkers out there! If you've been looking for inspiration for a wreath alternative for your front door, you're sure to find something here...   1.  Fill an inexpensive … [Read more...]

Striped Painted Curtains Part 2

they're finished...kinda, sorta, for the most part
painted curtains 1

Hello, friends!  Today, I'm feeling a bit frazzled and scattered.  I woke up this morning feeling like I was running behind.  I hate waking up like that.  One of the reasons was because I didn't quite get my striped painted curtains finished.  I mean, the actual painting of the curtains is finished, but the hanging of the curtains is pretty sloppy at this point.  I was bound and determined to completely finish them yesterday and get them … [Read more...]

Turn An Ugly Hollow Core Door Into A Pretty Chalkboard

if you can't make an ugly door disappear, then make it a feature!
turn a door into a framed chalkboard 17

Good morning, and happy Monday to you! I hope you had a wonderful weekend! I finally got my HVAC closet door finished, and here's how it turned out... Yep, it's a big 'ole chalkboard!  And you know what?  I love it! I had such a hard time deciding what to do with this door.  If you'll remember, when I finished my custom air return vent cover last week, my door still looked like this... Plain, ugly, and just unlevel enough … [Read more...]

Chevron Painted Wall

from A Commoner's Castle
inspiration files--chevron painted wall from a commoners castle

Paint is absolutely the easiest and least expensive way to change a room.  Want proof?  Check out this amazing chevron painted wall from Lauren at A Commoner's Castle. Lauren even shares a step-by-step tutorial on how to create your own chevron wall at A Commoner's Castle.  The process looks time-consuming, but getting that kind of "wow" factor for so little money makes it worth it! **This project was shared at the Addicts (not so) … [Read more...]

DIY Custom Wood Air Return Vent Cover, Part 1

turn a shutter into a custom air return vent and save a bundle of cash
wood air return vent cover 1

Okay, so I admit...air return vents just are not exactly the most exciting topic. But if you have an HVAC system in your house, then you've got at least one air return vent. Are you fortunate enough to have yours in a hallway? In the ceiling of your stairwell? If so, then count your blessings. My air return vent is front and center, just underneath the HVAC unit closet, which can be seen directly from the front door. (These condos were designed … [Read more...]

Q & A–What Type Of Light Should I Use?

are there any other options other than the
q and a--hallway light option 1

What happens when you live in California, but you're building a house 3000 miles away? Well, the builder makes some less-than-desirable decisions. That's what happened to Lori, who blogs at Bleak 2 Unique. Here's what she had to say... What type of lighting can I use in this awkward hall where there are 3 lights in a row, and 2 vents?.Can you believe someone would place 3 "boob" lights in a row. This is what happens when you build from 3000 … [Read more...]

Patterned Ceiling Created With Nailhead Trim

from Simple Details
inspiration files--nailhead trim ceiling

When I saw this patterned ceiling created by Pam at Simple Details, my jaw dropped open in amazement. And that was before I realized that it was created with nailhead trim! I mean, I've thought of using nailhead trim on furniture (obviously), headboards, even on walls to create a pattern. But for some reason, I never even imagined doing something like this on a ceiling. Isn't it spectacular?!   There are plenty more pictures to … [Read more...]