Reclaimed Weathered Wood Plank Ceiling

from Burlap & Denim
inspiration files--wood clad ceiling

I've wanted to add a weathered wood ceiling in my bedroom for about a year now, so I was really excited to see this bathroom ceiling over at Burlap & Denim.   I love how the wood adds warmth and texture to the room. The whole bathroom makeover is great, so head over to Burlap & Denim to see the details. … [Read more...]

An Update On My Bookcase-Turned-Pantry

and why sometimes, it pays to procrastinate
restore cabinet doors

Remember a few months back when I turned my ugly and out-of-control bookcase...   ...into a useful and potentially attractive pantry?   Of course, I say "potentially attractive" because it still needed doors on the top and bottom sections to make it look something like this...   The truth of the matter is that I never ordered the doors. I don't know why...I just didn't. Every time I thought about it, I … [Read more...]

My Utility Closet Finally Has A Countertop!

actual carpenters, please turn away now
how to make a wood countertop 15

Well it has taken about two years (give or take a month or two), but my utility closet is almost finished, and I finally have a countertop! (By the way, I apologize for the dark pictures. Two of the three light bulbs in my hallway light were burned out, and I didn't have any extras on hand.)   I decided to stain the countertop, and when the good people at Rustoleum said that would send me samples of their new wood care products, … [Read more...]

My Mom’s Bathroom Remodel:: Before & After

a tiny 1960s bathroom gets a complete overhaul
thumbnail--moms bathroom remodel

A few days ago, I got an e-mail from my mom that said, "Just wondering why you don't have our bathroom under Rooms I Designed." Good question! It's one of my favorite projects I've ever done, so I definitely needed to get that post linked up under the "Rooms I Designed" tab. So I searched for the post. And I searched again. And I searched some more. I couldn't find a post where I ever showed you my mom's bathroom remodel! Could it really … [Read more...]

Painted & Stenciled Plywood Subfloor

from Lovely Etc.
thumbnail--painted plywood subfloor

Are you tired of your carpet, but don't have the budget for hardwood floors? Not to worry! Carrie at Lovely Etc. has proven that you can still have fabulous floors. She painstakingly sanded, primed, painted, and stenciled her plywood subfloor. Hard work? Indeed! But the result is nothing short of stunning!   Amazing, right? And it really is plywood subfloor. Here's how it started out (after she pulled up the carpet and all of … [Read more...]

I’m Joining The “Imagine” Challenge

get ready to see progress unfolding!
imagine challenge--hallway 9

It seems that I need a bit of a kick start on completing some of my projects, and I think I found just the "kick" I need.  I've decided to join the "Imagine The Impossibilities" challenge... I love working on projects, but I find it more motivating when I know I'm taking on this challenge with other people, and we can share in each other's triumphs when we all complete (or come closer to completing) our projects.  Of course, I'm getting … [Read more...]

How To Paint A Brick Fireplace

it really is okay to paint brick!!
thumbnail--paint a brick fireplace

Today I've decided to tackle one of the questions that lands in my inbox quite frequently.  How do you paint a brick fireplace? The truth is, I've been remiss in posting this because when I last painted a brick fireplace, I took pictures of the process.  Now, those pictures are lost.  And you know me...I love a tutorial filled with an abundance of pictures detailing each and every step.  It pains me to have not even one picture of any of … [Read more...]

Unbelievably Amazing Closet Makeover

from Sawdust and Paper Scraps
thumbnail--executive master closet

This master closet makeover/overhaul/remodel from Sandra at Sawdust and Paper Scraps has to be one of the most amazing DIY projects I've seen in a while.  Are you ready to be amazed?  And green with envy? She started out with this... ...and with lots of hard work and elbow grease (yes, her hard work, and her elbow grease) she turned her closet into this... I know, right?!  Once you've picked your jaw up off the floor, you'll … [Read more...]

Q & A–Oil-Rubbed Bronze and Brushed Nickel In The Same Room?

or should all metal finishes match?
thumbnail--mixing metal finishes

The question about mixing metal finishes is probably one of the questions I'm asked the most. I've addressed it at least two other times here on A2D, but since I continue to get the question, let's talk about it again! Interestingly, my own opinion on the topic changed drastically between the first time I wrote about it, and the last time I wrote about it, so I'll share my current opinion, and then you can chime in and give yours also. First, … [Read more...]

DIY Fail:: How To NOT “Wallpaper” Your Walls With Fabric

This past Saturday, I finally decided to get down to business and work on the closet in my office.  I finally had vision for it, and was ready to see some progress. So equipped with wallpaper paste, a big paint brush, fabric, a ladder, and my staple gun, I was ready to go.  And the wall was already primed with two coats of primer, so it was ready to be “wallpapered”, or so I thought. Getting the fabric on the wall wasn’t quite … [Read more...]