Uni Grad DIYs His HDB’s Vinyl Flooring & Builds His Own Wooden Furniture For Only $265

Justice Quinn, an interior designer, successfully furnished his entire living room for under $2,000, a remarkable feat considering current furniture prices. This was achieved after he and his wife moved from a large ranch home to a 1,300-square-foot builder-grade house in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Quinn leveraged Facebook Marketplace, a platform he has used for six to seven years, as his primary resource to adhere to a strict budget. His expertise in identifying high-quality vintage pieces on a budget was a crucial factor in this accomplishment. Quinn refined his eye for value by exploring estate sales and researching the origins and dating of furniture he acquired. The living room transformation is notable for not relying on discarded items from moving sales. Quinn acquired many pieces from Facebook Marketplace at what he describes as "ridiculous prices." For instance, he purchased a leather Maralunga two-seater sofa by Vico Magistretti for less than $500, a piece that could typically sell for over $4,000 on other secondhand platforms. This highlights his ability to find significant deals. Key design decisions included updating the room's surfaces. Initially, Quinn planned to plaster only the fireplace to modernize the house. However, a friend from Organic Finishes, Shawn, suggested plastering the entire room, which significantly transformed the space. Additionally, an existing wood beam with an unsightly stain was repainted with Benjamin Moore's White Dove, softening the room's aesthetic. All builder-grade light fixtures, including an outdated early-2000s model, were replaced. Quinn found a large chandelier from a Catholic church in Wichita, Kansas, for approximately $100 and had it custom-painted, turning it into a unique focal point. Quinn's approach to furnishing his home involved a gradual collection process. The living room furniture comprised pieces he had accumulated over several years that did not end up in client projects. This allowed him to furnish their new smaller home immediately upon moving. He applies a similar philosophy to his client work, where clients seeking vintage and curated aesthetics understand that this approach requires more time. He dedicates roughly half his time to sourcing items from estate sales, Facebook Marketplace, and private sellers, and the other half to collaborating with local dealers and makers. He notes that working with local craftsmen often leads to quicker turnaround times than traditional big-box stores. A central tenet of Quinn's sourcing strategy is trusting his instincts rather than solely focusing on designer names. He recounts purchasing an early 20th-century antique cabinet with intricate hand-etched details and Jean Prouvé-style taper legs for just $10, which he considers his favorite piece. He advises others to buy what appeals to them visually, and if the quality is evident, then to research its history. His philosophy prioritizes an item's intrinsic appeal and quality over its brand or designer. When negotiating on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Quinn employs a unique strategy: offering to pay more than the asking price for exceptional items. He did this for the chocolate leather Vico Magistretti sofa, recognizing its rarity in the Midwest. He explains that a brief, appreciative message highlighting his profession and admiration for the item, coupled with a willingness to pay slightly extra, often yields positive results. He believes that by investing in pieces that are initially unappealing but have potential, he can restore them through upholstery, fabric changes, or minor repairs, bringing them back to life. He attributes his continued success in finding remarkable furniture to this unconventional approach, viewing the extra payment as an investment that somehow comes back to him. #InteriorDesign #BudgetDecorating #FacebookMarketplace #VintageFurniture #HomeRenovation #DIY #Thrifting #DesignTips #AffordableStyle

Justice Quinn, an interior designer, successfully furnished his entire living room for under $2,000, a remarkable feat given current economic conditions where even a single decent sofa can exceed $1,500. This achievement occurred after Quinn and his wife moved from a large ranch home to a 1,300-square-foot builder-grade house in Tulsa, Oklahoma. To adhere to their strict budget, they extensively utilized Facebook Marketplace, a platform Quinn has relied on for furniture sourcing for many years. Quinn's success is attributed to his expertise in identifying high-quality vintage pieces. He developed this skill by frequently visiting estate sales and researching the provenance of convincing furniture finds. He explains that he acquired every item in his living room from Facebook Marketplace at exceptionally low prices. For instance, he purchased a leather Maralunga two-seater sofa by Vico Magistretti for less than $500, a piece that would typically retail for over $4,000 on other secondhand e-commerce platforms. The renovation of their new home began with plastering the fireplace to update its appearance. Quinn's friend from Organic Finishes, who was initially tasked with touching up walls, suggested plastering the entire living room, a suggestion they embraced. They also painted an unsightly wood beam with Benjamin Moore's White Dove to soften the room's aesthetic and replaced outdated builder-grade light fixtures. A standout acquisition was a massive chandelier from a Catholic church in Wichita, Kansas, which Quinn purchased for approximately $100 and had custom painted. Quinn's approach to furnishing involves a slow and deliberate collection process. The living room furniture consists of pieces he accumulated over several years, items that did not end up in client projects. This allowed them to furnish their new, smaller home immediately upon moving. He notes that while clients desire vintage and curated spaces, they understand the time commitment involved. Quinn dedicates half of his time to sourcing from estate sales, Facebook Marketplace, and private sellers, and the other half to working with local dealers and makers. He finds that collaborating with local craftsmen often results in quicker turnarounds compared to large retail stores. Key to Quinn's success is trusting his intuition when selecting pieces. He cites an early 20th-century antique cabinet with hand-etched details and Jean Prouvé taper-style legs, which he bought for just $10, as his favorite current piece. He advises against buying items merely because they are trendy, instead advocating for purchasing what genuinely appeals to one's eye. Once an item is acquired and its quality confirmed, he researches its design and origin. His primary motivation for purchasing is based on personal conviction rather than designer labels. Quinn also employs a unique negotiation strategy on platforms like Facebook Marketplace. When he encountered the chocolate leather Vico Magistretti sofa, recognizing its rarity in the Midwest, he proactively offered the seller more than the asking price. He explains that when communicating with sellers on these platforms, a brief and enthusiastic message expressing appreciation for the item, coupled with an offer slightly above the asking price, can be effective. He believes that by acquiring items at their lowest perceived value and investing in their restoration—through new fabric, reshaping, or restitching—they can be revitalized. Despite paying a little extra occasionally, Quinn feels this approach has consistently led him to discover exceptional furniture. #InteriorDesign #BudgetDecor #FacebookMarketplaceFinds #VintageFurniture #HomeRenovation #DIYDesign #ThriftedHome #DecoratingTips #AffordableLivingRoom

A 12-year-old girl named Evie, with the help of her mother Stacey Nield, 36, from Accrington, successfully transformed her bedroom into a chic and grown-up space for under £200 during the COVID-19 lockdown. The renovation project was initiated after the family's holiday plans were canceled, providing a focused activity for mother and daughter. Evie's previous bedroom, which was originally the dining room, had been left undecorated for two years as she covered the walls with posters. The transformation embraced a rose gold, pink, and grey color scheme, reflecting current trends. The renovation process began with wallpapering, where Evie chose a pink, grey, and rose gold wallpaper costing £13 per roll from Very. This was complemented by Dulux's 'Chic Shadow' paint, which cost £15 a tin and significantly brightened the room. Evie actively participated in the labor, helping to strip old wallpaper and paint the walls, making it a collaborative and bonding experience for her and her mother. Stacey, an assistant manager in a children's nursery, noted Evie's enthusiasm for selecting the decorative elements. The cost-effectiveness of the makeover was largely due to sourcing accessories from budget-friendly retailers such as B&M;, Home Bargains, and eBay. Key purchases included a £10 throw and a £15 hexagonal mirror from B&M;, a £2.99 bed tray from Home Bargains, and photo frames ranging from 99p to £2.99 from B&M; and Asda. The bed itself was from Bensons, but a significant saving was made by purchasing the headboard separately for only £30 on eBay. Evie also incorporated LED lights, an idea of her own, which were also bought from eBay, adding a modern touch to the room despite her mother's initial reservations about them. Evie's creative choices and resourcefulness allowed for the creation of stylish features, including a gallery wall, a bed tray, and coordinated wallpaper, throws, and cushions, all contributing to the sophisticated aesthetic. The project provided a positive outlet and a sense of accomplishment during the lockdown period, highlighting the benefits of DIY and smart shopping. Both Stacey and Evie expressed satisfaction with the final result, emphasizing the value of shopping around, utilizing existing items, and considering practical storage solutions, such as the divan bed with four drawers used to minimize clutter. Tom Church, co-founder of LatestDeals.co.uk, commended Evie for her initiative and ability to achieve a stunning room within a tight budget. #BedroomMakeover #DIYHomeDecor #BudgetDecor #TeenBedroom #InteriorDesign #AffordableLiving #HomeRenovation #GalleryWall #LEDLights

This article details the journey of Janice and Loon, a couple who undertook a significant do-it-yourself (DIY) home renovation project by installing vinyl flooring purchased from Taobao in their 3-bedroom condominium. The total cost for their flooring, including shipping, was approximately $1,300. This initiative was part of a larger home renovation effort that also involved painting walls and removing old built-in carpentry. The decision to replace the existing marble flooring stemmed from its age and aesthetic. The original flooring was about 25 years old and had an 'orange-ish' appearance that the couple disliked. To keep the project affordable, they opted to source vinyl planks from Taobao. Their selection process was meticulous, involving multiple rounds of sample purchases over several months to ensure the color and texture were suitable before committing to a bulk order. This cautious approach was driven by the known difficulties of returning items to Taobao. They decided to cover only the three bedrooms and the living room, saving approximately 400 square feet of installation. Ultimately, they settled on 968 square feet of vinyl, which weighed about 1 ton and incurred a $300 shipping fee to Singapore. This order included an additional 10% of spare vinyl, anticipating potential errors during installation. Despite having no prior experience with vinyl flooring installation, the couple was determined to complete the project themselves, viewing it as a unique opportunity while they were young and fit. For the installation, they acquired essential tools such as a hammer, tapping block, and pull bar, which are readily available and inexpensive on e-commerce platforms like Shopee and Lazada. Simple straight cuts were managed with a penknife, while more complex cuts required heavy-duty tools like a power saw and oscillation saw. Janice noted that while intimidating initially, they quickly adapted to using these tools. The most challenging aspect of the installation proved to be fitting the planks into corners and around door frames. Right-angled corners were managed with a saw, but door frames required a more intricate approach. They devised a method of using a saw and a scrap piece of vinyl to measure and cut the door frames to the correct height, ensuring a neat finish. A useful trick they discovered was to measure and cut the end pieces of each row by inverting the vinyl piece, eliminating the need for a measuring tape. This DIY endeavor by Janice and Loon is highlighted as particularly commendable given that most homeowners typically limit DIY projects to less intensive tasks like painting. Their project allowed them to achieve significant savings, spending nearly ten times less than some other homeowners who paid upwards of $10,000 for vinyl flooring. Despite the success and cost savings, Janice indicated that they would likely hire professionals for future flooring installations due to the exhausting nature of the work. However, she emphasized that the experience was invaluable for fostering their willingness to learn and embrace new challenges together. #DIYHomeRenovation #VinylFlooring #TaobaoFinds #CondoLiving #BudgetRenovation #HomeImprovement #SingaporeHomeowners #InteriorDesign #CostSaving

This article details the renovation of a 4-room HDB flat by homeowner Desmond Ong, an architecture graduate, who transformed his living space into a minimalist, open-concept home. The total renovation cost amounted to $80,000, with $70,000 allocated to enhancing the flat's views and $10,000 spent on minimalist furnishings. The primary objective was to create an expansive and uncluttered environment, suitable for his two young daughters to play freely, while simultaneously maximizing the natural light and views of the surrounding greenery. The living and dining areas form the central focus of the home, designed with an open-concept layout. The dining area features a custom-lengthened table from Origin Asia, accommodating six individuals comfortably, and is complemented by modern chairs. The living room maintains a minimalist aesthetic with select essential furniture, including an iconic Hans Wegner chair that establishes a cozy reading nook. This space overlooks the lush greenery through floor-to-ceiling windows, integrating the outdoors with the interior. The kitchen is also designed with an open-concept approach, seamlessly connecting to the dining area and serving as a prominent feature upon entry. It adheres to the minimalist theme with clean lines, flat panel cabinets, and a simple solid surface countertop. This design choice contributes to the bright and airy atmosphere prevalent throughout the flat. Desmond's study area features a simple wooden plank serving as a wall-mounted table beneath a window, offering a view for relaxation. A custom stationery holder from Grafunkt is integrated to keep the workspace organized and free from clutter, aligning with the overall minimalist ethos. The common bathroom also received a minimalist renovation. It features a custom-made concrete sink, providing a sleek and streamlined appearance. The walls are plastered in white, contributing to a clean, classic aesthetic that enhances the perception of space in the compact area. A bamboo ladder towel rack introduces a warm, organic contrast to the concrete elements. Through the implementation of an open-concept layout, strategic built-in features, and low-profile furnishings, the design successfully created a bright and spacious family home. The residence capitalizes on green views, provides ample play space, and maintains a serene, modern minimalist environment with clean lines, organic accents, and a natural color palette, ensuring comfort and liveability for the family. #HomeTour #MinimalistDesign #OpenConcept #HDBFlat #Renovation #InteriorDesign #FamilyHome #BrightAndAiry #ArchitectureGraduate

This article highlights the transformation of a rented living room by Denisa Pop, who uncovered and restored a parquet floor beneath an existing carpet. Upon moving into her Maidenhead property, Denisa was confronted with a living room featuring a new, but aesthetically unappealing, grey carpet. Her goal was to implement modern, Scandi-style living room ideas, which led her to consider new flooring options. After deciding to remove the carpet, Denisa discovered a parquet floor underneath. She documented this transformation on her Instagram account, @sculptureyourhome. Before proceeding, Denisa sought and obtained approval from her landlord for the planned changes. While the landlord agreed to most of her requests, some points were not approved. The new carpet was rolled up and stored in the garage for the landlord's future use. The restoration process began with sanding the parquet floor. Denisa rented a sander for £50 a day. This step proved to be very messy, generating a significant amount of dust, which necessitated extensive cleaning afterward. Following the initial sanding, she applied a PVA filler layer to fill any gaps in the flooring, using a bucket and scraper to ensure an even application. To achieve a level surface, Denisa sanded the floor a second time. The final step involved varnishing the restored parquet floor. Denisa observed that the natural wood had a red undertone, which was amplified by many varnishes she tested. To counteract this, she opted for a dark-colored varnish to conceal the reddish hue. The entire process took less than a week for Denisa to complete independently, and the total cost for the renovation was £183. The finished living room now boasts a rustic aesthetic, with the warm wood of the parquet floor contributing a cozy feel to the natural color palette. Denisa chose decorative elements such as cream rugs and a cream sofa to create a contrast with the dark floor. She maintained a natural scheme by incorporating various shades of brown and touches of black. This project serves as an example of how a tenant can significantly enhance a rented space with creativity and effort, often by revealing hidden features and applying a DIY approach. #RenterRenovation #ParquetFlooring #LivingRoomMakeover #DIYHomeDecor #BudgetFriendlyDesign #ScandiStyle #FloorRestoration #RentalProperty

Arne Jensen, an Emmy Award-winning art director from WBZ-TV, and his wife transitioned from a multi-story loft in Lowell to a 1,900-square-foot midcentury-style home in Walpole, specifically chosen for its architectural bones and convenient location. While Jensen's professional background was in set design, where aesthetics often supersede comfort, he applied his predilection for midcentury modern aesthetics to the redesign of his family's new home. This personal project ultimately led him to launch his own interior design and graphics firm. The exterior of the home was subtly updated to enhance its curb appeal and integrate it with the natural surroundings. Jensen painted the front door a spicy red and replaced the walkway with crisply cut granite pavers. He cultivated the front garden with a Japanese maple, azaleas, and a dwarf white pine, adding lush personality. The house features large, floor-to-ceiling glass expanses that foster an indoor-outdoor connection, a key attraction for the couple. To further emphasize this connection and integrate the interior with the exterior, Jensen stained the interior window frames dark brown, making them recede visually and allowing the eye to focus on the outside scenery. The interior walls, previously covered in dated, sharp stucco, were grounded, sanded, and repainted. The upper section of the highest wall, which separates the public spaces from the bedrooms, was painted a comforting mochaccino shade. This darker color choice was strategic, helping to visually knit the wood ceiling to the walls and reduce the vastness of the room, making it feel more intimate. The living space features a revitalized fireplace, which was originally clad in the same material as the home's front facade but deemed unsightly. Jensen transformed it by applying a Portola Paints’ lime wash to create a nuanced patina on the now-smooth stucco surface. He removed the raised hearth, installing a blackened steel plate flush with the floor, and incorporated a Stûv insert with a blackened steel surround, known for its heating efficiency. A pine mantel was added to link the fireplace with the existing wood ceiling, resulting in a streamlined yet cozy focal point. The fireplace is centered by a coffee table, flanked by leather sofas that exude a relaxed, midcentury sensibility. A reading nook was created in the remaining space, furnished with Barcelona-style chairs and adorned with black and white photography, along with Jensen's Emmy statuettes. The kitchen and dining areas underwent significant renovation to achieve a more open floor plan. Jensen removed the wall between the dining room and kitchen, replacing it with a breakfast bar. Upper cabinetry was eliminated in favor of maple base cabinets with deep drawers, valued for their practicality. Black granite countertops provide a grounding contrast to the light wood. The kitchen's focal point is a backsplash made of skinny, stacked olive tiles from Heath Ceramics, which Jensen chose due to his Bay Area roots. The varied green tones of these tiles harmonize with the outdoor view, drawing attention outwards. The deck, spanning the length of the house, was refurbished to include an outdoor kitchen with a gas grill and smoker, a Solo pellet stove for warmth, and a pergola with a louvered top for al fresco dining. Grapevines, replanted from an existing arbor, now trail over modern rails. Motivated by the desire for soothing sounds, Jensen also created a pond with lily pads and frogs. Additional outdoor features include an existing bocce court, which effectively separates the house from the lawn, and a vegetable enclosure built by Jensen, where he tends to raised beds of various produce. This multiyear renovation project, largely executed by Jensen himself, marked a significant career shift, leading him from television production to establishing Arne Jensen Design, an interior design and graphics firm, reflecting his enjoyment of the transformative process. #HomeRenovation #MidcenturyModern #InteriorDesign #LandscapeDesign #ArneJensenDesign #WalpoleHome #IndoorOutdoorLiving

Designer Sarah Weichel of studio Swike successfully transformed her Los Angeles office’s builder-grade bathroom, converting a cold, uninviting space into a serene retreat for under $5,000. This renovation project focused on upcycling and strategic budgeting, moving away from the existing cobalt blue four-by-four porcelain tiles that previously dominated the bathroom's aesthetic. Weichel's inspiration for the new design, particularly the warm wood paneling, came from Eltham Palace in the U.K., aiming to infuse a traditional British feel into the powder room. The initial phase of the renovation involved removing the old tiles and painting the room a creamy white, establishing a neutral base for the subsequent additions. Key elements introduced into the refreshed space include salvaged wood paneling from a previous Swike project, a vintage mirror sourced from Counter Space, and a tansu cabinet acquired from Nickey Kehoe, all contributing to the budget-conscious yet sophisticated outcome. To maintain the project within the stipulated budget, Weichel made a deliberate decision to retain the existing sink and toilet, avoiding the significant costs associated with relocating or replacing these fixtures. The sink was given a fresh look with a pleated skirt, a design choice that not only added a traditional touch but also ingeniously concealed storage for items like extra toilet paper, costing approximately $700 for the fabric and fabrication. The most prominent feature, the wood paneling, was repurposed from leftover materials, precisely measured and cut to fit the bathroom walls before being nailed into place. Weichel noted that for a powder room, moisture is less of a concern, but advised the installation of an industrial exhaust fan for similar applications in a full bathroom to mitigate moisture-related issues. The process of staining the wood paneling initially presented a moment of doubt for Weichel, as the first application appeared too dark compared to her rich mahogany reference photos. Drawing parallels to painting, Weichel emphasized the importance of a 24-hour processing period to form an objective opinion on the stain's appearance. She explained the common "jump scare" moment when applying stain to wood that already looks good unfinished, questioning if the application is too heavy-handed or excessive. However, after allowing a day for the stain to settle and for her perception to adjust, she concluded that the final result was indeed satisfactory and aligned with her vision. This anecdote highlights the psychological aspect of design decisions and the need for patience during the creative process. The renovation demonstrates how thoughtful design choices, strategic material sourcing, and a clear vision can lead to a significant transformation of a space, even under stringent budget constraints. The project effectively showcases the potential of upcycling and careful planning in achieving a high-end aesthetic without incurring prohibitive costs, turning an ordinary builder-grade bathroom into a unique, British-inspired sanctuary. #BathroomRenovation #DIY #BudgetDesign #Upcycling #InteriorDesign #WoodPaneling #BritishInspired #HomeMakeover

A social media user, known as Honey & Blossom, shared her experience of achieving her dream parquet flooring for significantly less than the initial professional quote. Faced with a £6,000 quotation for professional installation, she embarked on a DIY project that ultimately cost her less than £2,000. Her first step involved thoroughly preparing the floor surface by leveling it with screed, ensuring a smooth and suitable base for the new flooring. The crucial turning point in her cost-saving endeavor was discovering secondhand parquet flooring on Facebook Marketplace for a mere £350. This unexpected find dramatically reduced the material cost of the project. After acquiring the materials, she meticulously laid out the wooden panels, ensuring proper fit, and then secured them in place with glue. To complete the aesthetic, a double wooden border was installed around the edges of the room. While she undertook the primary installation herself, she opted to hire professionals for the final stages of sanding and staining the floor. This decision was made to prevent any potential damage to her extensive work and to ensure a high-quality finish, recognizing the specialized skills required for these tasks. The finished result, as shared in a viral TikTok video, showcased a professional-looking herringbone wood floor that garnered widespread admiration. The video, which accumulated over 4,200 views and 63,000 likes, received numerous positive comments praising her DIY skills, resourcefulness, and the impressive outcome. Many commenters expressed awe at her ability to save a substantial amount of money while achieving such a stunning transformation. The project serves as an example of how individuals can achieve desired home improvements through a combination of diligent sourcing, DIY effort, and strategic professional assistance, leading to significant cost savings. The article also provides additional context by listing various home upgrades that can increase a property's value, according to Zoopla. These upgrades include loft conversions (15% increase), off-street parking (£50,000 addition), new kitchens (15% increase), garage conversions (15% increase), cellar or basement conversions (10-15% increase), open-plan living spaces (3-5% increase), and new bathrooms (3-5% increase). This information suggests that well-executed home improvements, like the parquet flooring project, can contribute both to personal satisfaction and potential property value appreciation. #DIYHomeRenovation #ParquetFlooring #FacebookMarketplace #HomeImprovement #CostSaving #InteriorDesign #PropertyValue #TikTokViral

Ben Napier of HGTV's "Home Town" frequently incorporates custom-built pieces into his home renovation projects, emphasizing their role in providing emotional and historical connections within redesigned spaces. These custom fabrications often utilize salvaged materials, infusing renovated homes with a sense of the homeowners' past and family history. An online series titled "Talkin' Shop: Ben's Best Builds," produced by HGTV, showcases Napier's woodworking expertise, offering insights into his workshop, various tools, and construction techniques. This series, co-hosted by J. Pickens, highlights how seemingly ordinary found materials can be transformed into significant accents that ground a refurbished space in its unique narrative. One notable project featured in "Home Town" Season 2, Episode 7, involved crafting a large family dining table from reclaimed wood. Homeowner Cassidy provided access to his father's woodshed, which contained a collection of aged timber. Napier identified a long cypress board, tongue-and-groove pine flooring, and Douglas fir blocks as ideal materials. The renovation focused on a century-old farmhouse inherited by Cassidy's wife, Robyn, which required extensive repairs and a fresh aesthetic. Napier's vision was to construct a rustic dining table, with Cassidy's assistance, that would reconnect the house to its origins and complement a rustic dining room, thereby preserving the building's historical essence. The tabletop design incorporated the cypress board centrally, framed by the pine flooring along the sides, and finished with breadboard ends—a traditional technique to prevent wood cupping. The table legs were simple posts fashioned from the fir blocks. Erin Napier completed the farmhouse aesthetic by adding a grain sack table runner. Another innovative DIY involved transforming discarded windows and hardware from a glassed-in porch into a functional buffet during "Home Town" Season 2 Episode 4. As Napier and his team conducted demolition, they recognized the potential of these materials, alongside the old-growth pine trim and framing. Napier devised multiple applications for these recovered items within the renovated house. One window was simply painted and repurposed as the front of a bathroom linen cabinet. For the rustic buffet, he utilized additional windows, trim, window casings, and a faux beam. Napier noted the high cost of custom glass cabinet doors, underscoring that his project, while time-intensive, avoided such expenses. He shortened four wavy-glass windows to create two sets of doors for the 36-inch-tall buffet, which included shelving. The buffet's top was designed to align with an edged dining table previously built by the homeowner, and even the original hinges and latches were incorporated into the piece. This creation allowed for a more open outdoor room, fostering a traditional Southern porch experience, while the antique windows enriched the nearby dining area with a tangible piece of the home's history, reflecting the Napiers' philosophy of integrating reclaimed wood into heirloom-quality spaces. In "Home Town" Season 2 Episode 5, Ben Napier constructed an upholstered coffee table to complement Erin Napier's light and neutral living room palette. While the piece lacked a traditional wood top to avoid making the room appear too earthy, Napier focused on intricately turning its legs using his new wood-turning lathe. Erin, meanwhile, selected fabric for the ottoman that harmonized with the Turkish rugs used as a stair runner. The resulting piece seamlessly blended into a home rich with textiles and aged wood, exuding an established comfort. Erin admired the turned legs so much that she requested matching lamps. A playful debate between Ben and Erin arose regarding whether to classify the item as an ottoman or an upholstered coffee table, with Erin subtly referencing the Turkish rugs to lean towards "ottoman." Ultimately, homeowner Aly Smith referred to it as a "Scotsman coffee table," providing a resolution to the humorous discussion. Napier also shared a technique for duplicating furniture legs in "Talkin' Shop." He demonstrated how to transfer the shape of a model leg onto a new workpiece by making small pencil marks indicating each change in shape. With the lathe spinning, he held the pencil against the workpiece to encircle it with reference marks. This method allows for precise replication of turned pieces, supplementing other techniques such as measuring with calipers, using a contour gauge, or employing a lathe duplicator. Napier humorously debated his "favorite tool," acknowledging the lathe as his "favorite new toy" while also expressing an affinity for a flooring installer's pneumatic nailer, highlighting his versatile interest in tools and their applications. #BenNapier #HomeTown #DIYHomeDecor #Woodworking #ReclaimedWood #CustomFurniture #HomeRenovation #HGTV #DesignHacks

This article details the experience of a couple seeking upholstery services for a secondhand rocking chair, highlighting their journey to discover Das Upholstery, a local business owned by Das Chunilall. Initially apprehensive about the shop's cluttered appearance, the authors were swayed by a local interior decorator's recommendation. Upon entering Das Upholstery, customers can expect a clear pathway despite the visible stacks of furniture. The owner, Das Chunilall, whose first name is the inspiration for the shop's name, is described as friendly and a long-time resident of the neighborhood. Originally from Guyana, Das humorously claims to be from "Heaven." He has operated his shop for approximately 10 years, following 15-20 years of experience at another upholstery business on Jericho Turnpike. His skills were primarily acquired through practical experience, working alongside seasoned professionals, and self-study from books. Beyond the front section, the shop extends to include a workspace where Das and his staff perform their craft. There is also a downstairs area, indicating a larger operational space than initially perceived from the storefront. The cost for reupholstery services, while generally considered expensive, was found to be fair at Das Upholstery, with a labor quote of $325, which was lower than other estimates the authors received. The authors opted for self-pickup and delivery, emphasizing the value of supporting a local business. Das Upholstery offers flexibility in fabric selection. Customers can choose from in-stock samples, swatch books, or provide their own fabric, with Das advising on the required quantity. The authors successfully sourced their preferred fabric online after exploring various NYC fabric stores. The quality of work and turnaround time were also highly praised. Initially quoted a one-week completion, the job took ten days, despite Das anticipating a two-week timeframe due to high demand. The early completion, even falling on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, underscored Das's dedication. In addition to repair work, Das Chunilall also constructs original furniture pieces based on designers' plans, making his shop a resource for interior designers and decorators. He is noted for proudly sharing photographs of his projects on his phone. The article concludes with a strong endorsement of Das Upholstery for reupholstering, furniture repair, or custom furniture construction in Ditmas Park. Das operates six days a week, with irregular but generally early morning hours, and recommends calling ahead to confirm availability. #upholstery #furnitureRepair #smallBusiness #localBusiness #homeImprovement #interiorDesign #craftsmanship #DitmasPark

This article details how Drew Scott of Lone Fox Home transformed the entryway of his Los Angeles duplex rental in just two days, making it a welcoming and personalized space. Facing a sterile, beige, and white staircase, Scott employed several DIY techniques to inject personality and style without making permanent changes to the rental property. The renovation focused on affordable and creative solutions, demonstrating how to achieve a high-impact transformation on a budget. One key transformation involved painting elements other than the walls. Scott used leftover Tricorn Black paint from Valspar to create contrast on the door, railing, and window trim against the existing plain walls. This approach not only enhanced the visual appeal but also simplified repainting when he eventually moves out. Additionally, he upgraded a dated flush-mount ceiling light fixture by applying brass Rub ’n Buff, giving it a vintage Parisian look in under five minutes. These paint-based hacks effectively modernized the space without requiring significant investment or permanent alterations. Another significant DIY project involved addressing the entryway's flooring. Scott, a veteran user of peel-and-stick tiles for rental properties, opted for FloorPops, specifically a white and black sunburst pattern. He emphasized the importance of choosing thicker tiles (⅛-inch) that mimic the look of real flooring, preventing the 'wallpaper' effect seen with thinner alternatives. This affordable solution, costing less than $20 per pack, effectively brightened the area and covered the granite-esque floor. Perhaps the most striking and cost-effective transformation was the stair runner. Faced with a $900 estimate for a store-bought runner for his long stairwell, Scott ingeniously created his own by stapling together seven IKEA Törslev rugs. This DIY runner cost approximately $200, saving him $700. The process involved cutting off the rugs' hems and stapling them to each step and riser. While acknowledging that he plans to use thicker staples in the future to improve durability and safety, this method significantly elevated the staircase's aesthetic. Scott also incorporated an IKEA dresser hack into the entryway. A $49 Ivar cabinet from IKEA's As Is section was transformed into a stylish storage unit. He attached half-inch wood dowels to the doors and sides, sanded, and painted the entire piece with a black wood finish, adding champagne-colored pulls for a refined touch. This project not only provided functional storage for vases and candles but also fit perfectly into a narrow space previously thought to be too small for a console table. Finally, a meandering gallery wall was installed to draw attention away from the compact size of the entryway and engage guests. Scott curated a collection of one-of-a-kind Etsy prints and other personal art pieces. He sourced frames that were either thrifted or appeared so, many being affordable Amazon finds. This strategy allows for easy updates and personalization, reflecting his desire to frequently change up his decor. Each of these DIY strategies demonstrates how thoughtful design and creative solutions can transform a rental space into a personal and inviting home, even with limitations. #DIYHomeDecor #RentalRenovation #IKEAHacks #EntrywayDesign #BudgetDecor #PeelAndStickTiles #StairRunnerDIY #GalleryWall #HomeImprovement

The article explores the process of commissioning and designing custom furniture, drawing insights from interior designer Kiah Friedman and her boyfriend Jordan Felix's personal experiences. Faced with a narrow living and dining area in their Brooklyn duplex, the couple struggled to find an affordable, high-quality dining table that fit their specific needs and aesthetic preferences. This challenge led them to embark on a journey to design a custom dining table. Despite a limited budget of $1,000, Friedman, leveraging her professional connections, reached out to a local fabricator, Geo Projects NYC. Their initial conversation focused on the budget, design inspiration images, and precise dimensions, with Geo confirming the feasibility of the project within the given constraints. Following the success of their custom dining table, the couple expanded their custom furniture endeavors. They converted a non-functional wall niche into bookshelves and repurposed Friedman's custom nightstand as desk side drawers in their office. The couple is now planning to commission a custom coffee table and a console/shelving unit as soon as their finances allow. Felix emphasizes the value of investing in custom pieces, highlighting their preference for durability over frequent replacements, especially since most of their other belongings are sourced secondhand. The article outlines key steps for individuals looking to commission custom furniture. First, finding inspiration is crucial. Friedman and Felix spent considerable time exchanging images, ultimately settling on a three-legged round coffee table by midcentury French designer Jean Prouvé as their inspiration, adapting it into a dining table with longer legs. Second, individuals should design to the best of their ability. While Friedman used professional software like AutoCAD and Rhino, she stresses that formal design experience is not required. A clear vision and a discerning eye are sufficient, as fabricators can often work from inspiration images and sketches. Third, making measured decisions regarding dimensions and functional requirements is essential. For their dining table, the couple carefully considered their apartment layout to determine a 36-inch diameter, 29-inch height, and an inch-and-a-half thickness for the tabletop and legs. They also communicated their seating needs to the fabricator. Fourth, maintaining an open mind is important. Fabricators often offer valuable insights and suggestions, especially when working within a budget. For example, Geo recommended white oak for the dining table due to its affordability, sturdiness, and lightness, and advised simplifying the design by removing decorative cutouts to ensure structural integrity. Fifth, scaling back designs can be a cost-effective strategy. For the bookshelves, the couple opted for visible metal brackets and installed the shelves themselves using six planks from leftover dining table cutoffs, saving on labor and material costs. The article also notes that materials like plywood are generally cheaper than solid wood. Finally, patience is highlighted as a virtue, with the custom dining table taking two months to complete. The process requires understanding that fabricators are working within specified budgets and parameters, necessitating a flexible and patient approach from the client. #CustomFurniture #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #BudgetDecor #DIYHome #FurnitureDesign #HomeRenovation #SmallSpaceSolutions

Upgrading the flooring in a home can significantly transform its interior, enhancing appearance, durability, and safety, while also increasing its resale value. For homeowners considering a DIY flooring installation, HGTV's Property Brothers, Drew and Jonathan Scott, offer two crucial tips to ensure a professional and lasting result. Jonathan Scott advises against having more than two visible types of flooring from any single point in a home. This recommendation aims to create a cohesive and consistent aesthetic throughout the living spaces. For instance, if luxury vinyl plank flooring is chosen for main living areas and tile for adjacent guest bathrooms and laundry rooms, using the same tile in both smaller rooms can unify the look. This principle helps prevent a visually overwhelming or clashing interior, particularly when homeowners opt for different floor types in each room without considering the overall house aesthetic. A common mistake, as observed in a "Property Brothers" episode, involves mixing outdated wood floors with carpet and tile in close proximity. Adhering to the two-floor-type rule can lead to a smooth, sophisticated, and professional appearance, even if renovations are done room by room over time. The second critical tip from the Property Brothers is to stagger floorboard seams during installation, whether for vinyl plank, hardwood, or tile flooring. Staggering involves placing floorboards in an unevenly spaced pattern to prevent the seams of adjacent rows from lining up. Jonathan emphasizes that this extra effort is worthwhile for durability and a more professional finish. While some hardwood flooring may naturally prevent aligned seams due to varying plank sizes, vinyl plank flooring, which often comes in uniform sizes, may require cutting planks with a utility knife to achieve the stagger effect. Drew further explains that lining up seams compromises the floor's security, leading to visual unattractiveness, instability, and potential bowing or warping over time. To properly stagger, homeowners should avoid placing seams of adjacent rows less than six inches apart and mix planks from different boxes for a more natural, random appearance. These two expert tips from the Property Brothers can help DIY enthusiasts achieve high-quality and long-lasting flooring results. #DIYFlooring #PropertyBrothers #HomeImprovement #FlooringInstallation #InteriorDesignTips #LuxuryVinylPlank #HardwoodFlooring #HomeRenovation

This article highlights a creative and budget-friendly home improvement project undertaken by a mother, who successfully transformed her hallway flooring using affordable vinyl tiles from Home Bargains. The project was initiated due to existing laminate flooring lifting at the joins, posing a tripping hazard for her children. Instead of opting for a costly new floor installation, the mum sought a more economical solution. Her search led her to Home Bargains, where she discovered self-adhesive geometric print vinyl floor tiles priced at £1.99 per pack. Impressed by the design and affordability, she purchased enough packs to cover her entire hallway, spending a total of £24. The renovation was completed in approximately two hours, demonstrating the ease and speed with which this DIY project could be executed. The mum expressed satisfaction with the outcome, noting that the new flooring not only addressed the safety issue but also significantly enhanced the aesthetic of her hallway. The project garnered considerable positive attention on the Facebook group Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK, receiving over 5,600 'likes'. Many members of the online community praised her ingenuity and the impressive results, with some expressing their own desire to replicate the transformation in their homes. Comments highlighted the visual appeal of the new floor and its practical advantages over carpet, particularly for high-traffic areas like hallways. The article emphasizes the growing trend of home improvement projects, especially in the wake of multiple lockdowns, where individuals have been encouraged to take on DIY tasks. It positions this specific project as an inspiring example for others looking to undertake similar renovations without a significant financial outlay. The availability of various styles, including an oak floor effect, at Home Bargains, further broadens the appeal of this type of home décor solution. This case study showcases how readily available and inexpensive materials can be utilized to achieve a notable and functional home makeover. It also touches upon the communal aspect of sharing such successes on social media platforms, where practical tips and inspiring results are exchanged among like-minded individuals. The project serves as a testament to the fact that stunning home transformations do not necessarily require extensive budgets or professional assistance, promoting a DIY ethos among readers. #HomeImprovement #DIY #BudgetDecor #VinylFlooring #HomeBargains #HallwayMakeover #ThriftyLiving #InteriorDesign #CostEffective