I Spent $58K to Convert My Sunroom Into an ADU That Earns $18K per Year

Chelsea Harris, a copywriter for Schoolhouse, successfully transformed her plain white rental bedroom in Portland, Oregon, into a cottage-worthy space for under $500. This renovation was part of a larger effort to update her circa-1940s apartment, which she moved into to reduce rent expenses and enjoy historic charm. She had previously renovated her galley kitchen with checkerboard floors, painting lower cabinets yellow, adding a peg rail, and applying butcher block-inspired contact paper. Following this, she tackled her bathroom, where she installed a beadboard wall and decorated it with pink accents. The bedroom was her final frontier for adding color and personal touch, aiming to keep costs under $500. Harris adopted an "ask-forgiveness-not-permission" approach to decorating her rental, prioritizing a comfortable living space over concerns about her security deposit. Her bedroom makeover began with choosing a paint color, a process she found challenging. She ultimately selected Behr's Nature’s Gift, a sage green hue, and applied two to three coats directly to the walls without priming. The initial painting process in gloomy Portland weather required later touch-ups in natural sunlight to ensure full coverage. The next step involved adding a subtle wallpaper. Harris lived with the newly painted room for several months before deciding on a wallpaper that would significantly change the space. She opted for the Ric Rac wallpaper from Spoonflower, noting its small-scale squiggles that appear as a solid color from a distance, which suited her preference given her existing plaid rug. Calculating the necessary amount of peel-and-stick wallpaper was straightforward using the website's tools. Installation took approximately two and a half hours, complicated slightly by slanted walls, which required careful painting of the ceiling trim to create a visually straight line for the wallpaper. To address the wallpaper appearing a bit short and to add a traditional touch, Harris installed a wide piece of trim from Home Depot along the bottom edge of the wallpaper. This process involved two hours of painting the trim due to its crevices and then mounting it with a nail gun. For storage, she utilized free shelves from a friend who was moving. These shelves were integrated above a reading corner, providing additional storage without adding bulky furniture. To create a cohesive, built-in look, she painted the shelves and their Amazon-sourced brackets the same sage green color as the walls. Finally, Harris incorporated gauzy curtains from IKEA and brass curtain rods from Target. She already owned the curtain rods, which complemented her desired warm brass accents. The sheer nature of the curtains was intentional, allowing for privacy while still letting in natural light, a crucial consideration for a room without abundant light. She also repainted a thrifted wardrobe, which had a poor sponge-paint finish, to match the room's aesthetic. This wardrobe, along with a living room closet, serves as primary clothing storage, as her partner uses the main bedroom closet as a workspace. Harris primarily executed the DIY aspects of the renovation, with her partner moving in after much of the work was completed, benefiting from the updated space. #RentalRenovation #BedroomMakeover #DIYDecor #BudgetDesign #SageGreen #PeelAndStickWallpaper #PortlandHome #CottageStyle #HomeRenovation

This article, part of the 'Renovator's Notebook' series, details chef Flynn McGarry's experience renovating a 380-square-foot former vegetable storage unit into Gem Wine, a relaxed sister wine bar to his restaurant Gem, located in Manhattan's Lower East Side. McGarry aimed to create an intimate atmosphere resembling a friend's apartment rather than a traditional restaurant. He undertook much of the interior work himself, leveraging his woodworking hobby to save money and personalize the space, despite admitting to making numerous mistakes along the way. His approach to the renovation combined strategic splurges with cost-saving DIY efforts. The renovation began in March 2021, with McGarry hiring Essential Contracting for major tasks like gutting the space and installing HVAC. However, he and his friends handled significant portions of the interior design and construction. McGarry found woodworking to be therapeutic, comparing it to an intense version of cooking, meticulously perfecting cuts over hours. This hands-on approach allowed him to avoid expensive custom-designed elements, saving approximately $8,000 on labor for various installations. He learned the importance of understanding all aspects of a space from his four years of running a restaurant. To achieve the desired 'apartment-like' ambiance, McGarry incorporated personal touches, including figurines, paintings, books, and vases from his own home, purchased during an antiquing spree. He discusses several key design decisions, categorizing them as either splurges or saves. A major splurge was the kitchen's solid cherry wood countertops, which cost $5,000 for the wood alone, not including tables from Grain Wood Studio. Despite the cost, he considered it essential for the aesthetic and ensured precision installation by a woodworker. For flooring, McGarry opted for terracotta tiles, a save that also provided a unique touch, evoking the South of France in Chinatown. He faced a challenge when half of his initial tile order arrived broken and replacements were unavailable. He creatively solved this by gluing broken pieces and mixing hexagon and square tiles, resulting in a natural-looking transition between the kitchen and bathroom. Another splurge was the selection of Farrow & Ball paints for the walls (Middleton Pink) and ceiling (India Yellow), chosen to create warmth. To provide contrast, the kitchen's back wall was lined with aluminum sheets by Cadco, complemented by antique cobalt blue lights. McGarry invested in replacing the storefront windows for $3,000, allowing them to open and connect the interior with the street, enhancing the welcoming feel. A clever save involved painting the ceiling color down a “divider” wall to conceal a soffit and drilling holes into a piece of wood to hide a vent. He emphasizes the importance of quality tools in woodworking, noting that investing in a good saw significantly improved the accuracy of his cuts. Finally, lighting was a significant splurge, with two vintage canvas pendant lamps by Jan Wickelgren costing $600 each. These unique finds, along with custom lamps by ceramist Ana Corrigan, contributed to the cozy, library-like atmosphere McGarry envisioned for Gem Wine. #WoodworkingHobby #LowerEastSideRenovation #WineBarDesign #DIYRenovation #SmallSpaceDesign #RestaurantInterior #BudgetRenovation #TerracottaFlooring #CustomWoodwork

The Carlsbad ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Garage Conversion, a project by Modern Granny Flat, exemplifies an innovative solution to urban housing shortages and escalating costs, aligning with sustainable practices. Instead of demolishing the existing garage, the project transformed it into a versatile living space, significantly reducing resource consumption, minimizing carbon emissions, and combating urban sprawl. This initiative directly addresses the growing demand for flexible and eco-friendly housing options, particularly in areas facing significant housing challenges. The project leverages recent legislative changes in California that permit the construction of up to two ADU units on a single-family lot, encouraging homeowners to creatively utilize existing structures. This policy provides a framework for adaptive reuse, transforming underutilized spaces into functional and desirable living areas. The Carlsbad ADU stands out due to its remarkable adaptability, designed to evolve with the changing needs of its occupants. The space features a multifunctional cabinet wall, incorporating a Murphy bed and a folding table/workstation, enabling it to seamlessly transition between roles such as a bedroom, office, dining area, or yoga studio within a single day. Key design elements contribute to the ADU's flexibility and expanded living area. A garage door can be opened to extend the living space, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor environments. The interior boasts a pitched ceiling that enhances the sense of spaciousness and accommodates a mezzanine level. This upper level can serve various purposes, including additional sleeping quarters, a private retreat, or extra storage, further contributing to the unit's versatility. The thoughtful integration of storage solutions and convertible furniture maximizes the utility of the compact footprint. Before its transformation, the garage was a dirty, underutilized space with a checkered floor and a cramped attic. The renovation successfully converted this derelict area into a modern, light-filled, and highly functional dwelling. The design incorporates a modern kitchen with wood cabinets and white countertops, and a minimalist black and white bathroom with contemporary fixtures, including a round mirror. The use of wood throughout, particularly in the vaulted ceilings and mezzanine, adds warmth and a natural aesthetic to the modern design. This project underscores the principle that contemporary housing does not necessarily require larger homes but rather smarter ones that can adapt smoothly to the evolving lifestyles of their inhabitants. The Carlsbad ADU offers a blueprint for how existing structures can be reimagined and repurposed to create sustainable, flexible, and aesthetically pleasing living spaces that address critical housing needs while promoting environmental responsibility. #ADU #GarageConversion #FlexibleLiving #SustainableHousing #ModernGrannyFlat #AccessoryDwellingUnits #AdaptiveReuse #SmallSpaceDesign #HomeRenovation

Architect Irving Gonzales transformed an underutilized garage in San Leandro, California, into a luminous, net-zero Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) for his insurance agent-turned-client, Steven Glaser. Glaser, residing in his 2,100-square-foot main home, sought to downsize eventually and create a dedicated home office space. The design process focused on converting the existing garage structure into a sustainable and adaptable living area. Gonzales suggested replacing the garage's original gable roof with a shed roof, which became a crucial element for achieving net-zero status. The shed roof was oriented to slope south from its maximum allowable height of 16 feet, facilitating the installation of photovoltaic panels that covered the entire roof, including a five-foot overhang on the west side to provide shade from the late-day sun. The project preserved the garage's original 386-square-foot footprint but reimagined the interior to include a bedroom with a dual bathroom, a kitchen designed for aging-in-place, a living/dining area, and a newly created loft space made possible by the shed roof. A key priority for Glaser was to maximize natural light and ensure excellent acoustics, aiming for a joyful, fun, and restful environment. To achieve optimal light in the compact ADU, Gonzales opted for Andersen windows and doors. These were chosen for their clean and flexible design options, energy efficiency, ease of installation, and moderate pricing, aligning with the desired aesthetic. The 508-square-foot ADU integrated several methods and materials to attain its net-zero energy goal. The design team carefully considered the home’s massing, form, orientation, window placement, and HVAC system, alongside the specific properties of concrete and wood products. The HVAC system notably features an LG Art Cool Gallery unit, which allows original artwork to be displayed on its front. The interior material palette is kept simple and cohesive with birch veneer plywood and a sealed concrete floor. Windows were strategically placed at both higher and lower elevations to promote natural cross-ventilation, and translucently glazed interior pocket doors were incorporated to allow light to penetrate deeply throughout the space. The bathroom, adjacent to the kitchen, is equipped with a curved corner shower, an accessible lavatory, and a stacked washer-dryer unit, reflecting a thoughtful approach to functionality and space utilization. Glaser, a financial advisor, appreciated the investment in a sustainable future, aiming to leave a positive environmental impact. Upon completion, Glaser now divides his time between the main residence and the new ADU, with plans to fully transition into the ADU for his long-term living. He expresses satisfaction with the bright and inviting atmosphere, highlighting the excellent light and acoustics. The project was recognized as a standout in the 2024 Bright Ideas Awards, presented by Andersen Windows & Doors, for its excellence in fenestration and daylighting. #ADU #GarageConversion #NetZeroHome #SustainableDesign #BayAreaArchitecture #AndersenWindows #SmallSpaceDesign #ModernHome

A woman named Kaz successfully transformed six free doors acquired from Facebook Marketplace into a functional and aesthetically pleasing garden pergola, significantly saving on costs. The project, which was documented and shared on TikTok, involved several stages of construction and customization, ultimately resulting in a weatherproof outdoor shelter. The initial phase of the project involved Kaz, with the assistance of a friend, assembling three of the doors. These were then securely nailed together and affixed to a wall, forming the primary structure of the pergola. This foundational step ensured the stability of the shelter, preventing it from being dislodged by strong winds. Following this, two additional glass and wood doors were incorporated to create the other side of the pergola, completing the enclosed structure. Kaz expressed her satisfaction with the progress, indicating plans to paint and further decorate the completed structure. The construction continued with the integration of timber beams, which were secured to the sides and top of the door frame. Subsequently, corrugated plastic sheets were installed to form the roof of the pergola, providing protection from the elements. The entire structure was then painted white to match the existing doors, creating a cohesive and clean appearance. To enhance privacy and visual appeal, a patterned film was applied to the windows of one side of the pergola. The final touches included furnishing the newly built shelter with a corner sofa, a small table, and potted plants, transforming it into a comfortable outdoor living space. Kaz highlighted that the main costs for this DIY project were limited to the timber, nails, plastic, and paint, as the doors themselves were free. This approach resulted in substantial savings, estimated to be around £1,400, when compared to purchasing a pre-made pergola of similar design and size, which typically retails for approximately £1,399. The project garnered positive attention and praise from online viewers, with many commending the clever use of recycled materials and the quality of the finished product. Commenters on TikTok expressed admiration for the idea and the execution, with some indicating inspiration to undertake similar projects. The article also includes a brief section on garden features that add value to a house, based on a study by Sellhousefast.uk. This study, which consulted 36 estate agents, garden designers, and property professionals in the UK, identified a shed as the top feature, adding 82% of value, followed by a patio or paving at 76%, and secure fencing, walls, or gates at 72%. Other features included outdoor lighting (66%), sturdy decking (62%), water features (58%), modern garden furniture (54%), and artificial lawn/grass (40%). This information provides context on how outdoor improvements, like Kaz's pergola, can contribute to property value. #DIYProject #GardenPergola #RecycledMaterials #FacebookMarketplace #HomeImprovement #CostSaving #OutdoorLiving #TikTokViral #RealLife

Home improvements can significantly boost a property's resale value, but not all DIY projects yield positive returns. Some seemingly simple tasks can inadvertently devalue a home, making it crucial for homeowners to understand which improvements to approach with caution or avoid altogether. This article identifies seven DIY home improvements that experts advise against, along with alternative strategies to maintain or enhance property value. One critical area is undertaking renovations without proper permits. While bypassing permits might seem like a way to save time and money, such actions can lead to legal complications, fines, and difficulties during the home selling process. Potential buyers will often require indemnification or insist on undoing unpermitted work, adding significant costs and delays. Grace Mase, VP of Construction and Design at Curbio, emphasizes that these shortcuts become problematic during a sale and advises consulting local authorities or licensed professionals to ensure compliance. Repurposing extra bedrooms is another common mistake. Although converting a guest bedroom into a home office or walk-in closet might suit current needs, it reduces the overall bedroom count, which is a key factor in a home's market value. Most home buyers prefer properties with more bedrooms, offering flexibility in usage. Punteha van Terheyden, Head of Solved at Homes & Gardens, suggests non-permanent conversions, like using a room as a dual office without built-in features, allowing easy conversion back to a bedroom when selling. Garage conversions often lead to devaluation. Many home buyers prioritize having a functional garage for parking and storage. Converting a garage not only eliminates this sought-after feature but often results in poorly executed spaces that lack proper heating, cooling, and integration with the home's layout. Nick Disney of Sell My San Antonio House notes that most DIY garage conversions are not done well, creating awkward spaces and removing essential storage. Unless a homeowner possesses advanced DIY skills, maintaining the garage's primary function or decluttering it is preferable. Over-personalization can also deter potential buyers. While individual design choices reflect personal style, overly bold colors, quirky decor, or highly specific design elements can make a home less appealing to a broader audience. Buyers may perceive these elements as needing extensive redecoration, leading to lower offers or a lack of interest. Neutral tones and timeless designs are generally more universally appealing and help a home sell faster. For permanent fixtures like built-in cabinets or specific tiling, over-personalization is particularly risky as these are more costly to change. Painting kitchen cabinets oneself, if not done professionally, can severely devalue a kitchen. Poor preparation, incorrect paint types, or amateur techniques result in streaky, chipped finishes that immediately signal a low-quality DIY job. Real estate agent Becky Pendergrass of Benchmark Realty LLC highlights that buyers spot these imperfections, viewing them as additional expenses they will incur, which can lead to reduced offers or buyers looking elsewhere. Similarly, DIY bathroom tiling is fraught with risks. Despite the allure of achieving a quick, affordable update, tiling requires precision. Misaligned tiles or uneven grout lines can detract significantly from the bathroom's overall appearance, raising concerns among buyers about the quality of workmanship throughout the house. Pendergrass warns that buyers are particular about bathrooms, and visible flaws can lead them to question the home's maintenance. For those lacking expertise, temporary solutions like peel-and-stick tiles, with the understanding that the underlying surface will require preparation for repainting later, might be a less damaging option. Finally, making bad wallpaper choices can also negatively impact home value. Outdated patterns or imperfect application with visible seams or mismatched designs can make a room feel unpolished and deter buyers who do not want to undertake a wallpaper removal project. Paint, especially in neutral or value-adding colors, is generally preferred when preparing a home for sale, as it offers a cleaner, more versatile aesthetic. If wallpaper is desired, choosing subtle, neutral patterns applied professionally is essential. In conclusion, while DIY home improvements can be a cost-effective way to enhance a home, homeowners must exercise caution. For projects requiring permits, structural changes, or a high level of finish, professional help is often a worthwhile investment. Focusing on universally appealing aesthetics and functional improvements, rather than highly personalized or poorly executed DIY tasks, is key to preserving and increasing a home's market value. #DIYHomeImprovements #PropertyValue #HomeRenovations #RealEstate #Permits #BedroomConversion #GarageConversion #HomeStaging #KitchenRemodel

A remarkable single-family home in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, originally a garage, is currently listed for just over $1.9 million. This unique residence at 222 Madison Street combines industrial aesthetics with functional living spaces, spanning 3,000 square feet. The exterior maintains a modest garage appearance, cleverly concealing the expansive and stylish interior. The home's design embraces an industrial chic, characterized by cured cement floors, exposed white-washed brick walls, and soaring ceilings punctuated by skylights that flood the space with natural light. This architectural approach creates an open and airy atmosphere throughout the dwelling. The main floor features a spacious living room that provides direct views into a serene atrium, a central element designed to enhance the home's tranquil ambiance. Above this living area, a dedicated reading nook is integrated with a Dutch-designed music storage system, offering both comfort and practicality. The open-plan design seamlessly connects the living room to a large dining area, accommodating substantial furniture arrangements and fostering a sense of continuous flow. Adjacent to the dining area is a chef’s kitchen, equipped with stainless steel counters and cabinetry, a professional 36-inch range and oven, and a prominent Carrara marble island. A generous pantry offers ample storage, catering to the needs of a gourmet kitchen. This level is designed for both everyday living and entertaining, maximizing space and utility. The second level of the home houses the master bedroom suite. This private retreat is large enough to comfortably fit a king-sized bed and includes a walk-in closet for extensive storage. A private terrace extends from the master bedroom, providing an exclusive outdoor space for relaxation. The master bathroom is appointed with a separate soaking tub and a walk-in shower, complemented by two distinctively hand-painted Talavera sinks, adding a touch of artistic detail. Across from the master bedroom on the second level, a second large loft area offers significant versatility. While currently configured as a playroom, its substantial size allows for various creative uses, adaptable to the owner's needs or preferences. This flexibility underscores the home's capacity to evolve with its inhabitants. The outdoor terrace, designed to function as a garden, plays a crucial role in bringing additional light into the main living room through its large windows, reinforcing the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the home is engineered for energy efficiency, incorporating modern conveniences such as on-demand hot water, heated floors, and central air conditioning. An integrated sound system allows for individual control in each space, enhancing comfort and personalization. A private garage provides practical city living, addressing parking challenges. The property is listed by Wendy Stephenson and David Cobell for Compass, showcasing a sophisticated blend of industrial design, modern amenities, and practical living solutions within a transformed urban space. #BedStuy #GarageConversion #IndustrialGlamour #ZenAtrium #SingleFamilyHome #BrooklynRealEstate #ModernDesign #EnergyEfficientHome #LuxuryLiving

This blog post details a bedroom renovation project undertaken by interior designer and seasoned renovator, Kayla Nelson, who transformed her childhood bedroom into a sophisticated adult sanctuary for $5,500. The project, with a square footage of 180 and a timeline of approximately one month, focused on doubling storage and elevating the room's aesthetic through molding, paint, and IKEA hacks. Nelson's bedroom, originally a garage, underwent several changes over the years, including a purple paint job and the addition of two freestanding IKEA Pax units for storage. However, she desired more sophisticated storage and a more refined ambiance. The recent renovation involved integrating two additional IKEA Pax wardrobes, totaling four, to create a built-in closet system. To achieve this, Nelson built a 2-by-4 base on the subfloor for the wardrobes, incorporating a window seat. Another 2-by-4 structure was built above the units to ensure a flush appearance after covering the open frames with drywall. The cost for the two additional Pax wardrobes was $1,500, and the wood for the framing amounted to $1,050. To introduce coziness into the room with its nearly 11-foot-high ceilings, Nelson painted the ceiling and the top 16 inches of the walls with Valspar's Black Evergreen. The lower part of the walls was painted in Valspar's Oyster Pearl. Base shoe molding was used to delineate the paint lines, and an extension pole and ladder were utilized for painting. The total paint cost for four gallons was $200. For the IKEA Pax units, which were initially gray, Nelson primed them with Zinsser's 123 Primer before painting them the same color as the walls to ensure a cohesive look. A key design element was the accent wall behind the bed, which featured a unique picture frame molding technique where molding pieces butted against each other, requiring precise 45-degree angle cuts. Nelson used website measurements and pencil guidelines to frame the headboard, attaching the molding with a nail gun and painting it in Oyster Pearl. The final stage of the renovation involved furnishing the room with adult-approved pieces. The most significant individual splurge was a $700 CB2 nightstand. To maintain the budget, other furnishings, including a bistro table and a mirror, were sourced from World Market and Home Depot. The overall project successfully transformed a former childhood space into a grown-up sanctuary, demonstrating effective DIY strategies for achieving a high-end look on a moderate budget. #BedroomRenovation #IKEAHack #DIY #HomeImprovement #InteriorDesign #BudgetFriendly #StorageSolutions #MoldingDetails

The author details the renovation of a 400-square-foot guesthouse in San Antonio, Texas, by Kim Spradlin Wolfe, a former Survivor contestant. The project's primary goal was to create a fun and functional space for guests within a budget of $7,450. The guesthouse, originally in disrepair due to mold and tornado damage, underwent a significant transformation, largely centered around an innovative tiling solution. The most distinctive feature of the renovation is the extensive use of tiles throughout the guesthouse. Wolfe acquired a large quantity of diverse, often imperfect, matte cement tiles from a Clay Imports warehouse sale for just $500. Due to the limited availability of any single color, she opted to mix all 10 available colors, resulting in a random, vibrant pattern across the 400 square feet of flooring. To ensure a truly random aesthetic, the tiles were laid upside down, preventing installers from attempting to create a deliberate design. This approach not only saved costs but also became a defining aesthetic element, extending even to a portion of the shower wall. Budgetary constraints influenced several design decisions. For instance, a mini split-AC unit was installed instead of central air conditioning, and ambient wall sconces were chosen over more expensive canned lighting. The bathroom, being a tight space, did not accommodate a traditional shower door. Instead, a $300 glass enclosure was installed as a partition, effectively blocking spray from the rain showerhead, with all plumbing fixtures sourced affordably from Amazon for $200. For the kitchenette, a shared kitchen-bath sink was implemented for efficiency, supported by standard-height cabinets topped with a quartz remnant from a master bathroom remodel. A notable splurge in the renovation was a half-off Smeg refrigerator, costing around $1,000, which added a touch of personal joy and style to the space. The exterior of the guesthouse was painted in Benjamin Moore’s Wrought Iron to match the main house, with the front door painted a coral pink called Farmer’s Market, chosen by Wolfe's mother-in-law. The renovated guesthouse now serves as a retreat for guests and occasionally as a home office. This project demonstrates how creative problem-solving and strategic material sourcing can lead to a unique and functional space, even under significant budget limitations. The experience also highlighted the importance of making compromises while renovating, ultimately achieving a successful and visually engaging outcome. #GuesthouseRenovation #BudgetRenovation #TileDesign #DIYRenovation #SmallSpaceDesign #CreativeBudgeting #HomeTransformation #InteriorDesign #SanAntonioHome

This article details the renovation of a 1960s ranch house in Ojai, California, undertaken by artist and Kiniko owner Sarah Yates Mora and her husband, Lou. Their primary objective was to raise the ceiling height to create an open and airy main living space, drawing inspiration from minimalist Japanese design, with a focus on vertical-grain Douglas fir throughout the home. The renovation project began in the summer of 2018, following the 2017 Thomas Fire, which led to a delay as tradespeople were scarce due to the rebuilding efforts in the area. Mora utilized this six-month hiatus to proactively source all materials for the project, a strategy that ultimately saved them money by avoiding contractor markups. The renovation involved several strategic splurges and thoughtful savings. A significant initial challenge was the discovery of asbestos during demolition, incurring an unexpected cost of $14,000 for testing and professional removal. Custom cabinetry was another area of investment, particularly in the kitchen, which was designed to integrate seamlessly with the adjacent living room. Appliances like the fridge and freezer were concealed within wood cabinetry to maintain a minimalist aesthetic. The most substantial splurge involved achieving 12-foot ceilings and an open-concept layout. This required tearing down walls, installing new drywall, and hiring an engineer to design and implement a 28-foot-long beam, costing an additional $2,000 for the engineer's services on top of the $30,000 labor cost for structural changes. Conversely, significant savings were realized by choosing not to wrap the structural beam in Douglas fir, saving approximately $4,000. The exposed beam, complete with its original stamp, contributed to the desired aesthetic. Ambient lighting was a priority, with investments in lanterns by Barber Osgerby for the dining room and kitchen, and a genuine Akari design by Noguchi for the living room, chosen for their glowy light quality. The fireplace received a clean, minimal facelift by covering the original stone with stucco, a task for which a subcontractor was hired to ensure a professional finish. Further savings were achieved through minimalist window treatments; the house's secluded location allowed forgoing curtains or shades in the main room, enhancing the clean aesthetic and facilitating cross-breezes through sliders and a Dutch door. Crucially, the homeowners saved considerably by salvaging enormous sliding glass doors in the living room. Instead of replacing these nearly 5-foot-wide panels, which would have been prohibitively expensive, they paid around $1,000 to relocate them, optimizing their position in the room despite the risk of breakage. This decision not only preserved a unique architectural feature but also contributed to the overall budget management of the project, demonstrating a balanced approach to renovation expenses and design goals. #HomeRenovation #OpenConcept #OjaiRanchHouse #JapaneseDesignInfluence #BudgetLiving #CustomCabinetry #StructuralEngineering #ArchitecturalSalvage #InteriorDesign

A young couple, Lauren and Mike from Kent, successfully transformed their previously dark and unwelcoming stone backyard into a bright, modern seating area, saving significant costs in the process. After renovating their new home in 2019, they were faced with an awkward, concrete-based backyard that they were unsure how to approach. They initially considered purchasing a decking kit but found the prices to be upwards of £1,500. Opting for a DIY approach, they sourced wood for the decking from a builders' merchant for £900. During the lockdown, with limited access to tools, Mike undertook the laborious task of digging up the entire garden, chopping down trees with a handsaw, and removing a concrete path using a hammer. They then carefully bagged the rubble for disposal when tips reopened. A friend assisted them in digging up three tree stumps. The couple purchased high-quality grass seed, typically used for football pitches, for £100 online and diligently watered it to ensure growth. They also installed new fences on both sides of the garden's top and back sections. Another friend helped them construct the decking. For outdoor furniture, they purchased a set from Laura James online for £650, noting that the price had since increased to £750, thereby saving them £100. The entire renovation project took approximately three weeks to complete. The couple expressed their satisfaction with the outcome, highlighting how the space now appears more inviting, brighter, and fresher, featuring a neutral color palette and comfortable seating. This backyard makeover served as the final touch to their home renovation, demonstrating how a determined DIY effort can achieve a stunning transformation while staying within a budget. #BackyardMakeover #DIYGarden #HomeRenovation #OutdoorLiving #BudgetFriendly #DeckingIdeas #GardenTransformation #CoupleProject

The author recounts being inspired by a distinctive decor element in Amanda Seyfried's New York City apartment, as featured in an Architectural Digest "Open Door" episode. Specifically, Seyfried's bedroom showcased black wall sconces that appeared to be held in place by articulating hands. This unique and macabre design immediately captivated the author, who noted Seyfried's comment that they were likely one-of-a-kind and she couldn't recall their origin. An attempt to locate similar hand decor through reverse Google image searching proved unsuccessful, leading the author to pursue a DIY approach. The author decided to recreate this design element using a pair of 12-inch art model hands, purchased for an affordable $24. These types of mannequin hands are readily available at craft stores or online retailers like Amazon. While Seyfried used them for lighting fixtures, the author chose to adapt them as curtain tie-backs for a living room window, opting for the largest available size to suit the scale of her space. This decision highlights the versatility of the art model hands for various home decor applications. The next challenge involved mounting the mannequin hands, particularly given the heavily textured plaster walls of the author's 1950s Florida bungalow. The goal was to secure the hands firmly enough to support linen curtains, weighing approximately eight to ten pounds, without drilling holes in the wall, an important consideration for many renters. After evaluating options, industrial-strength peel-and-stick Velcro was chosen as the mounting solution. The article also suggests heavy-duty double-sided mounting tape as an alternative, depending on the weight to be supported and the wall surface. The author expresses satisfaction with the current renter-friendly mounting method, while also contemplating more permanent solutions for the future, such as construction adhesive or attaching the hands to small wooden squares for a sleeker, wall-mounted appearance, similar to Seyfried's original design. The DIY project also allows for customization, such as adjusting the finger placements or painting the hands to match specific decor schemes. Beyond curtain tie-backs and wall sconces, the article mentions Seyfried using one hand to hold an eye mask, encouraging readers to explore other creative applications for this distinctive decor element. The project demonstrates how to achieve a high-end, unique look inspired by celebrity homes on a budget, offering practical advice for implementation. #CelebrityInspiredDecor #DIYHomeDecor #AffordableDesign #InteriorDesignTrends #RenterFriendlyDecor #UniqueHomeAccents #CraftProjects