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‘Past & Present’ Book Preview + A History-Inspired DIY Project

by Liz Gray February 28, 2013 9 Comments

Have you ever wondered who created the very first sofa? Or what Victorians brought home from vacations as souvenirs? Design*Sponge managing editor and self-described bibliophile Amy Azzarito tackles the history behind household objects (everything from curtains to chandeliers to cast iron) and how those stories intersect with modern life in her Past and Present column.

Amy’s new book by the same name is full of dinner party-worthy facts — things you might not know now, but will be glad you learned. For example, sofas and armchairs just didn’t exist until the early 18th century, when Louis XV and Madame de Pompadour began to popularize private spaces made for comfort, not just display. Watching a movie just wouldn’t be the same curled up on a straight-backed wooden chair, right?

Past and Present Book Review on HGTV's Design Happens

Part history lesson and part DIY manual, she pairs 24 essays about interesting moments in decorative arts history with thoroughly modern projects developed alongside design trendsetters like Todd Oldham, David Stark and ConfettiSystem.

I especially love this black-and-white headboard project designed by Eddie Ross: It’s inspired by the iconic jasperware pottery created by Josiah Wedgwood, which features white relief designs on a matte black surface. This modern version is made from a hollow-core door, white PVC trim and decorative moldings.

Black and White DIY Headboard - HGTV's Design Happens

I chatted with Amy about the collaborations and her personal style. Plus, try one of the book’s DIY projects!

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Daily Delight: DIY Bird Baths

by Briana Mowrey April 26, 2012 4 Comments

Despite my black thumb, I think having a garden would be fun purely for all the bird watching potential. My grandmother’s bird bath must have been a hip destination for local birds, because there always seemed to be a “pool party” going on in there. If you’re the industrious sort, we have a fab DIY bird bath tutorial on our site (made from a salvaged sink!), but the only problem for me is that it requires a tree. Not so with these cute teacup bird feeders/bird baths I found on Something Wonderful.

diy bird bath

They’re dainty and a perfect reuse of chipped or mismatched tea sets. Plus, you can stake them right into the ground, no trees necessary! (A boon for us city or small-space dwellers — even with a “backyard,” trees can be hard to come by.)

[Via: Pinterest]

A Very DIY Holiday: Plywood Stockings

by Erin Loechner December 14, 2011 8 Comments

Christmas decorating is in full swing here, and we can’t stop hanging garland in every corner of our home. Perhaps it’s because we love this season so much, but I think it also has to do with the fact that last year? Last year we only had a ladder to decorate, as our renovation home was hardly liveable.

Needless to say, our first Christmas in our newly renovated home will be a memorable one indeed. And just to kick the season off right, we’re popping in to share a super holiday DIY (holi-DIY?) we just finished moments ago!

Our plywood stockings!

After searching high and low for our dream stockings, we couldn’t find anything that quite reflected the Scandinavian aesthetic we love so much. So, of course, we put on our designer hats and created something ourselves. Introducing: our plywood stockings!

So festive, yes?

The project was super fun to create and we’re thrilled with how the plywood warms up our white mantle. Even better? The boxes on each stocking are magnetic, so you can easily remove them to stuff goodies inside, or this could be an excellent advent calendar for a daily treat! Want to give it a go in your own home? Instructions below:

Complete with removable boxes for Christmas surprises!

1. Create a template for your stocking out of cardboard. I like long, skinny stockings, but get creative here! Next, trace the cardboard template onto plywood and cut each stocking with a jig saw.

Our cardboard template

2. To create the removable magnetic box, use a rotary tool to cut out a space for a super-strength rare earth magnet (this is key, as the magnet will need to be very, very durable) on both the stocking and box.

Time to hide those magnets!

3. Use a super-strength glue (I love Gorilla Glue) to adhere the magnet into the space you’ve carved out of the stocking and box. Use sparingly, as this glue expands. Let dry overnight.

Super magnet action over here!

4. Finally, center and secure the L bracket to your plywood stocking for hanging. We pilot drilled with just one screw so the stocking can hang at a natural angle.

One screw does the trick.

5. Admire, and fill that box with something special for your loved ones!

The big reveal, waiting for their boxes until Christmas Eve!

What do you think, friends? Are you up for giving it a go? And how sweet would it be to wood-burn your family’s initials on each stocking box? Go forth and craft away!

A DIY Industrial Pipe Candelabra

by Erin Loechner November 9, 2011 8 Comments

Last week, we headed to the hardware store to pick up some supplies for our massive sunroom makeover and found ourselves in the plumbing aisle, inspired by this recent DIY we spotted right here on HGTV.com. We’ve been spending so much time working on huge projects with even huger deadlines, crafting something small and fun seemed like a perfect evening activity to take our minds off the gigantic sunroom renovation.

Industrial Pipe Candelabra DIY- Erin Loechner

Our latest DIY project.

Bonus? Halloween was right around the corner and we’re always up for a bit of creepy chic in our home.

I don’t have a DIY to share because the process is completely self explanatory: choose your favorite pipes and build away! Yes, just like Lego’s. Who says kids get to have all the fun?

Creepy chic indeed!

If you’re DIY shy and need some templates to work from, here are a few fantastic options from around the web!:
1. Nick Fraser’s pipework series is by far my favorite, but requires a powder coating process. Perhaps spray paint would do the trick?
2. This plumbing pipe candelabra makes for a unique holiday decoration, yes? I love the look!
3. And finally, a DIY candelabra video for those of you who really play by the rules.

Happy crafting, friends! I’ll be checking in next Wednesday to share another chic lighting surprise – this time in our master bedroom! See you then!

HGTV How-To: Make a New Scarf Out of Old Sweaters

by Kayla Kitts September 13, 2011 15 Comments

My favorite fall clothing accessories are scarves in every pattern and color. So, instead of breaking the bank on another scarf that will inevitably get snagged by my rings, cats, purse zipper (the list goes on), I’ve decided this knit-less scarf project is the perfect autumn craft for me. And guess what? It’s insanely simple and requires zero knitting knowledge. The only tools you’ll need to whip up this scarf are scissors, a cutting blade, a needle and thread. Talk about easy as pumpkin pie.

hgtv project of the week how to handmade scarf knit crochet design blog

When you pull out your cold-weather clothes from last year, remember that this scarf project is perfect for turning outdated, torn, stained, stretched and despised sweaters into something fabulous. That sweater that hit the 12-year mark two years ago, you know, the one your significant other teases you for holding on to…it may be the perfect accent hue in your “brand new” recycled scarf. If you plan on scouring thrift stores for the perfect color combinations, then look for sweaters that are 100% acrylic or acrylic blend instead of cotton. Cotton is more likely to unravel.

So, how much do you love this project already? Go to HGTV.com to see a full list of materials and detailed step-by-step instructions to create your own knit-less scarf. (If you prefer to knit, check out this free knitting pattern from the blog Ewe Ewe Yarns.)

With the feel of fall in the air, have you already started knitting, crocheting or upcycling sweater scarves?

Tell us in the comments below.

HGTV How-To: Create a Kids’ Desk + Clothespin Clip-Art Rail

by Kayla Kitts July 27, 2011 2 Comments

It’s back to school time, and HGTV is here to help you create that “big kid” desk just in time for the new school year. This custom, kid-sized desk, created by feature blogger/designer Brian Patrick Flynn, is easy to put together by using plywood and stair posts to create the frame. We’re thinking the more vibrant and colorful you paint it, the less they’ll complain about homework time (maybe). Plus, to keep the kiddos (and you) even more organized when schedules, report cards and forms start flying in the door, create this simple, playful clip-art rail.

Kids-Desk-Clothespin-Organizer-HGTV-How-To

Head over to HGTV.com for a complete materials list and detailed step-by-step instructions to create both the stair post kids’ desk and clip-art rails. Then, come back and share your completed (or in-process) projects with us in the comments below.

HGTV How-To: Create No-Sew Embellished Roller Shades

by Kayla Kitts July 13, 2011 5 Comments

So, today is moving day for me! Well, lease-signing day. And that means I have brand new bare windows and walls…a blank slate to go design crazy. No matter what design I choose for my new abode, draperies/shades are something I absolutely cannot live without and must go up — fast. (There’s nothing worse than waking up to a blinding ray of sunlight in your face or introducing yourself to neighbors in a way you never intended.) What I love about roller shades is that you can pair them with floor-to-ceiling draperies for a dramatic and sophisticated look or let them shine on their own. So if you’re looking for some budget-friendly, easy-to-make window treatments, check out this roller shade embellishment project. (You won’t believe how easy it is! No sewing involved.)

DIY-Project-Embellish-Window-Treatments

This teenage girls’ bedroom gets an instant boost of color and detail with the addition of green rick-rack to the bottom of crisp, white roller shades. If rick-rack isn’t your style, you can use any kind of upholstery trim: grosgrain ribbon, bullion fringe, gimp and jute burlap trim, to name a few. Various trim styles allow you to be as elegant or playful as you like. So grab some plain roller shades in your ideal hue, find a gorgeous trim and get crafty! HGTV.com has a detailed materials list and step-by-step instructions (with pictures!) to help you out along the way.

Come back after you’ve finished the project, and let us know how your shades turned out! If you’ve already embarked on a shade embellishment project, share your tips and suggestions with everyone in the comments below.

HGTV How-To: Revamp Eclectic Chairs With Paint

by Kayla Kitts July 6, 2011 8 Comments

Have you ever fallen in love with a chair at the flea market or at a thrift store only to realize it’s an orphan? What can you do with one chair? Turns out this design dilemma has a happy ending. Give that lonely chair a home, and pick up a few others in different shapes, sizes and styles. Paint them all the same color, give them matching upholstery and they’ll immediately look like they belong together.

Dining-Room-Chairs-Paint-How-To-Project

HGTV Design Happens featured author Brian Patrick Flynn turned this eclectic bunch… into these chic, cohesive beauties. Plus, the various chair designs add visual interest to the space in a simple way. Want to recreate the look in your home? Head over to HGTV.com for the full list of materials and step-by-step instructions for this DIY repurposing project. For even more guidance, watch the how-to video with Brian Patrick Flynn. Knock it out in a weekend or over the course of a few rainy days.

And be sure to let us know how your handiwork turned out. Maybe you decided to paint eclectic furniture finds into a matching bedroom set or gave two different side tables a matching coat of paint for the living room. We want to hear all about it!

Tell us in the comments below.

Our DIY Rustic Headboard With Easy Electrical (Video!)

by Erin Loechner June 29, 2011 9 Comments

Our master bedroom is lovely, yes, but it’s been feeling decidedly bare due to a missing statement piece: the headboard. Watch Ken and I build a DIY rustic headboard with a few tools, two vintage lights and a free afternoon. Seriously. Easiest project ever. Enjoy!:

p.s. Love the rustic look? DanMade has some awesome tutorials on how to get the rough-and-tumble aesthetic we love to love.

HGTV How-To: Turn an Old Dresser Into an Outdoor Buffet

by Kayla Kitts June 22, 2011 4 Comments

Fourth of July weekend is just around the corner, which means it’s time to get your outdoor room party-ready … and quick! Last week we spruced up the deck and turned it into a stylish, weather-resistant painted area “rug.” This week, we’re making entertaining even easier by turning an old dresser into an indoor/outdoor serving buffet. Nothing can ruin the mood like having to run inside every five minutes to grab napkins … then plates … then cups … forks. (Not to mention the air conditioning bill.) So, keep your outdoor entertaining essentials easily accessible and stylishly concealed by storing them in a repurposed dresser on your deck or patio.

HGTV-How-to-project-Brian-Patrick-Flynn-outdoor-serving-buffet

And yes, this project gets even more awesome with the addition of casters on the bottom for mobility. So grab that old dresser that’s been collecting dust in your attic or garage, sand it down, give it a few coats of spray paint, attach casters and you’re officially ready for your holiday hosting gig. Check out the detailed shopping list and step-by-step instructions at HGTV.com for this easy-to-create outdoor serving buffet by designer/feature blogger Brian Patrick Flynn. And of course, we want to see and hear about your finished project, too!

Tell us all about it in the comments below.