Tips and Tricks

People always seem genuinely surprised by my home improvement projects. While flattering, what I do can be done by anyone. In the past few years I have attempted and accomplished tasks I never really thought about until home-ownership. 

If you are in the position of updating your home, but don't know where to start, I am going to give you 5 tips and tricks to get your ball rolling.

1. Contact paper is not just for shelves. While it lines and protects your shelves great, this product can do so much more. Put it on walls, countertops, mirrors, glass, furniture. It comes in all patterns and finishes...and it's so inexpensive, there is no reason not to consider contact paper for some fun updates.
   Here are some of my uses:
   (If there is a blog about it, the picture is the link...)

Wall decal

New countertops

Pantry backsplash

Laundry room stripe

Chalkboard table

   2. Spray Paint fixes a lot. It makes things look new, clean, shiny, and cheap! It can be used on almost everything. Though, you will probably have to practice on getting a certain "professional" application skill...but the finish project always comes out great.

Foyer light

Lorelai's nightstand

Front porch

Lorelai's dresser

   3. Don't be afraid to sand and stain/paint. This is loads cheaper than ripping out the old and buying and installing the new. If you can salvage it, do it. It's work, but sanding and staining is not that hard, just time-consuming!

I restained every bathroom cabinet

Repainted the kitchen cabinets

Refinished and restained the deck

Restaining the master bathroom

   4. Vinyl tiles are not the enemy. Though they have a bad rep, vinyl tiles are not bad at all, in fact, I love them. They are easy to install, nice to the wallet, easy to replace, and they are surprisingly versatile. Plus, they are not as hard and cold as ceramic. You might mess up a few tiles, but you get the hang of it pretty quick.

Kitchen backsplash

Kitchen sink backsplash

Master bathroom tile

   5. Think outside the box, be creative. If you think of something you want, try making it. It will be custom, far cheaper, and specifically what you want. Don't be afraid to dig flower beds, knock a hole in the wall, fix a pipe...know your limits, but give it a whirl. You'll be surprised, hopefully in a good way. ;)

DIY headboard

New flowerbed

Mudroom-like station

Starburst mirror

Installing the dishwasher

Hope this helps anyone stuck on what to do. Also, I have done far more than I thought, haha. ;)

M.LEWIS