Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

Tag: DIY

  • Ask a Pro: A Repurposed Entertainment Center for Get-Togethers

    An entertainment center is essential to any home, as it’s the perfect place to bring everyone together, but what if you’re building one from a re-purposed vintage piece? Interior design expert and Dream Team member Jennifer Adams has the answers to turn old furnishings into new functional – and stylish – decor  in the latest edition of Ask a Pro!

     

    Q. I need to create an entertainment center on a main wall of my living area.  I have an old sideboard buffet piece with marble top and 4 drawers. It is sort of traditional in style. It is low to the ground and 48″ wide.  I want to add shelves on the side I think to extend the width on the wall. (My wall is 16′ long).  Can you suggest a style to look for? I was also thinking I should paint all 3 pieces to create a more modern look.  Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

    — Linda S.

     

    A. What a great idea to use your sideboard in a new way, I love this. Adding shelves to both sides will help make much more of a statement, and will frame your sideboard to highlight it like the treasure it is. I agree with you that the 48” wide sideboard all by itself is not going to hold its own against your big wall!

    I’m assuming you want to add a TV. If you don’t have one yet, think about getting one that is close to 48” wide to match your sideboard, or go a little smaller. Note that it’s 48” in width, not what size the TV is considered! When you buy a 52” TV, that’s the dimension of the diagonal, measured corner to corner. You’ll have to dig deep or measure the display model to find out what the actual width really is.

    Look for shelving units that come in a variety of sizes and shapes. A sleek, modern system would contrast your sideboard nicely. I love to mix and match vintage treasures with modern pieces. Choose two tall units for the sides, ideally to be taller than the TV.

    And to finish off the look, add another shelf to go above the TV. Ideally the top of this shelf would align with the top of the side units, but the center part above the TV could be taller if the pieces aren’t working out, or if you need more space above the TV. Also, please be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions about securing your shelves to the wall if necessary.

    As far as painting goes, I don’t think it matters if all the pieces match or not, it’s just what you prefer. I would definitely have all the new shelves match each other, and be a color that coordinates with your sideboard. You could always live with that for a while and paint later!

    —Jennifer A.

     

  • 5 Unique Art Ideas to Decorate Blank Walls

    Creating artwork to decorate blank walls is easier than you think with our creative and unique ideas. Watch the video below for five simple decor ideas that will give your home the stylish update you’ve been looking for. From repurposed chargers to travel photos to shadow boxes to floating shelves, the DIY art decor possibilities are endless!

    5 Unique Art Ideas to Decorate Blank Walls

    Which of these crafty ideas will you try first? For more stylish lifestyle tips and tricks, visit us on YouTube!

  • How to Arrange Flowers Like a Pro

    You can arrange flowers like a pro with our easy how-to video guide! Skip the florist and the price tag, with these simple tips that turn any group of flowers into a stunning arrangement. Get started here:

    How to Arrange Flowers Like a Pro:

    First, choose a vase that works best with your arrangement. Remember that a flared opening will help stems lean naturally, adding dimension. Gather your choice of 5 types of flowers and 2 types of leaves, 1 to 1.5 times the height of the vase. Cut the stems at an angle. Arrange the stems in a web and incorporate the leaves as filler.

    Now you have an arrangement that is beautiful and better than the flower shop!

  • Five Ways to Decorate a Coffee Table

    The coffee table often serves as the hub of your living area. It doubles as a functional hot-spot and a decor focal point! We all love to decorate a coffee table for maximum appeal, and convenience, with items we already have at home. From books, to trays, to flowers, see below for our 5 easy tips to style your coffee table:

    5 Ways to Decorate a Coffee Table

    1. A stack of pretty books is one easy way to showcase your coffee table’s elegance with simplicity.
    2. Add a simple tray with some accessories to improve your coffee table’s style.
    3. Group similar items together on your coffee table to create a streamlined and organized look.
    4. Layer in decorative pieces to create a perfectly designed look for your coffee table.
    5. Arrange your items in a truly chic way by grouping items together of a similar color palette together.

  • Professional vs. DIY: How to Choose

    When it comes to repairs and projects within your home, Pinterest boards make it look easy. However, there are some things that you should hire a professional for and others that you can handle on your own, which leads to the inevitable debate: Professional vs. DIY? If you aren’t very handy, crafty, or creative, this dilemma can often be solved with one answer – hire a professional. However, even natural do-it-yourself kinds of people find themselves wondering which route is the best. Here are some things to consider that can help you find the perfect option for all of your projects.

    Professional vs. DIY: How to Choose - bhgrelife.com1. Evaluate Your Skills

    Before starting any home improvements or repairs, the first thing you need to consider is your skills. You may have all the willpower in the world, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that a job will be done properly. You also want to ask yourself if you have the energy and time to take on the project. If not, hiring a professional can get the job done well and in a timely manner. However, if you have the skills required, will enjoy the task, and have time to do it, then some do-it-yourself action may be the better option.

  • Foolproof DIYs You Will Want to Do this Year

    Do-it-Yourself projects (DIYs) are a huge trend right now for many reasons. These are the projects you don’t need a natural talent for craftiness, or professional skills, to perfect. With a quick online search, you’ll be amazed what you can make out of the old belongings laying around your home. Here are some of the top foolproof DIYs for 2016 that can thoroughly enhance the interior of your home while putting something old to good use.

    Foolproof DIYs You Will Want to Do this Year - bhgrelife.com

    1. Use a Paint Pen in Your Kitchen

    Paint pens are one of the coolest things out there for foolproof DIYs. They’re also incredibly inexpensive and super simple to use. You can use one to write elegant cursive or add unique designs on your mugs, keeping paint away from any part of the surface your mouth might touch; once you design the mug, you just need to bake it for 40 minutes at 375 degrees. You can do the same on your dining set or teapot and even wine glasses. Before you know it, you’ll have a dose of individuality added to your kitchen with little effort.

  • Five DIY Serving Ideas to Impress Guests

    Dinner parties are a great way to have friends and family members over to your home. If you are looking for more creative ways to serve food than simply putting it on a tray, check out the list below for five DIY serving ideas to create beautiful, innovative DIY table arrangements with items that you probably already have.

    Five DIY Serving Ideas to Impress Guests - bhgrelife.com

    1. Mason Jars

    Rather than piling food on a serving tray, consider single servings of dishes in small, clear mason jars. Mason jars are readily available at most hardware and home goods stores, and they are also affordable. They are excellent for serving a first course, such as soup or a cold salad. Alternatively, use them to serve dessert by putting either single servings or toppings for ice cream in them so that people can create their own sundaes. You can also give guests mason jars filled with candy or baked goods as party favors.

  • Five Party Themes for Fall

    Fall is a great time to throw a party. The weather is a comfortable cool. There are still a few months before it’s all snow and cold! If you’re planning a party, here are few suggestions for the best fall-themed party ever!

    Rustic

    rusticRustic is a great fall party theme for those who prefer a restrained and minimalist approach to party decoration. Small twigs and fallen branches are not hard to come by this season. Collect them in a tall vase and arrange some dried leaves to create the focal point of your party table. Be sure to gather enough leaves in varying shades of red and yellow to add excitement to your arrangement.


  • How To Enjoy Your Own Party

    You’ve double-checked the invites, tried out the recipes, rearranged the decoration, and recounted the gift bags. Yet it seems you might have overlooked something. With all the planning, cooking, and hosting, it’s easy to forget to have fun and enjoy the festivities you have worked so hard to bring about. These practical tips will save you time and headache so you can focus on having a good time your own party.

    1. Get the date into the books early. This is the busiest time of the year for EVERYTHING—so lock it in. Send out a quick email reminder, followed by an evite.

    Save_the_Date

  • Fall Feast … Almost Famous

    Fall party

    Fall FeastThink of this as a Halloween after-party for adults, while the goblins stay home with the sitter. Invite your friends to come as their favorite celebrity. Assign everyone a number at the door and make a game of who can guess every famous-face in the room.