August 2015
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17 Summer Spruce-ups for Under $75
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These simple, cost-effective projects will pay off in more ways than merely going easy on your bank balance. Enjoy more of your home in style!
- Alcove accent. Create a unique highlight in an alcove or any recessed space by wallpapering the back wall with a flashy design.
- Door defense. Install a polished brass peephole with a fish-eye lens. A sliding metal cover keeps it private and adds a neat finish.
- Shelf help. Bed too tall or bedroom too small? Instead of scouring stores for a nightstand that fits, mount a hanging wall shelf beside the bed.
- Roller-shade derby. Perk up plain roller window shades with decorative stencils and a bit of fabric paint.
- Your own private patio. Screen off an open outdoor porch by hanging floor-to-ceiling outdoor curtains with grommet tops that slide right onto the rod.
- Shower of power. Trade that boring (and too short for tall bathers!) showerhead in for another with an articulating arm, and simulated downpour flow!
- Linen closet lifesaver. Eliminate closet clutter by tucking toiletries, washcloths and incidentals into an over-the-door hanging shoe organizer (good for shoes, too!).
- Picture perfection. Highlight favorite books or art with wall mounted, battery-powered, cordless picture lights.
- Chair correction. Mix mismatched chairs from the thrift store by painting them all the same color. Latex semi-gloss covers well and is easy to clean when dry.
- Forest fantasy. Line a small closet with aromatic cedar panels for a fresh smelling, moth free experience for your clothing.
- Mural maker. Let your imagination run free—or your child's—without wrecking the walls. Paint a mural on adhesive-backed, removable wallpaper canvas.
- Towel hook tradeoff. Replace towel hooks or rods with a swing-out towel bar. These look great and help towels dry faster by keeping them separated.
- Seat silencer. End the slamming toilet sound with slow-close lid technology.
- Soda fountain style. A wall mounted bottle opener at the breakfast bar or a conspicuous kitchen corner will keep the fun flowing. You can even add a cap catcher, if you like.
- Door panel delights. Have your local glass shop custom cut a mirror to fit the recessed panel of any door. Then simply glue it into place.
- Make a splash. Tile the wall between your bathroom sink and vanity mirror. Adhere backsplash tiles with mortar, grout the joints, then lay a bead of caulk where the tiles meet the countertop for waterproofing.
- Direct those drawers. You'd usually only think to use them in the kitchen, but you can keep bathroom or vanity drawers organized with utensil dividers.
Source: This Old House
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