The Kallals are a family of six who live in a dome-like home. They moved into this home in 2013 when the architecture of the place resembled that of the 70s. An architect named Adam Rasmussen helped the Kallal’s redesign their home by taking out some walls and opening up some space to let light in. Ultimately their redesigned home has a modern layout. However, the dome structure of the house … [Read more...]
Vinyl Siding vs. Fiber Cement
If you've been reading with us for a while, you know Mr. Sthole is going to build me a home when we retire. The part of the country we're going to settle down in gets very dark and dreary in the winter time, which can last for several months. I have been debating on which color to "pint" the house to make sure that something on our block is cheery enough in the winter to stand out against the … [Read more...]
10 Great Woodworking Woods
BobVila.com has put together a list of the top 10 woodworking woods, their characteristics and their uses. Ash Characteristics: Gray-brown; straight, pronounced grain; coarse texture; heavy and strong Uses: Bats, hockey sticks, tool handles, furniture, curved boat parts Price: $$ Butternut Characteristics: White to light brown; soft; straight, coarse grain Uses: Carving, cabinets, … [Read more...]
Do or Don't: Copper Countertops
There are mixed reviews about copper countertops so here are some facts about the pros and cons of using copper countertops from TheKitchn.com. In the kitchen, a copper counter top is known as a "living" surface, which means that (like copper cookware) it reacts to acid. Unsealed copper counter tops will oxidize and tarnish over time, giving it a unique patina with hints of red, green, and brown … [Read more...]
30 Kids Desks: Back To School
It's back to school time and whether your child has already started school or is still gearing up, this slide show will give you 30 pictures of great study areas and kids desks. That's a lot of pictures! Surely you'll see something in here to inspire you and help you get your creative juices flowing to put together the perfect study space for your little scholar this … [Read more...]
The Bus Cabin
Have you ever dreamed of owning a school bus and traveling the country? Well no, me either, but if I were to, this is how I would do it! Check out this bus cabin. An old school bus that has been redone into a cabin. A week before Hank Butitta's final semester as a graduate architecture student at the University of Minnesota, he had no idea what his thesis project would be. One thing he did … [Read more...]
Sanding Wood- A Basic How To
You come across several projects that step one is simply "Sand the wood down" but for first time DIY-ers you may or may not know exactly what this means. So what does sanding your wood projects entail exactly? Bob Vila has the answers. BobVila.com What Is Sanding? Though sanding makes wood feel smoother, it’s really the process of abrading wood fibers so that they are rendered uniformly … [Read more...]
Design Dictionary: Enfilade
In the middle of this move, I have found myself more and more interested in learning things that I can use in my new home. This one has more to do with architecture than design. This one is more interesting from a photography point of view for me. So here it is: ENFILADE: A term in architecture for a series of rooms with doors in line with each other, providing a vista through … [Read more...]
Build An Affordable Shelving Unit!
There are so many needs for additional storage all around your house and here is a super in depth tutorial of an affordable storage option that didn't look like it would take too terribly much and depending on how you decorate it could actually be quite stylish and for sure efficient. Here is the supply list: Plumbing pipe and fittings (all at 1/2″) Supply list: Fittings: 18 – 90º Elbows 14 – … [Read more...]
Design Dictionary- Gadrooning
Design Dictionary is back again today with Gadrooning. GADROONING : any ornamental device consisting of convex curves in a series. Often has rounded ends resembling flower petals. Widely used as molding and as the edge of a pedestal or tabletop. Seen frequently in the Italian Renaissance and the 18th century. Sometimes used to create a spiral effect. Full … [Read more...]