For the last 3 years, I’ve dreamt about installing backsplash in our 1920s Craftsman kitchen. I, personally, have never loved the look of paint in lieu of backsplash, and I especially wasn’t fond of the orange sherbet hue that came with the house. For years, I imagined how I would install tile backsplash, but there…
Category: before/after
DIY Indow Windows (Interior Storm Windows) with the Magnetseal Kit
How to make and install your own custom interior storm windows
How to Clean Your Kids’ Shoes in Seconds
Clean grubby shoes in seconds with your power drill and this handy brush attachment.
Converting an Office to a Nursery, Part 3: Furnishings
After dealing with the nursery windows and walls, it’s finally time to dive into the (most) fun part: furniture and decor! I was in an enviable situation in that I got almost all my furniture items as hand-me-downs, or repurposed furniture from other rooms, and ended up buying only a few small items. Because it…
Converting an Office to a Nursery, Part 2: Wallpaper
After completing the window coverings, it was time to move my attention to the office walls. They were painted an inoffensive, somber shade of green — way too serious for a baby’s room. I have a well known love for wallpaper, so I started ordering swatches with glee. My idea was to do a feature…
Converting an Office to a Nursery, Part 1: Re-covering Roman Shades with Custom Fabric
This is the first of a 3-part series on how I converted our tiny (8′ x 12′) home office into a nursery. In addition to the limited floorspace, this room came with a major design challenge: Three walls of windows (seven windows total). I mean, I love natural light as much as anyone, but SEVEN…
How to convert your closet into a bedroom
Author’s note: This post is from 2010, back when I was single, living in a studio in DC. This was always a popular post so I’m leaving it here, as it captures the spirit of what jkcoolmom is all about. I like to tell people I sleep in my closet. Rents are rising faster…
How to stripe furniture with electric tape
So I got this wonderful vintage sideboard off Craigslist, and decided it was a little too “solid wood”-looking for my small dining area. It just seemed to take too much visual weight, and the walnut clashed a little with my espresso dining table. How to make it look more whimsical and less traditional? Easy –…
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