After buying our first fixer upper house in 2009, transforming it on a zero-budget, and then recently tackling a large-scale addition and renovation in 2014/15, we have tackled do-it-yourself projects big and small. You can catch most of them over at my blog, THE SWEETEST DIGS. There is nothing I love more than rescuing a piece of furniture in the garbage pile and giving it new life by sanding it down, staining or painting, and replacing the hardware. My husband, on the other hand, loves …
Thrift Store DIY – Upcycled Mail Holder
Are you a thrift store junkie? I am. In a big way. I have major “stop the car!” moments whenever hubby and I are driving in a new town and we pass by the local thrift shop. I just can’t help myself. You never know what kind of treasures might be lurking in there for a serious bargain. One of my fave spots where I regularly feed my thrifting habit is Value Village (for you Ottawa folks, I love the one at Merivale and Baseline). Their prices are great, the stores are usually big and offer a …
DIY this: Favourite IKEA Hacks
The IKEA Hack. If you have spent any time at all on Pinterest, you have no doubt come across a few. The idea? You take a piece of IKEA furniture which, although modern and well designed, is probably in both your neighbours and pals’ places too. And who wants their stuff to look like everybody else’s? For me, a well-designed space doesn’t have to cost much, but really should have personality. Interesting artwork, re-furbished pieces, souvenirs from travels, etc all come together to put the …
Yard Sale Finds Transformed
It’s summertime. Do you know what that means? Yeah sure, drinks out on the deck and jumping in the lake, but also... YARD SALE SEASON. There is not much I love more than a Saturday morning out in the sunshine, coffee in hand, browsing around garage sales. It’s my happy place. As an avid DIYer, I'm always on the lookout for neglected pieces that need a little love. If you are in the midst of decorating a room in your pad, stay on the lookout too. Unless you have an unlimited budget for …
