Paint Stripping Head-to-Head: Which is the Best Finish Remover?

by Amber Dickson
Deck stripper head to head: Which product removes finish better?
Photo: Amber Dickson

 My family moved into our current home last year and knew that come summer, the deck would need some attention. The whole surface was in rough shape.  The latex deck coating had flaked off in large areas and in the places where the finish was still present, it was not well-adhered to the surface. This project was going to require more than a quick clean and re-coat, so I decided to find out which deck stripper would do the best job.

After surviving my first New England winter, I really did not want to spend the entire New England summer sanding down the deck.  Summer in New Hampshire lasts for approximately one week and I was ready to hit the beach.  An internet search revealed several deck stain and finish removers available to non-professionals.  Perhaps this would be the key to an easy deck re-finish.             

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Amazing Fall Decor Ideas for Every Style, Budget, and Room

by Rachel Jacks and Faith Towers Provencher

A cozy fall scene with a plaid blanket, hot chocolate, and fall leaves on a wood tray

It may or may not feel like it yet where you live, but I'm sure you don't need to be told that summer is nearing its last days. After a long, hot season, many of us are ready for cooler weather, colorful leaves, hay mazes, and apple picking. It can be fun to bring some of that fall flair into your home decor, too. So whether you want just a touch of fall decor, or want to kick summer to the curb and go all in with your fall decorations, we have tons of ideas for ways to turn your home into a celebration of autumn.          

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Make This! DIY Contemporary Wood and Concrete Coat Rack

by Faith Provencher
DIY Wood and Cement Coat Rack
Photo: Faith Towers Provencher

Our house lacks closet space, especially by the entryway... so I've always wanted a fun coat rack that I could put near the door. But if you've ever tried to buy a coat rack online, you know that it's hard to find a cool one - and the ones that are attractive usually have crazy price tags to match. So of course I decided to make one! Keep reading to check out the instructions for this super easy wood and cement coat rack.   

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Forget What You Know About Nautical Decor: The Complete Guide to Coastal Design

by Amber Dickson
Nautical Decor Design Guide
Photo: Chipper Hatter for CM Natural Design

The widespread appeal of nautical and coastal decor makes a lot of sense when you consider the primal and ancient connection humans have to the sea. Being attracted to the water is hardwired into our very cells. Scientific studies have proven what we already know anecdotally: spending time near, on, or in lakes and oceans make us happier and healthier. It's no wonder that so many of us respond to the colors, clean lines, and natural elements of coastal, beach, and nautical decor. It makes us feel good to be reminded of the sea.

If your initial reaction to the term "coastal decor" is negative, it's probably from witnessing too many cutesy and heavy-handed thematic rooms.  We are not advocating buying and displaying any and all items that have a sailboat or seahorse on them. Good decorating never grows out of an overly simplistic theme, and, "Put an anchor on it" is not a valid design philosophy!           

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My Secret Weapon for Saving Tired Wood Furniture

by Rachel Jacks
Before shot of wood furniture in need of a facelift
Photo: Rachel Jacks

A few years ago, I discovered a product for reviving worn wood that I can't believe I didn't know about sooner. It took the recommendations of two different vintage furniture dealers before I tried it, but now it's an essential step for fixing up any tired-looking wood furniture that comes into my house. Best of all, this miracle-in-a-can is affordable, easy to find, and easy to use. Read on if you're ready to give it a try (or let my "after" photos of the chair above convince you if you think it sounds too good to be true!).             

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Conquer Clutter with 44 DIY Jewelry Organizers and Displays You Can Make Yourself

by Rachel Jacks

Display your jewelry with these DIY jewelry organizers and storage ideas you can make yourself. #DIY #jewelry #jewelrystorage #organization

As fun as jewelry is to collect and wear, it can be tricky to figure out how to store all your pieces. If you're not careful, it can too easily turn into clutter. Home organization stores would love to convince you to run out and spend tons of money on jewelry organizers and storage. But if you're willing to get a bit crafty, you can easily make your own DIY jewelry organizer or holder to store your jewelry in style.               

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How to Build Floating Shelves 7 Different Ways

by Rachel Jacks
Want to build your own floating shelves? Here are 7 different tutorials that show you how.
Photo: Rachel Jacks

When I first set out to build live-edge floating shelves in my kitchen a few years back, I had no idea how to do it. At the time, I had to figure a lot out myself. Luckily for you, the internet now has step-by-step instructions for a variety of different methods for building shelves without visible brackets. Having personally built floating shelves two different ways, I can tell you that it's not difficult once you have some basic woodworking skills. I managed to do it even as a beginner. Here are seven different tutorials that will help you build the floating shelves (or floating corner shelves!) of your dreams.          

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