DIY Ideas

lighting

Cool Idea: DIY Sconces For Renters

As a renter, I always assumed that sconces were out of the question for me.

As a renter, I always assumed that sconces were out of the question for me. Even candle options can seem impractical for everyday use. Thanks to my latest discovery, though, I'm enjoying the flattering yet focused glow of my very own electrical sconces, and I owe my newfound lighting freedom to New York-based blogger Daniel Kanter of Manhattan Nest.

Daniel came up with a perfectly brilliant resolution — a swanky sconce fashioned from three main components: a $5 Ikea Fräck bathroom mirror, a chrome-dipped Edison bulb, and colorful cording. As promised, it's incredibly affordable, surprisingly easy to assemble, and actually pretty versatile — even if industrial chic isn't your bag. The best part? Aside from being able to take them with you when you move, you'll now have space for essential nightstand toppers (like flowers!).

Keep reading to see my take on the sconce hack and read on for Daniel's step-by-step tutorial.

Holiday

A Natural Tree Stand For an Unnatural Tree

Here's a post from OnSugar blog Smorgasbord: This is precisely why I love the Internet.

Here's a post from OnSugar blog Smorgasbord:

This is precisely why I love the Internet. There's so much inspiration out there. So many wonderful ideas that I would have never come up with on my own. Like using a log as a tree stand for a faux Christmas tree.

The extra height the log gives the tree will make it easier for Santa to get those bigger packages underneath.

Want to see more? Start following Smorgasbord! Or start your own OnSugar blog; maybe your posts will be featured here too!

Before and After: A Sweet Galley Kitchen Makeover

The prospect of renovating a kitchen or bathroom is usually an expensive one.

The prospect of renovating a kitchen or bathroom is usually an expensive one. And, unfortunately, there are too many kitchens that look the one in this 1939 bungalow, bruised with dreary cabinets, cringe-inducing laminate countertops, and no sense of personal style. Luckily, one designer has proven that a few budget-friendly details and a DIY attitude are all you need to give your kitchen the fresh update it craves. Rather than making expensive replacements and tearing down walls, she concentrated on reworking the existing surfaces.


To see how she made the changes, read more