I've cherry-picked the DIY sites on this page because of the
high-quality, free information they offer.
This section will grow steadily to provide you with inspiration, ideas and how-to instructions from DIY websites that cover useful topics around your home.
There are so many interior decorating DIY sites out there that choosing what to read
and what to ignore isn't always easy. Here are two sites I have found very useful.
www.home-
decorating-room-by-room.com
I secretly think of Gloria Daniels' website as
the zero-b.s. guide to the home decorator's universe. You can download
worksheets, checklists, and all manner of useful tools. Whatever nuts-and-
bolts home decorating info you're after, you'll either find it on Gloria's site,
or she'll have a link to it. Gloria has been there, she's done it, and she knows what
she's (calmly and methodically) talking about. Highly recommended!
www.great-home-
decorating.com
Another home decorating site I can really recommend. It has
decorating and design ideas for all interior decorating styles, including living
room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and much more. Written by Florida-based interior
designer Candi Randolph, the site also features budget friendly tips and advice.
www.easycurtainideas.com
Lee Stevens has 20 years' experience of making windows look good, and his site documents
the art with easy-to-follow instructions and how-to videos. Lee will also answer
specific questions if you need additional information!
Whether you're preparing to sell your home or just want to make improvements to it,
here's a motherlode of information that might come in handy.
www.house-flipping-helper.
com
The site provides excellent remodeling information, with tips and advice
to help you get your house looking good and ready to sell. Written by Keith
Kleinholter, a US-based, professional builder and property investor with lots of
experience.
www.commonsense-home-repair.
com
Home repairs feature heavily on most people's list of "Things I'll do another day".
They usually involve dirt and expense. Before you call a tradesman in, check out Gerry
Barr's site - he may be able to spare you - well, not the dirt, but probably
some of the expense. Lots of pictures, great instructions,
plus chuckles, all free.
www.secrets-of-
shed-building.com
A shed is the place to have tea with a friend, stash away
your gardening tools, park the mountainbike, write a best-selling novel, take a
nap from writing your best-selling novel, or read someone else's.
A shed can
also add value to your home, and John Coupe's professional expertise and advice
will help you get it exactly right. He's a structural engineer with a lovely
sense of humor (and a soft spot for sheds).
Painting your home can be a daunting job, and while I can give you ideas and
inspiration for coloring every room, I'm happy to leave the professional details
to the painting pros!
Painting Ideas & Techniques
This site is written by an experienced Dutch painter, Evelien Nijeboer, and it
contains a motherlode of information about interior and faux painting
techniques (plus all manner of tips and tricks to make your walls look their best).
If you're wondering how to paint a blue wall that really looks vibrant and stunning,
Evelien can put you on the right track.
House Painting Guide
House painting information for the do-it-yourself homeowner with detailed
instructions and helpful tips. Topics include interior and exterior surface preparation,
interior and exterior house painting techniques, drywall repair instructions,
wood refinishing, wood deck refinishing and staining, choosing the best painting
tools and paint colors.
Art For Your Walls
A wall decor guide about all the stuff you can do with your empty walls.
From painting gorgeous colors to displaying your wall art with panache, you'll find
lots of wall decorating ideas and information on artist Oana Cretu's well-researched
website.
New Jersey House
Painting Contractor's Guide
House painting ideas, money-saving tips, professional
advice and project inspiration - everything you need to protect, beautify and raise
the value of your house.
An outdoor space, even if it's just a tiny balcony, can add a lot of enjoyment - and flair - to your home. There are even ways to create indoor 'garden' spaces.
If you're into 'green' gardening, consider lighting your garden in ways that don't deplete fossil energy resources.
www.solar-energy-pros.com is a very informative site about all manner of solar energy utilization in and around your home. Check out their page on solar power garden lights to see what I mean!