DIY Sites & Resources

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.

Home Decorating Websites

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.

DIY Websites for Building & Remodeling

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.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).

DIY Sites for Interior & Exterior Painting

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.

Paint Quality Institute An excellent resource if you're planning DIY painting projects. The site provides detailed, hands-on information about all aspects of interior and exterior painting, including sections on surface prepping, tools, specialty paints, faux finishing, color theory, and color trends.

DIY Sites For Garden Ideas

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.

www.rose-gardening- made-easy.com
If you're thinking of growing your own roses, have a look at Annelie Piccino's site - it's full of creative ideas and infectious enthusiasm for gardening with roses.