DIY Home Decor Categories

Small Space. Big Style.

Four Ideas for Petite Patios

Whether you live in the middle of bustling city, are a 20-something in your first apartment, or just don’t want to deal with a big backyard, there are a lot of ways to deck out a small patio with your signature style. Get inspired by these ideas that will add form and function to your outdoor space.

Purposeful Pieces

Make your outdoor area work for you by selecting furniture pieces that do double (or triple!) duty. At the end of the day, you want your patio to allow you to do three things – relax, eat and socialize – and it’s easy to create spaces that do more than one.

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A cozy reading nook can easily be turned into a spot for breakfast or coffee with a friend! Just add a small table and an extra chair to make the most of this space. Try adding lightweight accents that can easily be tucked away when you need a little more room on the table.

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Flexible Furniture

If you have a small patio, you need furniture that’s flexible in more ways than one. For a quick table setup, try a folding table and chairs. But don’t worry – you don’t have to resort to boring pieces just to be practical. There are lots of whimsical options for folding furniture that will fit your style and space.

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Your furniture can also do double duty. A cute end table that holds a candle or your favorite summer drink can easily play the part of extra chair when guests come over. This idea is stylish and space-saving!

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Think Up…

Thinking horizontal? Think again. If you have a small patio, it’s important to take advantage of vertical space to make the most of your décor options. Lighting, plants and storage can be taken off the ground and put up in the air to give you more room.

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Vertical planters are a great way to add plants to your patio or outdoor area. Wall or floor options can both work well, as long as they get your greenery off the ground. String lights are another great way to save patio space. They add ambiance and a festive touch to your outdoor oasis without adding bulk.

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…And Down

Don’t forget the floor! Defining your outdoor space will help you take advantage of your small patio. Rugs help set boundaries and come in all shapes and sizes. Two small rugs could divide your tiny patio into two areas – one for eating and one for relaxing.

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Rugs can also add a bold pop to a drab apartment balcony or patio. Try a bright pattern or a bright color. Or, if your furniture or accents are what you want to pop, try a clean, neutral rug that adds comfort to the space without overwhelming it.

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We want to see how you’ve spruced up your small patio! Try out the tips above, then share your creations with us using #AtHomeFinds. 

The post Small Space. Big Style. appeared first on At Home Blog.

Inside a Gnome’s Mind

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Nobody spends more time in the garden than us gnomes. Except for maybe mosquitoes, the pesky little buggers. We little folk know lots of ways to create an outdoor space that will make your friends green with envy. Well, don’t just stand there growing roots! Follow us into the garden and we’ll show you some  of our favorite little ways to make a big impact.

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Enchanting Décor 

First things first, if your garden doesn’t have a few gnomes in it, you re missing out. Place a few of us in your garden to watch over your plants and bring good luck. While you’re at it, pick out a few other mystical flourishes for an enchanting area to make the wee ones feel right at home.

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The View From Here

Creating a serene garden is a great way to relax and enjoy the fresh air. These charming décor suggestions will help you create a cozy & quirky outdoor space everyone will notice.

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Yard Art

Garden accents should all about the green stuff: plants! From flower-friendly décor like planters and watering cans to over sized garden statues, every item should enhance the appearance of our sunlight-loving  superstars.

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Night Lights 

Everyone knows that you big’uns can t see in the dark as well as us gnomes. Think about how to light up your garden at night after the fireflies have gone to bed. Hang a few stylish lanterns or consider lighting solutions like string lights or solar-powered path lights for dark areas and walkways.

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Go with the Flow

A great way to add some ambiance to your garden is by using water fountains. Not only are these stylish selections easy on the eye, but the sound of trickling water soothes the nerves and attracts birds.

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Welcome to Our Birdhouse

And speaking of out feathered friends, hang a few birdhouses in your backyard. Winged ones will love you for it. They’ll even help keep annoying insects under control. (Sorry, mosquitoes.)

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The post Inside a Gnome’s Mind appeared first on At Home Blog.

Get On the Plant Trend With These 10 Easy DIY Hanging Planters

(Image credit: Oh Joy!)

The plant parents of the world are all about taking good care of their green children, from “Watering Wednesdays” to giving each houseplant their own unique name. But why stop there? Why not give them some extra love by hand-making their home and giving them even more reason to thrive. Plus, who actually has an overflow of floor and shelf space to spare for your ever-growing collection?

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Stretch Your Budget and Your Space: Clever DIYs for Small Homes

(Image credit: Sinnen Rausch)

Here at Apartment Therapy, we’re huge fans of clever, space-saving furniture and accessories for small spaces. The problem with these things, though, is that often even if they’re small, they’re not cheap, and it’s very likely that your budget is one of the reasons you’re living in a small apartment in the first place. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up 15 DIY projects that will help you get the most out of your small space — and your budget too.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Hardwood Flooring

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Can hardwood flooring be placed over an existing floor?

Engineered wood flooring can sometimes be placed atop an existing floor by ‘floating’ it, which is a process by which it is glued to the underlying surface. The existing floor has to be very stable, however, and must itself be firmly secured. Additionally, some floor manufacturer’s warranties will not cover this process or will have specific guidelines.

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Can hardwood flooring be placed over a concrete slab?

It is possible to float an engineered floor directly onto a concrete slab if certain conditions are met. The slab must be clean and dry and preferably in an environment where moisture is low year-round. Additionally, the slab must be on or below grade and fully-cured, to ensure an optimal seal is made when the hardwood is applied.

Can a radiant heat floor be covered in hardwood?

It is possible, although it is important to check the warranty information for your specific flooring because this often has implications for coverage. If the process is covered, hardwood flooring can be floated above a radiantly heated sub-floor as long as the surface temperature of the floor doesn’t surpass 85 degrees.

Is engineered wood flooring better than solid?

Yes. Engineered wood is of higher quality and made to exact standards that allow for greater precision in projects. Engineered wood is factory-produced and finished with an exceptionally tough UV-cured urethane with melamine. In short, engineered wood will last longer and fit better than solid flooring.

Can a kitchen have hardwood flooring?

It is possible to apply hardwood flooring to any room, but caution should be used in the kitchen. Extended contact with liquids is a serious problem for all wood floors and kitchens are prone to spills.

What hardwood floor has the most durability?

While all modern hardwood flooring is exceptionally durable, certain species of hardwood are tougher than others. The Janka Hardness rating can be used to gain a perspective on which species are the hardest and most durable.

Are indoor pets a problem with hardwood flooring?

Indoor pets are not inherently a problem, although there are some things to take note of. Pet’s with claws can damage hardwood surfaces over time and this damage is rarely covered by manufacturer warranty. Additionally, liquid exposure from pet water and food dishes, or pets themselves, can damage flooring over time.

Can paste wax be used on hardwood flooring?

Modern hardwood flooring has generally been treated with urethane that is not compatible with paste wax.

Ultimate Halloween Checklist

If you’re looking for some haunting Halloween spirit, you gotta get a ghost. Or maybe two. Or three.

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  1. Ghastly Ghost Inflatable
  2. Ghost Lady with Light Eyes
  3. Hanging Witch Ghost

Jack O Lantern

Is versatile décor the order of the day? Well, it’s time to use your gourd. Jack O’ Lanterns aren’t just for porches anymore. These grinning ghouls look great on mantels, on windowsills, in empty corners…

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  1. Large Light Up Pumpkin
  2. Black Orange Pumpkin
  3. Jack O Lantern with LED Candle 

 

Skeletons

Skeletons are iconic figure at Halloween. Go ahead, pick a bone, any bone.

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  1. Chrome Gold Skeleton
  2. Skeleton Dog
  3. Ground-Breaking Skeleton

 

Lighting

Lighting is essential to create a macabre mood. Hang string lights anywhere you need that eerie glow, or crate a mesmerizing display on your front lawn with a spinning light show.

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  1. 10-Ct Spider String Lights
  2. Light Show Phantasm
  3. 20-Ct LED Lights

 

Orange & Black Décor

Forget all that talk about orange being the new black. At Halloween, both of these fall colors work together to create a backdrop that virtually screams out “trick-or- treat!

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  1. Coir Pumpkin Doormat
  2. Glitter Bat Wreath
  3. Whirl-A-Motion Spider Inflatable
  4. Barry Boo Ghost Pillow
  5. Scenery LED Pillar
  6. Halloween Iron Tree

 

Pro-Tip: Scatter your favorite pieces from the above categories around the house for little pops of Halloween inspiration in every room, or arrange them in clusters to create a story.

How do you show off your decorating hocus pocus around your home? Tag us at #AtHomeFinds.

The post Ultimate Halloween Checklist appeared first on At Home Blog.

The 8 Tools Every DIYer Should Always Have on Hand

(Image credit: Lucy Feagins / The Design Files)

In college I had a ‘beginner’s toolbox’ with basics like a hammer, level, tape measure, and mini cordless drill. This little baby drill became the bane of my existence. It never held a charge, wasn’t powerful enough for even self-tapping screws, and made the highest pitched whine. As soon as I was able to, I invested in a cordless power drill and learned an important lesson. Get the good stuff.

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Decorating Procrastination Salvation

Decoration Procrastination Salvation for Under $30

You just looked at the calendar, and October 31st is almost next weekend. The days have slipped away, and you have almost no time to get ready for Halloween and transform your house or porch for the trick-or-treaters”! That’s why we’ve assembled some of our favorite procrastination picks that make a big impact in your home, with very little effort.

Outdoor Ideas

Gone are the days of spending hours stringing lights through your bushes – instead try these projection light show solutions!

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Lightshows Under $25

These little projectors work some big magic. Simply stick them in the ground, plug them in and watch the entire surface of your home light up with dancing skeletons, crawling spiders or a colorful pattern (watch this video to see it in action). This lightshow will wow the entire block with less than 5 minutes of effort on your part.

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  1. Whirl-a-Motion Skeleton Light Show
  2. Fire and Ice Yard Light Show
  3. Whirl-a-Motion Colored Spider Light Show

 

Inflatables Under $30

With endless styles, sizes, characters and animations, this effortless outdoor décor will make your yard a Halloween wonderland. Just connect these guys to power to get them going!

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  1. Enter If You Dare Inflatable
  2. Inflatable Darth Vader
  3. Witch Legs Inflatable

 

Indoor Ideas

Whether you need to decorate for a big party or just want your home to have a little Halloween flair, these décor ideas are fast, budget-friendly and frighteningly fun!

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A Ghostly Glow for Under $20

A little lighting goes a long way. Create an eerie ambiance with unique, budget-friendly lighting options that double as décor. Bloody Edison bulbs create a spooky, throwback vibe, while a light-up ghost sign or skeleton candle can bring Halloween to life in your home for less.

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  1. 10-count Bloody Edison Bulbs
  2. Ghost Letters Hanging Light
  3. Bleeding Skull Candle

 

Festive Accents for Under $15

Finish up your last-minute indoor décor with a few fun accents. Halloween caution tape adds creepy for less cash, while a smiling jack-o’-lantern (that you won’t have to carve) or a flying ghost will complete your Halloween scene.

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  1. 100-ft Caution Tape
  2. Medium Light-Up Pumpkin
  3. Animated Flying Ghost

 

Fun with Fabric for Under $5

Good old fabric can easily set a spooky mood in your home! Black gauze cloth draped across your walls or a cute hanging ghost in the entryway can get your home Halloween-party ready. Try fun mesh to adorn buffets, coffee tables, mantels and more!

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  1. Black Gauze Cloth
  2. Small Hanging Ghost
  3. Orange Halloween Mesh

 

BONUS: Costume Quick Fixes Under $6

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Your home may be Halloween-ready now, but don’t forget your costume! Made for two-legged and four-legged creatures, these cute headbands, hats and masks all cost under $6 and are easy to throw together last minute. Plus, your pup will love showing off their Halloween style!

 

For You

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  1. Unicorn Headband Kit
  2. Silver and Black Animal Mask
  3. Spider Web Witch Hat

 

For Fido

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  1. Princess Leia Headband
  2. Tan Cowboy Hat
  3. Shark Hat

 

Whether you put together your Halloween home décor months or minutes before the big day, share your creepy casa with us using #AtHomeFinds.

 

The post Decorating Procrastination Salvation appeared first on At Home Blog.