The DiggersList Blog | Home improvement treats!

Vintage Digs: Bar Cart Gets A Second Shot Makeover

Three tiered 1950s vintage bar cart. Source: diggerslist.com

Why certain home decor items and furniture pieces “trend out” is a mystery. Maybe there’s some kind of a cosmic design collective at work. Take the vintage bar cart, currently the “hot thing”, available in many styles: two and three tiers, metal, glass, wood, with and without casters, etc. I found this mid century modern cart above on DiggersList for just $40, posted by the Littleton Habitat ReStore. With a little paint and the following how-to instructions, you can makeover your own in a jiffy, and have guests toasting to your DIY prowess.

Monogrammed bar cart. Source: keller-creative.com

Monogrammed bar cart: I love the idea of personalizing a bar cart, especially when you can match the color scheme to your outdoor accessories, or just create something that expresses your personality. Here, a monogrammed “K” takes center stage, along with fun colors to set it off. The other tiers were left as is but can certainly receive embellishment if your heart desires. Visit Keller/Creative for the full makeover how-to.

Three toned bar cart. Source: lancecardinal.blogspot.com

Three toned bar cart: there are many uses for these mobile bar beauties (stay tuned for more on this!). Here, blogger Lance Cardinal shows us how a three toned on three tiered bar cart is perfect as a plant display. The fun thing about this project is that you can chose from any color scheme you’d like (visit our recent blog on Design Seeds for inspiration!). It’s all about the fun, so have at it! Visit Lance Cardinal for full makeover how-to.

Golden barred bar cart. Source:

Golden barred bar cart: now we’re talking elegance! A simple gold paint detailing over the usual silver plated “bars” lifts its poshness to another tier and gives it the wow it deserves. Visit Mimi’s Muneca for the makeover how-to.

3 Ways to Repurpose An Antique Sewing Machine Base

DiggersList pick of the day: Singer treadle sewing machine base

If you happen to be a “Big Easy” local, or are just visiting, you may want to check out our pick of the day: an antique Singer treadle sewing machine base, listed for just $50 by the Preservation Salvage Store. At first glance, it doesn’t look like much. After all, it’s only a base to a sewing machine table. Well, as the following designers and DIYers demonstrate, with a bit of repurposing panache, dusty, a rusted old piece of metal (and some moving parts) can be transformed into something fabulous and new. Also, developing a keen and creative design sensibility can surely prove that beauty is in the eye of the beholder…or is it, in this case…needle?

#1. Modernized Sewing Machine Base Glass Table:

Modernized sewing machine base glass table. Source: lassolistings.com

After a good wire brush scrubbing and painting the base a modern black (sans the gold detailing ode to Singer), a beautiful frosted glass table is mounted on top for a very unique, updated finish.

#2. Sewing Machine Base Planter:

Sewing machine base planter. Source:prophetbrosantiques.com

With vintage wood crates all the rage these days, it only makes sense these two items would make such a lovely pairing. The dark green paint of the sewing machine base complements the foliage of the colorful flowers and makes a fantastic and whimsical feature to any outdoor space.

#3. Sewing Machine Base Bathroom Sink:

Sewing machine base bathroom sink. Source: lumberjocks.com

Instead of the usual, try something fun like this Singer sink. Hand-crafted with wooden vanity, copper front and drop-in sink, the surprise element is quite apparent and will definitely delight guests. Note: I’d even stack a bunch of towels on the foot petal to show off its storage potential.

Have any other repurposing ideas for a sewing machine base?

Share with us @: skaie@diggerslist.com

Design Candy: Bohemian Styled Rooms…Hippies Not Required

It’s more of a feel-thing, and it’s more than being a hippie with eclectic taste. It’s actually quite personal and can be expressed by anyone who gives in to at least a certain amount of abandon and inner rhapsody. What am I talking about? Bohemian-style design, a free-flowing, no-going-by-any-rules approach to decorating. The following examples illustrate how, when you allow yourself to let go of order, and with the infusion of varying patterns and textures, bold against soft colors, and an array of precious and not-so-precious collectables, the true “Boho” in you (even for the very contemporary or conservative) can be translated into a relaxing and sophisticated space.

Bohemian chic. Source: elledecor.com

{Boho Chic}: starting with the patterned area rug, then on to the ornate gold mirror, hot pink ottoman, and African-styled statue, the eye wants to take its time to learn and explore this one-of-its-kind room.

Bohemian vintage. Source: myspace.com

{Boho vintage}: a 70s era typewriter and the mixture of primary colors against the earth tones of the armchair and cherry wood desk give this room a vibe that’s fun and humorously comfortable…especially the fake daisy tree.

Bohemian worldly. Source: julienclapot.com

{Boho worldly}: raised upon a platform and veiled with mosquito netting, there’s a definite traveler’s influence on the styling of this bedroom…the neatly stowed suitcases underneath clinch it.

Bohemian mod. Source: annesage.com

{Boho mod}: the updated and more-of-the-present-times feel of this space is anchored by the eclectically patterned rug, bold orange sofa, and Eames-esque recliner and works perfectly together with the quietly grey walls and off-white crown molding.

Boho Moroccan. Source: Liesa Cole via myhomeideas.com

{Boho Moroccan}: the easy-breezy feeling is quite evident as we see how the white sheers play against the cool color scheme of blues and earth tones. We’re also taken half-way around the world with easily placed cacti surrounded by natural bamboo, clay, and terracotta accessories. This outdoor room evokes a guitar-playing, hang out and have a glass of wine and talk for hours atmosphere for sure.

DIY Design: Planting the Design Seeds of Color Inspiration

How often have you wanted to change the color of a room, buy new furniture, or had the itch to swap out some throw pillows but didn’t know where to start color-wise? Well, there’s a new site that’ll not only have you looking like a professional designer, you’ll maybe even forget about spending so much time on Pinterest. Why? Cuz it’s soooo fun! It’s called Design Seeds, for all who love color. Here’s how it works:

#1. Search by color value: using the basic RGB values, you can move the Red, Green, or Blue sliders to change the color “swatch” to any hue you wish! Then, simply click “Go get it!” and this is what you might find…

Autumn Ceramics.

You’ll see several palette choices and themes, but wait…there’s more!

#2. Search by theme: if you’re feeling more of a thematic pull for inspiration, try looking up colors by seasons, foods, florals, etc. Here, we chose “Edible” and this is what appeared:

Decadent Pastels.

Carrot colors.

Sugared hues.

All very different color schemes, but all based on food! It’s just so wonderful to have this type of creative hint, especially when we’re able to tap into things that already aesthetically and emotionally appeal to us.

#3. Suggested color palette: like design magic, your color palette is complete! You can now download and print it; “custom-made” paint chips that are ready to be scanned and formulated into paint, used to select fabrics, and/or an easy-breezy way to pick out furniture and accessories. Note: if you’d like the HEX code for any of the colors, see Design Seed’s blog “what’s that color?” Site suggestion to Design Seed: adding a palette search by “palette name” (i.e. “Desert bloom”, “Mushroom Tones”, “Berry Spectrum”) would make finding palettes we’ve noted, but forgot to grab the URL, really helpful.

#4. See similar colors: so, now that we’ve got 5-6 colors that work together, maybe it’s not exactly what we’re “feel’n”. No worries! If you click on the individual color swatches, you’ll be presented with more themes, color options and combinations like these:

Sliced hues.

Desert bloom.

Color Village.

As you can see, the ideas and choices are endless, but what’s reassuring to those of you “decision-challenged” DIYers, is that whatever scheme you go with, it is designed to be fail-proof! Just thank designer and founder of Design Seeds, Jessica Colaluca, who as a young girl was drawn to color (melting crayolas into hue sculptures, using markers as action figures), a passion that grew to become a talent that has sprouted into a fantastic online color-inspiring flower!

All images courtesy of Design Seeds.

Weekend DIY Project: How to Make A Paint Stir Sticks Pendant Lamp

Home Depot paint stir sticks. Source: montydob.blogspot.com

Seeing that Matt and I just finished a very large exterior paint project on our rental, today’s “Weekend DIY Project” really caught my eye. Clever blogger and mother of five, Laura Lynn from Enjoying the Simple Things, put two simple things together: paint stir sticks and a plain pendant lamp. What results is a you-stuck-your-chocolate-in-my-peanut-butter moment; a combination that is the equivalent of DIY home decor candy.

Paint stir stick pendant lamp.

Here’s what you’ll need:

paint stir sticks, approx. 42 sticks, but could vary depending on how large your lamp shade is (available at any paint or box store)
pendant lamp with shade - you could also use any type of lamp: desk, floor, or side table lamps (lots available on DiggersList)
hot glue gun
stain or paint
paint brush

Thrifty TIP!: instead of immediately rushing off to your neighborhood box store, check with your local Habitat for Humanity ReStore…this is the perfect kind of project to find just about all the supplies for 50 cents on the dollar! You can search for them on DiggersList, or find them via the web.

Visit Enjoying the Simple Things for the complete paint stick pendant lamp how-to.

DiggersList DIY challenge!

If you complete this project using any item or items bought on DiggersList or the Habitat for Humanity ReStores, send in a photo with a list of your ReStore finds and you may be included in an upcoming DiggersList DIYers feature! Mail to: skaie@diggerslist.com

Before & After: Rental House Gets Paint-Pampered

Back of house before.

“Rental-schmental!” It’s ours for now, and despite our landlord’s tightly shut wallet and reluctance to home-improve his 1930s era property, we were still willing to part with a few bucks to spruce up this house we call home. Spring sure has been a busy season for us, from completing some spiffy outdoor decor projects like the “Home Sweet Home” stacked planters, serving bowl bird bath and welcoming mailbox post with a repurposed solar light, to totally making over our curb appeal. So, this past weekend, we finally finished “our” bungalow’s exterior makeover, where we tackled the final back wall, and gave it the “paint pampering” it deserved.

Back of house after.

Here is a little photo trek that illustrates our painting day of fun, what we used, and some tid-bit tips that we hope will help make your next DIY exterior house painting project easier and relatively fuss-free.

Tools and supplies.

Tools & Supplies:

painter’s canvas
gloves, mask & goggles
ladder
hand brush and/or power sprayer for cleaning
scrapers (plus extra blades) & wire brushes
hand & block sanders & sand paper
wood putty and sealer & putty knives
brushes & rollers (plus extender bar to paint in high places)
paint & primer
stir sticks & paint can key (or screw driver)
paint trays & cups (plus a swivel hook is helpful for high places)
Optional: bondo & activator for “DIY MacGyvering” of major damaged woodwork.

Project Pods: Feeling like we’ve earned some “DIY street cred”, we’ve discovered being organized is key to lowering the frustration-factor when doing a big project like painting a house’s exterior. Lay out all the supplies you’ll need (and, most likely you’ll forget a thing or two, like we did here), and group the tools into project pods-i.e. scraping = scrapers, goggles, mask, gloves; sanding = sand paper, hand sander, block sander, scissors; bondoing/patching = bondo, activator, stick for mixing, cup or tray for ingredients, putty knife…etc. This will help you be efficient when it comes to completing all the steps needing to be done.

Wall peeling. Ug-oh!

Before: here’s a close-up of the crumbling, peeling walls that clearly needed some care and attention. We also need to call the cable company and thank the genius who installed this box right in the middle of the back of our house (with the additional bonus of useless cables that don’t hook up to anything)!

Skaie scraping (punny.)

Scraping: needing an arm workout anyway, scraping the walls was a great workout and actually quite cathartic. After years of staring at this grey blah mess, (and we still ask ourselves “Why did it take us so long to do this!?!), it was such a release to actively dig into the ugly and prepare it for the pretty. Tip: be sure to scrape until edges are relatively smooth. Be careful not take off the entire wall…with older homes like ours, we could have gone all the way, eliminating the entire top surface if we dug in too hard.

Matt sanding.

Sanding: luckily this back wall didn’t have a heck of a lot of sanding needed; just two windows and a dilapidated ledge we ended up bondoing was all there was woodwork-wise. Read more about our window ledge bondo how-to. MacGyver would no doubt approve.

Matt painting.

Painting: starting from left to right, Matt quickly polished off the brunt of the painting within an hour. The pain is in the prep! most anyone will tell you…the painting is the fun part! Tip: even though this is the back of our house, we made sure to pay attention to the details like taping off the vents (who wants sloppy drips even here?), and laying down our painter’s tarp over the brick work.

Swivel pail hook.

Swivel pail hook: after visiting the Habitat for Humanity Restore of Orange County, I found this cool contraption for just a buck! I thought it might be handy for when Matt clambers up to the top of the ladder to paint the tip-top of our house.

Helpful swivel pail hook.

…yup, it sure did! If you look closely, you’ll see one end clips to the paint can handle, then the other hooks to one of the rungs of the ladder, thus allowing a hands-free dipping of the paint brush! Tip: be very careful when painting in high places. Gadgets like the swivel pail hook is a great way to increase safety (via returning the use of both hands to the painter) during your project. Also, ask someone to hold the ladder below. Note: In the photo above, I was on the ground holding the ladder which was extended about 15 feet high. Don’t fall honey!

Painting to vanish cables and cable box.

Painting tricks: keeping with the spirit of MacGyver, we decided that eye-sore of a cable box and cables had to go. Not literally, but visually. So, we decided to go for it and paint them. As you’ll see in the after photos…it worked! Poof! They’re practically gone! Tip: be careful not to paint over vents or allow drips to seep inside the cable box. Also, if you are at all unsure about the kind of wires you’re dealing with, you may want to consult an electrician to mark and/or identify them before painting. As an extra measure of safety, be sure to shut off your home’s power.

After back of house.

Fini! So, even though it was a lot of work and soaked up another weekend…it sure was worth it! In addition to painting, we also decided to cut down a big bush (that was shaped to look like a tree) that now allows us to see out into our gorgeously green backyard. We also planted some new grass seed underneath the windows, and thanks to the fallen “tree” the sun can now shine down on this part of the yard. Finally, we were able to locate a mess of cables that were connected to nothing and remove those as well. All in all, we are tremendously pleased with our backyard space!

What have you recently done to home-improve your backyard space?

Repurposing How-tos: Burlap Coffee Bean Sacks Remade Into Robust Decor

Coffee sack stool. Actually, it's a potato sack, but burlap is burlap so coffee bags can also be used. Source: tinyglutton.blogspot.com

I was recently asked to dig around the web for some great DIY projects using burlap coffee bean sacks. For those of you who have access to or just love the character and rustic charm of these bags, there are a plethora of repurposing ideas and how-tos. By simply deconstructing them into flattened, usable material, anyone can easily create flavorful furniture and decor that’s also green and percolating with charisma.

Coffee sack lampshade. Source: MableDear, etsy.com

Coffee sack lampshade: warm, industrial, and unique. Infuse a touch of masculine with this cool and quirky handmade shade. How-to: blog.houseoffifty.com.

Coffee sack bench. Source: houzz.com

Coffee sack bench: durable, and oh, so interesting. Cover any type of bench with coffee bean branding and place at a table, along a wall, or outdoors. How-to: themotherhuddle.com.

Framed coffee sacks. Source: housingaforest.com

Framed coffee sacks: graphic, bold, and cultural. It’s easy to create alluring art by stretching burlap coffee bags over cardboard and framing it. How-to: housingaforest.com.

Coffee sack headboard. Source: meandjilly.blogspot.com

Coffee sack headboard: elegant and posh. With some DIY moxie and two large coffee sacks, you could make a custom one-of-a-kind bed feature by weekend’s end. How-to: meandjilly.blogspot.com.

Coffee sack ottoman. Source: ourvintagehomelove.blogspot.com

Coffee sack ottoman: modern, mobile, and functional. Basic sewing and wood-working skills along with a bold-printed coffee sack is all you need to produce a piece of design candy for your home.

To view another fun, repurposed coffee sack idea, read our previous DIY Design blog.

Design Candy: Pouf the Magic Floor Pillow

Oh, the delight of a good fluffy pouf. If you’re not familiar with these decadent decor accessories, they’re basically round or square in shape, soft and cushiony to the tush, and come in all kinds of yummy colors, textures, and materials. After trolling the web, I discovered they’re also quite pricey, so I’ve included a “DIY Pouf” for you crafters out there (I just put it on my projects list, stay tuned!)

Though we don’t have kids, Klunkers would certainly claim one of his own for keeps, so we’d most likely need an extra one or two to suffice as additional seating in our home. Because of their size, they can easily be stored away, nestled in a corner, or even be used as furniture like a side table or foot stool. Covered in beautiful textiles and stuffed with bean bag beads, fiber fill, and even down, these stylish-seaters are not only comfortable, they’re also a great way to infuse a pop of color, texture, and whimsy. You might say, they’re…magic.

Bommel Pouf. Source: myk-berlin.com

{Bommel Pouf}: hand-crafted using 750 pom-poms, there is an elegance and playfulness to this pouf that just exudes “Happy!”(the bird wishes it could nest here, I’m sure of it!).

Rosen Pouf. Source: myk-berlin.com

{Rosen Pouf}: add elegance and a wow decor moment with this just-picked bouquet of 150 pompoms Rosen pouf, meticulously handmade and mindfully placed in, or outside your home (look…is that a honey badger?).

Slumber Poufs. Source:

{Slumber Pouf}: though these aren’t the classic round or square shape, they’re a modern version of the pouf and are engineered to stretch and reform back to its original shape thanks to the very cool three-dimensional elastic fabric made of Kid Mohair mixed with merino wool.

Seagrass Poufs. Source: apartmenttherapy.com

{Seagrass Pouf}: the eclectic home of Amy Butler shows how seagrass poufs can ground a room and add a natural element that is calming and elegant.

DIY Pouf. Source: retropolitanhip.blogspot.com

{DIY Pouf}: self-claimed “DIYaholic” and blogger, Erika of Retropolitan, knocked offed a high-priced online store’s version of a pouf and created this beauty out of $3 IKEA rugs and bean bag beads. You never know what you can create until you try, right? (Yes, mom, I noticed the she-could-have-lined-up-the-seems-and-stripes detailing you taught me about…it was her first time, so I think we can give her a “pass” on this one!).

Inner Tube Poufs. Source: camillahounsellhalvorsen.com

{Inner Tube Pouf}: ya gotta love a good Norwegian design-simple innovation. Here, an inner tube is wrapped with bright and colorful ribbons creating a fun and completely comfy pouf.

Q. Would you place a “pouf” your home?

An Unexpected Night of Design In Hollywood

This past middle of the week, Matt and I found ourselves unexpectedly in the middle of Hollywood, which splendidly meant parking was quite easy to find. Sunset Blvd. was practically a ghost town, giving us the opportunity to discover all kinds of cool design treasures from the sidewalk to inside a cheesy souvenir shop. At first, I wasn’t too thrilled to be traipsing around this part of L.A. at night sans my pepper spray…but there were no hassles and it ended up being totally awesome.

We had a few hours to kill, so we stumbled into one of our favorite Thai restaurants called Toi. I had performed there many times several years back and those memories were still embedded in the multi-layered, crazily painted walls. This place had a classic Hollywood vibe: 60s, 70s and 80s rock posters, a hanging tin dragon with red light bulbs for eyes, and graffiti just about everywhere. I then noticed these amazing lamps:

Mermaid lamp shade.

Woman and Man lamp shades.

Hand-painted and whimsically designed, these lamp shades caught our attention immediately. Their retro and, dare I say on-the-cusp-of-being-really-ugly bases upped the eclectic and artsy energy of this restaurant; they left us feeling like we were in a really special place.

After the delicious satay and yellow curry with “dirty” brown rice, we plodded next store to this kitschy souvenir shop called popKiller (once again, classic Hollywood!). We thought we’d be rifling through plastic glasses and vintage Hawaiian shirts, but surprisingly, I uncovered a couple of very cool finds.

Vintage Aquatron 8-Track tape player.

Inflatable deer head.

Way up on a shelf I saw this vintage Aquatron 8-track player. I said to myself, “Wow! That would look so hip in my writing room!” Unfortunately, it was $110…a little too hip for my wallet. The inflatable deer head was also so very unique and PETA friendly. I think I’ll have to make a trip back to Tinsel-Town for this baby.

The Rolling Stones.

Just outside The Horn Connection music store, we stumbled across this well-drawn sidewalk graffiti…something about it was really appealing. Street art is even more fun when you can walk on it.

Waterfall fountain.

Our last stop was the Arclight Dome Theater, where we found a waterfall fountain that was almost two stories tall. The uplights, river rocks, and sheet of rain were both Zen-like and playful.

Rock light chair.

Matt sitting on rock light chair.

These fun and funky rock lights did double duty as art and seating…they intermittently glowed green, blue and red. These would be outstanding in our backyard garden.

Four hours in Hollywood and so much more to discover. With all these inspirational and unexpected design elements, it’s no wonder I love L.A.!

Weekend DIY Project: How to Quick-Fix a Seemingly Unrepairable Window Ledge Using Bondo

Before and after.

There are times when home improvement requires a person to have finesse, fine craftsmanship, and expertise. Then, there are the projects that just need a “Get ‘er done!” attitude and someone with enough mindfulness and DIY creativity to finish the job. Well, that’s just what we did last weekend when we attempted and successfully repaired a window ledge that was seemingly unrepairable.

Now, this wasn’t our first time, mind you. On a recent post, Curb Appeal Makeover for the Ugliest House on the Block, we restored an even worse-looking window ledge. Our neighbor Mark, smartly suggested we “MacGyver it”, so we did. Enter the can of bondo. We definitely had readers respond with comments like “Gee, I’m not the only one who has tried this trick? Is it even legit?” Our response: why not? The purpose of using bondo is almost always cosmetic and basically a short-term solution. If you’re like us and rent, this is a cost-effective quick-fix. If you own and are in a financially hands-tied situation, but wish to upkeep the aesthetics of your home, again…why not?’

Here’s what you’ll need:

Window ledge tools and supplies. (some supplies not shown)

hand brush (regular and wire)
putty knife
mixing stick or knife
paint scraper
hand sander
sanding block
sandpaper
bondo & hardener
wood/paint patch
paint brush
paint
safety glasses and/or goggles
paper breathing mask

Here’s what you do:

Brush off ledge.

1. Brush off ledge: be sure all surfaces are clear of dirt, old paint chips, and other outdoor debris.

Scrape ledge and window frame.

2. Scrape ledge and window frame: carefully scrape the old, weathered paint off the ledge. For us, we also finished off the window frame. Note: be sure not to scrape too hard as you may dig into the damaged wood ledge, creating a “opened can of worms” situation. It may be hard to resist, but work on the loose, cracked, and peeling paint only.

Sand ledge.

3. Sand the ledge: here, Matt uses the power hand sander to even out the scraped paint and remaining wood ledge. The smoother the surface now, the nicer the end results.

Bondo and hardener.

Prepping the bondo and hardener.

4. Prep the bondo: in a small container, pour the bondo and hardener (for a golf ball sized amount of bondo filler, squeeze approximately 1 1/4 inch of red cream hardener) and quickly mix together. Note: only mix a small amount at a time, as it hardens within a couple minutes. For more information, follow the directions on the can.

Matt bondos ledge.

5. Apply bondo: Work quickly and apply in parts-don’t try bondoing the entire ledge all at once. It might look absolutely sloppy, but don’t worry. Try and fill in any holes that need extra “shoring up”. Don’t forget the outer lip of the ledge.

Allow bondo to dry.

6. Allow bondo to dry: according to the can, 20-30 minutes is enough drying time. However, because we had such a thick application, we let our window ledge dry for 24 hours to completely cure and harden.

Sand and shape the bondo.

Smooth bondo.

7. Sand and shape the bondo: slowly but surly sand down the craggy surface of the bondo. Soon you’ll be able to start shaping it down to the original surface of the wood. Note: do the best you can to form a straight and even surface, but don’t worry if it’s not perfect…the end results will be far better than the old, crumbling ledge.

Fill in remaining bumps and divots with wood putty patch.

8. Fill in the remaining bumps and divots: using wood putty patch (here, we used “Patch ‘n Putty”) fill in any areas missed or not covered by the bondo. Note: mainly, we used the bondo to fill in really large holes and missing ledge wood. Putty is better for smaller holes and divots, and requires much less prep and hassle.