How do you take a piece of furniture and make it better? Make it a built-in. It is the proverbial cherry on top. Built-ins fit the space perfectly, offering increased functionality and aesthetics. In a small home with limited square footage, every inch counts, even vertical space, so custom built furniture that maximizes utility that is also visually minimalist is perfect. The … [Read more...] about A Built In Bookcase
How I Built A Ground Level Freestanding Deck
So, you want to build a ground level deck. First, question: why build a deck? Is a patio perhaps more practical? After all, a patio will last a whole lot longer and require a lot less maintenance. Ah, but a patio involves more labor to install per square foot, especially if you’re starting with a less than optimal site. Deck or patio? I grappled with this question for, I … [Read more...] about How I Built A Ground Level Freestanding Deck
A Built In Desk For A Small Space
As a family of four living in 1200 square feet, we have no room for a dedicated office. Until March 2020, there hadn't been much need for an office since my wife and I both worked in NYC and we were only at our "weekend house" on - well - weekends. Somehow we had made do during COVID with both of us working from home in Connecticut. I often used our little guest cottage and … [Read more...] about A Built In Desk For A Small Space
A Flagstone Patio
Hardscaping is hard work. One of the very first major projects I undertook at our farmhouse was a paver driveway. Well, driveway isn't entirely accurate. Parking area for two vehicles is more like it. It seemed so straightforward to lay down some bricks in such a small area. "I think I'll be able to get 'er done in a weekend," I told my wife. This was with the benefit of having … [Read more...] about A Flagstone Patio
An Attractive DIY Kegerator
First, why might you want to build a kegerator? If you like beer, especially if you like brewing your own beer, then the logic behind a kegerator requires no explanation. However, if you are currently spending a small fortune on carbonated beverages in either can format or the ludicrously expensive Sodastream or other force carbonated home seltzer machines, then the economics … [Read more...] about An Attractive DIY Kegerator