5 lessons pro organizers have learned from clients

Pro organizers and designers get paid to solve people’s home problems. But they also pick up tips and tricks from their clients along the way.

* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here

5 lessons pro organizers have learned from clients

Pro organizers and designers get paid to solve people’s home problems. But they also pick up tips and tricks from their clients along the way.

* This article was originally published here

Costa Georgiadis: ‘People ask, how much to shave your beard? I’ve got a price: $34m’

The Gardening Australia host shares the location of his favourite garden, the significance of his grandfather’s secateurs and his respect for moths

• Read more 10 Chaotic Questions
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What’s the strangest thing you’ve discovered in someone else’s garden?

I was digging and found a washing machine buried in the garden, and then when we pulled it out it was full of empty VB tins. I’m sure someone said, “Oh, come on, we’re not taking it to the tip. Let’s just bury it.” And they’re just doing it on a Saturday arvo and having a few beers, and then they’ve thrown all the beers into the washing machine. That was my forensic assessment.

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* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here

Costa Georgiadis: ‘People ask, how much to shave your beard? I’ve got a price: $34m’

The Gardening Australia host shares the location of his favourite garden, the significance of his grandfather’s secateurs and his respect for moths

• Read more 10 Chaotic Questions
• Get our weekend culture and lifestyle email

What’s the strangest thing you’ve discovered in someone else’s garden?

I was digging and found a washing machine buried in the garden, and then when we pulled it out it was full of empty VB tins. I’m sure someone said, “Oh, come on, we’re not taking it to the tip. Let’s just bury it.” And they’re just doing it on a Saturday arvo and having a few beers, and then they’ve thrown all the beers into the washing machine. That was my forensic assessment.

Continue reading...

* This article was originally published here

How to get that drain unclogged, and other wisdom from plumbers

Pros share their tips — and their best gossip — about what goes down in your home’s pipes.

* This article was originally published here

You’re probably washing your sweaters wrong

Over-washing, under-washing, hand-washing — experts address the most common issues with caring for your knits.

* This article was originally published here

How To Repurpose Old Wood Into Desks – 15 Ideas For Salvaging Wood.

 

Wooden furniture has always been a popular choice for its timeless beauty and durability. However, it’s not uncommon to have old pieces of wood lying around, gathering dust in the corner of your garage or basement. Instead of letting them go to waste, why not repurpose that old wood into something functional and stylish? In this article, we’ll explore 15 creative ideas for salvaging old wood and turning it into desks. Whether you’re looking for a rustic, farmhouse-style desk or a sleek, modern workspace, there’s something here for everyone.

From simple DIY projects to more complex builds, these ideas will inspire you to give your old wood a new lease on life. So grab your tools and let’s get started!

Easy DIY Wood Crate Desk – Perfect for Homeschool! – Making Manzanita 

DIY: How To Build A Rustic, “Factory Salvage” Desk

Farmhouse DIY desk made from free scrap wood! – Part 3 Reveal 

RECLAIMED WOOD PALLET DESK : 7 Steps (with Pictures) – Instructables

diy desk build from pallet wood 

DIY Work Table from a Repurposed Door 

Old door to new desk | Upcycle DIY | The Pink Hammer Blog

Salvaging old wood for making desks can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. Not only does it save money, but it also adds character and uniqueness to your desk. Flea markets and garage sales are great places to find old wood that can be repurposed for your project. However, it is important to know what to look for in order to find the best pieces for your desk.

One of the first things to consider when salvaging old wood for making desks is the type of wood. Some of the best types of wood for desks are hardwoods such as oak, maple, and walnut. These woods are strong, durable, and can withstand the weight of a desk without bending or warping. Softwoods like pine or cedar can also be used, but they may require more reinforcement to hold up the weight of a desk.

Another important factor to consider is the condition of the wood. When searching for old wood at flea markets or garage sales, it is important to look for pieces that are in good condition. Avoid wood that is heavily cracked, warped, or split as these pieces may not be strong enough to support a desk. Additionally, wood that has been exposed to moisture or pests can weaken over time and may not be suitable for a desk.

When examining the wood, it is also important to consider the size and shape of the pieces. Look for pieces that are long enough to make the desk and wide enough to accommodate the desired size. You may also want to consider the shape of the wood, as pieces with interesting knots, grains, or natural markings can add character and personality to your desk.

Once you have found a piece of wood that meets your requirements, it is important to prepare it for use. This includes cleaning and sanding the wood to remove any dirt, grime, or old finishes. You may also need to cut and shape the wood to fit your desired desk design.

Salvaging old wood for making desks can be a fun and rewarding project. By knowing what to look for at flea markets or garage sales, you can find quality pieces of wood that will add character and uniqueness to your desk. Remember to consider the type, condition, size, and shape of the wood before making your purchase, and take the time to prepare it for use before beginning your desk construction.

From Door to DIY Desk! · Nourish and Nestle

Recycled Desk : 3 Steps (with Pictures) – Instructables 

DIY Rustic Desk: Plans to Build Your Own 

How to Build a “Floating” Broken Leg DIY Resin Desk

DIY House Frame Kid’s Desk – Handmade Haven

How To Make A Pallet Desk – Fringe Focus 

Removing lead paint from salvaged wood before using it in a DIY project is important for both safety and aesthetic reasons. Lead paint was commonly used in homes and buildings before the 1970s, and exposure to lead can have serious health effects. Follow these steps to safely remove lead paint from salvaged wood:

Wear Protective Gear: Before starting the removal process, put on protective gear including gloves, goggles, and a respirator mask to avoid inhaling lead dust or getting it on your skin.

Test the Paint: Test the paint for lead using a lead test kit, available at most hardware stores. If the test is positive, then you’ll need to take extra precautions to prevent lead exposure.

Create a Safe Workspace: Set up your workspace in a well-ventilated area and cover any nearby surfaces with plastic to catch any paint chips or dust.

Remove Loose Paint: Use a scraper or wire brush to remove any loose or peeling paint. Be sure to work carefully to avoid creating dust or chips.

Apply Paint Stripper: Apply a lead-safe paint stripper to the surface of the wood, following the manufacturer’s instructions. The paint stripper will break down the paint so that it can be easily removed.

Remove the Paint: Use a scraper or wire brush to remove the paint, being careful not to create dust or chips. Dispose of any paint chips or dust in a sealed container, as they may contain lead.

Clean the Wood: Use a wet rag or sponge to wipe down the wood, removing any remaining dust or paint residue.

Sand the Wood: Sand the wood to remove any remaining paint or rough spots, using a fine-grit sandpaper. Be sure to wear a respirator mask and work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling dust.

Dispose of Waste: Dispose of any waste, including paint chips, dust, and used materials, in accordance with local regulations for hazardous waste.

By following these steps, you can safely remove lead paint from salvaged wood and prepare it for use in your DIY project. Remember to wear protective gear, work in a well-ventilated area, and dispose of waste properly to minimize the risk of lead exposure.

 

* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here

How To Repurpose Old Wood Into Desks – 15 Ideas For Salvaging Wood.

 

Wooden furniture has always been a popular choice for its timeless beauty and durability. However, it’s not uncommon to have old pieces of wood lying around, gathering dust in the corner of your garage or basement. Instead of letting them go to waste, why not repurpose that old wood into something functional and stylish? In this article, we’ll explore 15 creative ideas for salvaging old wood and turning it into desks. Whether you’re looking for a rustic, farmhouse-style desk or a sleek, modern workspace, there’s something here for everyone.

From simple DIY projects to more complex builds, these ideas will inspire you to give your old wood a new lease on life. So grab your tools and let’s get started!

Easy DIY Wood Crate Desk – Perfect for Homeschool! – Making Manzanita 

DIY: How To Build A Rustic, “Factory Salvage” Desk

Farmhouse DIY desk made from free scrap wood! – Part 3 Reveal 

RECLAIMED WOOD PALLET DESK : 7 Steps (with Pictures) – Instructables

diy desk build from pallet wood 

DIY Work Table from a Repurposed Door 

Old door to new desk | Upcycle DIY | The Pink Hammer Blog

Salvaging old wood for making desks can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. Not only does it save money, but it also adds character and uniqueness to your desk. Flea markets and garage sales are great places to find old wood that can be repurposed for your project. However, it is important to know what to look for in order to find the best pieces for your desk.

One of the first things to consider when salvaging old wood for making desks is the type of wood. Some of the best types of wood for desks are hardwoods such as oak, maple, and walnut. These woods are strong, durable, and can withstand the weight of a desk without bending or warping. Softwoods like pine or cedar can also be used, but they may require more reinforcement to hold up the weight of a desk.

Another important factor to consider is the condition of the wood. When searching for old wood at flea markets or garage sales, it is important to look for pieces that are in good condition. Avoid wood that is heavily cracked, warped, or split as these pieces may not be strong enough to support a desk. Additionally, wood that has been exposed to moisture or pests can weaken over time and may not be suitable for a desk.

When examining the wood, it is also important to consider the size and shape of the pieces. Look for pieces that are long enough to make the desk and wide enough to accommodate the desired size. You may also want to consider the shape of the wood, as pieces with interesting knots, grains, or natural markings can add character and personality to your desk.

Once you have found a piece of wood that meets your requirements, it is important to prepare it for use. This includes cleaning and sanding the wood to remove any dirt, grime, or old finishes. You may also need to cut and shape the wood to fit your desired desk design.

Salvaging old wood for making desks can be a fun and rewarding project. By knowing what to look for at flea markets or garage sales, you can find quality pieces of wood that will add character and uniqueness to your desk. Remember to consider the type, condition, size, and shape of the wood before making your purchase, and take the time to prepare it for use before beginning your desk construction.

From Door to DIY Desk! · Nourish and Nestle

Recycled Desk : 3 Steps (with Pictures) – Instructables 

DIY Rustic Desk: Plans to Build Your Own 

How to Build a “Floating” Broken Leg DIY Resin Desk

DIY House Frame Kid’s Desk – Handmade Haven

How To Make A Pallet Desk – Fringe Focus 

Removing lead paint from salvaged wood before using it in a DIY project is important for both safety and aesthetic reasons. Lead paint was commonly used in homes and buildings before the 1970s, and exposure to lead can have serious health effects. Follow these steps to safely remove lead paint from salvaged wood:

Wear Protective Gear: Before starting the removal process, put on protective gear including gloves, goggles, and a respirator mask to avoid inhaling lead dust or getting it on your skin.

Test the Paint: Test the paint for lead using a lead test kit, available at most hardware stores. If the test is positive, then you’ll need to take extra precautions to prevent lead exposure.

Create a Safe Workspace: Set up your workspace in a well-ventilated area and cover any nearby surfaces with plastic to catch any paint chips or dust.

Remove Loose Paint: Use a scraper or wire brush to remove any loose or peeling paint. Be sure to work carefully to avoid creating dust or chips.

Apply Paint Stripper: Apply a lead-safe paint stripper to the surface of the wood, following the manufacturer’s instructions. The paint stripper will break down the paint so that it can be easily removed.

Remove the Paint: Use a scraper or wire brush to remove the paint, being careful not to create dust or chips. Dispose of any paint chips or dust in a sealed container, as they may contain lead.

Clean the Wood: Use a wet rag or sponge to wipe down the wood, removing any remaining dust or paint residue.

Sand the Wood: Sand the wood to remove any remaining paint or rough spots, using a fine-grit sandpaper. Be sure to wear a respirator mask and work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling dust.

Dispose of Waste: Dispose of any waste, including paint chips, dust, and used materials, in accordance with local regulations for hazardous waste.

By following these steps, you can safely remove lead paint from salvaged wood and prepare it for use in your DIY project. Remember to wear protective gear, work in a well-ventilated area, and dispose of waste properly to minimize the risk of lead exposure.

 

* This article was originally published here

Making an entrance: the experts share design ideas for your hallway

It is often a neglected space but the hallway is the backbone of any property and can set the mood for the whole home

Of all the rooms in the home, the hallway is arguably the most neglected. There are several reasons for this, but top of the list is that many people scoff at the very idea that a hallway is a room in its own right. Often it is seen as little more than a necessary linking corridor, one that invariably doubles as a dumping ground for coats, shoes, unopened post and the other detritus of everyday life. But any design expert will insist that a room it most certainly is and it deserves as much thought as any other – particularly since it gives the first impression of your home. ​​

“Hallways are the backbone of any property and can really set the mood for the whole home,” explains interior designer Pandora Taylor. “People struggle to understand the identity of their hallway, because it doesn’t have an obvious purpose, like a dining room, where you might create a vibe for entertaining in the evening, or a kitchen which you might like bright and practical for cooking. But what mood do you want to set in a hallway? That’s a question people get stuck on.””

Continue reading...

* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here

Making an entrance: the experts share design ideas for your hallway

It is often a neglected space but the hallway is the backbone of any property and can set the mood for the whole home

Of all the rooms in the home, the hallway is arguably the most neglected. There are several reasons for this, but top of the list is that many people scoff at the very idea that a hallway is a room in its own right. Often it is seen as little more than a necessary linking corridor, one that invariably doubles as a dumping ground for coats, shoes, unopened post and the other detritus of everyday life. But any design expert will insist that a room it most certainly is and it deserves as much thought as any other – particularly since it gives the first impression of your home. ​​

“Hallways are the backbone of any property and can really set the mood for the whole home,” explains interior designer Pandora Taylor. “People struggle to understand the identity of their hallway, because it doesn’t have an obvious purpose, like a dining room, where you might create a vibe for entertaining in the evening, or a kitchen which you might like bright and practical for cooking. But what mood do you want to set in a hallway? That’s a question people get stuck on.””

Continue reading...

* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here

Making an entrance: the experts share design ideas for your hallway

It is often a neglected space but the hallway is the backbone of any property and can set the mood for the whole home

Of all the rooms in the home, the hallway is arguably the most neglected. There are several reasons for this, but top of the list is that many people scoff at the very idea that a hallway is a room in its own right. Often it is seen as little more than a necessary linking corridor, one that invariably doubles as a dumping ground for coats, shoes, unopened post and the other detritus of everyday life. But any design expert will insist that a room it most certainly is and it deserves as much thought as any other – particularly since it gives the first impression of your home. ​​

“Hallways are the backbone of any property and can really set the mood for the whole home,” explains interior designer Pandora Taylor. “People struggle to understand the identity of their hallway, because it doesn’t have an obvious purpose, like a dining room, where you might create a vibe for entertaining in the evening, or a kitchen which you might like bright and practical for cooking. But what mood do you want to set in a hallway? That’s a question people get stuck on.””

Continue reading...

* This article was originally published here

How to fix common kitchen appliance issues before the holidays

Tips for making sure your kitchen appliances, including stand mixers, ovens, dishwashers and more, are in tiptop shape.

* This article was originally published here

Final call for festive shopping! Tick off the last of your Christmas gifts with the Filter

We’ve rounded up the best gifts for friends and family this Christmas to make your seasonal shopping a breeze, whether you’re buying for beauty addicts or fitness fanatics

• 242 best Christmas gifts for 2024: perfect present ideas chosen by experts

Whether you go for affordable luxury buys or true indulgence, you can’t go wrong with these presents for pampering, as chosen by our beauty expert Hayley Spencer.

_{Read all self-care gifts}

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* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here

Final call for festive shopping! Tick off the last of your Christmas gifts with the Filter

We’ve rounded up the best gifts for friends and family this Christmas to make your seasonal shopping a breeze, whether you’re buying for beauty addicts or fitness fanatics

• 242 best Christmas gifts for 2024: perfect present ideas chosen by experts

Whether you go for affordable luxury buys or true indulgence, you can’t go wrong with these presents for pampering, as chosen by our beauty expert Hayley Spencer.

_{Read all self-care gifts}

Continue reading...

* This article was originally published here

Finding beauty in Brutalism: a flat in Milan provides a haven for creativity

Art defines the space in an apartment in an iconic building whose Brutalist architecture once led to protests

Some people buy their dream home for the location, others for the space it affords them; for Italian fashion designer Massimo Giorgetti, it was a love affair with Brutalism.

His one-bedroom Milan apartment is housed in the former L’Istituto Mobiliare Italiano residential complex in the city’s Porta Romana district. Externally untouched since it was finished in 1966, this celebrated Brutalist masterpiece came with a few caveats – namely its single-glazed windows set in iron frames, that don’t open, making it more than a little chilly in winter and a greenhouse when temperatures soar. “You have to really love this building to live in this apartment,” laughs Giorgetti, joking that he needs to wear a hat and scarf in bed during winter and still wakes up with a frozen face.

Continue reading...

* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here

Finding beauty in Brutalism: a flat in Milan provides a haven for creativity

Art defines the space in an apartment in an iconic building whose Brutalist architecture once led to protests

Some people buy their dream home for the location, others for the space it affords them; for Italian fashion designer Massimo Giorgetti, it was a love affair with Brutalism.

His one-bedroom Milan apartment is housed in the former L’Istituto Mobiliare Italiano residential complex in the city’s Porta Romana district. Externally untouched since it was finished in 1966, this celebrated Brutalist masterpiece came with a few caveats – namely its single-glazed windows set in iron frames, that don’t open, making it more than a little chilly in winter and a greenhouse when temperatures soar. “You have to really love this building to live in this apartment,” laughs Giorgetti, joking that he needs to wear a hat and scarf in bed during winter and still wakes up with a frozen face.

Continue reading...

* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here

Finding beauty in Brutalism: a flat in Milan provides a haven for creativity

Art defines the space in an apartment in an iconic building whose Brutalist architecture once led to protests

Some people buy their dream home for the location, others for the space it affords them; for Italian fashion designer Massimo Giorgetti, it was a love affair with Brutalism.

His one-bedroom Milan apartment is housed in the former L’Istituto Mobiliare Italiano residential complex in the city’s Porta Romana district. Externally untouched since it was finished in 1966, this celebrated Brutalist masterpiece came with a few caveats – namely its single-glazed windows set in iron frames, that don’t open, making it more than a little chilly in winter and a greenhouse when temperatures soar. “You have to really love this building to live in this apartment,” laughs Giorgetti, joking that he needs to wear a hat and scarf in bed during winter and still wakes up with a frozen face.

Continue reading...

* This article was originally published here

Houseplant of the Week: banana leaf fig

With its calming tropical vibe, this plant will be happy anywhere it is free to grow undisturbed

Why will I love it?
With its long, slightly wavy leaves drooping gracefully from slender branches, the banana leaf fig (Ficus alii) gives a home a calming tropical vibe. It is more forgiving and easygoing than its Ficus relatives.

Light or shade?
It thrives in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate lower light levels, making it versatile for different areas of your home. (Watch out for leaf drop, which indicates the light level is too low.)

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* This article was originally published here