April 2012

Finding Inspiration on the Internet

Submitted by RyTurner / The Design Confidential
Project Image

I am excited to announce that I have partnered with Apartment Guide to serve as an Official Apartment Guide Decor Blogger! As an official blogger, I will be sharing articles and ideas for exploring your space, city and style.

Today's Topic is all about where to look for home decor inspiration on the internet, and will include a few of my favorite design inspiration resources! The amazing interwebs are teeming with information and images, so much so that it can be extremely hard to find what you are looking for in a sea of blogs and websites. Finding that elusive design inspiration can be difficult with so many styles and decor options out there. Not to worry I have some suggestions...

I will tell you that my number one resource for design inspiration is not a blog at all and is in fact Pinterest! Now I know most of you are just as obsessed as I am but for those one or two of you who haven't climbed on the Pinterest bandwagon, let me explain why I love this as a home decor resource.

Thanks to all of you, and me too, Pinterest has become a veritable supply line of drool worthy images and ideas from the ends of the earth, all gathered into one fabulous place in the form of visual inspiration! It's pretty comprehensive in terms of the styles represented there, so no matter what you like, you will find it. This is extremely time saving for me and allows me to source fabulous ideas quickly, and with ease. No more searching and clicking back and forth to find what you want!

Companies like Apartment Guide have become very savvy in the world of Pinterest and have created amazing boards for folks like you and I to follow for budget friendly decor ideas and amazing design projects for less! Go forth and follow, and if you aren't on Pinterest yet and would like an invite, just give me a holler, I will take care of you!

For more tips on decorating, visit Apartment Guide:

 

In the world of blogs, I definitely have a few that I turn to regularly, for mouth watering eye candy, and sfgirlbybay tops my list. Her style is fabulous and the images you will find on her site aren't the same images you will see floating around the internet on every other site. With a bohemian modern sentiment and an urban twist, I love to browse her site and absorb her style from beginning to end. I could spend days on end perusing her articles. 

For more tips on decorating, visit Apartment Guide:

I like to mix it up a bit and take in a little something from each design style that I personally love, and one that I never forget to include is Love Nordic Design Blog. I adore the Nordic style she boasts and think every home might benefit from a few amazing Nordic elements, whether you might draw from the neutral or heavily gray based color schemes you see, or the quirky accessorizing, there is something to learn from this style, and I for one, want more!

For more tips on decorating, visit Apartment Guide:

 

I can't leave out the veritable power house of design online, design*sponge. With a healthy smattering of DIY project and products to die for, this site gives me everything I could want in the world of design... and more!

For delectable children's style, Kenzi Poo is one of my faves! Amazing wares and fabulous design ideas for all of the wee ones in our lives. 

For a delightful dose of vintage home decor and adorable crafty style, I turn to Smile and Wave. She shares her design aesthetic and an amazing array of DIY and crafty projects too. It's not to be missed!

French by Design is one of my go to sources for a decidedly European flare. She shares both home design and gorgeous travel destinations that get my creative wheels a turning!

And of course you can't leave out the other power house of online design inspiration, Apartment Therapy. Perfect for all of your design wants and needs and feeding your appetite for home decor and outdoor living, and then some...

For more Tips & Tricks visit Apartment Guide:

Disclosure: Apartment Guide and owner Consumer Source, Inc. have partnered with bloggers like me as Official Apartment Guide Bloggers. As part of this program, I have received compensation. They have not told me what to purchase or what to say about the products used, and believe that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. Consumer Source’s policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations.

Furniture type case... Bookcase

Submitted by ostinb

Hey I recently found this furniture case while looking through printer's type cabinets. I think it would be great to use as a bookshelf and it would go with the printmaker's desk/sideboard plans. If you could make the plans for around 8' tall and 3'6'' wide that would be great.

 

Free DIY Furniture Plans to Build a PB Inspired Rebecca Trunk

Submitted by Cher-Ann Texter / Designs by Studio C
Project Image
Project Details

Think of all the fun it will be to play with the finish… this DIY trunk is a fabulous dual function piece working as both storage and surface!

Estimated Cost

$25-$50

Dimensions
Dimensions for This Project
Tools
  • Tape Measure
  • Saw – Jig, Circular, or Miter
  • Drill
  • Square
  • Sander
  • Kreg Jig
  • Brad nailer
Lumber
  • 1 full sheet of ¾” plywood
  • 3 – Baseboard trim at 8’
Materials
  • 1-1/4” pocket hole screws
  • 1” Brad nails
  • 2 – Drawer Handles
  • Edge banding for the plywood, optional
  • 1 roll of aluminum strap tape
  • Decorative tacks or upholstery nails
  • 2 - Hinges
  • Wood filler
  • Sandpaper
  • Wood glue
  • Finishing Supplies
Cut List
  • 1 – ¾” plywood at 20” x 35-1/2” – Bottom
  • 2 – ¾” plywood at 17-3/4” x 20” – Sides
  • 2 – ¾” plywood at 17-3/4” x 37” – Front & Back
  • 1 – ¾” plywood at 22-1/2” x 38” - Top
  • 4 – Baseboard trim at 38” - Trim
  • 4 – Baseboard trim at 21-1/2” - Trim
Instructions

Before beginning to build, always check in on my site to make sure you have the most up to date set of plans, I occasionally update and change the plans to make the building process easier or to allow for less expensive purchasing of materials! Read through the entire set of instructions and all comments before beginning this project. If you print out or save plans, be sure to check in on my site to be sure you have the most up to date set of plans, as I occasionally update things for ease of building or buying. If you are new to building, read through the GETTING STARTED section and other articles found under the BUILD tab in the menu on my site, it has valuable information about how to get started, tools and techniques. If you are unfamiliar with the finishing process, visit my Finishing school for some tips and tricks for painting like a pro and for special finishing practices. Use glue to secure your joints and Consider Painting or Staining individual sections prior to assembling. This makes the paint application virtually flawless. Coat with a spray on Poly or Wipe on Poly to protect your finish and your piece and it will last for ages. Adhere to all safety standards and guidelines, and be sure you follow safety protocol throughout your build. If you are unsure about whether you are building safely, run a quick online search for the tool or technique you are using, or contact me via email or post to the forum before you move ahead. My contact info can be found in the menu of my site.

Step 1

** If using edge banding, apply to each piece before assembly **

Cut the piece for the bottom. Set the Kreg jig for ¾” material and drill pocket holes as shown.

Step 1
Step 2

Cut the pieces for the sides. Drill pocket holes as shown. Attach to the bottom as shown using glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws.

Step 2
Step 3

Cut the pieces for the front and back. Assemble as shown using glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws.

Step 3
Step 4

Cut the pieces for the trim. Attach the side trim first using glue and 1” brad nails, then attach the front and back trim pieces.

Step 4
Step 5

Cut the piece for the top. Cover the edges with the aluminum strap tape and fasten in place with decorative tacks or upholstery nails. Add the hinges and attach to the box.

Distress as desired.

Step 5
Finishing Instructions

Fill any Screw, Nail or Pocket Holes, Sand and Finish as Desired. For Finishing Tips and Tricks visit my Finishing School

Disclaimer

**Disclaimer: Some rights reserved. Private use only. Feel Free to link to any of my plans so long as you provide an adequate link back to the appropriate post! Plans from this page are not to be used for commercial purposes or republished without the express written consent of Rayan Turner, The Design Confidential I hope to provide accurate plans, however, I cannot guarantee each plan for accuracy. Not every plan that I post has been built and tested, so you are building at your own risk. It is recommended that you have a clear understanding of how the project works before beginning any project. Please contact me if you find an error or inaccuracy so that I might fix it.

Builders Showcase: Cheswick Coffee Table

Submitted by Kalivar / The Design Confidential
Project Image

I used 3 1x3s on the legs instead of a 2x3 and a 1x3.  The tabletop width is 23" (original design called for 24", but the cut of Padauk I had was only 23" wide).  I hand sanded the legs, and screwed everything together by hand: the later because I didn't want to risk splitting any wood out... Especially on the pocket holes on the lower Padauk shelf.  All cuts were done with a circular saw by hand.

Built From These Plans: 
Free Woodworking Plans to Build a PotteryBarn Inspired Cheswick Coffee Table
Estimated Cost: 

~$250 in materials, (a good portion of this was the 8ft x 23" x1" Padauk)

Length of Time: 

This took me about 100 hours or so due to doing some things by hand, and it being my first project.

Lumber Used: 

Red oak, Padauk, (I considered using cheaper 2x2 Hemlock supports, but ended up cutting them a couple of 16ths short, so I replaced them with oak.)

Finishing Technique: 

Watco teak oil

X-stool

Submitted by jwright7981

Hi there. 

I have a request that I think a TON of people will love to see.  The x stool.  There are alot of people that love them and use them.  I have not seen anyone build one except this woman and she hasn't listed a tute. 

http://dittledattle.blogspot.com/2011/06/x-stools.html

 

I personally think you will set the blog world on fire if you post this tute :)  And I would love it also:)  They could be upholstered easily including legs or just the tops and leave legs painted.  Let me know what you think.  Thanks so much.  Keep up the fantastic blog.  I check in daily:)

 

Thank You

 

Jill

Free DIY Furniture Plans to Build An Amish Woodworking Inspired Gun Cabinet

Submitted by Cher-Ann Texter / Designs by Studio C
Project Image
Project Details

Whether you live in a place where having guns is a requirement or you have guns for sport, you very likely need a good place to store them and lock them up away from little hands. Another project from our request page, this seems like a fabulous piece of DIY furniture for anything you might want to lock away and keep kiddos out of!

 

Estimated Cost

$100-$150

Dimensions
Dimensions for This Project
Tools
  • Tape Measure
  • Saw – Jig, Circular, or Miter
  • Drill
  • Square
  • Sander
  • Kreg Jig
  • Hammer or Brad nailer
Lumber
  • 2 – sheets of ¾” plywood
  • 2 – 2x3 at 8’
  • 1 – 1x2 at 8’
  • 3 – 1x2 at 6’
  • 2 – 1x3 at 6’
  • 1 - sheet of ¼” lauan or hardboard
Materials
Cut List
  • 4 – 2x3 at 25-1/4” – Side Frames
  • 4 – 2x3 at 23” – Side Frames
  • 2 – ¾” plywood at 20-1/4” x 23” – Side Frame Panels
  • 1 – ¾” plywood at 25-1/4”x 49” – Back
  • 2 – 1x3 at 49” – Front Supports
  •  2 – 1x2 at 49” – Front Supports
  • 2 – 1x2 at 25-1/2” – Top supports
  • 1 – ¾” plywood at 28-3/4” x 53-1/2” – Top
  • 1 – 1x2 at 53-1/2” – Lower Trim
  • 2 – 1x2 at 28” – Lower Trim
  • 2 – ¾” plywood at 3-1/4” x 24-1/2” – Smaller Drawer Box
  • 2 – ¾” plywood at 3-1/4” x 48” – Smaller Drawer Box
  • 4 – ¾” plywood at 5-3/4” x 24-1/2” – Larger Drawer Boxes
  • 4 – ¾” plywood at 5-3/4” x 48” – Larger Drawer Boxes
  • 3 – ¼” lauan or hardboard at 26” x 48” – Drawer Box Bottoms
  • 1 – ¾” plywood at 5-1/4” x 50” Smaller Drawer Front
  • 2 – ¾” plywood at 7-1/2” x 50”- Larger Drawer Fronts
Instructions

Before beginning to build, always check in on my site to make sure you have the most up to date set of plans, I occasionally update and change the plans to make the building process easier or to allow for less expensive purchasing of materials! Read through the entire set of instructions and all comments before beginning this project. If you print out or save plans, be sure to check in on my site to be sure you have the most up to date set of plans, as I occasionally update things for ease of building or buying. If you are new to building, read through the GETTING STARTED section and other articles found under the BUILD tab in the menu on my site, it has valuable information about how to get started, tools and techniques. If you are unfamiliar with the finishing process, visit my Finishing school for some tips and tricks for painting like a pro and for special finishing practices. Use glue to secure your joints and Consider Painting or Staining individual sections prior to assembling. This makes the paint application virtually flawless. Coat with a spray on Poly or Wipe on Poly to protect your finish and your piece and it will last for ages. Adhere to all safety standards and guidelines, and be sure you follow safety protocol throughout your build. If you are unsure about whether you are building safely, run a quick online search for the tool or technique you are using, or contact me via email or post to the forum before you move ahead. My contact info can be found in the menu of my site.

Step 1

** If using edge banding to cover the exposed edges of the plywood, apply it to each piece before assembly

**Cut the pieces for the side frames. Set the Kreg jig for 1-1/2” material and drill pocket holes in each end of the shorter pieces. Assemble with glue and 2” pocket hole screws.

Cut the pieces for the panels. Set the Kreg jig for ¾” material and drill pocket holes in each edge. Attach to the frames with glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws making sure the back of the panels are flush with the back of the frames.

Rout a rabbet in the right hand frame side for the gang lock according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions. This will need to be done before any further assembly.

Step 1
Step 2

Cut the piece for the back and drill pocket holes in each side edge. Attach to the side frames with the back face flush with the edge of the side panels.

Step 2
Step 3

Cut the pieces for the front supports and drill pocket holes in each end. The upper board will need a ¾” hole bored for the gang lock placement. (See the manufacturer’s installation instructions) Secure to the cabinet with glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws with the front face flush with the front facing edge of the side panels.

Step 3
Step 4

Cut the pieces for the top supports and drill pocket holes in each end. Secure to the cabinet as shown with glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws.

Also install the drawer slides according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

 

Step 4
Step 5

Cut the piece for the top and attach with glue and 1-1/4” brad nails through the top into the side frames and top supports. The top will overlap the front and sides by ¾” and will be flush with the back face of the side frames.

Step 5
Step 6

Cut the pieces for the lower trim. Attach the side pieces first with glue and 1-1/4” brad nails, then attach the front piece.

Step 6
Step 7

Cut the pieces for the drawer boxes. Assemble as shown with glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws. Attach the bottom with glue and 1-1/4” brad nails. Attach the remaining drawer hardware and make any adjustments necessary.

Step 7
Step 8

Cut the pieces for the drawer fronts. They will overlap the openings by ½” on all sides. Drill the holes for the handles and drive screws through the holes for the handles to temporarily hold the front in place on the drawer box. Open the drawer and attach the front to the drawer box from the inside with 1-1/4” screws. Finish drilling out the holes through the drawer boxes for the handles.

The gun holder brackets will have to be installed in the drawer boxes according to personal preference!

Step 8
Finishing Instructions

Fill any Screw, Nail or Pocket Holes, Sand and Finish as Desired. For Finishing Tips and Tricks visit my Finishing School

Note

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I would love for you to check out my other site: Handmade-Holiday! For all of your DIY Holiday Decor, Gifts, Parties, and More!

Disclaimer

**Disclaimer: Some rights reserved. Private use only. Feel Free to link to any of my plans so long as you provide an adequate link back to the appropriate post! Plans from this page are not to be used for commercial purposes or republished without the express written consent of Rayan Turner, The Design Confidential I hope to provide accurate plans, however, I cannot guarantee each plan for accuracy. Not every plan that I post has been built and tested, so you are building at your own risk. It is recommended that you have a clear understanding of how the project works before beginning any project. Please contact me if you find an error or inaccuracy so that I might fix it.

Retail Therapy with Alder & Co

Submitted by RyTurner / The Design Confidential
Project Image

From linen bath towels to felt trivets, Alder & Co is hitting a home run with their handmade wares and uber cool style.  A tad beyond my price point perhaps, but utterly drool worthy, this site has something for all ages and needs! I think I might sell an organ (or two) to get my hands on one of those fab red rope baskets or dip dyed felt bins, not to mention the stuffed whale and starfish... to die for!

Builders Showcase: 1900s Boulangerie Table

Submitted by Apulis / The Design Confidential
Project Image
Built From These Plans: 
Free DIY Furniture Plans to Build an RH Inspired 1900s Boulangerie Table
Estimated Cost: 

The cost for just the lumber on the table was $87

Lumber Used: 

We used Douglas fur 2x4 for the apron and the frame and used select pine for the strips in the middle of the table top. Cut the 2x4 on top of table at a 45 degree angle glued them and pocket screwed them together from the back side, then Hand planed chamfer edges around the table top.

Finishing Technique: 

 

We finished the table with Minwax oil based jacobean and the center panels in ebonyand 4 coats of poly on the top of table and 3 coats on the legs

PB teen hampton vanity/other vanity

Submitted by jillh1981

Hi!  This is a tall order, literally.  I am looking for a really great vanity, I've even bought an old desk in hopes of refinishing it and adding a mirror, but something about it just isn't working.  I came across a vanity for sale today on craigslist, but it's sold.  I think it's from a division of la-z-boy furniture, for children, (Lea furniture) but I really like the look of it.  Are you able to create plans from one picture?  Im going to upload it in hopes of this. :)  If not, I've loved the PB teen hampton vanity for a long time, but it looks like an extensive project. 

Thanks for any help!