10 Great Summer Home Projects
Summer is a terrific time to plan house projects
that make your home more enjoyable – and
they’re fun to do, too. This summer I’m painting
and decorating our veranda and turning it into
an outdoor living room.
Be on the lookout for your own “trash to
treasure” rescue items. You never know what
you might find that can be remade into
something remarkable -- and it might just
become your next summer project. In the
meantime, the ideas below feature both indoor
and outdoor projects that’ll help get your
summer started.
1. Install a curved shower rod.
If you have a shower curtain on your shower,
you’ll never know what you’re missing by having
a standard straight rod. Find curved rods at your local home center. You won’t believe how roomy they make your shower feel.
2. Paint the garage floor.
A painted floor makes the garage feel better, look better, and it’s easier to keep clean. There are even epoxy floor kits for garages that run about $100 for a double garage that give a custom-garage feel and eliminate slippery floors.
3. Organize your linen closet.
Linen closets often look like a cotton bomb has gone off. Start by separating sheets and towels on different shelves. Then, learn to fold towels like they do in department stores. Not only do they stack neater, it’s looks great too. Place sheet sets into one pillow case so they’re all together and ready to put on the bed.
4. Build a sidewalk.
Hardscaping, particularly in the backyard, is a luxury. Create walkways to garden areas, around the house, and to gates. For instructions on building a sidewalk, go to DIY Network (tinyurl.com/r7bp8).
5. Repaint or replace patio furniture.
A good looking patio set invites you to sip a cold drink in the backyard. But rusty, dirty, or rickety furniture keeps you away from the outdoors. Revamp your patio furniture with a coat of fresh paint. Make it easy on yourself and buy spray paint.
6. Stain and seal concrete patios, porches, and sidewalks.
Stained and sealed concrete has a finished look that looks terrific. Colors can be chosen that go with the house for a coordinated look.
7. Make some big pillows.
Any size throw pillow is good, but they’re especially nice when they’re generously-sized. A European-sized square pillow is a great choice for the bed because they support your whole back and shoulders if you like to sit up and read in bed or watch TV. I couldn’t live without mine. Another wonderful pillow is one that is 12 inches wide and three feet long and it looks fantastic on a bed. Use a pillow form for the European squares and custom fill the long rectangle pillow.
8. Install a screen door.
The “faaa-whap!” of a screen door is the quintessential sound of summer and childhood. Put one on an exterior door to let in fresh air. Or, try one on a baby’s room to keep pets out, but let you hear the baby. Another option is to put a screen door on your pantry for a great country touch.
9. Add organizers to every closet.
Try ventilated shelves, wire basket drawers, even peg rails for kids to hang clothes on. A pull-out valet is perfect for coordinating outfits or packing for a trip. Add shoe cubicles, hooks for robes and pajamas, and some storage boxes to contain the closet clutter.
10. Sew some curtains.
Unlike clothing and its intricate sewing, curtains and bedding are some of the easiest sewing there is. All you have to do sew in a straight line. To get you started, check out these curtain project pages tinyurl.com/q7lyn or tinyurl.com/pqrvy.
These projects are sure to make your living space a great summer space.
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Kathryn Weber is the publisher of the Everydayclean.com Cleaning Calender, that calender that puts you in control of your home by ending the power struggle. For more information log on to http://tinyurl.com/d9rh5.
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© 2007 Kathryn Weber, all rights reserved
