64a77bf5b559ece1cfab81c28f78ac09_Challenge-Bdrop.jpg

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Mid-Century

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Monochromatic design works well for those who want a more modern feel to their space. The simplicity of it also makes it easy to maintain and upkeep as the years and the trends go by.

8f44c0_b7e7e522a8ee40dea339ffe72cfac263~mv2.webp

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: center !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(48, 63, 77);">📷: <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">@</a><a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">dilemma</a>

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">We challenged our users to create spaces that followed a monochromatic theme! We gave them spaces such as living rooms, entryways, bedrooms, etc. Check out some of their beautiful designs!

8f44c0_82d3fd8c440143c184b9484397c9f8a6~mv2.webp

8f44c0_61c46fdbd9d341f392b46fca2e0ae0d4~mv2.webp

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: center !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(48, 63, 77);">📷 <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">@</a><a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">vicky08</a>, <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">@</a><a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">nanabear</a>

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8f44c0_e3ac7e62373b4b37b3ad096b135189ad~mv2.webp

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: center !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(48, 63, 77);">📷 <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">@</a><a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">d</a><a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">esignflava</a>, <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">@</a><a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">n</a><a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">zia</a>

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Monochromatic design works well for those who want a more modern feel to their space. The simplicity of it also makes it easy to maintain and upkeep as the years and the trends go by. We challenged our users to create spaces that followed a monochromatic theme! We gave them spaces such as living rooms, entryways, bedrooms, etc. Check out some of their beautiful designs!



Design Challenge: Monochrome

Try our new AI Interior Designer today!

#daily #bedroom #pink #moderndreamy 

Lorrene Randall Kohnhorst

2130c886aa153fc38a0d06c4a8947b89_Profile-Thumb.jpg

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">My first chair rail installation went incredibly well. Not only was it not too difficult (there were only a few times where my head hurt from trying to figure out my angles) but I am also loving how it’s turned out and am contemplating adding a chair rail throughout our entire home. That’s excessive, I know, but it adds so much beautiful character that I can’t get enough of. Plus, the little details that someone can incorporate make it feel so custom and special that I just cannot get enough.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-h2-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Chair Rail – It’s All in the Details

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">There are important details when it comes to the chair rail. In the instance of our home, the chair rail didn’t butt up against the existing molding around the doors and closets very nicely so I needed a solution for this. In addition, there is no molding around the windows so the chair rail couldn’t just end awkwardly. Oh, the other thing I stupidly did was made the chair rail the exact height as one of the light switches – I was going to frame it out with molding but only had a weekend to get the bulk of the work done in Sloane’s room so I would have run out of time figuring this out and needed a quicker solution. I decided to create little end caps for the chair rail to make the ends more intentional and complete. This was the hardest part, yet the most critical part of the entire chair rail operation.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-h2-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Tools and Material You Need to Install Chair Rail

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-h2-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">How to Install a Chair Rail

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">
Thanks to<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5xf0cWE1Bc" target="_blank"> this youtube video</a>, I recently learned the difference between a miter cut and a bevel cut. If you don’t know the difference – I would suggest watching the video. It explains it really well. Effectively if you are joining molding in a corner, it will be a bevel cut. If you are framing something out with molding it will be a miter. Watch the video – they’ll do a better job of explaining it.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">This article was written by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/signedsamanthaxo/" target="_blank">Samantha</a> from <a href="https://signedsamantha.com/" target="_blank">Signed Samantha</a>.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-h2-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Meet The Author

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Samantha is a working mama who has always been looking to find that work/life balance.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">On her website, you’ll find a daily dose of inspiration, coupled with a ton of sarcasm and a few laughs. Signed Samantha is a millennial mom who encompasses all things food, cocktails, entertaining, home decor, easy D.I.Ys, toddler activities, and everything in between.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Check out her <a href="https://signedsamantha.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/signedsamanthaxo/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> &amp; <a href="https://www.pinterest.ca/signedsamanthaxo/_created/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>!

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There are important details when it comes to the chair rail. In the instance of our home, the chair rail didn’t butt up against the existing molding around the doors and closets very nicely so I needed a solution for this. In addition, there is no molding around the windows so the chair rail couldn’t just end awkwardly.

DIY - Installing a Chair Rail

Winter is here, and it’s that time of the year to reflect, celebrate, and spend time with loved ones inside the warmth of our homes! 2021 carried styles from previous years and brought about endless creative interior design trends whether it be antique and vintage furniture, sustainable design, cottagecore, minimalism, the list goes on and on! It truly was a special year, and we asked 3 interior designers to share their expertise and thoughts on 2021 trends, what will stay/go, personal favorites, challenges, and what we should be excited about in 2022. 

Interior Design Trends 2022: Reflecting on Last Year and What to Expect in 2022

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">This month we celebrated America’s Independence Day with some new decor challenges! A 3 day weekend is perfect for getting some rest, having good food, and celebrating with family. It is also good for some relaxing time decorating different spaces in a home.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: center !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(48, 63, 77);">📷 <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">@nalinymph</a>

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">We challenged our users to decorate and design various rooms inspired by the holiday and ready for celebrations. Spaces ranged from living rooms, patios, home offices and so many more! Here are some designs from our talented users!

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: center !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(48, 63, 77);">📷 <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">@bethbaroo</a>, <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">@karenharris</a>

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: center !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(48, 63, 77);">📷 <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">@siilla</a>, <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">@kacilevn</a>

This month we celebrated America’s Independence Day with some new decor challenges! A 3 day weekend is perfect for getting some rest, having good food, and celebrating with family. It is also good for some relaxing time decorating different spaces in a home. 

4th of July Interior Design Challenge

You can try loads of different things to revamp your kitchen and make it feel newer and more refreshed. Unfortunately, many of these ideas - like re-tiling or installing new cabinets - will cost a fortune. 


So, you’ll be happy to learn that the three ideas below will transform your kitchen without blowing a hole through your bank account:


Adding some new cabinet doors to your kitchen is a brilliantly cost-effective way of giving it a fresh look. After many years of use, your kitchen cabinets can start to get dirty and have permanent marks on them. No matter how hard you scrub, they continue to look bad. So, adding some new doors will breathe new life into the place. 

I know you’re wondering <a href="https://www.kitchendoorhub.com/the-hub/why-you-should-replace-kitchen-doors-3044" target="_blank">why you should replace your kitchen doors</a> and not the cabinets themselves. Well, the fact is that your cabinets themselves might be in good condition still. The inside is perfectly fine, and the outside is great - it’s just your doors that are the problem. It’s way cheaper and quicker to swap out old doors for new ones, giving you an instant improvement to your kitchen.

Is your toaster looking a bit old? Is your microwave suffering from years of constant use? Look around your kitchen at some of the key appliances that you use every day. Now, swap them out for some brand new ones. It doesn’t seem like much, but this has a profound impact on interior design. Immediately, your kitchen can look <a href="https://designandbeyond.co.uk/blog/make-your-home-modern-and-magnificent-with-these-wonderful-choices" target="_blank">more modern and stylish</a> with the new appliances.


You can go one step further and get a new fridge - or even install a new oven. It won’t be the cheapest idea on this list, but it is still way cheaper than most of the kitchen renovation ideas out there.

Contact paper is absolutely amazing and represents the most cost-effective way of revamping your kitchen. Essentially, this is a type of waterproof paper that comes in many styles and has a glossy finish. It can be used to replicate things like granite or marble but at a fraction of the cost of a new countertop.

All you have to do is stick the <a href="https://www.thehandymansdaughter.com/contact-paper-kitchen-counter/" target="_blank">contact paper over your kitchen counter</a>. Just like that, you have transformed your kitchen and given the illusion of a new countertop. You have to be a bit more careful as it doesn’t stand up to heat or trauma as well as actual countertop materials. So, ensure you have heat protective mats and use a chopping board when preparing food.

You could also stick contact paper to your kitchen cabinets to make them look new as well!



One of the best things about having a home is finding new and creative ways to make it look better on a budget. These ideas prove that you do not need to spend a fortune to make your kitchen look better. It’s all about being clever and a little bit sneaky, while still ensuring that your kitchen gets the makeover it deserves.

This article was written by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/designandbeyond/" target="_blank">Paul</a> from <a href="https://designandbeyond.co.uk/blog/" target="_blank">Design &amp; Beyond</a>.

Paul started Design &amp; Beyond back in 2015 as an online space to share his University portfolio and over the years it changed from a portfolio to a blog and a shop. 

Throughout the years, Paul has gained experience and learned a lot from the design world. He is passionate about all that he does so follow along on his journey to success!

Check out their <a href="https://designandbeyond.co.uk/blog/" target="_blank">Blog</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/designandbeyond/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> &amp; <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/Designandbeyond/_created/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>!

8f44c0_ef52563ba4094b4c93c52c0c3441054d_mv2 copy.jpg

You can try loads of different things to revamp your kitchen and make it feel newer and more refreshed. Unfortunately, many of these ideas - like re-tiling or installing new cabinets - will cost a fortune.

Five Renovations To Improve Your Home

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Okay, Christmas decor is at a minimum in this house this year. I’m not feeling what I have but I’m also not willing to settle for something that I am not totally in love with. I’m trying to stop this unnecessary habit of purchasing things for the need and desire to have a finished space. I’m really working on being more intentional with what I buy and having a more fulsome picture of what I intend to do. That being said, this year we did invest in a faux tree (it looks so good! We got this one) so budget-wise more decorations aren’t in there, that’ll be next year’s adventure. Enter my DIY Christmas. I loved these wood Christmas trees from Crate and Barrel but did you see the price tag on them?! $50 for one of the sizes that I’ve made and $150 for a 3.5 ft tall one!

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">My price tag on these DIY wood Christmas trees? Free. Used from scrap material I had laying around. So there’s that. In addition to these DIY Wood Christmas trees, I also have so many more affordable DIYs for the holiday’s already on this page:

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">That’s a lot right?! You can get so creative this time of year and make magic with what you already have. Speaking of which, let’s get to these DIY wood Christmas trees.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Here are the tools and materials you need to make your DIY Wood Christmas Trees

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Recommended Tools to Make Your Life Easier When Building Built-in Bookshelves

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Here are the materials you need to make DIY wood Christmas trees

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; display: block; text-align: left !important;"><span style="font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Sizes are totally up to you! I made three sizes:

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">For this you need:

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">How to Make DIY Wood Christmas Trees

Keeping Christmas decor to a minimum while sticking to a budget can be done!

DIY Wood Christmas Trees

I’m in the process of giving an old metal&nbsp;<a href="https://repurposeandupcycle.com/small-target-shelving-unit-makeover/" target="_blank">Target shelving unit a makeover</a>. I’ve spray painted the base and now and now I’m ready to give the plywood a faux wood finish with prominent wood grain.

I’m no stranger to creating faux wood finishes. If you can think of a way to create one, I’ve probably already tried it. Previously I’ve given a smooth&nbsp;<a href="https://repurposeandupcycle.com/painting-laminate-cabinets-and-laminate-furniture-tutorials/" target="_blank">laminate surface</a>&nbsp;a&nbsp;<a href="https://repurposeandupcycle.com/weathered-wood-finish-smooth-surface/" target="_blank">faux wood (weathered wood) finish with paint and dark wax.</a>

You can also see where I learned to&nbsp;<a href="https://repurposeandupcycle.com/how-to-create-the-weathered-barn-wood-look-with-new-wood/" target="_blank">highlight the wood grain with spackle</a>&nbsp;for a rustic wood finish. Yep, you heard me right- with spackle or otherwise known as joint compound.

Today I’m sharing how to create a faux wood finish with a graining tool. These tools are awesome and so easy to use IF you know how to use them. Let me show you.

How to use a wood graining tool for a faux wood paint finish

Using a graining tool doesn’t have to be hard. As a matter of fact, a beginner DIYer can do this!

First, you need to decide which medium you want to use.

Disclosure; this post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This does not affect the price you pay. This disclosure statement refers to the rest of the Amazon links and other affiliate links in this post.

You can use a graining tool with virtually any medium, including the stain. Know that stains typically won’t create as prominent of a grain effect unless you are using a stain that sits on the surface like a&nbsp;<a href="https://repurposeandupcycle.com/wood-furniture-makeover-with-unicorn-spit-gel-stain/" target="_blank">gel stain</a>.

There is a product called&nbsp;<a href="https://repurposeandupcycle.com/how-to-use-retique-it-liquid-wood-with-a-folding-table-makeover/" target="_blank">Liquid Wood</a>&nbsp;that infuses small particles of real wood into a paint product. I’ve used this product with a graining tool on an old folding table. I finished it with a stain too. It worked beautifully.

I thought about using the&nbsp;<a href="https://amzn.to/3tZj99h" target="_blank">Retique It Liquid wood product</a>, but I decided to see what I could create with just paint.

Once you’ve decided on your medium, apply one to two layers on the surface.

Immediately after you apply the paint, start at one end of the surface and hold the rubber graining tool at about a 45-degree angle. Pull the graining tool through the paint (or stain) rocking it back and forth slowly until it reaches the edge of the surface.

Always pull the tool in the direction of the wood grain. If the surface you are applying it to doesn’t have a wood grain, decide the best direction for it. For most vertical surfaces, the wood grain should run vertical and vice versa for horizontal surfaces.

Make one smooth pass with the tool and DON’T pull the graining tool up until you’ve reached the edge.

If you mess up or you don’t like the grain, no big deal. Take your paint brush and brush over the surface and start over again.

Note; for a really cool effect, apply dark paint first and then a lighter paint on top. You will need to apply the lighter paint to the base coat while it’s still&nbsp;fairly&nbsp;wet. This is something you need to play around with to get the right timing for applying the second coat. The graining tool will pull the dark color out and it makes a really neat color.

What surfaces can you use a wood grain tool on?

As long as you have a paint or stain medium that will adhere to the surface you are trying to apply the wood grain to, any surface should work! You can apply this faux wood grain finish to virtually any type of material.

Like I said earlier, I applied this faux finish to a plastic folding table and it turned out beautifully.

Note: the thicker the paint or stain medium, the more prominent the wood grain will show.

Let me show you a few close-up views of the faux wood grain after it dried.

Look how real that wood grain looks! The best part? It actually has texture and feels like wood grain too.

This is only my second time using the graining tool but I can think of lots of other projects I would like to try it on

This article was written by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/repurposeandupcycle/" target="_blank">Lindsey Manning</a> from <a href="https://repurposeandupcycle.com/" target="_blank">Repurpose and Upcycle</a>.

Lindsey is a person with a strong desire to create! Her blog started out from a need for a creative outlet during her time as a stay-at-home mom. 

She believes that a home can be furnished, decorated, and updated on a budget. It just takes time, creativity, and the willingness to try and mess up. 

Check out her <a href="https://thebrownstoneboys.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/repurposeandupcycle/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> &amp; <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/linds82au/_created/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>!

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I’m in the process of giving an old metal Target shelving unit a makeover. I’ve spray painted the base and now and now I’m ready to give the plywood a faux wood finish with prominent wood grain.

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