Recent Posts
Addicts (not so) Anonymous Link Party
It's Friday! Woot! Actually, I'm a little nervous that Friday is already here. I'm taking part in the "Imagine the Impossibilities" Challenge, and that means that I'm supposed to have my hallway utility closet FINISHED by the 31st!! Yikes!! Little thoughts of doubt that I'll be able to finish … [Read More...]
My Mom’s Design Dilemma
Yesterday, I received this e-mail from my mom: Dear Ms Decorator, I have a stair well that looks like a tunnel. Yesterday I bought 8-8x10 black frames with 5x7 matts in them. That won't be nearly enough, but I wondered if I should mix other sizes with them. Or should I mix something else … [Read More...]
Q & A–What Window Treatments Should I Use?
Jennifer in South Carolina is having trouble deciding what window treatments to use in her family room. She seems to suffer from the same thing I do--a need for everything to be perfectly symmetrical. Here's what she wrote: I have a wall of windows (and one door) that I need to cover but the … [Read More...]
Reader Project:: Candace’s Kitchen Valances
Well good morning, all! I know I've mentioned this before, but let me repeat myself. As a DIY home blogger, there are few things that thrill me more (when it comes to my blog) than when readers actually use my tutorials and then send me photos of their projects. Seriously, every time I get one … [Read More...]
How To Link Your Post To A Link Party
I've had a few people write to me lately and ask for instructions on how to link a post to a link party. I had intended to write this post last Friday, and then completely forgot! So, for those of you wondering, here are the simple steps required so that you can join the fun. And don't worry...you … [Read More...]
Utility Closet Update–A Cabinet Color Decision
Yesterday I started priming the cabinets in my utility closet to get them ready for paint today. Before I started priming, I was still undecided on the paint color I wanted to use. Remember when I asked you lovely people your opinion way back in November? (Yes, I've been dragging my feet on … [Read More...]
Beautifully Reupholstered French Country Style Chair
As I was scrolling through the projects linked up at last week's link party, this beautiful chair makeover from Denise at Pink Postcard caught my eye. And even more amazing is the fact that this was her first time to reupholster a chair! Isn't that pretty? I love the combination of … [Read More...]
A2D Has A New Mobile Site!
Good morning, everyone! I'm just thrilled about the latest addition to A2D...a new user-friendly mobile site!** If you're used to reading A2D on your smart phone, then you know how overwhelming the main site can be a be on a small screen, and some of the functionality was missing to mobile users. … [Read More...]
Weekly Wrapup
Happy Saturday to you! I hope you're having a fantastic weekend! I got up early this morning and headed to the farmers market...and just about froze. I'm sure you northerners would laugh. It was about 40 degrees with a cold wind, but that's about all this Texas girl can take! Anyway, here's what … [Read More...]
Addicts (not so) Anonymous Link Party
Hello all! I'm running a bit late today because I've been reading your comments on this morning's post. I've loved your comments! If you haven't chimed in yet, come tell us what you think about DIY being called a "trend" that has outstayed its welcome. Well, I think it's obvious that I LOVE … [Read More...]
Inside the DIY Projects Gallery
Fancy Chalkboard
I needed something to go on the wall beside John & Alice’s breakfast table. I considered a plate wall, but that seemed a bit too plain. Artwork seemed too predictable. Then I thought of a chalkboard. I know what you’re thinking…a chalkboard is nothing if not predictable! And … [Read More...]
Pillow With Flower and Lettering Applique and Notched Flange Trim
The banquette in my breakfast area has been in need of pillows for…well…ever since I built the banquette! I decided it was finally time to tackle this project, and so far, I’ve gotten one pillow finished. Yep, one. But I decided to do something a little special on this one, so it took a … [Read More...]
Decorative Paper Book Jacket
Are you ready for a really, truly, incredibly easy project? This is it! Some of you may remember having to make these book jackets when you were in grade school. The school would issue your textbooks, and then you'd be required to keep them covered with book jackets all year long. But for those … [Read More...]
Layered Sand Flower Vase
I'll be the first to admit that I stink at flower arrangments. I'm not sure why, but that's one creative area where I can guarantee you that I don't have the touch...at all. BUT...yesterday my photographer (a.k.a., Mom) and I went to take photos of a kitchen remodel that I did last fall, and I … [Read More...]
Inside the Inspiration Files
Gavin’s Nursery
This nursery spotted on Ohdeedoh is probably one of the cutest nurseries I've ever seen. Heck, move the crib out, and a bed in, and I could move right into this room! Click here to see the full tour. … [Read More...]
Painted Sofa
Talk about a bold and daring move! I don't think the idea of painting a sofa would ever enter my head, but Jen at Fabric Bliss decided to paint her $45 garage sale sofa, and it turned out beautifully! See the before pics (you won't believe it!) and get the DIY instructions at Fabric … [Read More...]
Galvanized Tub Turned Ottoman
Need extra storage? And extra seating? And a place to put your feet up? Killer B. Design shows us how to turn a galvanized tub into a storage ottoman. Get the DIY instructions at Killer B. Design. … [Read More...]
Chevron Fabric Rug
Can't find an area rug you like? How about turning a great fabric into an area rug! This amazing chevron rug from Procraftination Station is simply a chevron fabric layered over a canvas drop cloth, attached to a rug gripper. It's brilliant! And just think of the endless possibilities when it comes … [Read More...]
Decorating Q & A
Q & A–What Can Be Done With Etched Stripe Mirrored Walls? (This One Has Me Stumped!)
I got a very interesting question from a reader today, Elenir in Sao Palo, Brazil. Here’s what Elenir had to say: “I have striped mirrors on the walls of small powder room. The vertical stripes are over glass (mirrors and opaque etched glass) so the surface is a whole wall of glass, and I … [Read More...]
Q & A–How Can I Create A Defined Entryway/Mudroom?
Erin in New York has a problem that many of us have--no defined "entryway" and no place for a mudroom. Here's what Erin had to say: Normally, I have a knack for figuring out my own design dilemmas, but this one has me really flustered. My problem (design-wise) is that I lack a mudroom, or even … [Read More...]
Q & A–What Window Treatments Should I Use?
Jennifer in South Carolina is having trouble deciding what window treatments to use in her family room. She seems to suffer from the same thing I do--a need for everything to be perfectly symmetrical. Here's what she wrote: I have a wall of windows (and one door) that I need to cover but the … [Read More...]
Reader Question: How Can I Make My Plain Kitchen Fabulous (On A Budget)
Sheena from British Columbia writes: I’m looking for some cheap(er) options on what to do with my very small (blasé) kitchen and having a hard time thinking outside of the box. Do you have any ideas? Specifically I am looking to paint the cupboards (white? grey? black? other?) and replace the … [Read More...]
I'm a self-employed interior decorator-turned-blogger, and a DIY fanatic. I hope you enjoy your visit here at A2D! If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to 
