Rainwater Collection System

This family in Portland, Oregon decided to take advantage of their abundant rainfall and they began collecting rainwater for household use. They built this system themselves and have a great how-to accompanied by photos.

  April 28, 2007 | Comments ()

Pool to Pond Conversion

Swimming pools are great fun but if the kids have moved out or you find yourself sunbathing less and less, you may want to consider turning the pool into another type of water fixture, a pond. This homeowner didn't need a "natural" swimming pool but rather a minimum-maintenance pond that added value to his house. He's provided a great step-by-step as well as a basic budget.

Pond photo after the jump.

  April 24, 2007 | Comments ()

Closet Designer

Designing a closet should be a well-thought out process that includes more than just slapping an interior door on a small room. EasyClosets.com has an online layout that helps you visualize exactly what you want with the space that you have.

  April 23, 2007 | Comments ()

Copper Trellis

With some straight copper pipe, copper connectors, and two part epoxy, you can build your own trellis that will take nicely to roses or vines. The copper will age nicely and oxidize to a nice brown patina. This trellis won't rot or need painting and should withstand the elements of any climate.

  April 20, 2007 | Comments ()

Invisible Bookshelf

Give your living space a sci-fi look and build an invisible bookshelf. You're books will look as if they are floating against the wall.

  April 19, 2007 | Comments ()

Create Floorplans

No drafting or architectural experience? No worries... There are now a multitude of DIY floorplan designers available online. All you need is a vision and some time.

SketchUp - A free app from Google that is very powerful and will have you designing 3-D plans in no time.
Floorplanner - Free version builds and designs rooms as well as shares your plans with others.
Dream Home Sources - No time to make your own, then select from over 17,000 available plans.
HGTV Room Planner - Design your floorplan and see what it would like look accessorized.

  April 16, 2007 | Comments ()

Yurt Living

Look familiar? You've probably seen these strange looking homes in National Geographic or on some travel show. They are called Yurts and they have been used in Central Asia for centuries.

Modern day Yurts are self-supporting structures that are heated and cooled with the help of their aerodynamic shape. Modern Yurts are as easy to put up as tents but are structurally much more rigid. The materials are Ash and Oak for the frame and roof and the cover is waterproof, fireproof, and rot proof canvas. We love them...

Woodland Yurts

  April 6, 2007 | Comments ()

Carve a Wooden Spoon

The above examples are extreme but the Spoonlady can show you how to carve your own wooden spoons, safely and quickly. Using utensils that you've hand-crafted can be as rewarding as building with your very own tools.

  April 2, 2007 | Comments ()