The demand outstrips the supply of materials and labor to do the work, leaving homeowners to get creative. A garden hot tub – though lovely – could be viewed as something of a frippery and while it might set some hearts racing, it’s very much a case of taste. If you simply must have one, go for a deck-top one that can move with you.
If cupboard and storage space is limited in your kitchen, just look up. Overhead pot racks can hold your bulky kitchen items right where you need them while making a rustic design statement in your home. Small homes come with even smaller nooks and crannies that feel dark, dingy, and end up making the room feel smaller when they’re ignored. Consider building corner shelves in the bathroom or small built-in shelves for that neglected nook. Removing the doors only takes an afternoon and a few basic tools. It’ll cost you little to nothing beyond the cost of paint and caulk.
- In the Brookside neighborhood in central Kansas City, Mo., John Buhr has do-it-yourself projects going from top of the garage to the basement.
- Put recessed lighting under kitchen cabinets to illuminate the countertop and reflect
