Designer DIY

Yesterday's Predictions for 2009 over at Apartment Therapy (blush) got me thinking, especially this one offered up in the comments: Designer — Out; DIY — In. These days, I think we're all in agreement, at least about the second half. Now that the holidays are over, whatever changes you've been thinking about making at home, whether it's painting the family room your new favorite color or updating an old chair you found at the flea market, Doing It Yourself will probably mean doing it cheaper, faster and with plenty more personal satisfaction. But why oust the Designer entirely? Why not instead learn from the ones you love why exactly you love them? Is it the mix of furniture they choose? The way they accessorize? Their use of color? Having worked in the magazine business for ten years, styling some of the most to-die-for designer houses around, I have a little secret to tell you: With enough education (books, magazines, blogs!), a good imagination, and the courage just to get right to it, Doing It Yourself can create anything—a chair, a room, a house(!)—as Designer as you want it to be. For ten years, I was in the business of providing inspiration of a certain kind—sometimes accessible, sometimes not so much. Now, I'd like to think it's the kind everyone can use. We may not all have access to designer showrooms for fabric and furniture, but we do all have thrift shops in our neighborhoods, discount retailers down the street and hardware stores around the corner. And if you're lucky, a flea market, big or small, chock-full of potential! Here's a quick look at all your favorites from last year! Do you remember that dusty, old secretary I made over with mirror and a fresh coat of paint?

Or how about those old lampshades from the Salvation Army I spruced up with spray paint and gaffer's tape from the hardware store?  

What about the fun, fashionable pillows I made from old silk scarves? 

And here are just a few of the ones we're working on this month! Consider them the Before shots—that is, before you gasp at the transformation!

And so January is DIY month for us, everyone-—and if you'll join us, for you too! Over the next few weeks, whatever's on our lists of Things To Do at home—organize, minimize, prime, paint, staple, stack, tape, tack—we're going to do it all Ourselves. And it's going to be beautiful! Oh...and if you need a little inspiration along the way, I'll be right here!

Comments

[Charan Rose]

You are adorable. I love your website. Please keep it coming and the Goodwill redesigns are priceless.

[Lee]

I have heard about you for a few months now, and being new to this furniture rehab stuff I did some googling, and I must say you have FABULOUS ideas!

I love the lamp shades and now must head to Goodwill to do some digging myself for some!

[Rhonda]

I check out your sight every day or so. I have a group of friends that got to know each other on HGTV's rate my space. Now we talk on a message board. We share ideas and projects. I got to know you through your time on TV and thought you were just full of awesomeness.. I'm thrilled I find your blog and have told my friends about you (The Caferocks message board). Your before and after ideas are so inspirational, they get my heart pumping. Thanks for having the keen eye you do and thank you for sharing your life with us, it's a real joy.

[{this is glamorous}]

Such an inspirational post, and all of your DIY's turned out so beautifully! Especially love the secretary and the silk scarf pillows -- just lovely.

[Kneale]

Hi Eddie,
I just love the secretary re-do! Talk about inspiring! I have a black tv cabinet that I am going to re-paint Chinese lacquer red (well, high gloss red)- do you have any suggestions for painting over MDF? Very Auntie Mame/Diana Vreeland, I think! I'll let you know it turns out.
You are a breath of fresh air for 2009!
A million thanks.
all the best,

[hanako66]

I can't wait to see what you have in store for us....I just finished up a few of my own diy's and you always provide lovely inspiration!!

[Emily]

Hi Eddie!

I'm refinishings a dining room table and four chairs in January! Do you strip and sand everything before you paint it? Any recommendations?

Thanks!!

Emily

[Betsy]

Hey Eddie.
I believe that I agree with you in thinking that your eye is pretty impeccable!!

I'm wondering if you could also lend your expertise in pricing out these objects that you find. Part of the allure of antique-ing and thrifting for me is coming home feeling like I stole something!!

For example - what would be a minimum to maximum that someone should pay for that secretary in its original shape??

Love,
Betsy from The Estate of Things
http://theestateofthings.com

[Melanie]

A friend directed me to your website and imagine my surprise to see that secretary. I have a similar one that belonged to my great-grandmother and is in terrible shape. I finally convinced my mom to let me paint it, but I haven't had the time. Its so nice to see that its going to be beautiful. I'll have to show this to her. She's going to be so happy to see that I'm just trying to improve it, not destroy it.

[Debi]

Hey guys!
Haven't been here in awhile...things busy at the store! But, did want to stop by and hope that ya'll had a beautiful holiday and to wish all your dreams become reality in 2009!

xo...deb

[Melissa]

I can't wait to see what you do with all your new projects.

This whole year will probably be full of lots of DIY projects for us as well. We moved into our new home last Oct and just kind of got settled in for the holidays. Now that they have come and gone we are ready to get our hands dirty.

[decorpad]

The secretary re-design is fabulous, Eddie! It's what drew me in and now I'm hooked! ***smooches***

You'll always be "in" in my book!

[Thea]

Relly nice, I want to try some of that in Norway :)

[Meredith]

Eddie,
I love all of your projects! You provide so much inspiration. I'm new to DIY furniture projects but I'm really hoping to try one this month (maybe beginning with just painting and putting new fabric on an old chair). I'd love it if you could include a VERY basic how-to on priming furniture for painting this month. I know you've mentioned using steel wool before but it'd be great if you could provide a little more info or a video. Some of us just need a little extra guidance:)

Thanks for blogging. I enjoy reading it so much. Happy New Year!

[Barbara]

Can't wait to see what you do with the pair of chairs. I have a set of six that I've been waiting to be inspired to do something with. And along came Eddie!

[laura @ the shore(house)]

DIY all the way. It was one big DIY weekend at the shore house in fact.

And...I'm on the edge of my seat waiting to see that demi-line chest makeover! :-)

[Laura]

Sounds like a plan! You provide the inspiration, I'll supply the elbow grease! Looking forward to a fabulously stylish home in 2009. First up, declutter and purge!

[Marysol]

Well, sign me up. I need all the inspiration I can get.

Btw, I love the new life you've given that old and dusty secretary, what a lovely transformation.

[Suzanne]

If there is one designer I am keeping close its ---YOU! I cant wait to see what you have in store for us in '09-- With your blog and a few of my favorite magazines I have all of the inspiration I need to spruce up our home--

[Rachel]

Your DIY posts are the best! I'm all about DIY (obviously. I run a DIY website) and I have definitely noticed a surge in DIY interest this year, especially designer-influenced DIY.

[Bryn]

OH my gosh, I can't WAIT!!! Your DIY projects are get-your-own-tv-show worthy.

[ralphie]

Hi Eddie! I sort of 'met' you via The Martha Stewart blogger show. Love your decorating style and your passion for flea markets and flea market finds, same here. DIY is my thing and I will be joining you in this session. I think designers are cool, and so are you and your designs! Peace.

[Rachel]

Hi Eddie!! Love your DIY posts! You always inspire me with all your projects. Just wondering where you got the drawer pulls for the secretary. I am almost done refinishing a hutch but I need some pulls. Thanks so much! Keep up the good work!!
~Rachel

[Lady Katherine]

Love the chairs, and the chest! I love to have both! I had a pair of the chairs in the attic,but beyond repair! I have not seen your pillows, they are so lovely.

[LindsB]

Yeah you are back! I can't WAIT for all the DIY stuff you are going to post, it is by far my favorite! Here is to a wonderful 2009!!

[Rhoda]

Oh, and I'd love all your readers to come by & join the party too. The more the merrier!

[Rhoda]

Hi, Eddie! Congrats on your status over at AP, they are onto you! And you know how much I love DIY too & am looking forward to what all you have in store for us this coming 2009.

I'm having a little Top Projects of 2008 party at my blog on Wed. I'd love for you to come over & link up this post of your fave projects too! It's going to be fun & a great way for us all to be inspired for achieving some great projects this year...and YES, all DIY. Don't we all LOVE those before & afters & I've got quite a few myself to share.

Can't wait for the shopping trip on Sat. & to meet you both!

[Carolyn]

i have certainly been in that 'interested in + eye for design, but somewhat tentative about it' category. in our new house though, i'm just over my fear of mistakes. i'm reading John Pile's *Color in Interior Design* which hearkens to my art minor lo these many years ago, lol, and am learning. i'm addicted to AptTherapy.com and have been inspired by the imagination and encouragement in your and Danny Seo's blogs. my guest room was transformed with DIY and Freecycle finds for the holidays! really, your passion and imagination are so helpful. thanks again!

[Kathysue]

I have already decided to go around to each room in my house and make a punch list of unfinished projects or things that need to be done to give a room a new look and figure out how to do them cheaply or for nothing at all.I am actually going to start in my walk-in closet that seems to have become a throw-in and run for your life closet.I can't wait to be inspired by you throughout the year.Kathysue

[Jenn Carter]

Eddie! Im sooo excited to see what you are going to do with those wooden (harp back - i think thats what they are called) chairs. I just got 2 very similar ones myself (for $25 on craigslist!!). In their current state they look terrible, but the foundation is there for something great! I was waiting for some inspiration to re-do them so Im very excited to see the before and after!

I love your blog and have been following you since top design - and I couldn't agree more with the apartment therapy predictions!!

[Joyce Gallagher]

I love the pillows!
I have already cleaned out one linen closet this weekend. I'm on to the next.
Thanks for your wonderful tips.
Enjoy! xoxo

[Gabrielle]

I ordered the fabric to recover our dining room chairs. Staple away I go!!!DIY or die!!!

[Christie Lefebvre]

Wow! great job on that secretary piece Eddie! I used to do decorative painting has a business before the jewelry took my creative spirit. A really cool thing I would do is a faux tortoise shell back splash inside. It's really a chic look to an office piece of furniture too :) I would paint the knobs to match so it would be a nice point of interest...makes it look like a $2000 dollar designer piece. You have given me the desire to find a boring dresser and soup it up again :) Thanks....now where are my paints?

Christie.

[Naomi]

Oh, good. Finally something to be excited about in 2009!

[Virginia]

Eddie - your spirit is infectious! DIY with a little help from Mr. Ross is the perfect way to begin 2009.

[Pat]

We are in the midst of redoing our lake home. We bought the condo a little over 5 years ago. Builder white paint remained throughout, until just before Thanksgiving 08, when our daughter and son in law volunteered to paint the master bath, using leftover SW Interesting Aqua, from our recent dining room redo. That started the ball rolling.

When we moved in (Fall 2003), we furnished the condo quickly, with this and that and threw things together, due to the fact we had a new home under construction, at the same time and devoted most of our time and efforts with that. Since J's retirement, we have more time to give to our lake home, a look that is the "real" us. We're having fun, in the process. We finished the foyer over the weekend and now working on the kitchen. Having fun shopping for just the right table and paint color, etc!

Thanks so much for your inspiration, Eddie!

[Lucien]

I know I will always have room in my heart and home for a designer, especially one, like yourself, that will help me acheive MY style and not what is currently the rage. I loved the pillow made from scarves. I collect old fabric and make crazy quilts. The one I am currently working on is completely done by hand. I wanted my little sister to have something of a family heirloom. The fabrics are from the 50's thru the 70's and the backing is a USMC sheet from the 40's in Cuba. I think to say that you inspire just doesn't cut it, I would say Fabulously Inspirational! Can't wait for the upcoming blogs!

[Clara]

So Great to be able to work with you on the projects. I need some ideas for window treatments for two windows.can I e-mail the pictures to you and give me some advice?
I wish I could be in Atlanta with you.Have fun.

[Karena]

Eddie, Looking forward to a new year of exciting ideas and transformations!

[Beautiful Living]

You abviously have a talent for this... Love everything you've done so far and will definitly check back to see the progress on your other items. I have a bunch of DIY projects myself that will be posted on my blog. A chinese cabinet will be painted egg duck blue, three antique bamboo chairs from early 1900s that will get a paint job (haven't decided which color yet). Will also be getting two buffets (dressers) from the 30s that will be painted white with vertical beige stripes. Am super excited to start my projects but it's definitly difficult to find the time with a little toddler running around..

Thank you for yet another inspirational post :)

[Jill Mitchell]

Love the pillows! I just found out about you via Martha Stewart. I live in Provence and specialise in giving flea market tours here and in Paris. In that vein, I'd like to send you an email about an idea I have for your flea market trips.

Cheers!
Jill Mitchell
www.leTrip.org
www.leTrip.org/blog/

[patricia]

shall i hold my breath?
suspense is so killing me.

[Susie Harris]

I am all about DIY~ It's the best part of decorating. Anyone can make a room beautiful from a store but it takes some special talent to make it on a budget. Im ready to get to it~

[Terri]

I wholeheartedly agree that nows the time to do it for ourselves! The blog world introduces me to impossibly talented people and amazing things that I cannot acquire and for a while I felt wholly inadequate. Then I realized that it is all just a big sea of possibility for me to indulge myself in!

There are so many gifted designers out there and I am reading anyone and everyone to help refine my own style and taste. It is like free wisdom.

I cannot wait to see that little bow-front chest remade! You are very inspiring to me at a time when I really needed it. Thanks, Terri

[Mary]

I am thrilled with your post. After viewing your site for just a week, you have inspired me that I can find the lamps, side table for the bed, and art to put on the wall by myself ... and with the support of a friend and this blog! Your site delights me.

[anna]

These are fantastic! I love the lampshades especially. I will always have room for the designer in my heart, too. :)

[Tamstyles]

I am already on it! I wont be doing my granny furniture myself, but Craigslist better get ready for me.

[Michele]

Great inspiration! Also, thanks for the info you gave me re: the gray paint. Now I need to get a move on and re-do that piece of furniture.

[Dede Warren]

I can't wait for the after shots! You are quite inspiring, and I quite agree... we can any of us do anything, if we put our mind to it. Thanks for reminding me of that.

[Rebecca Vipperman]

Yea!! I love DIY!! Thank you so much for your inspiration, your blog is quickly becoming one of my favorites

[s'mee]

In this economy Gramma's mantra comes in handy! "Use it up, wear it out. Make it do, or do without!"

For millions of us 'DIY' is our only option! We do as you suggest: scan, peruse, wish, modify, and make it work on a budget that most designers use for lunch.

Count me in on one of those who will be refurbishing the furnishings et al with sweat equity and tweaking designer ideas. ; )

Thanks for the upbeat inspiration!

[Sara]

I'm quite new to your blog and just love it. You have inspired me to stop by my local Goodwill tomorrow (that is considered "thrift shop" right?) because I just do not believe there will be anything quite as cool there as you tend to find. So....I shall stop and see. Maybe I am wrong. I love those two chairs and can't wait to see what you do with them.
Thanks again for all of your inspiration. I am so looking forward to DIY month!

[Sarah's Fab Day]

I will totally be joining you for DIY, can't wait!

[kay*]

oooh i can't wait to see your transformations.

and you're totally right - designers don't have to be 'out.' we can simply study what it is we love so much about their designs - and use that to our advantage. last summer i updated a chair i bought off craigslist and it was so satisfying! the results weren't perfect but good enough for me...

here's to 2009!