One Busy Family
There's never a dull moment for Stacy, a stay-at-home mom, and Jonathan Anderstrom, owner of a Web design and development company—and that's not just because they have four young kids (Makenzie, 7, Jadon, 6, Jack, 2, and Elijah, 1). "I'm constantly coming up with little DIY projects to put around the house," says Stacy. I've been painting, drawing and building things since I was a kid and now, with a house to fill, I feel like I can just go on and on."
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Home Sweet Home
When the Anderstroms bought their 1998 farmhouse in 2009, it was in good shape but a little bland. "I knew Stacy could turn it into a one-of-a-kind home," says Jonathan. For the past four years, she's spent nap times and evenings adding creative personal touches — vintage lockers here, pom-pom fringed curtains there — and she's not done yet. "If I see something unusual and I love it, I buy it!" says Stacy.
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Cute Steps
Stairs get a boost with black-stenciled numbers on the risers.
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Wood Frame
A weathered, salvaged wood frame makes new art look well-loved.
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Custom Drapes
Clever money-saver: a shower curtain with ribbons for hanging.
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Globe Display
Put a shelf above a door or window to make room for a collection.
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Chair Cover
Quick way to cozy up a seat: Layer it with a faux fur throw.
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Sitting Area
A vintage bench with a storage shelf is an extra place to perch.
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Mirror Trick
Hang a full-length mirror horizontally to make a room feel larger.
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Striped Table
Refresh a garage-sale find with white paint (White Dove by Benjamin Moore) and beige stripes (Bleeker Beige by Benjamin Moore).
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Suitcase Storage
Keep the kids' toys out of sight in vintage luggage.
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Side Table
Turn a stool into a spot for a lamp or remotes.
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Light Fixture
Pottery Barn candle lanterns and a metal garland hang from a wooden ladder. Total cost: $68!
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Boxes
Attach hardware-store house numbers to file boxes. Stack 'em up and leave 'em out!
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Pillow
Sew a tea towel (this one's appliqued gingham) onto a throw pillow.
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Supply Stash
Skip the usual crafts containers — vintage baskets and caddies are a whole lot cuter.
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Poster
Bring in a huge framed print, but don't bother hanging it. Leaning is easier.
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Curtains
Start with a subtly patterned sheet, then add a colorful fabric.
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Lanterns
Don't leave all your corners bare — paper lanterns fun up a kids' space.
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Calendar
Big, bold numbers in black and white make a statement. Find a similar one at
unicahome.com.
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Clip Art
Hang a stretch cord (this one's from IKEA) halfway up a wall so kids can show off their paintings.
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Chalkboard
Write a family fun list. Color in the box after you do each activity.
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Ball Bin
Gather sports stuff in a galvanized bucket and store it on the porch.
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Chair
A fresh coat of paint and oilcloth covering spruce up a hand-me-down rocker.
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Curtains
Update plain panels with fabric and pom-pom fringe. "Sometimes I'll just rearrange the furniture in a room," says Stacy. "You'd be amazed what a difference that can make."
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Mobile
Paper spheres are strung with clear fishing line.
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Frame
Hang an ornate, oversized frame above a bed, and tape art in the center.
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DIY Art
Put jazzy fabric in a cross-stitch hoop. Instant art!
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Graphic Wall
Tape off wide stripes and paint every other one a snazzy color.
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Checkered Floor
Squares with stripes — why not? This black-and-white floor is a sheet of linoleum.
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Lockers
Vintage school lockers keep supplies organized.
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Bedding
Sheets and pillowcases don't all have to match. A similar color palette is more fun.
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Pillows
A pile in bright prints takes the place of a headboard.
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Wall Art
Clip a set of flash cards on rows of twine with just clothespins.
