Brilliant Bookends

Make a shelf sparkle with these functional glass blocks.

1. Affix at least four self-stick clear bumpers (#55659) to the underside of each glass block of your choice (we used #121282 and #121384).

2. Place the blocks along a shelf to hold books in place.

Side Dish

Serve up a healthy helping of fashion with these table projects.

Step 1: For the tabletop, cut a 1/2-inch-thick oak panel to 18 inches square. For the table base, cut a 3/4-inch-thick oak panel to 12 inches square. There’s no charge for the first two cuts.)
Step 2: Lightly sand the two storage bins and the oak panels. Prime the panels, and allow to dry.
Step 3: Join the two storage bins at their bases using construction adhesive, and allow the adhesive to set.
Step 4: Attach the oak panels to each open end of the bin assembly using construction adhesive. Make sure the smooth side of the top oak panel faces up. Allow to dry.
Step 5: Measure and miter cut the rope trim to fit along the edges of both the top and bottom oak panels.
Step 6: Glue the rope trim to the edges of both panels using construction adhesive. Allow the adhesive to set.
Step 7: Prime, and let dry. Paint the rope trim in your desired color, and paint the rest of the table in a shade that’s slightly darker. (Use painter’s tape if needed.)
Allow to dry.
Step 8: Attach felt pads to the bottom of the table.
Step 9: If you add a piece of glass to the top of the table, make sure it’s 1/4 inch thick.

Tart
Taking an angular approach, this table provides a tangy twist.

MATERIALS
1 (24-inch-square) 1/2-inch-thick pre-cut oak panel**
1 (24-inch-square) 3/4-inch-thick pre-cut oak panel**
2 (8-foot-long) pieces of 11/16-inch wooden rope trim
2 storage bins (#226778)
primer
paint (Valspar Signature Colors, Laura Ashley Home; Apple #LA917; Garden Hedge #LA918; semi-gloss)
Loctite Power Grab construction adhesive (#185445)
felt pads (#54075)

TOOLS
circular saw
handsaw with miter box (or miter saw)
sanding block with sandpaper
tape measure
paintbrush
5-piece hobby brush set
Pencil

*Does not include labor costs or applicable taxes, which vary by market, or the cost of tools.
**Availability varies by market.


Rich
Fulfill your craving for something more substantial with this hearty table.
Step 1: Join the planters at their bases (as shown) using construction adhesive, and let dry.
Step 2: Cut an oak board to 20 inches square. Sand any rough edges.
Step 3: Glue the tiles to the board using construction adhesive, and let dry.
Step 4: Miter cut and then stain the trim pieces. Allow to dry. Using construction adhesive, glue the trim to the edges of the board. Allow to dry.
Step 5: Grout the tile.
Step 6: Apply stain to the planters; let dry.
Step 7: Attach the board to the top planter using construction adhesive, and allow to dry.

MATERIALS
2 (14-inch-diameter) fiberglass planters (#112461)
1 (24-inch-square) 3/4-inch-thick oak board**
1 (8-foot-long) piece of Egg-and-Dart trim
Loctite Power Grab construction adhesive (#185445)
16 (3- x 12-inch) sheets of 1-inch copper slate mosaic tiles (#235551)
beige grout
stain (Olympic Interior Oil-based Wood Stain, mocha brown)
indoor/outdoor polyurethane (clear, satin, #99643)

TOOLS
circular saw
handsaw with miter box (or miter saw)
sanding block with sandpaper
tape measure
paintbrush
pencil

*Does not include labor costs or applicable taxes, which vary by market, or the cost of tools.
**Availability varies by market.


Sweet
This tempting table makes you feel like a kid in a candy store.
Step 1: Lightly sand the pine panel and table legs.
Step 2: To determine the placement of the legs on the panel, begin by drawing two perpendicular lines at the center of the panel (extending to the edges). Measure 3 inches from the edge of the panel along each line, and mark each location for the center of the four mounting plates. Drill 1/8-inch-diameter pilot holes 1/4 inch deep. Sand any rough edges.
Step 3: Prime the panel and table legs; allow to dry. Using painter’s tape, paint the pieces as shown with two coats, allowing each coat to dry.
Step 4: Attach each mounting plate to the panel with the four wood screws included. Screw a table leg into each mounting plate.
Step 5: Apply a coat of paste wax to the entire table per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 6: Predrill holes, and then attach a furniture glide to the bottom of each leg.

MATERIALS
1 (5/4-inch-thick) 24-inch round edge-glued ponderosa pine panel**
4 (22-inch) Early American table legs (#853)
4 straight-top mounting plates (#838)
primer
paint (Valspar Ultra Premium; Cliveden Virginia Soil #1003-9A; Polka Pink #1006-4A; semi-gloss)
painter’s tape
paste wax (#44690)
nail-on furniture glides (#246570)

TOOLS
drill/driver and bit set
sanding block with sandpaper
tape measure
straightedge
paintbrush
pencil

*Does not include labor costs or applicable taxes, which vary by market, or the cost of tools.
**Selection varies by market.


Savory
Warm colors and the texture of grass cloth wallpaper will satisfy your soul.
Step 1: Lightly sand the pine panel and table legs.
Step 2: To determine the placement of the legs on the panel, begin by drawing two perpendicular lines at the center of the panel (extending to the edges). Measure 3 inches from the edge of the panel along each line, and mark each location for the center of the four mounting plates. Drill 1/8-inch-diameter pilot holes 1/4 inch deep. Sand any rough edges.
Step 3: Drill 1/4-inch-diameter pilot holes 1/2 inch deep into the top of each table leg. Thread two 5/16-inch hex nuts onto each hanger bolt. Use a 5/16-inch open-ended wrench to screw a hanger bolt into the top of each leg, leaving about 3/8-inch of the bolt out of the leg. Remove each hex nut.
Step 4: Prime the panel and table legs; allow to dry.
Step 5: Paint the pieces with two coats, allowing each coat to dry.
Step 6: Secure the wallpaper to the panel, and trim with utility scissors. Secure the wallpaper to the top of the table legs (as shown), and trim any excess.
Step 7: Attach each mounting plate to the panel with the four wood screws included. Screw a table leg into each mounting plate.
Step 8: Predrill holes, and then attach a furniture glide to the bottom of each leg.

MATERIALS
1 (24-inch) round edge-glued ponderosa pine panel**
4 (21-inch) country-pine table legs (#832)
4 straight-top mounting plates (#838)
primer
paint (Valspar Signature Colors; Eddie Bauer Home, Raffia #EB25-1; Laura Ashley Home, Gold 3 #LA709; semi-gloss)
prepasted wallpaper (green grass cloth, #99474)
2 packages of (5/16–18 x 2) hanger bolts (#57436)
5/16-inch hex nuts
nail-on furniture glides (#246570)

TOOLS
drill/driver and bit set
5/16-inch open-ended wrench
utility scissors
sanding block with sandpaper
tape measure
paintbrush
straightedge
pencil

*Does not include labor costs or applicable taxes, which vary by market, or the cost of tools.
**Selection varies by market.

Backyard Bliss

An on-the-go young professional created a beautiful outdoor oasis. The space beckons her to slow down and relax.

The homeowner: Single medical resident with a hectic, haphazard schedule seeks a low-maintenance area to sit back and enjoy the outdoors.

The courtyard: Traditional English-style garden—complete with pea gravel and monochromatic green plantings—emerges from a mid-sized suburban patio.


Sense of place
1 Annuals and herbs, such as rosemary, can be used for cooking and to
incorporate fragrance into the garden. If you desire more color in your outdoor space, consider adding summer annuals.

2 A chaise offers a comfy spot for relaxing. Outdoor fabric cushions resist dirt and mildew.

3 The pea gravel base can be maintained easily with a rake. If you prefer more textural variety, mix in some stepping stones with the gravel.

Drab to fab
4 Evergreens provide year-round interest; the arborvitae are used as a screen and to soften the look of the brick privacy wall.

5 A stately fountain adds an air of elegance, while the gentle sound of the falling water soothes the senses. The electrical cord is hidden underneath the pea gravel.


6 This stainless gas grill with a 28-burger capacity features a push-and-turn ignition and a cast-brass side burner.

7 The European-inspired furniture has a beautiful scrollwork design and a textured black powder coated finish for durability.


List

furniture (Ashford, black; 48-inch round table, #144088; dining chairs, #144191; 9-foot umbrella, #147709; iron umbrella base, #149906;
cushion chaise, #147301; side table, #147549)
3-burner gas grill (Perfect Flame, #61701) pea gravel (#92130) cast-iron fountain (2-tier, #190341)
planter (Tribeca Urn, #97080)
*Does not include labor costs or applicable taxes, which vary by market, or the cost of plants.

Unwind Design

Wooden Dowel Coasters

By now, we hope you’ve hosted your own Unwind & Design party. Be sure to check
out the online components of Unwind & Design as well. The site features Web-exclusive projects, along with hostess tips, video demonstrations, party playlists, a sample invitation, and more.

List:
assorted dowels (round, 48-inch-long, 3/8-inch-diameter, #19380; square, 36-inch-long, 1/4-inch-thick, #27546)
paint (Valspar Signature Colors, Eddie Bauer Home; Full Sun #EB1-1; Pail #EB6-2; Shrimp #EB4-3; Snapdragon #EB17-2; Apple Green #EB10-2; flat)
stain (Olympic Interior One Step, Traditional Walnut)
colored twine (#158880)
18-gauge steel wire (#62933)
foam brushes**
touch-up paintbrush/jar (#140300)**
anvil hand pruners (#77178)**
polyurethane**
tape measure**

*A portion of this cost is for supplies that can be kept in your hostess tool kit. Does
not include applicable taxes, which vary by market.
**Add these items to your Unwind & Design hostess tool kit.


STEP-BY-STEP

Step 1: Use anvil pruners to trim off the ends of each 48-inch round dowel, and then cut the dowel into nine 31/2-inch pieces for each coaster. Cut each 36-inch square dowel into 12 pieces for each coaster.

Step 2: Add a light coat of paint or stain to each dowel piece. (Use gloves when working with stain.) Lay the pieces on a drop cloth to dry. The pieces should be dry to the touch in about 20 minutes. If working indoors, direct a fan on the pieces to
reduce drying time.

Step 3: Cut two 3-foot-long pieces of twine or wire for each coaster. Group together nine round dowel pieces (or 12 of the square dowel pieces) to form a square. Tie the twine or wire around the first dowel piece, and then loop the remainder around each piece to secure them together. Tie off and cut the excess when you reach the end. Repeat to secure the opposite end of the coaster. Hostess Tip: Give each guest a jar of polyurethane for adding a protective finish to the coasters later.

Natural Wonder

This space overlooks a pretty stretch of hillside peppered with boulders, lending a secluded feel in the natural setting. The couple wanted to create an upbeat, casual, yet sophisticated, kitchen design that harmonizes with the views. The homeowners changed the floor plan in order to bring more openness into the kitchen and mimic the great outdoors. Because they entertain quite frequently, they wanted the area to flow easily for small and large groups. A generous-sized island provides the perfect place for guests to perch while the homeowners cook. It also enhances the kitchen’s airy feel and helps to define the space. Sleek appliances are paired with nature inspired materials, while bold dabs of red elevate the color palette. The result is a kitchen that packs a double punch—a visual “wow” and a streamlined workflow.

what they did
THE CHALLENGE: The kitchen needed to accommodate the homeowners’ busy lifestyles, which include regular entertaining. The couple also wanted the kitchen to celebrate the natural landscape just beyond the windows.

THE SOLUTION: Simplifying the floor plan allows for efficient traffic flow and creates a variety of areas for guests, including island space and a hospitality center with a sink and beverage chiller.


Casual warmth
1 The maple cabinetry has a sheer topcoat that allows the wood’s beautiful raining to show through. Bar pulls, placed vertically on the cabinetry doors, bridge traditional and modern styles.

2 One-inch mosaic glass tiles, with russet, cinnamon, and terra-cotta tones, make
the backsplash a shimmering focal point.

3 Earth-friendly bamboo flooring adds warmth to the room.

4 The energy-efficient counter-depth refrigerator features large-drawer storage,
lockable exterior controls, and a temperature-controlled drawer that keeps food fresher longer.

5 A tambour door (which functions like the front of a roll-top desk) conceals small
appliances and other items at the hospitality center.

6 Open shelving keeps dishware within easy reach and in plain sight. Aluminum-framed doors with glass inserts lend a distinctive touch.

Glass Glown

Clear, open containers
with translucent-glass or high quality plastic give the best of terrariums—the see-through effect—without having the complexity of a self-sustaining ecosystem. Low-maintenance plants, such as succulents and cacti, need a minimal amount of water and fertilizer. Try the following ideas to create your own laid-back planters.

Graceful Globes
Line up a few of these tiny planters down the center of a table for a natural look. Or set them in a windowsill, where the globe will catch the sunlight and cast a beautiful glow on the bright-green succulents. The plants can grow in the shallow soil, but you may need to replant them in larger pots if they become too big for the globes.

Step 1: Plant a small succulent or cactus in a 1-inch layer of potting soil in a 4-inch-wide clay saucer. Water lightly. Sprinkle pearl stone soil cover (#139514) around the plant.

Step 2: Place a clear seeded-glass globe (#87316) over the saucer. (You can glue the globe in place, or simply let it rest on the saucer.)


Perfect Fixture
Try giving a basic ceiling light a colorful upgrade with paint, and then turn it into a container for shapely plants. The prismatic glass of the fixture contributes a nice texture to the scene, while the purplish-red paint color complements the bromeliad’s
warm organic hues.

Step 1: Use painter’s tape to cover the glass areas of the ceiling fixture drum #78219).

Step 2: Spray-paint the white plastic areas; we used claret wine (#40180). Allow to dry, and then remove the tape.

Step 3: Add a 1/2-inch layer of pearl stone soil cover (#139514), and add a 2-inch layer of potting soil.

Step 4: Plant a succulent or bromeliad in the potting soil. Add a shallow layer of the stone soil cover around the plant. Water lightly.

Color Therapy

YOU CRAVE:
A space that calms and restores your mind and body.
THE SOLUTION: Cool, Crisp Hues

GREEN Just as fresh green aloe is soothing for your skin, shades of light green can be healing colors for your mood. A bedroom, reading room, or office can be transformed into a peaceful sanctuary by incorporating pale, calming colors such as Peppermint Tea from the Laura Ashley Home collection, Meadow Wind, or even Jaded Lime.

BLUE Shades of blue also can bring peace and serenity to a room. If you typically gravitate toward blue when you are selecting colors, choose a soft shade to give the space a clean and natural feel. Try Sky Blue 2 from the Laura Ashley Home collection or Dancing Mist. Or for a deeper color that provides the same effect, consider Frosty.

PURPLE Lavender can create a truly relaxing retreat with its blend of warm red and cool blue. If you are looking for a light and airy color, try Cool Morning or Star Light. For a richer hue, pamper your walls with Cincinnatian Hotel Olivia Blue.

BEIGE Want to stay neutral, but still have a wall color that’s refreshing? Choose a shade of beige. Colors such as Belle Grove Buff and Coconut Milk can help to make your room appear more open and inviting thanks to the appeal of their lighter neutral tones.
YOU CRAVE:
A clean slate that allows you to express individuality.
THE SOLUTION: Whites
WHITE You can showcase plenty of style and personality in neutral-colored rooms. White walls can be the perfect backdrop for incorporating self-expression through decorative accents. They also can allow you to quickly change the look of your room by switching out accessories, such as curtains or pillows. When used in hallways or stairwells, white walls can connect rooms that have varied palettes.

TINTS All whites are not the same—you can choose from warm whites with yellow and pink undertones to cool whites incorporating green or blue. Use these tints as you would warm and cool colors in your home. Try Du Jour or Bistro White for a true warm white. For cooler shades with a touch of green or gray, consider Divine Cream, Comet Dust, or City Steam.
BROWN AND BLACK For rich color that also can serve as a neutral backdrop for your home’s decor, consider a shade of brown or black. Browns such as Journey or Turkish Coffee allow bright colors—think whites and chartreuse—to stand out. Dark Kettle Black and Very Black coat walls in brilliant depth. For a more subdued shade of black that incorporates gray, try Blindfold.

YELLOW Draw inspiration from nature by creating a bright, sunny room that will perk you up even on the dreariest of days. Fresh yellows, such as Tulip from the Laura Ashley Home collection, revitalize a room and make it a cheery escape. Richer tones, such as Buttered Toffee, also bring warm energy to a room but allow for deeper color.

RED If you want to ignite excitement in a room—perhaps your kitchen or dining room—fire up the walls with Radiant Red or Bright Red. These intrepid colors give off energy that can inspire you to cook a five-course meal and encourage your guests to let lively conversation flow while they dine. If you like the idea of red in your home’s palette, but you’re not ready for an absolute crimson, try a cooler shade that contains more blue and purple, such as Montpelier Red Velvet.

ORANGE Known to stimulate appetite as well as energy, fresh shades of orange, such as Ripe Pomegranate and Roasted Pumpkin, enliven your walls with brilliant color that excites the senses. For a paler yet invigorating shade, try Orange Ochre or Homestead Apricot.

Fabulous floors

Want a room that makes a statement? Paint the floors. The following instructions and designs show you how to create durable and cost-effective style underfoot.

You’re ready to start painting, but first, you must prepare your floors. Sand them using medium-grit sandpaper, remove the dust, and clean with T.S.P. substitute cleaner (#224907). The following painting instructions apply to all designs shown here. Prime the floor with American Tradition by Valspar Interior Latex Multipurpose Primer (#168215); let dry completely. Tape off the pattern, and then paint using American Tradition by Valspar Latex Porch and Floor Enamel (#49816) in a satin finish of your desired color. After paint has dried, and the surface is dust free, add a layer of Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish (#45892) to protect the surface.

Bright path
Painted stairs mimic a customized runner.
Step 1: Measure and mark the desired stripe widths.
Step 2: Use painter’s tape to cover the areas not being painted, and then paint each stripe using a high-quality synthetic bristle brush. Allow at least two hours to dry.
Step 3: Remove the tape; repeat steps for additional stripes.

featured colors*
white (American Tradition by Valspar, Ivory Dust #7003-24)
orange (American Tradition by Valspar, Butternut Tree #3002-5B)
dark orange (Signature Colors by Valspar, Eddie Bauer Home, Burnt Brick #EB37-4)
yellow (Signature Colors by Valspar, Laura Ashley Home, Deep Cowslip 4 #LA704)

striking squares
This colorful treatment invokes retro chic.
Step 1: Apply two coats of the base color; allow to dry.
Step 2: Tape off the squares using painter’s tape.
Step 3: Paint colors from the center out (be careful not to paint yourself into a corner). Paint two coats of the dark color first, and then two coats of the lighter color. Allow to dry; carefully remove the tape.

featured colors*
base (American Tradition by Valspar, Jekyll Club Veranda Ivory #7003-20)
darker squares (American Tradition by Valspar, Carolina Inn Brass #3007-8A)
lighter squares (American Tradition by Valspar, Baked Scone #3007-8B)

CASE STUDY

A little imagination can turn a basic bookcase into a unique space for work or play. Try one or more of these projects.
Flower power
This fresh bookcase design keeps all your gardening supplies in one place. Utility hooks (#65656) attached to the inside keep tools ready to grab. Spring-green paint hints at the gardening theme while matchstick blinds (#164100) add texture and hide clutter.

Bookcase paint:
Signature Colors by Valspar, Laura Ashley Home, semi-gloss; (outside) Olive Grove #LA916; (inside) Raw Linen #LA108
Self expression
A well-equipped art center with a cool color palette can provide a constant source of
inspiration. A magnetic bar (#95053) attached to the inside holds brushes. A painted drop cloth (#126317) used as a curtain conceals supplies and works-in-progress.

Bookcase paint:
(outside) American Tradition by Valspar, Bistro White #7006-4, semi-gloss; (inside) Signature Colors by Valspar, Waverly Home Classics, Simply Gray #WV37006, semi-gloss; (drop cloth) Signature Colors by Valspar, Laura Ashley Home, Inlet Blue #LA1215, Apple 5 #LA1005; satin

Working order
Organizing bills, to-do lists, or work from the office becomes less of a chore with this
efficient option. A laptop can be stored conveniently on the center shelf. The curtain
rod holds drapery rings with clips (#210101) to keep notes accessible. Decorative task lighting (#42143) completes this studious look.

Bookcase paint:
(inside) Signature Colors by Valspar, Eddie Bauer Home, Vanilla Bean #EB25-3, semi-gloss

Fresh headboard

Interior doors offer a creative canvas for expressing your style.

General: The overall dimensions of this headboard are approximately 11/2 inches deep, 60 inches wide, and 80 inches high, making it most suitable for a full- (as shown) or queen-size mattress.
Step 1: Place the two doors on a flat surface (or on sawhorses) with the two long edges facing and the smallest panels on the top.
Step 2: On the front of the doors, apply painter’s tape around the borders of the upper eight panels. Using an angled paintbrush, apply two coats of light-pink paint inside the borders. Allow to dry, and then remove the tape.
Step 3: Tape around the panels again, but place the tape inside the borders this time. Using an angled paintbrush, apply two coats of dark-pink paint. Allow to dry, and then remove the tape.
Step 4: Carefully measure the dimensions of the raised portions of each light-pink panel. Mark and measure these dimensions on the back of the wallpaper, and cut out the eight pieces using a utility knife. Attach the wallpaper to the raised panels per the manufacturer’s instructions. Allow to dry.
Step 5: Turn the doors over. Join the doors by attaching two continuous hinges using the included hardware, along the seam of the doors’ long edges.
Step 6: To attach the door to the wall, place a large self-leveling picture hanger on each corner of the headboard. (The door will be resting on the wall, but not hanging from it.) Lean the headboard against the wall at the appropriate angle, and then mark the placement of the picture hangers on the wall; install the appropriate wall fasteners. Secure the picture hangers to the wall fasteners to stabilize the headboard.

MATERIALS
2 (30-inch-wide) 6-panel
molded interior doors (#10975)
2 (11/2- x 30-inch) continuous hinges (#196287)
painter’s tape
angled paintbrush
paint (Signature Colors by Valspar, Laura Ashley Home; Berry Red 1 #LA201; Berry Red 2 #LA202; satin)
prepasted wallpaper**
self-leveling picture hangers (#52716)

TOOLS
Sandpaper, tape measure, pencil and utility knife