Instant Patio

When looking for extra living space, this suburbanite decided to focus outdoors on his neglected backyard. With a cramped patio, a chain-link fence, and an uninviting landscape, the yard lacked style, but it was the perfect canvas for crafting a functional outdoor room. To transform the area, the homeowner extended the patio, added all-season plants, and invested in a new gas grill. Keeping costs low and impact high, he tamed his backyard jungle and created a cozy terrace ideal for sitting down with a good book or hosting an impromptu barbecue with friends.


Ready, Set, Grill

1 This stainless steel gas grill features a fully enclosed cart for strength and durability.


2 The grill’s porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking surface is perfect for preparing meats and vegetables. With a 28-burger capacity, the grill can cook enough for a large party.


3 Tea olive trees conceal the chain-link fence, while garden trellises cover part of the garage exterior.


4 The all-weather wicker construction of this chair and side table withstands extreme temperatures; the cushions are made of UV-protected fabric.


5 These gray-toned pavers fit together like puzzle pieces. They impart the natural feel of real stones but are easier to install.

4-burner gas grill (Char-Broil, Commercial series, #242266)
cushioned chair (Beaufort Collection, brown, #119237)
side table (Beaufort Collection, brown, #119244)
small chair (Key Largo Collection, brown, #119225)
pavers (Provence, #73784**)
6-piece grill tool set (stainless steel, #128593)

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

The Grass Is Greener

Surprise guests with these lush place mats.

1. Make a 14- x 18-inch template from cardboard.

2. Using a marker, trace the template onto the back of a piece of indoor/outdoor carpet (#151360). Repeat for the number of place mats you need.

3. Use sharp utility scissors to cut the pieces of carpet. (One square yard or 3 linear feet of carpet should yield four place mats.)

Shadow Box Scrapbooks

We all treasure our family’s vacation and holiday pictures as well as keepsakes from travel or special events, but finding a way to exhibit them isn’t always easy. Our May Unwind & Design project will help you and your guests create a unique display using personalized shadow boxes. This is a great excuse to get together with friends for an afternoon filled with creativity.

MATERIALS
cube shelves (sets of two; black, #228264; white, #213283)
cork (#34744**)
wallpaper or shelf liner
thumbtacks (#58204)
clear pushpins (#58210)
clear tape†

TOOLS
hot-glue gun and glue sticks†
screwdriver†
utility knife†
utility scissors†
pencil†

*Does not include applicable taxes, which vary by market, or the cost of tools.
**Availability varies by market.
†Add these items to your Unwind & Design hostess tool kit.



STEP-BY-STEP

Step 1: Remove the hanging hardware from the back of each cube shelf box using a screwdriver. With a pencil, trace the perimeter of the box onto a piece of cork. Cut out the tracing using a utility knife.

Step 2: To create a wallpaper or shelf liner background, trace and then cut the paper to fit over the cork. Use a hot-glue gun to attach the paper to the cork. Let dry.

Step 3: Attach the cork to the back of the box using a hot-glue gun. Press down to help the cork adhere, and allow to dry.

Step 4: Using thumbtacks, pushpins, clear tape, or glue, decorate the inside of the box with your favorite photographs and souvenirs. Larger items can stand alone on the shelf’s base.

Pretty as a Picket

Create a sturdy frame with rustic charm.

1. To create each frame, measure from the picket’s pointed end, and then cut four 24-inch-long pieces from the 4-inch-wide picket-fence boards.

2. On a flat surface, arrange the pieces to form an 8-inchsquare opening (as shown). Join the pieces with wood glue and two #8 x 11/4-inch wood screws at each intersection, drilling from the back.

3. Lightly sand the frame. Paint one side (we used Valspar Ultra Premium, Whitewashed Oak #7006-23, flat, and Valspar Signature Colors, Laura Ashley Home, Sky Blue 4 #LA1304, flat); allow to dry. Paint the other side, and allow it to dry overnight. Lightly distress the finish using sandpaper.

4. Remove the protective film from two 8- x 10-inch clear acrylic panels (#72055). Center a photo between the panels. Place the panels on the back of the frame, with 1 inch overlapping the top and bottom pickets. Predrill holes for screws using a 3/16-inch bit. Secure the panels to the top and bottom pickets using chrome clips (#138888) and #6 x 1/2-inch wood screws.

5. Attach two picture hangers (#52716) to the back of each frame for hanging.

LAKE House LIVING

This family’s shared second home is always bustling—and at times, busting at the seams— with children and grandchildren. In order to accommodate their growing family, they decided to expand the outdoor living space.

The new covered, screened-in pavilion is the perfect spot for the family to enjoy the fresh air and view of the lake while staying warm during cool nights. A Cultured Stone fireplace and a convenient kitchenette make the area cozy as well as functional. A sliding screen door connects the pavilion to the new deck. Outside, a large built-in gas grill provides ample space for cooking burgers and veggies for the entire family.

A small lower deck offers a landing for folks headed down to the water. Here, parents can watch their kids swim or simply enjoy a relaxing, quiet moment closer to the lake.

To tie together the look of the new outdoor entertaining area, Cultured Stone was chosen for the outside deck as well as the pavilion fireplace. “It has a great feel that’s rustic and sturdy,” one family member says. “It’s perfect for a house at the lake.”

Throughout the space, a warm color palette of green, gold, and brown is classic and mimics nature. Even accessories, such as lantern-style outdoor light fixtures, contribute to the homespun feel. True to the homeowners’ original intentions, the new space lovingly brings together many generations of this large family.

In The Pavilion
1 The kitchenette allows for small-scale cooking and meal preparation. Built-in cabinetry and open shelving provide plenty of storage space. A galvanized light fixture above the sink illuminates the task areas.
2 Outdoor furniture, featuring all-weather wicker and a shatter-resistant tempered-glass top, holds up well indoors and out.
3 The stainless steel sink—with a tall, curved faucet to allow room for large pots—is surrounded by a durable granite countertop. A ceramic tile backsplash covers the wall behind it.
4 Rustic-style outdoor lanterns with seeded-glass globes brighten the space and add antique character.
5 The ceiling fan has the same rustic charm as the wall lanterns. A vaulted ceiling allows light to fill the room.
6 Weather-resistant cushions offer comfortable seating.



Out on the deck

1 The built-in stainless steel gas grill is surrounded by Cultured Stone for a natural appearance.
2 The grill’s multiple burners allow users to cook meat and vegetables simultaneously.
3 This chiminea burns wood, charcoal, or artificial logs.
4 Outdoor furniture from the Herrington collection features a rust-free cast
aluminum frame and an aged-bronze powder-coated finish for durability; the umbrella is fade and stain resistant. The deck, railing, and steps are made of ChoiceDek engineered decking materials. ChoiceDek offers a firm, non-slick surface that does not splinter or require sealing, staining, or treating.




PAVILION
Rough cost estimate . $13,635*
Appliances . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,640
Paint and stain . . . . . . . . . . . $250
Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,205
Kitchenette . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,790
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $550
Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,200

APPLIANCES
outdoor ice-maker (Summit Appliance, Model BIM-40-OS, stainless, special order)
outdoor refrigerator (Summit Appliance, Model SPR7-OS, stainless steel, special order)

PAINT AND STAIN
kitchen cabinets and shelving (Valspar Ultra Premium, Roasted Sepia #6006-2C, semi-gloss) pavilion walls (Valspar Ultra Premium, Sandalwood #6008-2B, semi-gloss)
pavilion trim and ceiling (Cabot Clear Solution)
concrete stain (Quikrete Semi-Transparent Concrete Stain, Tuscan Sunset, Vaquero Brown)

MATERIALS
Cultured Stone and capstones (Owens Corning, Weather Edge Ledgestone, Wisconsin, Model CSV-2091, special order)
lap siding (4-inch-wide, 12-foot-long planks, James Hardie, Hardiplank, smooth, #102334)
lumber rated for outdoor use
screen (#14436)
roofing (Owens Corning, Black Onyx, #10086)

KITCHENETTE
sink (Franke, stainless steel, #171199)
faucet (Price Pfister, Marielle, stainless, #184478)
countertop (Granite, St. Cecilia Classico, special order)
backsplash (American Olean, Russet Weddington, #47326)

LIGHTING
exterior wall fixture (Portfolio, rustic brown, #80551)
exterior wall lantern (Portfolio, rust finish, #24232)
sink fixture (galvanized, #190827)
ceiling fans (52-inch, Hunter, Northshore, #190608)


DECK
Rough cost estimate . $10,830*
Appliances . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,080
Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,860
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $470
Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,300
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . $120

APPLIANCES
built-in gas grill and side burner (Jenn-Air, stainless steel; liquid propane grill, #168931; liquid propane side burner, #223668; or natural gas grill, #168934; natural gas side burner, #223669)

MATERIALS
composite decking (Weyerhaeuser, ChoiceDek, Woodtone, #179330, #179332†)
Cultured Stone and capstones (Owens Corning, Weather Edge Ledgestone, Wisconsin, Model CSV-2091, special order)
lumber rated for outdoor use
countertop (Granite, St. Cecilia Classico, special order)

LIGHTING
landscape lighting (LiteSounds, Model LS2400-K, black, #233625)

FURNITURE
deck (Herrington; dining table with lazy Susan, #119175; dining chairs, set of two, #119177; market umbrella, #119191; umbrella base, #119184)

ACCESSORIES
chiminea (#126294)
galvanized tub (#3712††)

*Does not include labor costs or applicable taxes, which vary by market.
**Does not include lead time for special-order materials.
†Available by special order in some stores. Pillows shown are not included with outdoor furniture.
††Availability varies by market.

Bottoms Up

Put Stemware on display.

1 . Cut an 111/2- x 48-inch stair tread (found in the lumber department) into two 24-inch-long pieces. (Use the second piece to create another stemware display, or save it for a future
project.) Prime the board, and apply two coats of paint (we used Valspar Signature Colors, Laura Ashley Home, Inlet Blue #LA1215, flat), allowing each coat to dry.

2 . Prime two metal brackets (#156065) with metal primer, and paint them to match the board, letting each coat dry.

3 . Place two under-cabinet stemware racks (#210024) end to end, centered on the underside of the board (as shown). With a pencil, mark the locations for pilot holes. Lay the racks aside, and drill the pilot holes with a 1/8-inch bit. Attach the racks using the hardware provided.

4 . Measure and mark the placement of the brackets on the wall—over studs if possible or using hollow-wall anchors if in drywall. Using #8 x 11/4-inch screws, hang each bracket, and then secure the board to the brackets.

Little Space , Big Payoff

A spring-fresh palette and clever storage solutions work wonders for this formerly cramped bath.


White On
Chosen for its light, open feel, white paint covers the upper half of the walls throughout the room. The white also meshes well with existing features, such as the window shutters, that the homeowner wanted to keep. And now, when paired with white, the green tile feels restful and serene rather than dated.



AimHigh
1 Mounting a shelf above the door is a clever way to utilize unused space; it also raises the eye upward. The white beaded-board ceiling lends textural interest.
2 A rectangular mirror was placed horizontally to reflect the scope of the room. Reflective accents, such as mirrors, are an easy and inexpensive way to make a space seem bigger.
3 Beneath the sink, a simple skirt was created by sewing a white fabric shower curtain. It’s attached to the sink with self-fastening strips. An opening in the skirt’s center allows easy access to the concealed plumbing and toiletries.



Stacking Up
4 These wooden shelves and brackets were painted the same color as the walls, so they blend with the white background. Besides preserving the open feel, they offer the homeowner a place to display decorative pieces.
5 A new vanity light hangs slightly higher than the fixture it replaced, providing even more visual lift. The bright chrome finish complements the room’s overall scheme.


CEILING PROJECT
beaded-board paneling (#29469)
accent moulding (#161623)
construction adhesive (#185445)
4d finishing nails

SKIRT PROJECT
shower curtain (Designables, white, #126548)
self-fastening strips (#20026)

PAINT
walls, ceiling, and shelving (Valspar Ultra Premium, Bistro White 7006-4, semi-gloss)
accents (Valspar Signature Colors, Seaside Retreat, Secret Garden SR808, semi-gloss )
oil-based primer

LIGHTING
3-light fixture (Delta, chrome, #226808)

ACCESSORIES
3 shelf kits (24-inch, #61128; 36-inch, #61129)
beveled mirror (#239711)

*Does not include labor costs or applicable taxes, which vary by market.

Story Book Style

Boost the fun quotient in your children’s bedrooms with designs inspired by their dreams. This little girl wanted nothing short of an enchanted fairyland, enchanted by a backdrop of pink upon more pink.

This child’s bedroom needed a fresh look, and when her parents decided to make over the space, they knew exactly what theme to choosee.”She is a huge fan of fairy princesses,” her mother says.

A fondness for fairies inspired the pretty pastel color palette, which features pink walls and hints of green and blue that set the stage for a magical scene. To keep their budget in check, the homeowners dressed up the room’s existing furnishings with paint, appliqués, and charming accents, such as the fairy-themed wallpaper border. Then they incorporated several storage and organizational solutions, neutral-colored carpet, and accessories with a whimsical look for added personality. With a bit of creativity, the homeowners designed a fairy-tale space that delights their little princess. “Our daughter tells visitors, ‘You’ve got to see my beautiful new room!’” her mother says.

Magical Touches
1 Embellished with ribbons, sheer curtains filter sunlight for a soft, pleasant glow.
2 To create these nightstands, the homeowners mounted drawers to the wall on each side of the bed. Then they affixed drapery valances using self-fastening strips.
3 Added to a simple storage chest, the wallpaper border features whimsical fairies.
4 The homeowners painted the area behind the bed, attached floral appliqués using construction adhesive, and pasted wallpaper cutouts directly to the wall for an artful “headboard.”

CLEVER Accents

1 A table and chairs set is revived with a clever pinkand- white paint treatment. For instructions on how to build a smaller version of this table.
2 The colorful fan cools the room; recessed lighting adds overall illumination.
3 This creative project provides a spot to hang accessories. The homeowners attached robe hooks to painted appliqués, and then glued them to a piece of lattice framed with moulding.

FLOORING
carpet (Mohawk Premier Living, Abbott Cove PL075, Colchester #L017, special order)

PAINT (VALSPAR ULTRA PREMIUM)
walls (Rose Buff #2002-4C, eggshell)
headboard and accents (Blushing #2002-4A, eggshell)
accents (Crocodile Smile #6005-7C, eggshell; Frosty #5006-9B, eggshell; Du Jour
#7002-6, satin)

LIGHTING
4 recessed lights
ceiling fan with optional light kit (44-inch, Hunter, Dreamland, pink/white, #227795)
accent lamps (Portfolio†)

NIGHTSTANDS
drawers (ClosetMaid, 2-drawer organizer, white, #1091)
drapery valances (Waverly Home Classics for Kids, Fair Isle Stripe, #223912)
self-fastening strips (#20026)

LATTICE/HOOK PROJECT
(8-foot-long) chair rail moulding
(2- x 8-foot) plastic lattice (TuffBilt, white, #94897)
wooden appliqués (21/2-inch, #39086)
robe hooks (white, #71296†)

ACCESSORIES
wallpaper border (York, Girl Power, Fairy #RU8208B, special order)
storage chest (ClosetMaid, white, #108517)
drapery rod (unfinished†)
drapery panels (51- x 84-inch, Designables, Ivory, #190630)
armoire knobs†
flowerpots (pink, #152215)
storage bins (pink, #107221)
construction adhesive for small projects (#53254)

*Does not include labor costs or applicable taxes, which vary by market.
**Does not include lead time for special-order materials.
†Selection varies by market.?

Sooting Space

A PICTURE OF TRANQUILITY

1 Perfect for meditation and relaxation, the cool color palette creates a calm oasis. The wall’s paint treatment features three shades of blue that are blended up the wall from dark to light to give the sense of a transitioning sky.

2 A large mirror hung in the center of the wall helps keep yoga postures in check. The mirror was created with one 24- x 36-inch mirror and four 8- x 36-inch mirrors, secured horizontally to a piece of plywood using mirror glue. As a finishing touch, decorative basket-weave moulding was attached to frame the mirror.

3 Grass cloth wallpaper added between the existing rough-hewn beams creates interesting texture on the ceiling and complements the room’s natural feel.

4 A model of form and function, bamboo shades offer light control and privacy.

5 A soft, simple rug balances the smoothness of the hardwood floors. A non-slip mat underneath helps ensure protection during yoga.

PRACTICAL DETAILS

1 A water cooler is in easy reach for maintaining hydration during yoga practice. The water temperature is adjustable, so it’s just as helpful when preparing a hot cup of tea.

2 Lining lampshades with wallpaper transforms crisp light to a softer glow. The homeowner cut the pre-pasted wallpaper to fit, secured it to the shades, and then used simple-to-install swag kits to hang the lamps.

3 The relaxing sound of trickling water from this tabletop fountain brings in another element of nature. An outdoor planter is turned upside down to function as a side table.

4 The homeowner had this Zen-inspired shelving unit custom built for the space. Painted a soft shade of blue-gray, it blends effortlessly into the room.
FLOORING
rug (Shaw Living, Wooly Bully, Natural, #243049)

PAINT
walls (Valspar Signature Colors, Earth Elements; Fog #EE2049A; Shade #EE2049B, eggshell; Valspar Ultra Premium, Blue Twilight #5001-1C, eggshell)
trim (Valspar Ultra Premium, Romano #7003-15, satin)
mirror and shelving projects (Valspar Signature Colors, Earth Elements, Rain Cloud #EE2049C, eggshell)
blending brushes (3-inch softening brush, #31164; stippling brush, #30717)

CEILING
wallpaper (Patton Wallcoverings, natural grass cloth, Pattern 488-115, special order)

LIGHTING PROJECT
lampshades (Portfolio, #235064)
swag kits (Design Trends, #212817)
wallpaper (Imperial, prepasted, #70731)

MIRROR PROJECT
1 (1/4-inch-thick) piece of plywood†
mirrors (Gardner; 24- x 36-inch, #96675; 8- x 36-inch, #197426)
basket-weave moulding mirror glue (Gardner, Mirror Mastic, #197438)
construction adhesive for small projects (#53254)

ACCESSORIES
woven shades (Bali, Natural Shades, San Pedro Umber #24864, special order)
tabletop fountain (Bel-Air, #130019)
water cooler (Whirlpool, #231442)
planter used as table (#70241)
pedestal used as planter (#44457)

* Does not include labor costs or applicable taxes, which vary by market.
** Does not include lead time for special-order materials.
† Availability varies by market.

Made in the Shade

Transform any lampshade into a stylish container.

1. Place a shade of your choice on a work surface with the larger rim facing up. If the shade has a bulb clip, flatten the wire as much as possible.

2. To embellish the shade, paint a simple design with the color of your choice. Allow to dry.

3. Lay the shade’s smaller rim on a 3/4-inch-thick foam panel (#15350), and trace around the rim with a pencil. Using a utility knife, carefully cut 1/4 inch inside the traced line. To reinforce the foam, cover the entire foam circle with masking tape. (Use leftover foam for multiple projects, or for protecting stored valuables.)

4. Gently press the foam circle into the shade to form a base. Because the lampshade is not waterproof, you will need to use a vase inside the container to hold fresh-cut flowers for a festive floral display (as shown here). You also can use this container to store lightweight items.