diy Archives - Page 7 of 9 - A Dabbled Dwelling

How I Made A DIY Wine Rack for Elegant Storage

May 31, 2024 by kelsey.mackall

Recently I began a new project by tearing out the ancient wet bar in my 1970’s fixer upper. The wet bar was not functional for my family. We never used it so I took it out to create a butler pantry/wine bar area. I removed the half wall dividing the wet bar from the living room. This made the whole space a wide hall with a lot of storage including cabinets and a wine fridge. The space was really coming together but I needed a little extra storage.

Woman tears drywall out of space intended for a DIY wine rack

Enter DIY Wine Storage

This space had cabinets and a counter in it already and a counter top wine rack is the perfect addition. I cut out a space in the sheet rock to allow a little more depth in the wine rack. Then I utilized a sheet of standard half inch plywood to build the wine rack. I measured the height and depth of my space to determine the measurement of the sides and back of the wine rack. Once I figured out how wide I wanted it I cut the top and bottom to that length.

I decided that I wanted the shelves to slant for a more unique look. So I cut them a little bit longer. Use the Pythagorean theorem, A squared plus B squared equals C squared, to figure out the necessary length. Then I mitered the edges at 22.5 degrees. The side and top pieces were glued and then I secured them together using my nail gun. I fit the shelves in and glued then nail them into their positions also.

When the wine rack was built I fit it into the designated space on the countertop. Plywood always look unfinished on the edges but I was prepared for that. This edge banding is a wood veneer that just irons on. The best part is that it comes in several different wood finishes. For this project I chose the red oak finish to go with the shelves that I installed next to the wine rack. I ironed the edge banding on and then I was done!

Woman lifts DIY wine rack into place on counter top.

Woman irons wood banding onto raw plywood edges.

A Beautiful DIY Wine Rack

It’s done and it’s amazing. I love the way it looks and the amount of storage it offers. The whole space is turning out beautifully and the DIY wine rack really adds some charm. It is an elegant option for storing wine in my new wine bar/butler pantry.

From Blah to Beautiful: A Harlequin Floor Changed My Balcony

February 16, 2024 by kelsey.mackall

I chose my house for its balcony that runs the length of it. The idea of relaxing on the balcony in the afternoon was so exciting. Only problem, the balcony was feeling pretty neglected. I’m obsessed with harlequin patterns and really wanted to include a painted harlequin floor on my balcony.

How Did I Paint the Harlequin Floor?

The previous owner, in an attempt to keep their cats in, hung screen curtains along the whole balcony. Those had to go, and already the whole area feels cleaner. For the paint I started out by cleaning the floors as well as I could and then taped off the diamond pattern. What I thought would take one hour actually took me four!!! Once they were taped off I painted the whole floor the base color, a gorgeous neutral tan. Painting the base color before the accent color helps ensure clean crisp lines. After that was dry I painted the alternating diamonds white and then pulled up the tape.

Woman with toddler on her back tapes pattern on floor

Woman with toddler paints squares on floor

Painted Floor Success!

Once I pulled up the tape I was so thrilled to see that it turned out beautifully! The lines are crisp and clean and the colors are so soothing. I added the cutest plant decor including self watering pots in rings on a wooden frame that I made. I got the cutest rocking chairs and little table to give myself a place to sit and drink my coffee, reflect on the day, or just escape the chaos that is sometimes going on inside the house. This balcony is just asking to be used now. It’s another beautiful, serene space full of plants and soothing colors.

Woman happily sips coffee in rocking chair on balcony

Change the Pony Walls to a Stair Rail for a Whole New Look

January 8, 2024 by kelsey.mackall

When I updated the hallway, I added trim and new light fixtures, but something still felt off. I realized that the pony walls closed off the hallway and made it feel really dated. That convinced me that I had to, and could, change the pony walls to a stair rail.

If You Hate Something In Your Home, Change It

Seriously though. If there is something in your home, take the chance on making it into something you love! I started by demolishing the pony walls, all the animosity I felt toward them went into smashing them and taking them out. When I started the demo I first had score the drywall on the side where the stairs are. If I just swung a hammer into it I would risk damaging the drywall and then having to repair it. I scored the drywall and then felt safe taking the hammer to the pony wall. It was so exciting to finally start to change the pony walls to a stair rail.

After the demo, I cleaned up and then added a base for the spindles using a pre-primed pine 1×6. I attached it with four inch screws down into the subfloor. The post was then attached using screws at an angle down into the floor. Once the post was in I was able to put the spindles in between the base and the hand rail. Then I attached the hand rail to the post and the studs using the same four inch screws driven in at an angle.

Man and woman add spindles and hand rail

Updated Hand Rail, Well Worth the Time

Once both sides were done it looked like the rails should have always been there. They are such a beautiful addition to the hallway and I am so glad I made the change from pony walls to stair rail. The hallway looks cleaner and more open without the pony walls. Click here to see the video of this update.