Posh Kitty "Post"

I came across this alternative to the ugly cardboard cat scratch pads or bulky carpet scratching posts that take up room. This look like a fairly easy DIY project, requiring just a few small pieces of plywood, a carpet sample or scrap and some hardware or glue. One could simply glue the carpet onto the plywood backing, but if I were to build this I would put bolts through each of the four corners from the rear to secure the rug, then use washers and acorn nuts. This would enable the carpet squares to be replaced easily as they wore out. The plywood backing needs to either be attached directly to a stud (preferred) or use several heavy duty wall anchors. Optionally a front frame of nicer material could be added to give a more finished edge, or for those owning a router, a recess for the carpet could be added in a piece of thicker stock.

Different colors, lengths, and textures of carpet can be used to coordinate with room decor and the frame could be stained or painted to match as well. Be aware that felines may enjoy some types of carpet more than others: I had a cat that specifically preferred coir carpeting to any other material.

A Little Mystery: Hidden Switch

This idea falls under the "simply cool" part of this blog's raison d'etre. It's basically an electrical switch with some flair. The universal switch is sold as a kit that can be hooked up to any electrical gadget. It works just as a secret bookcase passageway switch you see in the movies: The book is tilted to turn the corresponding electrical object off or on. While not practical or frugal, it is a great way to have a little fun in your decor and is much less expensive than a real hidden passageway to your secret lair. You DIYers out there could probably whip one up with parts from the local hardware store.

Feature Film

Frosted films commonly available in stores often fail to cover many average sized windows completely. Seams look terrible, but by leaving a small border of uncoated glass privacy can still be achieved in an attractive manner. The home's interior can't be seen from outside at any sort of distance through such small gaps, but at the same time those inside can peer out easily. Larger sized glazing, such as picture windows, could employ a grid pattern, with clear spaces dividing the frosted areas. Many styles and colors of window film are readily available at a low cost, and often are easily removable should you want to change decor or are renting. With differing film patterns and some skill with an exacto knife, endless arrangements are possible.

Stair Drawers #1

The first of what I imagine will be many stuff-shoved-under-staircases posts. The structural considerations for the ones that are directly under the treads are not insignificant. If you've got the space, simply lining the stairway with bookcases is a much more direct way to reclaim some space.

DIY Parts: Touch Latches on the Cheap

I have always appreciated the clean look of magnetic touch latches, which eliminate the need for any handles. They are often seen on entertainment centers with glass doors, and when pushed pop the door out an inch or two. They're particularly good for concealed compartments. I discovered recently that they cost under two dollars at Home Depot, which is less than most cabinet knobs. Double latches, for two adjacent doors, cost about fifty cents more. I now find myself looking for excuses to use them.

Slightly different model than the one I saw, but you can observe how it works.

Odd Dryer Arrangement

I hate having to stoop over and move the damp laundry to my dryer. Since I was unwilling to shell out for a pricey combination washer/dryer I set up this configuration. It's just a small platform the dryer sits on to place it at ninety degrees and above the washing machine with some small blocks to ensure it can't work its way off the edge.  I'm fairly tall, so didn't bother to move the dryer controls, but they could easily be detached and have the wires extended. The only downside is that occasionally a sock falls between the machines. Some weatherstripping would solve this.

Inside Corner Drawers

Ran across this wonderful way to more effectively utilize the normally wasteful inside corner spaces. It's not all about Lazy Susans any more!