Brilliant UFO abduction lamp.
Your blood puddle pillows are in.
Clean your dishwasher with Lemonade Kool-Aid.
Clever light bulb design.
Days Ago digital day counters are small gadgets that attach to your food containers via suction and magnets to keep a running count of how many days ago you put your leftovers in the fridge.
Scrabble furniture.
Handy way to skip all the intro crap on DVDs that is usually forced on you when you throw a disc in your player. Apparently the chapters on DVDs that you can't skip (FBI warnings, copyright stuff, etc.) are flagged, on the disc, as UOP, or User Operation Prohibited. This site lists some of the techniques you can try to skip the ennui.
This colour coordinated bookshelf looks cool, but you might have a hard time finding a particular title.
For chewie edge lovers or corner brownie fans - it's the Edge Brownie Pan. All edges, all the time. Via BoingBoing
Puzzle carpet.
This to That is a handy site that will tell you what adhesive to use when attempting to glue various objects together.
Super creative bathroom tiles.
Skinny house in Brazil.
Apparently there are many LED lightbulbs available already. Via TreeHugger
WiiRoomba. YouTube of a guy controlling his Roomba with a Wii remote.
Hardcore Lost fans have a party and repackage the snacks and beer as Dharma Initiative rations. Make your own with the PDFs that they've so generously shared.
Here's a nice set of home improvement videos with the energetic and snappy Eric Stromer.
Faucet Fountain turns your regular faucet into a drinking fountain.
Kids and the Home Office. Here's a list of tips for the parent that works from home.
Save the Internet.
Your blood puddle pillows are in.
Clean your dishwasher with Lemonade Kool-Aid.
Clever light bulb design.
Days Ago digital day counters are small gadgets that attach to your food containers via suction and magnets to keep a running count of how many days ago you put your leftovers in the fridge.
Scrabble furniture.
Handy way to skip all the intro crap on DVDs that is usually forced on you when you throw a disc in your player. Apparently the chapters on DVDs that you can't skip (FBI warnings, copyright stuff, etc.) are flagged, on the disc, as UOP, or User Operation Prohibited. This site lists some of the techniques you can try to skip the ennui.
This colour coordinated bookshelf looks cool, but you might have a hard time finding a particular title.
For chewie edge lovers or corner brownie fans - it's the Edge Brownie Pan. All edges, all the time. Via BoingBoing
Puzzle carpet.
This to That is a handy site that will tell you what adhesive to use when attempting to glue various objects together.
Super creative bathroom tiles.
Skinny house in Brazil.
Apparently there are many LED lightbulbs available already. Via TreeHugger
WiiRoomba. YouTube of a guy controlling his Roomba with a Wii remote.
Hardcore Lost fans have a party and repackage the snacks and beer as Dharma Initiative rations. Make your own with the PDFs that they've so generously shared.
Here's a nice set of home improvement videos with the energetic and snappy Eric Stromer.
Faucet Fountain turns your regular faucet into a drinking fountain.
Kids and the Home Office. Here's a list of tips for the parent that works from home.
Save the Internet.
Some Plasma or LCD Wall Mounting HowTos
HomeTheaterBlog has documented a recent LCD television wall mounting and has shared the details for anyone looking to undertake the installation on their own. The installer lists the tools you'll need for the hanging and also covers finding an appropriate mount location, stud finding, cabling issues, etc. About.com also offers some wall mounting instructions, including tips on handling situations where cables aren't (or can't be, for whatever reason) behind the wall:
We can either place an obstacle under the television, which would look odd, or we can cheat the eye with camouflage. I have a friend who had this very problem, and his solution was to create a molding that would be used as a cover for his cables. He painted the molding the same colour of his wall, and when placed over the cables it looks like part of the wall. Granted, it's raised about 2-3 inches off the wall, but it looks very natural. As far as supplies, small strips of wood (a 1x2 for the sides and 1x4 for the face) cut to the length of the TV to the floor should be enough to make such a piece.
Wikihow.com provides a more orderly and straightforward, step-by-step instruction set, if that's more your bag.
Basement Tuneup Ideas
Realsimple.com offers this list of handy tips and tricks that will help keep your basement in organized, working order. Shelving, containers, labelling, moisture control and safety items are all recommended. Martha Stewart's got a couple of basement organization tips, as well as a basement layout that suggests different areas for long term and short term storage.
The Dollar Stretcher has a bunch of tips as well:
Handling Sentimentals. If you haven't organized the basement or attic in awhile, be prepared to take a trip down Memory Lane--old photographs, games that haven't been touched in years, ice skates, granny's silverware, and so on. Try to put these items to one side until you've reached your organizing goal for the day. Then, reminisce with your family later on that night after dinner, rather than right now. This way, you'll finish what you set out to accomplish.
Another Amazing Home Theatre
Wow. Here's another example of an amazing home theatre room, created by someone who obviously had a vision of what they wanted, and saw it through to completion. It's probably safe to say that the homeowner enjoys his cinema, no? The homeowner, Steve Jenkins, has posted galleries of the entire construction job, from sketch to finished room. Granted, it's definitely not the most subtle home theatre room in the world, but what a cool in-home movie experience it must create. It certainly looks like it would be easy to forget that you're still at home while enjoying your favourite Michael Douglas film.Amazing Home Theatre
This movie buff certainly takes his home theatre seriously. This is one of the more grandiose home theatres on the web (in recent memory, anyway). The owner obviously aimed for a true theatre experience, and given what must have been a sizable budget to play with, it's safe to say that he's achieved his goal. Here's a nice touch, from the site:
One of the things I wanted to do is to provide a true cinema experience for movie showing parties. So I have three DVD players. One is used to show the theater intro (Welcome to the Regency Theater, etc.) which was done by Digital Forge, the other DVD player is used to show a movie trailer as a preview of an upcoming movie, and then the third DVD player shows a DVD if we're playing a DVD that night (alternatively, we show movies on the JVC 400 D-VHS player).
Flexible LED Lights by Mule Lighting
Mule Lighting produces LED-FLEX, a flexible LED lighting system that is poised to be a direct competitor to conventional neon lighting vendors. According to the company, the LED-FLEX system has numerous advantages over neon lighting, such as energy efficiency, life span, durability and reduced electrical consumption/costs. From the site:We have incorporated light emitting diode (LED) technology into a flexible and durable package that has the appearance and brightness of traditional neon. Our uniform and super-bright light output is achieved through a proprietary optical maximization technique which is completely sealed and impervious to shock and vibration. The LED-FLEX product is suitable for wet locations and can withstand extreme temperatures. Offering bright color options, very low energy use and ease of installation, LED-FLEX is the ideal lighting solution for any architectural, decorative and indicator application where long life and no maintenance are preferred.
With the right touches, this could be useful in a home theatre or bar, or someone could make a seriously futuristic basement - or maybe a Tron suit, but of course that's been done to death already.
Super Cool Automated Computer Controlled Bar
Combine thirst, geekyness, programming, a monitor, pumps and booze and what do you get? An automated bar, of course. Make your own and impress the friends that are impressed by geeky things with the coolness that is keypad driven drink mixing. The author, a college student, surprisingly enough, claims to have spent about $400 on this summer project before losing track. One screen shot shows that the bar is PIN protected, which is probably a good idea, given that he's moving it into his dorm.
Also see Bar Monkey for pictures of other setups as well as a forum with instructions and help on building your own. If you only need drink ideas, check out the drink search engine, YourNextDrink.com.
Cool Sidebar Beverage Dispenser
The sidebar is a beverage dispenser that delivers up to five different bottled drinks at the touch of a button. According to their site, the device can pump liquids from up to ten feet from its source bottles. The dispenser also prevents the unintentional mixing of drinks along the way by running five independent, flexible tubes throughout. From the site:
- Attractive Dispenser made of high-impact UV resistant material for installation anywhere inside or out. (Optional colors available)
- Multiple
spout options are included free for easy installation on any horizontal
or vertical surface. Backlit selectors are interchangeable to customize
SIDEBAR to the beverages of your choice.
- 5 Individually programmable selectors automatically measure and pour each beverage to your desired amount. User selectable labelling clearly display the beverage choices you offer.
- Drip-free spout.
Reservoir Dogs Poster Made from Entire Handwritten Script
Like the Scarface poster before it, this Reservoir Dogs poster from L.A. Pop Art is created using the entire, handwritten (and legible) script. Add it to your movie poster collection in your home theatre, or give it as a gift to the Reservoir Dogs fan in your life. We purchased the Scarface poster and had it plaque-mounted as a gift for a serious Scarface fan in our family and it proved to be quite the hit. Sometimes it's fun just searching for the numerous obscenities scattered throughout the thousands of words...
Quick DRIcore Subfloor Video
Askthebuilder.com has a small video up on Google video about using DRIcore subflooring on a concrete basement floor. The video illustrates DRIcore's tongue and groove system as well as the clever levelling squares that DRIcore utilizes to allow the product to be installed on a standard, non-level basement floor.
SubFlor SubFloor System DriCore Competitor
Watch out DRIcore - It looks like you've got some competition that looks a heck of a lot like you. The resemblance is uncanny, really. Anyway, the SubFlor system uses a tongue and groove system that requires only the tap of a hammer to install, and is, like the DRIcore system, suitable for laminate, carpet or hardwood. Vinyl tiles are also possible with an additional underlay of quarter inch thick plywood. Ceramic tiles require an additional "cement board underlayment to ensure absolute sturdiness". The SubFlor site has a Flash based Interactive Installation Guide available.
DRIcore Subfloor System Installation HowTo
Brigitte Gall shows us how to install the DRIcore subfloor system. From the site: DRIcore is an ideal product to use on basement floors - or workshops. The plastic cleats raise the panels off the floor, allowing moisture to pass underneath. The DRIcore that Brigitte chooses for her workshop is perfect for so many reasons. It’s ideal for moist conditions, it’s attractive and it’s super easy to install.
Sweet Pinball Coffee Table Howto
If the wishing well illusion coffee table isn't your speed, maybe you'd be happier with this pinball machine coffee table (with working lights, of course) that you can build yourself with instructables.com's thorough step-by-step pictorial.
Basement Waterproofing Howto
Doityourself.com has many useful step by step articles for home renovations and repairs, including this one on waterproofing your basement which may be useful to anyone with a leaky basement and looking to save some money by attempting to do the repairs themselves. The site also has a large, active forum with over 40,000 members.
Receive Filters in the Mail and Forget about Forgetting with Clever Service
FiltersOnTime.com offers a service that promises to send you furnace filters in the mail throughout the year. The beauty of the system is that the filter's arrival is also a reminder to change the old filter currently in your furnace! Very clever. It looks as though the service is available to US destinations only, unfortunately. Send a note or leave a comment if you know of any similar services for people outside the US.
DIY Arcade Driving Game Cockpit
Cool Fibre Optic Rug
If you're looking for a unique, totally over the top recroom or bar decor idea, then this fibre optic rug from designer Jody Harrow should do the trick.
via blog.hazaad.com - Thanks John!
DIY Arcade Cabinet
If you're interested in retro video gaming, you've probably thought about how cool it would be to have an arcade style stand-up video game system in your basement or gameroom. If buying one is out of the question, why not consider building your own MAME (Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator) unit? This howto describes the steps from cutting the MDF to installing fans, speakers and of course buttons and joysticks. They've included a parts list with costs, which totalled £ 630.79 (about 1,118.19 USD), which is nearly $2,ooo cheaper than the Costco and Target models. A Few Unique Ceiling Tile Options
According to their website, 3D "POP" panels (above) are a unique
"three dimensional, form pressed plywood element for modern interior decoration with wood."The unique 3D style of the panels would look super cool in a recroom or bar. The brochure (PDF) indicates that the panels definitely aren't the most inexpensive ceiling option in the world, however...
Ceiling Scenes "utilizes state-of-the art technology to print images or patterns directly onto acoustic ceiling tiles, creating truly custom ceilings. Whether you desire bright, colourful scenery or a subtle and serene visual treatment, our capabilities offer limitless potential to create genuinely unique environments." These images seem suitable mostly for a child's bedroom or play area, but an adventurous decorator might be able to work them into other spaces as well.
These tin ceiling tiles offer a very elegant, sophisticated look that can also be mounted as a backsplash.
via metafilter
Categories: ceiling renovations art unique metafilter basement recroom backsplash kids
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DRIcore Subfloor Tile System
Many basement floors require the installation of a subfloor to provide warmth by raising the basement floor up off of the cold concrete foundation. Installing a subfloor tends to be a fair amount of work, as a traditional subfloor system consists of, according to DRIcore:2x4 sleepers, vapour barrier, 1"-2" rigid insulation, 5/8" plywood and a lot of fastening.
The DRIcore system looks to be a more elegant solution. DRIcore comes in 2'x2' tiles and utilizes a tongue and groove system for easy installation. Also, from their FAQ:
DRIcore subfloor panels are engineered specifically for cold, damp environments typically found in basements. DRIcore subfloor panels are manufactured with a high density polyethylene moisture barrier that raises the 5/8" random wafer board core a ¼" away from damp, cold concrete floors. Since the panels are raised off the surface, the concrete floor is allowed to breathe.
DRIcore claims to save some headroom as well:
The combined height [of a traditional subfloor] is between 2 ¼" and 5 ¼" compared to 7/8" for a DRIcore subfloor panel.
Unique Tube Chairs for the Bar
If you're looking for a different way to furnish your bar, take a look at some of the interesting items over at DrinkStuff.com. It's hard to tell if these tube chairs would be really comfortable or not, but they sure look cool. The site is British, but they do claim to ship to many countries around the world. For those of you looking to class things up a bit, remember, you can't go wrong with a giant stiletto chair, which is some sort of cardinal rule of interior decorating, it turns out.
Incredibly Thorough Structured Wiring HowTo
Bob Catanzarite has an amazingly detailed site on structured wiring in the home. The howto gives details on the high level overview and planning stages right down to the twisted pair level. Bob gives advice on data, voice and audio wiring, and has designs on tackling home security soon. If you're planning on starting any wiring projects, you may want to keep this site in mind.Ultimate Game Table
These people really like their RPGs! For only $250, they put together a 32 square foot table with both bells AND whistles. Some nice features:
Scarface Poster Created Using Entire 300 Page Script
Any Scarface fan on your list would be a happy camper after receiving this incredibly creative piece on Christmas morning. Decorate your basement or home theatre with a poster made using the entire 300 page hand-written script from the 1983 Pacino classic.
Best Bang for the Buck Home Remodelling Jobs
Remodelling Online has some useful cost vs. value data which might prove handy if you're planning any remodelling work around the house. If resale is what you have in mind, wikiHow lists some great ways to inexpensively increase your home's value. Ditto for the Peacock.
Some of these basements, on the other hand, probably weren't that inexpensive...
Recent stuff from HouseHacker:
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