Handyman Life

June 15, 2015 in Home Improvements, Idea Corner

Check Out The Top 15 Ways To Save Space In A Small Home!

Hello Chicago Handyman readers! Let’s start this week off right with some space saving tips from Business Insider:

June 12, 2015 in Home Improvements, Idea Corner

Transform Typical Cookware Into Unique Lighting

Let’s face it: there’s a lot of cookware in the house that is purely just taking up space. And unless a cookware collection is in a gourmet restaurant, chances are multiples are not necessary. One way to clear the clutter without adding to the garbage is by turning a simple kitchen colander into a beautiful pendant lamp. And thanks to Handimania, there’s now a step by step tutorial to achieve this unique colander lamp lighting.

Gather these supplies:

Drill
Cable with cap and top
Plastic clump
Screwdriver
Screw hook
Sharp knife
Light bulb

Start by drilling a hole in the bottom middle of the colander, preferably widening an existing hole. Next close the cup of the cable tightly and fit it through the widened colander hole created.

The trickiest part of this project is figuring out the wiring. Make sure to securely screw the hook into the ceiling and attach the wires from the lamp to the ceiling.

For an even more funky and adventurous look, hang multiple of these lights in the center of a room in many colors. Once in place, this lamp is ready to light up not just the room, but the style of an entire home.

June 11, 2015 in Tech Toybox

One Is Okay But Three Is WAY Better: The Logitech Multi-Device Keyboard

With desktops becoming more and more obsolete, tech companies are continually looking to new platforms to make touchscreen devices more efficient for both personal and business use. Many have developed keyboards for tablets, smart phones and the like, but none have perfected using a keyboard across multiple platforms the way Logitech’s Bluetooth K480 model has endeavored to.

This keyboard not only works on different types of devices, but is compatible with other Apple and Android models. Other features include an easy dial to switch between devices and a cradle for both smartphone and tablet.

For just under $50, the convenience can’t be beat!

June 10, 2015 in Home Improvements, Idea Corner

The Best Dresser To Mudroom Bench Transformation Ever!

Dressers can be bulky and in this closet organization age, they’re pretty unnecessary. But don’t ditch the dresser in the alleyway wasteland! Instead, repurpose any dresser into a sleek, sophisticated mudroom bench for every household need following The Weekend Country Girl’s comprehensive guide.

Here’s what’s needed:

Old Dresser
Plywood slabs
2X4’s
Plywood box
Beadboard paneling
Paint
Cushion

Begin by taking apart the dresser. Remove all of the drawers, leaving only the two remaining bottom drawers. Attach a plywood top to create a surface for the bench. This structure will not only serve as seating, but storage for shoes and other household items.

To create the top space for hanging jackets and stashing papers, reuse the remaining solid drawer fronts. Once adhered at the top, make sure to attach breadboard paneling for aesthetics and several 2X4’s and a plywood box for support. For an even more glamorous look, add a mirror to the center and add 2X4’s around it for support.

Finally, to connect the pieces, just insert some board-and-batten bead board to the wall for a fluid illusion. Then comes the fun part: paint it, add drawer knobs and install hooks. Make them whatever is consistent with the style of the home.