Houzzers to the Rescue: Users Solve Design Dilemmas
The proof is in the painting — and the pond. As Houzz users hit 100,000 discussions, see some of the results of their advice and ideas
With the Houzz community nearing its 100,000th thread on the Houzz Discussions board, we checked on a few interesting Design Dilemmas to see how the projects are shaping up.
See how one user found the solution to a maybe-too-turquoise midcentury exterior and another turned a backyard disaster in Dallas into a mini oasis. And discover how one homeowner found the perfect quick fix for an outdated fireplace surround.
Have your own design dilemma? Start a discussion here.
See how one user found the solution to a maybe-too-turquoise midcentury exterior and another turned a backyard disaster in Dallas into a mini oasis. And discover how one homeowner found the perfect quick fix for an outdated fireplace surround.
Have your own design dilemma? Start a discussion here.
Expensive fixes were reserved for essential structural changes; Panther just wanted to repaint to freshen up the exterior. Houzz user Barbara Carithers created a great mock-up of some possibilities. Almost all of the 55 comments suggested a neutral to cover up the bright yellow and blue, with 23 voting for taupe or gray.
Did any of the turquoise survive? See the next photo.
Did any of the turquoise survive? See the next photo.
AFTER: Panther chose charcoal and light gray paint for the trim and the awning. While users were torn on the turquoise doors, Panther couldn't bring herself to cover them up and preserved the original color.
See the full thread or more of this home
See the full thread or more of this home
Backyard Disaster in Texas
BEFORE: Ivie Imoisili couldn't wait to redo her large backyard and wanted a relaxing water feature as the main focal point. She hired someone advertised as a landscape professional to install a pond and a waterfall. She was more than disappointed with the outcome, pictured here, and was desperate for help.
BEFORE: Ivie Imoisili couldn't wait to redo her large backyard and wanted a relaxing water feature as the main focal point. She hired someone advertised as a landscape professional to install a pond and a waterfall. She was more than disappointed with the outcome, pictured here, and was desperate for help.
Houzzers confirmed Imoisili's suspicions that the job didn't look professional and suggested that she go to a local nursery for plants that would work best in her climate. After several of the 94 comments recommended tall plants to cover the fence, Imoisili chose myrtle and pampas grass. Readers also suggested some flowers in this shot for color, as well as boulders for texture.
AFTER: Another Houzzer recommended that Imoisili ask a contractor for photos of a project right after it was installed and then a few years down the road — to see how the work holds up over time. She did find a qualified contractor who cleaned up the mess and got the project back on track.
The first pond was drained and cleaned out, and new boulders, rocks and pond plants were installed. After sod was put in and a new pond filter installed, Imoisili finally got the water feature she'd dreamed of.
Read the full discussion
The first pond was drained and cleaned out, and new boulders, rocks and pond plants were installed. After sod was put in and a new pond filter installed, Imoisili finally got the water feature she'd dreamed of.
Read the full discussion
Quick Fireplace Fix
BEFORE: Nadine Abdo Kerr was thrilled with the new paint colors in her living room, but the original fireplace surround didn't look good with them. It was driving her crazy, and she was looking for a quick fix. It was a matter of painting the mantel, the tile or both.
Houzz users suggested painting both the tile and the mantel, choosing colors based on her furniture. One user suggested that Kerr talk to an expert at the paint store to make sure the paint would stand up to heat. Several users thought that retiling completely was her best option, and three said that she should take off the mantel for a cleaner look. A few Houzz professionals jumped in, suggesting that she may want a professional's help for that.
BEFORE: Nadine Abdo Kerr was thrilled with the new paint colors in her living room, but the original fireplace surround didn't look good with them. It was driving her crazy, and she was looking for a quick fix. It was a matter of painting the mantel, the tile or both.
Houzz users suggested painting both the tile and the mantel, choosing colors based on her furniture. One user suggested that Kerr talk to an expert at the paint store to make sure the paint would stand up to heat. Several users thought that retiling completely was her best option, and three said that she should take off the mantel for a cleaner look. A few Houzz professionals jumped in, suggesting that she may want a professional's help for that.
AFTER: Considering her chocolate-brown leather furniture and the rest of her living room's neutral palette, Kerr took the 24 comments in the discussion into consideration and painted the tile, the mantel and the glass doors. A few coats of a good oil-based primer and a quality semigloss paint made a difference that took her by surprise. Since she was just looking for a quick fix, this worked out perfectly. "It won't be my dream fireplace, just something I can live with," she says.
Read the full discussion
Read the full discussion
Tangerine Kitchen Matchup
In progress: Houzz user Chris is about to move into his first home — a Boston condo with a crazy colorful kitchen. While the tangerine cabinets are unique, he's having problems figuring out which bar stools and backsplash will go with the bold hue. The community has already pitched in, but 31 comments later, he still needs help figuring out furniture choices. What do you think?
Contribute your thoughts to this discussion
Tell us: Do you have a design dilemma on your hands? Ask the community for ideas!
More:
5 Questions for Design Stars
Where to Put the Flat-Screen TV
My Kitchen Needs Help
In progress: Houzz user Chris is about to move into his first home — a Boston condo with a crazy colorful kitchen. While the tangerine cabinets are unique, he's having problems figuring out which bar stools and backsplash will go with the bold hue. The community has already pitched in, but 31 comments later, he still needs help figuring out furniture choices. What do you think?
Contribute your thoughts to this discussion
Tell us: Do you have a design dilemma on your hands? Ask the community for ideas!
More:
5 Questions for Design Stars
Where to Put the Flat-Screen TV
My Kitchen Needs Help
BEFORE: Houzz user Maggie Panther was thrilled about her new midcentury atomic ranch in North Carolina, preserved in its kitschy glory.
The exterior colors were fun, but the look didn't fit her neighborhood, so she turned to the Houzz community for ideas.