Summer Project: Decomposed Granite Patio

Irwin Weiner ASID - In our first installment of our Summer Project series at Design2Share, I talked about how to do-it-yourself as much as you please when it comes to building a deck onto your home. You really need to know what you're doing to make sure your deck is safe and sound; but this DIY Network video shows you just how easy it is to make a patio that will be relatively maintenance free and quick to install. You'll need a half day or more - try morning when the sun isn't so hot - and the results will be impressive. Decomposed granite, when tamped down over a layer of larger foundation gravel and a fabric mat - all within treated lumber borders anchored to the ground - will provide a solid patio surface that will support furniture and foot traffic. For an interesting variation, you can use the DG as a filler around flat stone pavers that you can lay out in interesting patterns, either evenly around the patio surface or in other patterns like a decorative stone border. Summer fun, straight ahead!

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Summer Project: Do-It-Yourself Deck

Irwin Weiner ASID - Regular readers of Design2Share know that I am NOT a DIY kind of guy. I believe in hiring professionals to do what they're trained to do. But if you'd like to build your own outdoor deck or patio this summer, then knock yourself out! Go ahead, but as you'll see in this time-lapse photo video (with still pictures taken every 30 second during key parts of this homeowner's deck-building process), you're in for more than you bargained for. With that said, many people are much handier than me when it comes to the patience, time, and skill required to do it yourself in the deck department. Here are a few good resources to help you in your deck-building mission.

• DIY Network: Building a Deck

• The Essential Steps in Deck Design & Construction

• A Deck Building Blog

• And when your deck is built, watch our How Should I Decorate My Outdoor Spaces video!

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This Man Lives a Steampunk Life

Steampunk Workshop

Irwin Weiner ASID - Based on yesterday's post regarding human bones and interior design, I'm still not in the mood to switch gears and go to a lighter design topic. Instead, I'm all set to wax poetic about steampunk and design. Think Victorian meets High Tech, and you've got the idea. There's a dark, industrial vibe about steampunk accessorizing, fashion, and design. Folks like Boston area's Jake Von Slatt have added a touch of this dark romance to their everyday lives by accessorizing modern gear - from cars and guitars to computers and lighting - with elaborate ornamentation suitable for a Jules Verne novel. Visit Jake's Steampunk Workshop website for more of his exciting work, and enjoy this MAKE Magazine video about Jake and his fascinating steampunky life. This is a great example of what I love about design; if you truly love something, add it to your decor and surroundings. Design without passion and personality is without a soul. Why bother?

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Katy's Kitchen Part 4: Flooring

IKEA Hackers

Irwin Weiner ASID - Westport, CT interior designer Katy Cleare has a signature motto: "It's all in the details!" So when we were invited into her kitchen and admired her beautifully stained and painted wood floor, she took us through the fascinating steps that led to the details she was looking for. Our featured video shows off Katy's flooring, and you'll note two things. One: kitchens don't need to have a tile, linoleum, or similar flooring product. If you're a good housekeeper and exercise minimal maintenance, you can

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