3 Common DIY Disasters and How to Fix Them

by
Photo credit: Rachael Ray Show Aired June 17, 2016

Several of our viewers recently attempted to DIY projects in their home – to disastrous results! HGTV’s “The Cousins” John Colaneri and Anthony Carrino stepped in and turned their nightmare into a dream!

Jessica of Fairfield, New Jersey, attempted to create a feature wall of photos and mementos in their home’s stairwell, but she missed the mark. Anthony gave her the following tips, and put them into practice, resulting in a beautiful and cohesive feature.

Tip 1: Keep Everything at Eye Level

2 Common DIY Disasters and How to Fix Them

This video is unavailable because we were unable to load a message from our sponsors.

If you are using ad-blocking software, please disable it and reload the page.
Playing 2 Common DIY Disasters and How to Fix Them

Anthony recommends that when you’re hanging art in a stairwell, to follow the line of the stairs, so as you walk up the stairs, the artwork is continuously at eye level.

Tip 2: Group Your Items Together

Even if you have a big space to fill, Anthony recommends keeping everything grouped closely together, and adding new items in an outward direction as you get them. This way, it looks cohesive.

Tip 3: Use the Same Style Frames

If you use the same frames for all of your artwork and photos, it will bring the whole design together.

Meanwhile, Jessica’s husband Greg made a big DIY booboo by ripping out a cabinet, and not being able to find a replacement to match. John took on the task of solving the error, and shared the following advice.

Tip 4: Don’t Try to Match Cabinets

HGTV's 'The Cousins' Fix a DIY Nightmare

This video is unavailable because we were unable to load a message from our sponsors.

If you are using ad-blocking software, please disable it and reload the page.
Playing HGTV's 'The Cousins' Fix a DIY Nightmare

If you can’t find a matching cabinet, why not try something completely different, and make a focal point by using a different material?

Finally, two more viewers Skyped with us to show us their half-finished basement disaster, and “The Cousins” had lots of suggestions to improve their space.

Tip 5: Paint Basement Paneling to Brighten the Room

How to Make Over an Ugly Basement Yourself

This video is unavailable because we were unable to load a message from our sponsors.

If you are using ad-blocking software, please disable it and reload the page.
Playing How to Make Over an Ugly Basement Yourself

The cousins reveal that you don’t have to tear out ugly wood paneling – you can paint over it with a light-colored paint! They note that it’s important to sand the panels first so that the paint will adhere.

Tip 6: Install a Light-Colored Carpet in a Dimly Lit Room

The cousins recommend putting down a light carpet if you want the room to seem bigger and brighter.

Tip 7: Use a Spray Device to Paint the Ceiling

Even if you tear out your ceiling paneling, you don’t need to install a replacement, the cousins tell us. They suggest just spraying the beams with white paint!

What’s your biggest DIY disaster? How did you fix it? Share below.

More Info

You Might Like