Whether you go authentic or faux, leather is a cool material to incorporate into your work bag. Accessorize and keep all your sleek white and aluminum gear orderly with a cord wrap or organizer in black or brown hide. Or go glam with silver pleather, the pelt possibilities are endless.

Did you know you could make watercolor paints from pantry items? Ashley over at Design*Sponge has a recipe that is non-toxic and made from stuff you probably have on hand. 

Ever feel like you're carrying around a million keys that all look the same? Quickly tell them apart with DIY key toppers made with small baubles and custom-hued Plasti Dip.

I have been writing a book since the new year, and I am finding it quite distracting. Normally my garden would have been in the ground for over a month now, but at the moment I barely have half of it planted. Trying to be practical — I don't need too many veggies forcing me to have to can this year — I am opting instead for flowers.  My daughter wants to sell them at the Farmers Market later this summer. 

Name: Christine & Pierre
Type of Project: Kitchen remodel
Location: Montreal, Quebec
Type of building: Ground floor apartment of a triplex, 1,100 square feet

Dining chairs are an inexpensive staple from thrift stores and yard sales. If you find a pair with seats in disrepair, here's a great way to reuse them as a chic garden bench.