Top DIY Projects from 2012

I hope you enjoyed revisiting some of the best recipes from 2012 yesterday – I know it’s always interesting to me to see what proved to be popular from the previous year.

Which is true for today’s list of the top DIY projects from 2012 as well. I wasn’t surprised at what topped the list, since it’s an update of AOC’s most popular post ever. Two things really did surprise me, though – that our kitchen remodel even made the list since it was a November post and to see that copy-cat shelf styling is so popular.

AOC’s top do-it-yourself projects from 2012:

1. Brown Paper Floor FAQ. This is the follow-up to AOC’s perennially popular DIY-flooring video, which answers all the questions I’ve gotten over the years about this cost-effective paper decoupage treatment when wood floors aren’t in the budget.

2. French Bench From Broken Chairs. This was Brian’s brainchild – a way to use cheap, knock-off harp-back chairs that had broken one by one over the years. It turned out AWESOME. And then it was featured on Apartment Therapy…love.that.man.

3. Stenciled Drop Cloth Shower Curtain. This was one of the first projects of 2012 and I loved how the stenciling turned out.

4. Farmhouse Kitchen Reveal. Surprise, surprise – this post was published just four weeks ago and not only made the list, but is #4!! Man, you all like a good kitchen remodel, don’t you? Yeah, me too – especially when it’s dramatic, but budget-friendly. The holidays were such fun working in this refreshed space.

5. PB Knock-off Ceramic Turkeys. Part of the 31 Days of Thrift Store Transformations series in October, these little guys started out as garishly-colored candle holders. Seems you agree with me that they will enjoy a whole new life in their Pottery Barn inspired skin.

6. Thrifted French Bench Makeover. This Sharpie + drop cloth makeover is one of my favorites, so I’m glad to see it made the list!

7. Backyard Makeover. Two years in the making, it was a happy day when I was finally able to share our new backyard with you all. What started as a huge, huge, huge, rotting deck is now a super livable four “room” area including a fun made-over gazebo for sitting and reading. Ahhh…I can’t wait for the good weather to return!

8. Copy Catalog Shelf Styling with Thrifted Items. The other surprising post that made the year-end list, this was also part of the Thrift Store Transformations series. I used items I already had as well as thrift store finds to copy shelves I had seen in the Autumn Potter Barn catalog.

9. Garage To Living Space: Before and After. I’m so glad this made the list! I love, love, love our house now with our added porch and French doors. And to say I didn’t love it when we bought it is an understatement. I’m glad you all love it, too.

10. DIY Ballard-Inspired Mudroom Shelves. We had been planning these shelves for years. Sigh. Luckily, we joined a Pinterest Challenge that spurred us to finally git ‘er done, and whew – is that a nice feeling! Now on to the other things on the looooong list…

11. Organizing with Vintage Items. I just had to add this to the list, because I’m so thrilled with all the vintage mason jars, gym baskets, silver trays, pottery, and other items that organize my workroom supplies. It’s that time of year when we think about cleaning out, decluttering, and organizing, so it seemed appropriate. Remember to think outside the box whether at thrift stores, flea markets, or antique stores and be on the look out for cool, different, and fun containers to hold all your things. It makes for daily eye-candy.

Where you surprised by anything on the list? Or something that didn’t make the list?
 

Sharing at: Top DIY Projects of 2012, Fab. Creative Friday,  Chic & Crafty, Saturday Nite Special