I’m adding this idea to the list of things that I wish I would have thought of first. Designed by graphic designer and illustrator Igor “Rogix” Udushlivy the Jacket + Bookmark project takes classic book titles and creates a new jacket for them with a bookmark that is integrated into the design. Unfortunately this is one of those fabulous ideas that will never really be produced. Looks like a DIY project may be in order.

Check out icoeye.com for more from Igor.

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I want to be over vinyl wall graphics. I want to think that all the cool stuff has been done, and it’s all just getting boring now. I want to but I can’t. Blik just keeps partnering with amazing artists like Amy Ruppel and make great graphics like the Night Owl shown above. This large sized, 28 piece masterpiece will set you back $65 and an afternoon of DIY time. I’ll take one please.

Night Owl wall graphics $65 from Blik.

So, I’ve been thinking about a kitchen remodel for a while now and one thing that definitely needs remedying is our countertop “situation”. We have some really lovely Formica that reminds me of something my dog may have regurgitated. While I enjoy experiencing that thought every time I chop onions or butter my toast, I’d prefer a new, uh, perspective. I love the look of concrete countertops and feel it’s a project I just might be able to pull off. I’ve read the Instructables entry, which was a bit overwhelming, and I’m wondering if any of you dear readers have experience with this particular DIY project? How difficult was it? Any tips, tricks, or other advice? Was it worth it? Can a novice DIYer pull it off? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Image: Trueform Concrete

There is no better price than free, and that’s exactly how much you should be paying for scrap wood. No matter where you live, I guarantee that there is a nice supply of scrap wood somewhere not to far away. So go out and collect it all, and follow these directions from Instructables and you can have a amazing looking and nearly free table just like the one pictured above. Even if you don’t think your DIY skills are up to it, what’s the worst that can happen, messing up some free wood?

Modern Scrap Table DIY at Instructables

Via ManMade DIY

Here is a great reader question that I thought someone might have some good ideas about…

I am looking for a really large, modern poster or wall decal that looks like a subway map. Any ideas on where I could find it?
Cameron

I mocked up a quick photo to show what I think Cameron is looking for. Does anyone know of a company that sells something similar?

Graham and Brown has been making wallpaper look sexy for some time now, but their new shape and form line may be their best stuff yet. I’m particularly smitten with the checker wallpaper shown above. As with all Graham and Brown wallpaper a roll that will cover approximately 50 square feet can be had for around $60 a roll and a little DIY spirit. That’s some pretty good value for the money if you ask me.

Has anybody had any experience putting Graham and Brown wallpaper up? Is it hard?

Graham and Brown available from Design Public.

With winter well upon us it’s the season to curl up to a nice warm fire with with your warm drink of choice in hand. If you are lucky enough to have a functional fireplace you have been faced with the dilemma of where to store all that firewood. Here are some great idea from AK47 that would be fairly easy to build yourself (or have built if you not the handy type).

More after the jump.

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It’s been a couple weeks since I first posted about 4055 Jupiter drive a wonderful mid century modern home in the Olympus Cove area of Salt Lake City, and not surprisingly it is already under contract (with 5 back up offers!). Last week I had a chance to go back through the house and snap some photo’s of some of the details that I love about the house, and meet the future owners who are just as awesome as the house is. I can’t wait to see the place once they get all their stuff moved in. In the meantime, here are some details from the remodel;

Here is the simple and affordable slider that Geoff made. It consists of a slab of acrylic that he sourced from a local sign shop and some Stanley sliding track that he was able to pick up from Lowes. The acrylic was sanded down to have a nice frosted look.

More photos after the jump.

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Concrete is a great material, it’s inexpensive and when done right it can look absolutely amazing. Unfortunately the hard part is the doing it right. Luckily the folks at Obleek Objects know to get it done. They have a special blend of volcanic ash and portland cement that makes their concrete planters 40% lighter than traditional concrete. Not only is it lighter, but it looks absolutely gorgeous. Their modern concrete planters come in sizes from tiny to x-large and cost between $45 to $200+. They also have a lovely assortment of tables and bird feeders.

Obleeek Concrete Planters available from Feel More Human starting at $45.

Price too steep? I double dog dare someone to try this as a DIY and share your results with the group!

The masters of mid-century modern design (Eames, Saarinen, etc.) were all do-it-yourselfers. Now you can make your own mid-century modern masterpieces, with a new eBook published by Curbly, the DIY Design Community.

“Make It! Mid-Century Modern” is a how-to manual for the retro-obsessive among us. It includes twelve carefully written and photographs projects inspired by Eames, Girard, Calder, Neson, Mondrian and Saarinen.

Download the PDF for $9 or get the book for $18.