Martha Stewart’s 10 Things for The Home: Why I Need and Don’t Need Them

1. Cabinet Message Board
What it is: A corkboard cut out to fit inside a door or cabinet panel.
Why I need it: Saves on wall space and prettifies doors. Am forgetful. Can place it on my kitchen door for forget-me-not moments. Best for a study room.
Why I don’t need it: Currently use ref door for messages and grocery lists. Board will fill up with lists and overwhelm me. Don’t have a study room.

2. Wallpapered Shelves
What it is: Floating bookshelves covered with wallpaper.
Why I need it: Adds style and personality to shelves. Ups the pretty quotient of your workspace.
Why I don’t need it: Must get floating bookshelves first.

3. Homemade Duvet Cover
What it is: A comforter made out of two sheets sewn together.
Why I need it: Challenging project. Choosing own sheets makes duvet personal.
Why I don’t need it: Too hot in Manila for a comforter. Unless I turn the A/C on full-blast.

4. Door Headboard
What it is: A door hung sideways becomes your bed’s headboard.
Why I need it: Current bed has no headboard. Inexpensive way to get a headboard.
Why I don’t need it: I like not having a headboard.

5. No-Sew Embroidery
What it is: Hand-stitched look without having to touch needle and thread.
Why I need it: Would love to have “Husby” and “Wifey” pillows. No threats of needle pokes and fears of uneven stitches. Will make great peronalized presents.
Why I don’t need it: Pillows get switched in the middle of the night anyway.

6. Toiletry Shelf
What it is: A supplies shelf situated over the bathroom door.
Why I need it: Can see what supplies are available immediately (unlike current toiletries cabinet). Saves on guests’ time peeking in cabinets.
Why I don’t need it: Slam the door and things could break on my head.

7. Colorful Storage Boxes
What it is: Storage boxes covered with your choice of fabric.
Why I need it: Can prettify storage space.
Why I don’t need it: Because they’re so cute, might have a clutter of colorful storage boxes.

8. Button-up Window Shade
What it is: A shade that can be raised up one or two levels using buttons to hold panels in place.
Why I need it: Adds warmth and a personal touch to my windows.
Why I don’t need it: My bamboo window blinds are love. Too lazy to button up.

9. Candle Slipcovers
What it is: Wrap glass candleholders in fabric.
Why I need it: Easy craftwork. Fabrics add nice glow to the room when candles are lit. Great party accents.
Why I don’t need it: Will not help my paranoid nature of checking candles every five minutes to see if they’re burning right and if fabric has burned.

10. Mobile End Table
What it is: A basket with a lid – on wheels.
Why I need it: Extra space for food and reads in my living room. Good for hauling things from room-to-room.
Why I don’t need it: More storage space means more stuff to store – am trying to go minimalist at home now.

Overall, these ten things are great ideas. If I were really great at crafts, I’d probably give all ten things a go. But since I’m not good at crafts, I think the friendliest one for me is the fifth item — No-Sew Embroidery. Now if only the materials were available here in Manila. I also like the Candle Slipcovers, so I might give that a go when inspiration hits. You can view each item’s details and how-to’s over at Martha Stewart Living.

Which ones would you consider making for your own home? 😉

Hi! I'm Toni Tiu, and I've been blogging at at Wifely Steps since 2003. This started as a blog to help newly weds adjust to married life. It has evolved into a home and parenting blog. I write about things close to my heart -- good eats, good reads, family, marriage, and the little things that make everyday happy.