Author Archives: Dan Hansen

EP209: Wainscoting . . . the Gateway Project

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SEGMENT 1: Baby Steps

Dan tells a story about stepping out of his comfort zone, which sparks a bigger conversation on the nature of comparison. We all need a reminder once in a while that good things take time. Our DIY dreams cannot happen overnight, but that doesn’t mean you should give up!

SEGMENT 2: Get Inspired!

Wainscoting has a long history and that might be why there’s so much variation in its design! This popular DIY project can have a huge impact and offers a lot of creative freedom. Which style of wainscoting is right for you?

SEGMENT 3: Wainscoting . . . the Gateway Project

In the last segment we listed all the reasons we think this project is so great from a design standpoint. Now we give you some practical advice on how to complete it yourself. This is a great project to build your toolbox and your skillset!

Tools You’ll Need:

  • Nailer
  • Chop Saw
  • Jig Saw
  • Stud Finder
  • Wood Filler
  • Caulk
  • Putty Knife
  • Sand Paper
  • Scuff-X Paint by Benjamin Moore
  • Paint Roller and Brush
  • Tape Measure
  • Level
  • Safety Glasses

 

SEGMENT 4: Mosquitos Beware

We are joined by Russ Plummer and Kyle Remmert from Mosquito Shield. If you fight with pesky mosquitos all summer long and are losing the battle, this could be the solution for you! Tune in to learn how it works and how you can save $50!

EP208: A Little Ghosting Problem

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SEGMENT 1: Is Dirt the New Prozac?

Here’s a segment from last year that’s worth replaying now that the weather’s warming up! If you’ve got flower beds that need work, there’s actually scientific evidence that digging in the dirt can be calming! Here’s one of the articles we reference in the segment….

SEGMENT 2: Which Wood?

Normally, we talk about cleaning and staining your deck for the Spring. But maybe you actually need to build a new deck altogether! If so, here’s an interview with Jason Slenk from Overisel Lumber that might help you decide which material to use.

SEGMENT 3: Goodbye Soap Scum and Hard Water Stains!

Last year, during the lockdowns, Dan stumbled on a bathroom cleaner that really helped clean up some of the trouble spots in one of the bathrooms in his home. It’s CLR: Brilliant Bath and it’s worth checking out!

SEGMENT 4: A Little Ghosting Problem….

Last year, on Memorial Day, Dan pointed out a ghosting (or thermal tracking) problem going on in his parents’ condo. He was happy to dish out the info . . . they were less than thrilled to realize that the things they thought were shadows on their walls were actually something else entirely!

EP207: Breaking the Rules with Libraries and Rugs

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SEGMENTS 1 & 2: Live in a Library

A few years back, Dan listened to the story of Ronald Clark, a man who actually lived in the NYC Public Library, and how that experience instilled a love for learning. This story has inspired us to rethink how we interact with books in our home. We hope this segment will reinvigorate the concept of personal libraries.

SEGMENTS 3: Defining Your Space

Open concept living is the motto of contemporary design . . . but most of us still have the desire to differentiate the living room from the dining room. Nick Sargent from Johnson Carpet explains how easily this can be done with flooring.

SEGMENT 4: All in the Details

We tell the tale of another West Michigan Gem! Heritage Company Architectural Salvage in Kalamazoo is a warehouse of character. Antique doors, windows, hardware, lights, and anything else you can salvage from a historic home has been dutifully collected. It’s worth a look!

EP206: Recharge, Refresh, and Relax

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SEGMENT 1: Color Palette Recharge

Last month we started a new tradition of releasing curated color palettes! Each month you’ll find a new color palette in the store and on our instagram @repcolitepaints. April’s palette, Recharge, leans into warm colors that have become very popular. We discuss how to include bold colors in your own design.

SEGMENTS 2 & 3: A Dry Basement is a Good Basement

The battle against water in the basement may seem never ending. However, Zack Krieger from Ayers Basement Systems might hold the key to unlocking a truly dry basement. Zack fills us in on some of the most common problems and the Ayers Basement solutions!

SEGMENT 4: Deck Stains Explained

There is a lot of lingo when it comes to deck stains: translucent, semi-transparent, semi-solid, solid  . . . . All the varying opacities can be confusing but they have a big impact on the life of your deck. We discuss the differences so you can make the right choice.

EP205: From “Woe” to “Woah!”

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SEGMENTS 1 & 2: Color Woes

Last week we heard a story that perfectly illustrated what so many of us go through when picking out paint colors. Today, we recount Caroline Dwan’s story that went from “Pretty in Pink” to “Miama Vice”. And we tell you how to avoid some common color mishaps!

SEGMENT 3: Seller’s Paradise

Usually we love talking about all the projects to tackle before listing your home. However, the current state of the real estate market left us wondering . . . do people really need to do anything before listing? We are joined by Sue Prins and Ginger Herman from Sue Prins Five Star Real Estate to find out the answer.

SEGMENT 4: The Great Debate . . . Gas vs. Electric

Most of us are getting into Spring Cleaning mode. If that’s you, you might find yourself wanting to clean the dirt off the deck, patio, or even your home’s exterior. A pressure washer is an obvious choice . . . but do you choose gas or electric? Do you buy or rent? We weight the pros and cons of each option so you can decide!

EP204: Thank Goodness for Multimeters, Floor Paint, and Tuberculoisis?

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SEGMENT 1: Multimeters Are A Must-Have!

We discuss all of the times we wish we could have tested things around the house and car in order to figure out what is going wrong! The drive to the hardware store could be so much less stressful if only we could test batteries, cores, lights, and oven elements ourselves. Hear our case for why multi-meters are a must-have!

SEGMENT 2: Painted Floor Encore

Last week we gave you the rundown on HOW to paint wood floors. This week we dive more deeply into WHY we love this project so much. Now, we know that paint on wood is not for everyone, but there are times when painting a wood floor might be the perfect solution . . . not to mention something tremendously creative. The options are unlimited!

SEGMENT 3: Matching Stain and Expections

We are joined once again by our Jenison Store Manager, Mac Flook. This time, we discuss wood and vinyl flooring trends and what that means for stain matches. There definitely is a science to it. Learn what to consider when choosing wood and how to increase your odds of a good match.

SEGMENT 4: Thank You Tuberculosis?

Modernist design is a polarizing architecture. But the history of the modernist movement might surprise you. We discover that whether we like it or not, there’s a lot to learn from a style many consider “sterile” and “cold.” You may even end up thanking tuberculosis after you take your outdoor living to the next level.