Remodelaholic in Review: July 2014

July 2014 was one of those months that felt like summer break for grown-upsexcept instead of sleeping in, we were sanding, painting, reorganizing, and convincing ourselves that “this will only take a weekend.” (Narrator: it did not.) On Remodelaholic, July had that perfect DIY cocktail: a focused theme week, practical remodeling advice, a few “how is this even real?” transformations, and the kind of community energy that makes you want to tackle a project just so you can show people the before photo and say, “Please be kind.”

This post is a fresh, modern recap of what that month captured so well: budget-friendly upgrades, approachable design ideas, and the powerful realization that a house doesn’t need to be perfect to be improving. It’s a snapshot of the projects and ideas that made July 2014 feel like peak “DIY internet,” plus some updated perspective so it’s useful todaynot just nostalgic.

Why July 2014 Still Feels Like a DIY Time Capsule (In a Good Way)

The original “Remodelaholic in Review: July 2014” read like a busy family’s real life: big changes (hello, fixer-upper), smaller projects squeezed into the cracks, and a blog calendar packed with ideas that were equal parts inspiring and doable. The month also featured a newsletter launch, a summer-to-back-to-school vibe shift, and a new collaboration with eBay collectionsbasically, a reminder that DIY has always been part creativity, part practicality, and part “I found a thing online and now I have to build my entire room around it.”

What makes the month stand out is how balanced it was. You had the fun stuff (headboards! decor! color!) and the “adulting” stuff (kitchen layouts, storage, even roofing). That combination is exactly why Remodelaholic has always worked: it treats your home like a place you live, not a showroom you’re afraid to touch.

Headboard Week: The Bedroom Glow-Up We All Needed

If July 2014 had a headline, it might as well be: “Headboards are having a momentlet’s make one.” Headboard Week wasn’t just a cute theme; it was brilliant strategy. A headboard is big enough to change a room, but small enough to finish without taking out a second mortgage (or your sanity).

Why a headboard is the ultimate “weekend win”

• High impact, low footprint: You can change the whole vibe of a bedroom without moving furniture or rewiring anything.
• Flexible styles: Upholstered, rustic wood, repurposed doors, sleek modernheadboards will happily wear whatever aesthetic you’re currently dating.
• Budget-friendly: Headboards are prime territory for upcycling and “I already have that in the garage” creativity.

Three Headboard Week approaches that still work today

1) The simple upholstered headboard: This is the one that looks expensive but is basically plywood, padding, and fabric confidence. If you’ve ever wanted your bedroom to feel “grown-up hotel,” this is the move. Bonus: you can customize fabric to match your room and avoid the tragedy of buying something that’s “almost the right color.”

2) The rustic wood headboard: Reclaimed wood, rough-sawn boards, or clean planks can add warmth fast. The key is consistency: keep board spacing and finish intentional so it reads “rustic” and not “I fought a pallet and the pallet won.”

3) The upcycled headboard: Doors, shutters, old fence boardsJuly 2014 was the era of turning “discarded” into “designer.” The secret sauce is prep: sanding, cleaning, and finishing are what make repurposed pieces look charming instead of haunted.

Practical takeaway: Headboards are still one of the best beginner-to-intermediate DIY projects because they teach measuring, finishing, and design choiceswithout forcing you to live without a functioning kitchen.

Kitchens in July 2014: Layout Logic Meets Storage Therapy

July 2014 didn’t just give us pretty kitchensit gave us kitchen thinking. The month highlighted popular kitchen layouts and storage ideas, which is basically the DIY equivalent of saying, “You can buy cute canisters, but you also need a plan.”

Popular kitchen layouts: why they matter more than your backsplash

Layout is the foundation of kitchen function. You can have gorgeous cabinet hardware, but if you’re walking a marathon just to make pasta, you’ll resent your own home by Tuesday.

Classic guidance focuses on the “work triangle” between sink, cooktop, and refrigeratorstill useful as a baseline. A well-planned triangle helps reduce traffic conflicts and keeps cooking flow efficient. But even then, July 2014 energy was already nudging toward what we talk about more now: zones (prep, cooking, cleanup, storage, coffee/snacks) so more than one person can function in the same room without passive-aggressive sighing.

Quick pros and cons of the big layouts

• One-wall: Great for small spaces and open plans; add an island when possible for prep and storage.
• Galley: Efficient but can feel tight; lighting and clear counters matter more than ever.
• L-shaped: Flexible and social; easy to add an island, but corners need smart storage to avoid “black hole cabinets.”
• U-shaped: Lots of counter space; can be extremely functional, but watch for crowding and pinch points.

Kitchen storage: the real makeover nobody photographs (but everyone feels)

July 2014 leaned hard into kitchen storage ideas for a reason: storage fixes daily friction. The best kitchen organization strategies are usually boring in concept and magical in practice:

• Swap lower cabinets for deep drawers so you stop stacking pots like a game of Jenga.
• Use vertical dividers for baking sheets and cutting boards.
• Pull-outs and roll-outs turn lost cabinet space into usable storage.
• Clear bins and labels aren’t just aestheticthey reduce food waste and duplicate buying.
• Organize by frequency: daily items at arm level, occasional items higher or lower.

Practical takeaway: If you’re overwhelmed, start with one zone (like the snack drawer or the “where do lids go?” problem) and make it functional. Small wins build momentumand momentum builds kitchens.

Bathroom Boldness: The Concrete Vanity Update

One standout July 2014 project was the kind of makeover that makes you squint at the screen and say, “Wait… you did what to that sink?” A cultured marble vanity and integral sink got a concrete-style upgradean early example of the DIY world embracing modern industrial looks without ripping everything out.

The appeal is obvious:

• It’s transformational without full replacement.
• It fits multiple styles: modern, industrial, even rustic if paired with warm woods.
• It’s budget-aware, especially when you’re not ready for a full bathroom remodel.

Practical takeaway: Surface-level updates can be smart, but bathrooms demand durability. Good prep and proper sealing matter because water has no hobbies besides finding weak spots.

Paint and Color in 2014: Greige, Breezy Blues, and a Bold Plum Plot Twist

If you remember the mid-2010s, you remember the neutralsespecially gray and greigehaving a very loud, very long moment. July 2014 projects leaned into that “clean, flexible backdrop” approach, while also playing with brighter color ideas.

What 2014 color signals looked like

• Bold statement color: Sherwin-Williams chose Exclusive Plum as its 2014 Color of the Yearproof that even the neutrals era had a dramatic side.
• Airier, calming hues: Benjamin Moore’s 2014 Color of the Year was Breath of Fresh Air, a soft blue that fits perfectly with the coastal and light-filled spaces people were craving.
• Yellow as a mood lifter: July’s contributor content also leaned into yellowbecause nothing says “summer” like a color that looks like sunshine decided to move in permanently.

Practical takeaway: If you’re choosing paint today, steal this 2014 lesson: pick one “safe” foundation color (neutral or soft) and one “personality” color (bold or bright). Your home will feel intentional instead of accidentally beige.

Style Snapshots: Moroccan Chic, Coastal Calm, and Classic Americana

July 2014 wasn’t locked into one lookit was a buffet. That’s one reason the month still feels useful: it shows how DIY culture makes style accessible. You didn’t need a designer; you needed a plan, a Saturday, and enough patience to rehang a curtain rod three times.

Moroccan-inspired design

Moroccan style shows up through pattern, texture, and warm-metal accentsthink geometric prints, lantern-like lighting, and layered textiles. Done lightly, it reads global and collected; done heavily, it can read like a themed restaurant. The sweet spot is “one hero pattern, supported by solids.”

Coastal decor ideas

Coastal style is basically “vacation energy, but make it livable.” Watery blues, natural textures (wicker, rope, driftwood), and breezy layers help a room feel relaxed rather than staged.

Americanabeyond the Fourth of July

Americana in July makes sense, but the good version isn’t just flags everywhere. It’s classic forms, heritage patterns (checks, stripes), warm woods, and a restrained red/white/blue palette. The modern approach mixes vintage finds with newer pieces so it feels personal, not costume-y.

Upcycling’s Greatest Hits: IKEA Hacks, Faux Tin, and “Designer Look” Confidence

July 2014 celebrated what DIY does best: turning the ordinary into the “Wait, you made that?”

The IKEA-to-Pottery-Barn-style transformation

A signature July project was transforming basic IKEA cubbies into a Pottery Barn-esque apothecary consoleclassic “high-low” design before it became everyone’s favorite phrase. The concept is timeless: start with a solid, affordable base; add trim, paint, hardware, and details until it reads custom.

Faux tin boxes: glam on a budget

Another July favorite was a faux tin decorative box tutorialshiny, reflective, and surprisingly elegant for something that starts with simple materials and a little stubbornness. This is the kind of project that reminds you DIY isn’t just about saving money; it’s about getting exactly what you want when the store version is priced like it comes with a small yacht.

Practical takeaway: The best upcycles have one thing in common: a clear “target look.” When you know what you’re aiming for (shape, finish, texture), your choices become cohesive instead of chaotic.

Community Highlights: The Real Magic of a Monthly Review

July 2014 also showcased reader featuresprojects submitted by real people with real houses and real “we found three layers of wallpaper” surprises. That community element matters because it normalizes the process: not every project is fast, not every reveal is perfect, and yet the progress is still worth celebrating.

Three kinds of reader projects that always inspire

• Mudroom locker systems: The perfect blend of form and functioncubbies, hooks, benches, and the promise of fewer shoes wandering the house like they pay rent.
• Furniture repurposes: Turning an entertainment center into a TV console is a classic “use what you have” move that still saves money today.
• Full bathroom remodels: Big, scary, and wildly satisfyingespecially when the before photo looks like a time capsule you didn’t ask to open.

Practical takeaway: If you’re documenting a project, take more “before” photos than you think you need. Future-you will want proof that you didn’t hallucinate the original condition of that space.

What July 2014 Teaches Us Now (Without Forcing Us to Bring Back Chevron Everything)

Some trends evolve, but the core lessons from July 2014 are still gold:

• Start with function, then decorate: Layout and storage make daily life better; decor makes it prettier.
• Pick projects that match your season: Summer = paint, outdoor refreshes, quick interior wins. Winter = planning, organizing, deep-cleaning.
• Invest effort where it counts: Prep work and good materials matter more than flashy shortcuts.
• Community makes you brave: Watching other people try, fail, fix, and finish is the best DIY motivation.

And if you’re worried your style choices will “date” your home, here’s the best compromise: build timeless bones (layout, storage, good lighting), then let your style live in swap-friendly places (paint, pillows, art, rugs). July 2014 practically invented that philosophywhether it meant to or not.

Experience Add-On: My “Remodelaholic in Review: July 2014” Moments (An Extra )

Every time I revisit a July 2014-style roundup, I remember the unique kind of optimism that only exists at the start of a DIY project. You stand in the doorway, coffee in hand, staring at a room that has been mildly annoying you for months. You’ve got a plan, a playlist, and just enough confidence to ignore the tiny voice whispering, “What if you’re about to make it worse?”

My most “Remodelaholic in Review” season happened during a summer when I tried to tackle projects in the same order my brain experiences them: first inspiration, then impulse, then consequences. It started with something smallreorganizing a kitchen cabinet that had become a leaning tower of mixing bowls. I told myself I was doing “a quick tidy.” Two hours later I was measuring the inside of the cabinet like I was preparing a NASA launch. That’s when I learned the truth behind kitchen storage posts: they aren’t about bins. They’re about peace. When you know where the lids go, your entire day gets 3% better, which adds up fast.

Then came the bedroom. I fell into the headboard rabbit hole the way people fall into late-night scrollingone photo leads to another, and suddenly you believe you can upholster like a pro because you watched a 30-second video. The actual headboard process was less “effortless elegance” and more “why is the fabric doing that?” But here’s the thing: a headboard forgives you. Once it’s on the wall and the bed is made, nobody can tell you stapled the batting slightly crooked on the back. It’s one of those projects where the payoff is bigger than the learning curve, and it makes you brave enough to try the next thing.

The most July 2014 moment, though, was a small upcycle. I had a plain piece of furniture that worked fine but looked like it belonged in a college dorm that served ramen as a food group. I added trim, swapped hardware, and painted it a calm neutralthen stood back like I had just discovered electricity. That “IKEA hack” mindset is empowering because it teaches you that style isn’t only something you buy; it’s something you build. And you don’t have to be perfect at it. You just need a clear goal, patience for the messy middle, and the willingness to redo a step without spiraling into existential dread.

That’s why July 2014 still hits: it wasn’t just a list of projects. It was a reminder that homes are allowed to be works in progressand that progress can be fun, even when you’re covered in sawdust and making dinner on a folding table.

Conclusion: The July 2014 Playbook Still Works

“Remodelaholic in Review: July 2014” captured a DIY sweet spot: practical guidance, bold-but-doable projects, and a community that made remodeling feel less intimidating and more like a shared adventure. Whether you’re dreaming up a headboard, rethinking your kitchen layout, hunting for storage solutions, or giving a tired vanity a fresh finish, the July 2014 mindset still holds up: start where you are, use what you have, and make it better one project at a time.