Martha Stewart - Martha Stewarts Very Good Things

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Copyright 2021 by Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc.

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Note to the readers: Due to differing conditions, tools, and individual skills, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt assumes no responsibility for any damages, injuries suffered, or losses incurred as a result of following the information published in this book. Before beginning any project, review the instructions carefully, and if any doubts or questions remain, consult local experts or authorities. Because codes and regulations vary greatly, you always should check with authorities to ensure that your project complies with all applicable local codes and regulations. Always read and observe all of the safety precautions provided by manufacturers of any tools, equipment, or supplies, and follow all accepted safety procedures.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available.

ISBN: 978-1-328-50826-3

ISBN: 978-1-328-50670-2 (ebook)

v2.1220

I clearly recall when Its a good thing became my personal catchphrase, back in the early nineties. I had just painted the handles of my gardening hand tools a bright orange, so they could not possibly be lost in the chaos of the garden, and the phrase just came to me. At the time, it immediately struck a chord with the director and producers of my TV show, and of course shortly thereafter with our viewers. I continued to use it on a very regular basis to call out solutions and projects that were simple, smart, and sensible.

Since then, Good Things has been an unwaveringly importantand an in-demandpart of Martha Stewart Living, always presented in the beginning of the magazine. Indeed, these ideas are what readers turn to first and use with avid regularity in their own homes and lives.

What qualifies as a Good Thing? The idea must be straightforward but yield a surprising resultfor example, . It should absolutely be useful and relevantand, of course, beautiful.

Curated in this single volume is the best of the best, from 30 years of Good Things, presented in practical chapters: Decorating, Homekeeping (which covers gardening), Organizing, Cooking, Entertaining, and Celebrating. We even pay homage to classic Good Things, like the indispensable before hosting a big dinner to identify where food will go.

Old or new, the clever ideas here are all designed to make your life easier and more enjoyableand thats always a good thing!

Beauty is in the details. Elevate your home with some simple tricks and techniquesan eye-catching pop of color on a window frame, for example, or a custom headboard made with patterned textiles. There are plenty of such notions in this chapter, along with simple yet surprising DIY projects for creating one-of-a-kind furniture, lighting, and accent pieces using the most ordinary of supplies. Plus, youll find design-pro painting secrets that bring serious style.

Looking to add a hit of luxe to a wardrobe (or buffet or bar cabinet)? Wrap the handles in leather tape, designed to patch rips and tears in furniture and other leather goods. The handsome adhesive, sold online, will provide extra cushion for your hands too. At the top of each handle, wrap a length of tape once around and secure at the back with a few stitches, using an upholstery needle and heavy-duty cotton thread. Continue wrapping down the pull in a spiral, overlapping about inch. Fold tape to be flush with the bottom of the pull, then trim excess and stitch to secure.

Weekend Project

Line glass doors with gauzy linen, and a storage unit is instantly more stylishand practical, since the contents on the inner shelves will not be as visible. The best part? The easy project calls for adhesives and no hemming or hammeringmeaning you can swap out the fabric on a whim.

Tools & Materials

Cabinet with glass doors

Measuring tape

Open-weave linen fabric

Scissors

Double-sided tape dots

Gaffers tape

Carefully remove glass from doors. Measure panes; trim fabric to at least 1 inch larger on all sides, following horizontal lines of fabrics warp.

Put double-sided tape dots at corners; attach on inside frame. Cover edges with gaffers tape.

Tip: For even more camouflaging, use fabric with more opacity, such as cotton, and in a striking print or more subdued solid.

A bespoke desk is a great way to personalize your work space. Mix-and-match tabletops and legs, found online, make creating one easyand are easy on the budget. Some tables have pre-drilled holes, or youll need to do this yourselfsuch as when adding midcentury-style hairpins like these.

Tools & Materials

Construction adhesive, such as Liquid Nails

Plywood, inch thick (cut to match table dimensions)

Putty knife

Stainless steel table (this one is 47-by-23-inches)

Sandpaper, 100 grit

4 powder-coated hairpin legs and screws

Pencil

Drill with -inch bit

Squeeze adhesive onto plywood; spread with putty knife. Place table on top of plywood, aligning edges; weigh with stacks of books at either end. Let dry overnight.