The 10 Best Renovation Websites

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The 10 Best Renovation Websites For Living Out Your Dream Home Fantasies

Any HGTV viewer knows that renovating is far easier said than done. That doesn't stop any of us from mentally making a few changes to our homes -- whether we own them or not -- even though we don't intend to hire a contractor anytime soon. Or, perhaps a renovation is actually within reach, but you're not pleased with the generic inspiration found at your local home superstore. No matter which camp you're in, you're bound to love these 10 websites that are for anyone who has ever looked at a wall...and thought about moving it.
Retro Renovation 


Best for: Anyone who doesn't think of a 1960s living room as a bad thing. Whether you're looking for resources for restoring your old home, adding retro flair to a newer place or just looking for the best midcentury inspired sofa, this is your heaven. I visit it daily.
Porch.com



Best for: Actually committing to the whole renovation thing. Here, you can easily find professionals in your area and look over their best work.
Houzz.com

Best for: Getting inspired to make changes big (overhauled kitchen) to small (paint color ideas) -- and seeing how hundreds of other people have done those very things.
Remodelista
Best for: Plotting your new, high-end dream home. Though the site has broadened its mission away from simply providing remodeling ideas (who would of thought?), you can still find great images waiting to be added to your "Dream Life" pinboard.
DIY Network
Best for: Finding practical advice and finding projects by budget. The network that brought you multiple Vanilla Ice-pegged reality shows has an exhaustive website that borders on overwhelming at times -- but they know their stuff.
This Old House
Best for: Fantasizing about a simpler, self-reliant life in a meticulously restored Victorian that was once nearly uninhabitable. It's specific, but you know what we mean. We imagine the editors finding their bliss at salvage yards, or trading recommendations about screwdrivers all while turning an old found door into a stately table. And we look up to them for that.
Dwell

Best for: Imagining an impeccably tasteful life filled with ridiculously functional (but incredibly designed) surroundings, alongside men with architectural glasses and women with indie-chic short haircuts.
Remodelaholic
Best for: Seeing how a real family renovated (and continues to renovate) on a tight budget. While the blog can be a little wonky at times, the content is good.
HGTV Remodels
Best for: Figuring out what's actually doable versus what projects will have a bigger commitment. You'll see ideas ranging from clever storage tricks and closet ideas all the way to choosing a new addition's foundation.

Young House Love

Best for: Those with more traditional design tastes, especially those in need of family-friendly advice. The couple behind this blog has made a mini-empire based around their love of remodeling homes. We recommend taking a peek through their archives -- their first home remodeling project is a tad more accessible to the average homeowner than their current (though incredibly gorgeous) big house project.

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Article source: Huffington Post 

Vanilla Ice Giving Two Winners "Rock Star" Room Renovation

I came across this article on the DIY network.  Thought I would share.  Vanilla Ice is giving two winners a "rock star" room renovation on the DIY network.  Apparently, viewers can submit videos and photos to DIYNetwork.com from May 24 to July 2.  I had no idea that Vanilla Ice was into home improvement.  Take a look at the article from marketwatch.com

NEW YORK, May 24, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- DIY Network, the go-to-destination for home improvement television, and Vanilla Ice, 90s pop icon, home remodeler and host of The Vanilla Ice Project, are giving two lucky viewers a rock star room renovation. From May 24 to July 2, homeowners can upload videos and photos to DIYNetwork.com telling Vanilla Ice why he should renovate a room in their house. The two winners of the "Ice My House" contest will each receive a $30,000 room makeover courtesy of Vanilla Ice and his crew. In addition, the transformation will be documented in two one-hour specials called, "VIP: Ice My House," which will premiere in 2013.

"Twice is nice, man," said Vanilla Ice when asked about this year's DIY Network "Ice My House" contest. "I'm looking forward to sharing my passion for home improvement with two lucky homeowners this year, and taking their rooms from worst to first." 

Currently in production on the third season of The Vanilla Ice Project, rock star turned home improvement all-star Vanilla Ice and his crew are back for another season of 13 half-hour episodes of jaw-dropping renovations as they tackle a new, busted up Palm Beach area mansion. After his chart topping hit "Ice Ice Baby," Vanilla Ice turned his focus to a new hobby -- buying land and flipping houses. He's renovated old homes and foreclosures, and taught himself the basics through hands-on experience and a lot of research. The first season of DIY Network's The Vanilla Ice Project premiered to critical-acclaim in October 2010. The second season premiered in January 2012, and currently airs Sundays at 4 p.m. ET on DIY Network. 

To enter DIY Network's "Ice My House" contest and for restrictions, official rules and details, visit DIYNetwork.com/VanillaIce. 

Members of the media may also obtain additional press materials, talent bios and show images by registering at DIY Network's online media newsroom. Viewers can also become fans of DIY Network and interact with other home improvement enthusiasts and do-it-yourselfers through Facebook and Twitter. DIY Network is available nationwide on DISH Network Ch. 111 and DIRECTV Ch. 230, and additional cable channel designations may be found by checking local listings and www.DIYNetwork.com/tv . 

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