Home improvement can happen at any time of year, but summertime provides an ample amount of inspiration. Sunlight streaming into bright and open spaces, outdoor entertaining, spending time by the pool or at the beach- these can all be captured in a home’s layout, design and decoration. Beyond the inspiration to incorporate all things warm and sunny into your home, summer is the perfect time to jump into improvement and DIY projects. During other times of the year, it’s a battle against delays caused by weather or less hours of sunlight to get the job done. With help from the right resources, your patrons can spend more time with family this summer and less time researching their next project.
When it comes to things like home and garden improvement instructions, it may be easier for patrons to skip scrolling through the pages and pages of unchecked information online and instead utilize trustworthy digital resources at their local library to save time and energy.
Are your patrons looking to refresh their bathroom tile? How about updating their home’s walls with bright and airy summer colors? Or maybe the pool deck is in need of some maintenance . . .
Home Improvement Source is here to help with all their home maintenance and repair projects! Anyone looking to complete DIY home projects can use this reference tool to find full-text magazines and reference books covering everything from plumbing and electrical to gardening and interior design.
Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, we’ve chosen some of our favorite digital resources and project ideas for summer DIY and home improvement.
Digital Resources for Interior and DIY Home Improvement
Digital Magazines:
Bathroom Yearbook, Country Homes & Interiors, Fine Woodworking, HGTV Magazine, Ideal Home, Houses: Kitchens & Bathrooms, Kitchens & Bathrooms Quarterly, The Family Handyman, Wood Magazine, Woodcraft Magazine, Your Home
DIY Crafts & Projects on Home Improvement Source:
- Find ways to keep your home cool during the summer months, including keeping doors closed and timing appliance usage. (AN 126372739)
- Looking to replace your hardwood floors? These trends are perfect place to look for summer update inspiration. (AN 111523561)
- Summer is a great time to upgrade your heating and cooling system. Learn more about upgrading to a heat pump for central air conditioning all summer long. (AN 163474772)
Digital Resources for Home Building & Exterior Improvement
Digital Magazines:
Cottages & Bungalows, Fine Homebuilding, Fine Gardening, Homebuilding & Renovating, Houses, Real Homes, This Old House, 5280 Home
DIY Crafts & Projects on Home Improvement Source:
- Spruce up your home’s outdoor entertaining space with tips for decking, porches, and patios, as well as adding fun features such as porch swings and pergolas. (AN 95742074)
- Learn how to build your own log or timber backyard structure, with ideas for sheds, playgrounds and pool houses. (AN 150181714)
- Make your family’s dream outdoor space a reality with step-by-step instructions for building a sun porch. (AN 140951317)
Garden & Backyard Inspiration
Digital Magazines:
Amateur Gardening, Better Homes & Gardens, Gardens Illustrated, Outdoor Design, Poolside Showcase, Poolside, Homes & Gardens, Veranda
DIY Crafts & Projects on Home Improvement Source:
- Do you have your late summer garden planned out? A check list can help you get organized. (AN 164645658)
- If you want to grow a garden but have limited space, try a container garden! (AN 95692519)
- Have a shed in your yard that’s an eyesore? Add some color by planting a surrounding garden. (AN 145225582)
Digital Resources for Home Design & Style Inspiration
Digital Magazines:
American Farmhouse Style, Atomic Ranch, Belle, Country Living, Country Sampler, Dwell, Elle Décor, Farmhouse Style, Home Design, Home Style, House & Home: The Magazine of Home & Style, House Beautiful, Southern Living, Midwest Living, 25 Beautiful Homes
DIY Crafts & Projects on Home Improvement Source:
- Give your home décor a refresh with tips on incorporating natural, sleek or rustic summer styles. (AN 116040785)
- Keep reminders of the warm weather in your home all year long by learning how to design an open and airy California kitchen. (AN 137881477)
- Love the beach or anything nautical? Incorporate the sea into your interior decorating. (AN 136927272)
Interested in viewing some Flipster DIY projects now? Read our blog for five free DIY downloads from Flipster and get your patrons started on their next project today!
Looking for more summer fun? Check-out our recent blog on summer crafts & activities for the family.
