like in the '70's, you are buying more house for the dollar. What do you do if you own a split-level, love your neighborhood, and don't really want to move? Renovate! Here are some tips on how to transform that 1970's style home:

know, is that most home improvement centers stock 1/2" hardwood stock now (rather than the 1x material that is 3/4" thick). For instance, half inch thick poplar is about as strong as 3/4" pine, takes paint better, and will give your project a more refined look. The 1x4's on the other hand have a rather bulky look, and take up more space (so, if space is dear--which is usually why the project is undertaken--look for thinner stock).

The last spice rack I built only cost about $8.00 in materials (the cans of spray primer and spray paint cost more than the wood), even though I used the slightly more expensive 1/2" poplar stocked at the local Home Depot. Also, instead of leaving the lumber square, I added decorative ends to match the corbels already in the kitchen. Always look for ways to make what you build fit the style of the home. I just used a jig saw to add these simple details and then sanded the jig saw cuts smooth.

Small pieces like this actually require no nails, screws, or other fasteners, just clamps and glue. Clamps may seem expensive, but can be used for a lifetime (I used them again last week to build no-fastener bird feeders with some kids on MLK day). Of course you can always use fasteners instead of clamps or use them both.

The spice racks I built are small enough to be used in the space between the cabinet and the window (they are only the depth of the window casing), so you don't need much room for this kind of project.

One last tip for spice racks, if well placed, the retaining rail will allow the names of tall spice containers to be read above the rail and short spices should have labels that can be seen below the rail.