Vintage Family Handyman Project: 10 Ways to Build Style Into Your Home in 1982
Updated: Oct. 27, 2021Family Handyman has always taken great pride in teaching readers to DIY through step-by-step projects. To celebrate our 70th anniversary, here's a look back at these vintage ways to add style into your home.
Add Style Into Your Home: Advice From 1982
Family Handyman launched in 1951, so 2021 marks our 70th anniversary. We’re celebrating with some of our favorite content from over the years. This project about adding style into your home ran in our October 1982 issue.
As the article says, “Wallcoverings have an advantage that goes beyond the fact they cover walls so well. Within their patterns, bold or fine, there are central motifs you can repeat throughout a room.”
Do you love the ’80s? Check out these vintage Family Handyman covers from the ’80s.
Work Wonders With Wood Molding
“Wood moldings work wonders on dull rooms. Imagine how plain and uninteresting this room would look without the moldings that are used throughout.”
Check out these things everyone had in their house in the ’80s.
Design Your Own Dishwasher Panel
“Your dishwasher can be the starting point of a whole kitchen decorating scheme.” While we don’t think this design tip is still in style, stainless steel is all the rage for kitchen appliances today.
Plus, here are the most reliable dishwashers on the market.
Recall the Past on Your Walls
“The dignity and charm of America’s early heritage has been captured in a new collection of fabrics and wallcoverings based on designs and objects in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.”
Plus, check out these Family Handyman vintage truck ads from the ‘80s.
Easy-To-Install Surround Finishes a Firebox
“If you’re installing a zero-clearance firebox, you’ll also need to finish the unit. Rather than hire a bricklayer install a prefabricated fireplace surround that will do the same job for less and with far greater ease.”
Easy Steps To a New Railing System
“Now you can assemble a balcony or stair railing without complicated sawing and attaching of balusters (vertical pieces) and fillet pieces.”
Install a Ceramic Tile Stove Surround
“The increasing use of wood-burning stoves in America has created the need for attractive wall and floor shields that also are safe and noncombustible.”
Dress up Your Walls With the New Mirrors
“Mirrors make rooms look brighter, larger, more cheerful. They also create the fluidity, rhythm, flow and sense of freedom so desired today.”
Plus, check out these ’80s decor trends that are back in a big way.
Greet the World With a European Leaded Glass Door
“Light-reflecting clear European antique glass circles accent these two wood-panel doors by Nord. The Morning Sun is touched with feathery glue-chip glass for contrast.”
Make Thermal Shades for Your Windows
“It’s no secret that windows are like gaping holes when it comes to keeping heat in a home. One way to reduce heat loss is to install thermal shades.”
For more amazing vintage Family Handyman content, visit our 70th Anniversary Page.