Welcome to BonAbode
I always wanted to own a house. I like the idea of fixing it, changing it around and then living in it. And then fixing it and changing it. Five years ago I moved to Portland, Oregon where there are lots of pretty houses and I got my wish. Be careful for what you wish for, as they say.
My house was cosmetically attired in what can best be described as "nice grandma". I was looking for more...In Like Flint. I went a little nuts. I tore up carpeting. I refinished floors. I removed layers of wallpaper in every room. I painted. I changed light fixtures, refinished woodwork, ripped up, tore down and threw away. To this day, I think I'm only a quarter as far as I thought I'd be in the first year. There's never enough time or money. The important thing, though, is that I've enjoyed myself and I've made a pretty nice place to live.
In fall of 2006, a friend emailed over some pictures of his house remodel. It was the sort of effort that deserved some respect. That was when the idea was born: A site that allowed people to post images and information about their house projects. That way, they could easily let their friends and family know what they had done. In turn, they would be put in touch with other people who were doing the same thing. After a while, there would be a large number of great projects and ideas showcased. It would become not only a way to show off projects, but the ultimate reference tool for materials, products, vendors, contractors, furniture and even appliances. That, and it would all be in the context of someone's home.
With the extraordinary help of two smart men, Charles Johnson and Jaybill McCarthy, we built what is now BonABode. What you are looking at is our attempt to make the world's most comprehensive collection of all things house related, powered by you.
I hope you'll take a minute to sign up and give it a shot. Show us what you've done and what you're working on. What have you done that is smart, beautiful, crafty, green or just plain fun?
Don't worry that you haven't recreated the Sistine Chapel on your bathroom ceiling. We welcome all levels of ideas and projects. If you think that what you are doing isn't good enough, look at some of my projects. If that doesn't quell your insecurities, I don't know what will. We've got a running joke over here about how color blind I am.
Also, remember that this site isn't some kind of mindless robot. We're real people and we're here to help. If you've got a question or a problem, don't hesitate to contact us. I hope you have as much fun using this site as we had making it.