At Marvin, people are our most important asset since they make the beautiful products that we sell. Take a look at this video and find out why…

No matter the home, a remodeling project is a big undertaking, and the reasons we choose to remodel are virtually infinite.

That’s why we’ve created a new feature for Marvin.com, the myMarvin Remodelers Gallery, which features several case studies complete with before and after photos and homeowner stories on what inspired their project.

We hope you’ll visit the gallery to explore the many visions realized through some of the most impressive remodeling projects in the country. And if you’ve recently completed a project and you would like to have it featured in our gallery, encourage your contractor to send before and after photos to us for consideration.

For now, enjoy three gorgeous projects that injected new life into older homes.

Today, we have two very cool DIY fiber arts ideas, both via Curbly. If you want to add some personalized flair to your home, consider these!

First up is this duvet cover featuring doodles. It’s a bit labor intensive, but the end result is very cool. You’ll need whatever drawings you’ve doodled. After photographing the drawings, the creator of this duvet cover traced them on to fabric. You’d probably want to buy a solid-colored duvet for this. Lots of work, but you end up with a duvet cover that no one else in the world has.

The second DIY idea is also a great way to reuse old clothing. Using old pairs of jeans, cut into whatever pattern you like, you can make some fun wall art. Just sew on to a fabric back and voila! Jeans and art on your wall.

What do you think of these ideas? What’s the coolest DIY fiber arts project you’ve ever done?

Most people love to pick out colors, fabrics and finishes when remodeling, but I love the first step: space planning. When done right, it can produce a finished room that feels larger and performs more efficiently.

–Natalie Myers, interior designer

Writing for Houzz.com, Myers walks us through the key steps to make sure you’re using your home’s space effectively — no matter the amount or arrangement. Her process will help you find the best arrangement for your lifestyle (after all, that’s what matters), and though she uses wide-open floor plans to illustrate her points, she says “these tips will work for any space-planning challenge, big or small.”

Here are Myer’s steps, quickly. Be sure to read her full piece for the details.

What are your space needs? How much space do you have, and what do you need the space to do? When creating a dining space within a kitchen, for example, make sure to leave room for diners to sit and pull out chairs.

What are your space relationships? Once you’ve figured out what you need from your space, you can start to arrange those spaces in relation to each other. Comfortable seating nearby a children’s play space, for example.

What are the existing conditions? Take into account things you can’t change easily or that affect which spaces go where: locations of doors, electrical outlets, architectural columns, and so on.

Don’t let paths of travel be an afterthought. We’re guessing she’s pointing this out because she often sees this rule violated.

That’s just a sampling of the advice Myers shares in her article for Houzz.com. Any other tips or tricks you’ve learned about effectively using space?

[photo by Richard Shugar AIA, LEED AP, via Houzz.com]

Here’s a new thing that can be recycled and re-purposed: stuffed animals! Tree Hugger tells the story of an artist, Augustina Woodgate, and her rugs made out of the “skins” of stuffed animals.

To make the rugs, she removes the animals’ heads and the stuffing from the bodies and uses the skins, together with other stuffed animals’ skins, to create a rug that looks almost like no other rug you’ve seen before. Its trippy look could work well in a family or living room (we’re picturing it in a mid-century home) or even a child’s room.

What do you think? Weirdest rug material ever or ingenious use of old materials to create usable art?

Photos courtesy of Tree Hugger.

You’ve heard the story over and over the past few years – homeowners are choosing to remodel the space they’re in rather than risking a loss on the stodgy housing market. No matter the inspiration, remodeling can completely revitalize a home. But there’s still risk to be considered. Not just financial risks, but health risks — especially if you’re planning on remodeling an older home.

With so many hazardous chemicals and materials to factor, Calfinder.com takes a look at the big five every homeowner should be aware of whether they’re completing a project on their own or hiring a team.

Lead
Commonly found in homes built before 1978, lead-based paint is particularly threatening to young children. Ingestion can cause  nervous system damage, stunted growth and delayed development. Why would any child eat lead paint? Because it tastes sweet like candy.

Asbestos
In older homes, asbestos can sometimes be found the pipes, ducts and furnace insulation, flooring, cement siding, and spackling compound. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma, a devastating form of cancer.

Mold and Mildew
Anywhere there’s moisture and dark, warm surroundings, mold and mildew is likely to be found. Danger arises when sheltered mold and mildew are exposed to fresh air, releasing harmful toxins. Mold and mildew are common, but according to Calfinder.com, “If it’s black mold or it encompasses more than 10 square feet, a professional should be sought.”

Dust Build-up
Not as immediately hazardous as some material, large mounds of dust can form between walls and tucked away spaces. Goggles and painter’s masks are recommended during removal, along with fresh-flowing air.

High VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
A fancy acronym for fumes and contaminants, VOCs can show up in carpeting, paints, adhesives, coatings and other surfaces. They are marked by a strong odor. Removal is generally safe, but should be done with plenty of ventilation.

[Photo courtesy Merida Home Blog]

The Minneapolis Star Tribune has compiled a list of 10 business newsmakers to watch in 2012, and Susan Marvin, president of Marvin Windows and Doors, is in great company on that list. The list also includes Narayana Kocherlakota, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis; Omar Ishrak, CEO of Medtronic; and William Cooper, chairman and CEO of TCF Financial Corp.

The Star Tribune writes, “Industry groups have forecast only modest recovery in window and door sales this year. Marvin has kept its financial house in order, which has helped it survive the downturn and positioned it to benefit when the housing market revives.”

If 2012 is anything like 2011 — a year that saw the company covered by an in-depth feature story from the New York Times and discussed in a major speech from President Obama — it’s sure to be another great year for Marvin Windows and Doors.

A stunning restoration and renovation of a historic plantation home on the Eastern Shore of Virginia by Stephen Muse and William Kiwan of Muse Architects, this project was awarded because of its meticulous attention to detail, authenticity and preservation.

Originally constructed in 1784 and expanded in 1829, the brick-ended clapboard structure with twin Georgian entry porches follows a one bay deep linear plan typical of Tidewater homes.

Along with complete renovation and restoration of the original house, the scope of work included removal of recent out-of-character additions and construction of additional living space capturing the view of nearby Hungar’s Creek.

To accomplish this, the twin porches from the drive side of the house were replicated on the waterfront side and a new kitchen with breakfast bay was connected to the existing structure by a one-story hyphen.

Additional work included the restoration of all outbuildings, construction of a new garage and the restoration of all driveways, walkways and gardens.

Marvin products used in the project included Ultimate Double Hung Windows, French Casement Windows, Ultimate Casement Windows, Stationary Windows and Transom Windows.

To see more winners and learn more about the Architect’s Challenge, please visit Marvin.

You’ve never seen a houseboat like this before.

Little and Little Construction of Port Townsend, Wash. is nearing completion of a 2,000-square foot house that’s set atop a six-foot tall concrete foundation and nine 500-pound blocks of Styrofoam. According to the Seattle Times, the two-story home features several bedrooms and baths along with a cinder-block fireplace in a large living room, an upstairs family room, office space and master bedroom bath with breathtaking views.

The houseboat also features Ultimate Push Out Casement windows from Marvin.

Bob Little, president of Little & Little Construction, told the Seattle Times, “In essence, we’re just building a home on a slab. It’s been great fun, and what a fun learning experience.”

Once completed, the houseboat will be towed from the Port of Port Townsend northward to the Boat Haven marina where it will be moored temporarily until it can be safely towed to Seattle.

To see how this amazing houseboat was created, check out the timeline of photos at Little & Little’s website.

[Photo courtesy Little & Little Construction]

Almost everyone wants to eat healthier (we’d venture a guess that it’s among the top 10 News Year’s resolutions). But let’s face it–it can be hard. Despite good intentions, getting a fast food lunch or a snack from the vending machine is sometimes just the easiest thing.

Luckily, good design comes to the rescue (of our waistlines!) yet again. Sabine Staggl designed a modern “lunchbox” that not only carries food, but also tools, in the form of a plate, cutting board and bowl. And the box’s carries can be turned in to a tablecloth.

Very cool idea! It’s perfect not only for things like picnics, but for eating healthier at the office–no more excuses about not being able to prepare your salad in the breakroom.

What do you think of this modern lunchbox/food carrier?

Images courtesy of MocoLoco.