Manda and Caitlin McGrath, the duo behind The Merrythought blog, are scrappy women who are forever upgrading their houses without spending a penny more than necessary. Close in age, the two live in Western New York and are related by marriage: “We probably have one of the oddest/most interesting blogging partner relationships,” they write. “Manda is Caitlin’s stepmom.”
They share an interest in bare-bones wooden design, and a knack for coming up with storage solutions that they tackle themselves. They’re both also able stylists. Here are seven of their DIY standouts: go to The Merrythought for more photos and step-by-step instructions.
Photography courtesy of The Merrythought.
Ladder Plant Stand
![in response to caitlin\2\17;s growing indoor plant collection, a di 17](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/diy-ladder-plant-stand-via-the-merry-thought-733x1062.jpg)
Paper Organizer
![manda created the diy wood wall organizer in response to her kids\2 18](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/diy-wood-wall-organizer-via-the-merry-thought-2-733x1062.jpg)
She gave each of her kids a pocket (with instructions to weed out the unnecessary and the out of date). But notes that it’s also ideal, as shown here, for mail or magazines.
Peg Rail
![a project that speaks to us shaker peg rail lovers here at remodelista: the mer 19](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/diy-shaker-peg-rail-wall-mount-rack-via-the-merry-thought-2-733x1055.jpg)
Not up for making your own? Take a look at Object Lessons: The Shaker Peg Rail.
Floating Shelves
![diy floating shelves are made from \2 by 6 by 8 pine boards 20](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/diy-wood-floating-shelves-via-the-merry-thought-1-733x1062.jpg)
Standing Shelves
![manda and caitlin describe their diy wood bookshelf as \2\20;scaffolding 21](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/diy-wood-bookshelf-via-the-merry-thought-733x1028.jpg)
Cube Side Table
![caitlin\2\17;s diy plywood side table is simply an elevated o 22](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/diy-side-table-diy-wood-via-the-merry-thought-1-733x1062.jpg)
Toilet Paper Stand
![caitlin devised this diy toilet paper stand for her grandparents\2\17; c 23](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/diy-toilet-paper-stand-via-the-merry-thought-733x1039.jpg)
Feeling inspired? Peruse our DIY Projects archive for more ideas, including The Merrythought’s Simple and Elegant DIY Towel Holder for Under $10. And also:
- DIY: Wrapped Wire Coat Hangers, Madrid Edition
- DIY: Easy Burlap Shades (for Less Than $20 Each)
- A DIY Shower Curtain Hoop Mae from Plumbing Parts
And be sure to check out Your Weekend Project on our companion site The Organized Home.
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