Dining Room Decorating Tips

This modern dining room features clean lines and one stunning piece of art.

Dining rooms can be tricky to decorate because they all contain the same basic pieces: A table, chairs, and if there's room, a buffet or hutch. Add a light and maybe some artwork and you are done with the room. However, just because the footprint is the same in most dining rooms doesn't mean they have to be boring. Dining rooms can range from the elaborately formal to sleek and modern. It all depends on the style and furniture you choose.

Furniture

The first thing do when decorating a dining room is to take a good look at your existing furniture. Formal furniture will need formal decorations, while casual furniture begs a more relaxing room. Modern furniture should be highlighted with modern items. Traditional furniture is the most flexible, as it can be dressed up or dressed down. If you have not yet chosen your furniture, think about whether you want a more formal or casual room, and select accordingly.

Paint, lights and windows

Formal dining rooms traditionally have rich, deep colors and heavy window treatments. Burgundy and other red tones are the most commonly used in formal dining rooms. For less formal and modern rooms, light neutral colors are usually used on the walls, along with lighter window treatments such as roman shades or sheer curtain panels. Formal dining rooms usually feature a large, traditional chandelier centered above the table. If your dining room is more casual or modern, you can have fun with the light fixture, choosing something more modern and whimsical, such as paper lanterns or pendant lighting.

Accessories

Formal dining rooms often feature a mirror placed above a buffet, or a large formal oil painting. Casual dining rooms may have floating shelves on the walls, which could display crockery, plants or photos. Modern dining rooms may feature one dramatic piece of modern art, such as an abstract painting, or an accent wall covered with wallpaper in a unique pattern. Some dining rooms also have rugs, which should be the size of the table surface and not interfere with chair movement.

Finally, consider your centerpiece. Flowers and candles are traditional, as well as seasonal decorations such as pumpkins in the fall. Modern dining rooms may look better with a more sculptural centerpiece, such as twisted branches emerging from a unique vase.

Tags: dining rooms, dining room, dining rooms, Formal dining, Formal dining rooms, Modern dining rooms

Make Your Bedroom Look Posh

A tufted leather headboard makes a stylish statement in a bedroom.

Get away without going anywhere by creating a bedroom retreat that is reminiscent of a posh hotel room. Luxurious fabrics, eye-catching furniture pieces and stylish accessories can transform your bedroom from a ho-hum space to a haven where you enjoy retiring any time of the day. With a little imagination and some decorative accessories, you can give your bedroom an updated punch of style that may have your friends and family members asking if they can check-in.

Instructions

1. Create the look of empty picture frames on the walls with moldings. Make a large frame in the middle of a wall and flank it with two smaller frames. Choose two hues of the same color, a light blue and dark blue, for example, or two contrasting colors, such as blue and brown. Paint one color on the outside of the molding and the other color inside the molding.

2. Bring in furniture pieces that feature sleek lines. A dresser that has straight legs and drawers and simple drawer pulls is ideal for this space. A platform bed, which the mattress rests directly on, or a large headboard upholstered with tufted velvet or leather create a stylish look for your bedroom. Incorporate a chaise lounge or an overstuffed chair and matching ottoman to create a comfortable sitting area.

3. Dress the bed with a simple yet elegant suede comforter. For instance, if you've chosen blue for the wall colors, select a brown suede comforter. Place two separate piles of two plush pillows neatly stacked on top of each other at the head of the bed. Drape a decorative throw blanket across the foot of your bed.

4. Hang simple stainless steel or wrought iron wall sconces or swing arm lamps on the wall on either side of the bed. Display a decorative, ceiling-mounted light fixture or a more elaborate fixture, such as a chandelier that features crystals or dangling mirrors, in the center of the room.

5. Frame black-and-white photographs or close-ups of simple items, such as flowers, shells or trees, and display them on walls, tabletops or dressers.

6. Set plain stainless steel or crystal bud vases filled with individual blooms along the center of the top of the dresser.

Tags: your bedroom, furniture pieces, stainless steel, suede comforter

Creative Dining Room Ideas

Turn the dining room into the most popular room of the house.

A dining room is a valuable part of any home. You gather here with friends and family to enjoy a meal and the company of one another, so it is important that the room is functional and fashionable. Formal dining rooms are often unused because of the stuffy decor and uncomfortable seating. These days people are far more likely to use an eat-in kitchen than the formal dining room. When you are designing or decorating your dining room, think how your family can best benefit from the use of the room and decorate accordingly.

Color

Choose the color of the room carefully, not only be able to enjoy the space, but to make it personal and inviting. Earth tones such as neutrals, tans and rich greens are easily blended with other colors found in your home and can match just about any kind of furniture and decor. For a bold statement, pick a bold color. Shades of red are said to stimulate conversation and the appetite, while a large mural could brighten the room while providing an interesting focal point.

Lighting

The lighting in the room should highlight the areas where you work and eat, like chandeliers over the table and table lamps with extra seating in the corner. Floor lamps can also be to accent the art and furniture in the room. Candles placed strategically around the room offer just the right amount of light for a romantic dinner. Also, tiny twinkling Christmas lights around large fixtures, such as windows or a mantel, can help create a unique dining experience. Use the lighting to illuminate your favorite items in the room.

Divided Areas

Though your formal dining room may be underused as a dining room, that space can still be utilized to create a multiple use room with a focus on the family. Create a reading nook in a corner with a table lamp for a comfortable spot to watch the kids do their homework. Utilize the banquet table to hold not only the fine china and serving pieces, but the board games and playing cards that your family will use on game night. Consider an armoire to keep the home computer tucked away when not in use, but easily accessible when needed for school and paying bills.

Transformation

If your family does not have a need for a dining room, turn your dining room into a room your family does need. Make it a playroom, a home office, another bedroom or a media room. If your home has an eat-in kitchen that is functional for the family, toss the formal furniture and opt for a more family-friendly decor.

Tags: dining room, dining room, your family, dining room into, eat-in kitchen

Tuscan Bathroom Colors

The colors of nature inspire Tuscan decor.

Tuscan decor is characterized by the rich earth tones of baked soil and sunshine, the rich blue of the sky, and the green and gray tones of plants and weathered stone. Add these colors to your bathroom without overwhelming a small space. Use strong color in moderation, set off by other subtle earth tones. Add real plants, rock and brick to complement Tuscan colors.

Earth Tones

Olive green is a popular color in Tuscan rooms.

Terra-cotta, olive green, coffee brown and deep orange: These are the colors of the Italian countryside. A Tuscan bathroom can be vivid and strong, subtle or a combination of the two.

As you decorate, be sensitive to the fact that the bathroom is generally a small space. Very dark or very bright colors can easily overwhelm a small space. Use a single dark or bright color as the primary bathroom color and work with it, adding decor items to complement this color. For example, a terra-cotta-colored bathroom might contain a bright green plant in a bright blue pottery container to complement the orange of the terra-cotta.

It's also possible to use a more subtle color like a pale olive green as the primary color, adding strong accents in terra-cotta, red, brown and blue.

Blue Sky and Fields

Create the illusion of blue sky with vivid colors.

Tuscan decor also features nature colors of another type: the vivid blues and yellows of skies and fields. These strong and delightful colors look great in a bathroom. Be conscious of the amount of light and air the bathroom gets, as strong colors can overwhelm a small space. In a small, dark bathroom focus on a single bright wall, complemented by more muted or light colors.

Bathroom towels, plant pots, soap dishes, rugs and shower curtains are also available in bright blues and yellows. For a Tuscan-inspired bathroom with no paint job required, choose decor items in these colors.

Weathered Rock and Plaster

Use gray and white to create the look of weathered rock.

One fun Tuscan-inspired project is to use painting techniques to emulate weathered rock or plaster. Use sponge or rag painting on a white wall to add light gray textures so that the wall looks like rock or plaster. Add a faux rock window using sticker transfers or by working with a professional muralist. Plants and plant-inspired decor work well with pretend rock and plaster, giving the bathroom an outdoor feel.

Tags: small space, rock plaster, Tuscan decor, blues yellows, decor items, earth tones, overwhelm small

The Most Popular Bedroom Decorating For Little Girls

A girl's bedroom represents playfulness and her personal style.

Almost every little girl has a favorite color, cartoon character or activity to incorporate in the design and decoration of her bedroom. Some of the most popular ideas for decorating a little girl's bedroom consist of a princess and her castle, a ballerina and her favorite cartoon character on television.

Princess

The princess decorating idea is a favorite one for little girls who are interested in the glamour aspect of being a girl. Paint the room a light pink color with a slightly darker pink color on the trim. On the edges of the walls, glue a border around the room that has pictures of a princess or a castle. Every little girl wants to feel extra special, so instead of just decorating the walls and doors, purchase a bed that is designed in the shape of a castle in which the bed is higher than average.

Garden

The garden decorating idea is applied in a variety of ways to a little girl's bedroom. Choose her favorite colors, and cover the wall in flowers that incorporate her favorite colors. If she likes butterflies, have a majority of butterflies flying above the flowers and landing on a couple of the flowers' petals. If ladybugs are her favorite, opt for those as the enhancement in addition to the flowers. Large flowers are used in bedrooms that have more space as they can make the room look smaller. If your little girl has a smaller bedroom, use smaller designs.

Ballerina

The ballerina-designed bedroom is ideal for the girly-girl who is a ballerina, wants to become a ballerina or just likes ballerinas. The traditional color to use in decorating is pink, but if you want to get a bit creative, enhance the pink with your little girl's favorite color. One idea is to paint the wall a solid pink color or paint pink swirls with a large pair of ballerina shoes covering an entire wall in your little girl's favorite color.

Favorite Character

Nearly every little girl has a cartoon show that she loves to watch or a favorite character in particular. Decorate the entire room with characters from Dora the Explorer or Hello Kitty, if these are her favorites, and use the associated colors in the cartoons. Purchase a bedspread and curtains to match so that your little girl is consumed with her favorite character or cartoon show.

Tags: little girl, your little girl, your little, favorite color, girl bedroom, girl favorite, girl favorite color

Install A Bathroom Trap & Wall Drain Pipe

A bathroom sink drain connects to a curved piece of drain pipe called a p-trap. The p-trap in turn connects to a straight pipe that attaches to the drain stack at the wall. It is important to install the sections of drain properly to avoid leaks that could damage cabinetry and flooring. Whether you are replacing old pipes or have just installed the sink, you can complete the job with a moderate amount of time and effort.

Instructions

1. Remove the old p-trap and straight pipe, if they exist, by removing the large nuts that connect them to the drain stub and stack pipe respectively. Use a pair of slip-joint pliers to turn the nuts counterclockwise to loosen them and disconnect the pipes.

2. Clean the ends of the sink drain stub and the drain stack protruding from the wall. Use mineral spirits and an old rag to clean the ends of the pipes. Remove the old gasket and nut from the sink drain stub and replace them with new ones. Place the nut on the end of the pipe with the threads pointing outward and then install the gasket with the flanged part facing the end of the stub.

3. Connect the top of the p-trap to the drain stub and tighten the nut by hand. Turn the nut a quarter of a turn past hand tight using a pair of slip-joint pliers.

4. Place the straight pipe between the other end of the p-trap and the stack drain to check the fit. Use a hacksaw to cut the pipe if it is too long. Install a nut and a gasket onto each end of the straight pipe using the same process as you used in the previous step.

5. Install the straight pipe between the end of the p-trap and drain stack pipe and secure it by tightening the nuts.

Tags: straight pipe, drain stub, drain stack, sink drain, pair slip-joint, pair slip-joint pliers

Fun Teen Girls Bedrooms

Teenage girls are tough to please when it comes to clothes, cars and home decorating. They want their things to be "off the chain" to pass the strict scrutiny their friends will give, and there is no mercy for a tired, outdated bedroom left over from days of childhood gone by. If Hello Kitty is the main component in your teenage daughter's room, it is time for a major overhaul. These fun ideas are sure to make your daughter the envy of all her friends.

Travel Zone

Draw inspiration from your teen's favorite destination. If she longs for a sandy stretch of beach next to sparkling blue water, use tropical colors to add island appeal to her space. Use white furniture to make the space appear larger, and add a mosquito net over her bed for a breezy, casual feel.

If the Far East beckons to her, add elements that represent Asian culture. Dark furniture with pagoda styling can be accented with rich, silk fabric in the bold colors of the Orient. Add accessories that further complement the theme, and do not be afraid to look in unusual places to find pieces that work. Asian inspired tableware can serve as a spot to store jewelry or school supplies and a lantern from the garden center might be the perfect lighting find.

Funky Zebra

Animal prints are always a hot choice for cool teens. Add a bold zebra print to the room in one of the major decorating elements. You could use a zebra patterned bedspread to serve as the main focal point of the room and add accents of solid colors in the form of painted walls, throw pillows and window treatments. Conversely, you could paint the walls in a black and white zebra pattern, while keeping the rest of the room's accessories simple with one or two other accent colors. Bold colors like lime green, turquoise or magenta work well in a black and white color scheme, and black furniture is the perfect complement.

Hot for Dots

Polka dots are a popular theme for teenage girls, and you can find this trend in both discount stores and high-end specialty stores. You can easily find everything you need to decorate from bedding to wall art in a color scheme that suits your girl. Use round stencils to add random polka dots to the room in colors chosen from the bedding. For a more interesting look, use different sizes of round stencils and overlap the images with contrasting colors. Add other round elements to the room to continue the polka dot theme.

Tags: black white, color scheme, from bedding, round stencils

The Best Way To Decorate A Dining Room Table

Set your dining room table with a few decorative elements.

When it comes to decorating your dining room table, there are several ways you can go about it. The best decorations for a table will protect the surface from scratches and dents and complement the overall style of your dining room. Several decorative pieces are available to help you accomplish this.

Instructions

1. Clear away any clutter on the table. Clean the table thoroughly to ensure that your decorative elements do not get dirty or stained.

2. Cover your dining room table with a tablecloth to protect the surface and act as a base for your color or design scheme. The tablecloth should have a 10- to 12-inch drop. Reserve a 15-inch drop for a very formal setting. Match the pattern and color of the tablecloth to the rest of your dining room's d cor for the best look.

3. Place a centerpiece in the middle of your dining room table. The centerpiece should match the look of your existing dining room d cor. For example, if you have a very traditional d cor, a vase filled with colorful flowers might be perfect. A modern room might look better with a ceramic bowl filled with colored pebbles or another decorative element. A third option might be an edible centerpiece, such as a fruit bowl.

4. Set the table. If you're going to be using your dining room table in the near future, the best way to finish off the decorating process is to set the table. Use place mats that complement the look of the tablecloth you chose and then add the functional elements, including plates, glasses, silverware and napkins.

Tags: dining room, your dining, your dining room, dining room table, room table, decorative elements

Decorate A Little Girl'S Bedroom For Cheap

Decorate a Little Girl's Bedroom for Cheap

Children's tastes and style preferences can change quickly as they grow up. One day your daughter will want everything that she owns to be pink and purple with fairies and unicorns, the next she feels that she is too old for babyish designs and wants her room filled with rock star posters, designer furniture and neon colored walls. Learn decorate a little girl's bedroom for cheap, that way you can save the money for when she becomes a teenager and wants to redo it all anyways.

Instructions

Walls

1. Paint the walls in your child's favorite color scheme or use a color wheel to determine what looks good together if you are starting from scratch. Paint a sample of each color on card stock to bring with you when you are shopping for other accessories to bring into the space.

2. Buy wall decals that complement the colors in the room or match the theme that you have chosen for the space. They can be found relatively cheaply and you can remove them later without having to repaint.

3. Use stencil designs to decorate a little girl's bedroom if you cannot find the decals that you want. Something as simple as the words "Sweet Dreams" with the child's name underneath it can add color and personality to the space.

Floors

4. Choose a more neutral color, rather than a favorite hue, for carpet and flooring. When interior design style tastes change, ripping out the carpet and replacing it is not always an option, nor is it cheap.

5. Install carpet tiles if you are insistent at using a gender-themed color, such as pink or purple, because they are cheaper than standard carpet and can be made into many neat designs. It is also cheaper to replace a single square that is damaged or stained, rather than the whole floor.

6. Bring in additional color through fun area rugs. They come in a variety of hues, shapes and sizes, as well as theme characters.

Artwork and Accessories

7. Gather a few of the little girl's favorite photos of herself, family and friends. Take new ones to match the theme of the room as well, like her dressed in a tiara for a princess bedroom.

8. Buy a few simple, plain picture frames and dress them up to match the rest of the decor with paint or other embellishments. Put stick-on gems and jewels down the front of the frames for added sparkle and shine.

9. Install decorative hooks to hold her jewelry, hats, purses, scarves, ponytail holders and other treasures that she uses when she dresses up. The best way to decorate a little girl's bedroom for cheap is to display the things that she already owns and loves.

Tags: decorate little, decals that, Decorate Little, decorate little girl, girl bedroom, Girl Bedroom Cheap, little girl

Make A Bedroom Vanity

Create a bright functional space for your feminine routine with a bedroom vanity.

The key to creating a bedroom vanity is choosing colors and textures similar to your current bedroom decor for a cohesive and intentional look. Use colors and items you like to create a bedroom vanity that is functional and bright, perfect for your daily routine. Not only will your vanity be a space to get ready, it can also house your beauty products, jewelry, accessories and other personal items.

Instructions

1. Lighter paint colors are reflective and will brighten up the space.

Use unexpected furniture for your vanity base. Look for furniture that is waist height so when you are seated, you can see everything above your chest. Transform an old wood desk, hallway table or kitchen buffet into a bedroom vanity. Look for a durable and easy to clean material such as wood, a decorative style you enjoy, ample workspace and room for storage. Stain or paint the furniture to match your current bedroom suite. Place your new vanity base up against the wall opposite your bed.

2. Make sure your chair is sturdy and comfortable for sitting.

Reupholster a stool or small chair with fabric matching your bedroom decor. Pull colors from window treatments and bedding. If your current window treatments or bedding have pattern or designs, chose one color from the fabric for a solid color vanity seat. If your bedding and window treatments are solid colors, chose a patterned fabric with similar colors for your seat. Paint or stain the stool or chair to match the bedroom furniture.

3. A mirror with a decorative frame will add visual interest to your vanity.

Hang a large round or oval mirror a few inches above your vanity table. Make sure the mirror is at face level to get the most use out of your vanity. A larger mirror will give the illusion of more space in the room. Keep the frame as is or paint it a color found in your reupholstered vanity seat.

4. Use decorative sconces to add more visual interest and luxury.

Enhance visual clarity in this intense concentration area by using task lighting. Use two bulbs on either side of the mirror at face level to provide bright light for your daily routine. Hang a low-hanging chandelier above the vanity to balance the two bulbs and give the space intention and luxury.

Tags: your vanity, bedroom vanity, window treatments, your current, above your, bedroom decor

Atlantic City Beachfront Hotels With 2bedroom Suites

The are many hotel options on the beach in Atlantic City.

Atlantic City, New Jersey's Boardwalk and its beaches attract thousands of visitors each year who come for the fishing, the sun, the golf and the casinos. Whatever your pleasure, there are hotel accommodations to suit your needs. Some hotels along the Boardwalk and beachfront offer two-bedroom suites big enough for a family or a group.

Atlantic City Hilton

The Atlantic City Hilton features a casino and ocean views. Other amenities include a pool, spa and a beach bar with live entertainment and tropical drinks. The two-bedroom suites have one bedroom with a king bed and another with two double beds. Dining options at the Atlantic Hilton include steaks and burgers and Italian and Asian cuisine.

Atlantic Palace Suites

This 31-story condo hotel overlooks the Boardwalk and the beach, and is near the casinos. Shopping, fine dining, fishing and golf are also close by. The two-bedroom condominium units in the hotel were renovated in 2009. They feature queen beds and fully-equipped kitchens.

Trump Plaza Hotel

The 39-story Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino includes your choice of two-bedroom or three-bedroom suites. The penthouse suite is decorated in an Asian motif. The penthouse includes a two-sided fireplace, a large living area, and two bedrooms with king beds. The bathrooms are equipped with oversize showers with rain forest-style shower heads.

Tags: Atlantic City, Atlantic City Hilton, City Hilton, fishing golf, Plaza Hotel, Trump Plaza, Trump Plaza Hotel

Measure For A Dining Table

Measure a dining room to find the appropriate-sized table.

A dining table should be sized both for the room it will be in and for the number of people who will typically use the table. Having a dining table that is the correct size will help the flow of traffic in the room and provide the appropriate visual weight for the space. Calculate the correct size for a dining table by taking measurements and doing some simple math.

Instructions

1. Measure the dimensions of your dining room with a tape measure. If you do not have a rigid tape measure, you will need someone else to hold the other end of the tape measure in the corner to get an accurate measurement.

2. Write down these measurements on a piece of paper. For example, your dining room may be 13 feet long and 11 feet wide.

3. Measure the depth of any pieces of furniture in your dining room that you intend to keep in place. Write these down as well. For example, you may have a sideboard that extends along most of the short wall of the dining room and is 1-foot deep.

4. Subtract the depth of stationary furnishings from the applicable room dimension to find the usable floor space of your dining room. In this example, it would be 13 feet by 10 feet.

5. Subtract 6 feet from each dimension to allow 3 feet between each side of the table and the wall behind. This space is essential for people to walk around the table and get in and out of the chairs. In our example, the table space is now reduced to 7 feet by 4 feet.

6. Subtract an additional foot from the dimension of a table if the space behind it is regularly used as a walkway. For example, if a home has a pass-through dining room where people often walk past the head of the table, subtract another foot from the table dimension to leave additional space there, reducing the table size to 6 feet by 4 feet.

7. Add up the total perimeter of the desired table size. In this example, the perimeter is 20 feet.

8. Divide the perimeter by 2 to find how many people you can fit around the table with 2 feet of space each. In this case, the table would fit a maximum of 10 people.

Tags: dining room, your dining room, your dining, dining table, feet feet, tape measure

Do It Yourself Stain Dining Chairs

Your new dining room chairs will look stunning.

When you decide to change the d cor in your dining room or if you have recently purchased some bargain chairs that don't quite match the other wood elements of the room, you may wish to stain the dining room chairs a different color. If they already have old stain, then you will first need to remove this before completing the process. This might seem complicated, but it's a completely do it yourself project that can be completed in an afternoon.

Instructions

1. Soak a sponge in warm water and wipe down the surface of the chair. This will make the fibers easier to sand off.

2. Start the sanding process with 220-grit sandpaper. Use this to sand the flat surfaces of the dining chairs.

3. Sand with plastic steel wool any areas that are not flat, including legs, spindles or turnings.

4. Remove old stain from small crevices in the dining chairs using twine wrapped around the small crevice and moving it swiftly back and forth.

5. Flip over the chair and apply a small amount of the wood stain you plan to use using a paintbrush. Let it sit for a few minutes and wipe with a cotton cloth. Make sure you're happy with the resulting color before continuing.

6. Use the same method describing in the previous step to apply the wood stain to the entire dining chair. Wipe the stain with your cotton cloth after a few minutes.

7. Brush polyurethane onto the chair after it has dried in the same manner you applied the original stain. Let the chair sit over the course of the night in a warm area.

8. Sand the chair with 280-grit sandpaper and wipe away any dust when you are finish. Apply another coat of polyurethane, or even a third or fourth coat if desired, for even more protection. Do not sand the chair after the final coat of polyurethane.

Tags: dining room, chair after, coat polyurethane, cotton cloth, dining chairs, dining room chairs, room chairs

Diy Bedroom Makeover Ideas

Bedrooms can become boring or too cluttered. Before transformation can begin a complete cleanup of unnecessary objects must take place. Make room in the closet for items such as workout clothes by attaching hooks for easy access. Computers and televisions also have no place in the bedroom and should be removed.

Walls

Bedroom walls are going to be the primary source of color in the bedroom. Consider painting in a color that you are most drawn too and one that will give the bedroom a comfortable and relaxed feeling. Once you have selected the color visit a home improvement store and pick up several swatches in different shades in your favorite color. Tap or pin these swatches to the wall and start eliminating the least desirable. This color selection is important, so do not feel rushed when it comes to selecting a color.

Attach sheer curtains to the wall at the head of the bed. Use a sash rod or decorative rod and mount near the ceiling. Purchase curtains in a width that will be at least twice the width of the bed. This will ensure a full look when the curtains are draped from the rod.

Frame and hang photographs that have personal meanings. Select photos from vacations or memorable places you have visited. Matting enhances the beauty of any picture and gives a completed look to a photo. Select frame that complement the furniture.

Windows

Changing curtains can be a major makeover. A window that has sheer curtains will allow light in and give an airy feeling to a room. For privacy add drapes that can be drawn or pulled to the side.

A window valance is an inexpensive way to add color to a window. Valances can be gathered, pleated or straight with a scalloped edge.

Bedding

Add bedding and pillows to complement the colors in the draperies. Pillows in an assortment of sizes and layered on the bed will give a regal flair to the bed. Select a variety of colors and do not be timid about mixing solids, prints and plaids. Layer the pillows with large pillows in the back row and decrease the size with each layer.

Cover up the bottom of the bed frame with a bed skirt. Shirts are sold in gathered, pleated and a straight design. Shirts not only give a completed look to a bed, but they will also hide any storage that is underneath the bed.

Tags: completed look, gathered pleated, gathered pleated straight, pleated straight, sheer curtains

Design A Musicthemed Bedroom

Design a Music-Themed Bedroom

From classical piano music to hard rock concerts, the music theme works well in bedrooms for both young and old. A musical bedroom allows you to tailor the details to fit the specific musical interests of the room's inhabitant. Older children who request a music theme can take part in the planning and decorating process, making it a more customized bedroom once the paintbrushes are put away.

Instructions

1. Empty the room to start with a clean slate. Measure the room's length and width. Measure any closets or other areas in the room that stick out and take up floor space.

2. Place the large pieces of furniture in the room. Locate the furniture in a place that makes the best flow in the room.

3. Pick a color scheme for the room. The music theme lends itself well to nearly any color palette so consider the tastes of the person who will use the bedroom.

4. Paint the walls based on the room's color scheme. Paint large staff lines around the middle of the room with black paint. Add musical notes to the music staff. You can also paint musical notes randomly around the walls above and below the staff lines.

5. Mount a musical instrument, frame sheet music or hang musically themed pictures to decorate the walls in the bedroom. Band posters are another simple option for decorating the walls.

6. Purchase a musically-themed bedding set. You can also choose a solid colored bedding set and use music-themed pillows as accents.

7. Designate a music playing area based on the child's interests. For musicians, create a stage area marked by an area rug. Include a music stand and microphone. For those who enjoy listening to music, set up a stereo lounge area that allows them to listen to favorite tunes.

Tags: music theme, color scheme, musical notes, paint musical, paint musical notes, staff lines

Divide The Kitchen From The Bedroom

A bookshelf could double as a divider in an open-plan space.

In an open-plan space such as a studio, the kitchen and the bedroom might be located next to each other with no partition between them, giving rise to privacy issues. In some cases, building a wall might not be a feasible option if you are renting, or because it would make a small space seem even smaller. To separate the kitchen and the bedroom, you have several options. The right option for you depends on your space and preferences.

Instructions

1. Place a bookshelf between the kitchen and the bedroom. This both divides the space and provides storage, which is often at a premium in a studio. Choose a bookshelf that is finished on all sides because it might not stand against a wall. To let light pass between the two spaces, use a bookshelf with open compartments. The higher the bookshelf, the more privacy you get in the bedroom.

2. Find a high headboard with storage space to use as a divider. Position the bed so the head of the bed is the closest side to the kitchen, then place the headboard against the head of the bed. This option saves more space compared to a bookshelf because you do not have to get a separate headboard for the bed.

3. Hang drapes from the ceiling between the kitchen and the bedroom. Because a normal curtain rod is designed to hang from a wall, you need a special type of drapery hardware known as a hospital track. Attach the hospital track to the ceiling, then hang drapes from it. This solution takes up little space and allows you to open and close the divider according to your needs. To save even more space, use a four-post bed and hang the drapes along one or more sides of the bed.

4. Use a traditional Chinese wedding bed. This type of bed comes with screens on three sides and has tracks from which you can hang drapes.Your bed becomes a separate area without taking up a lot of space.

5. Build a walk-in closet on one side of your bedroom space by placing tall wardrobes side by side. The backs of the wardrobes face your kitchen, so choose wardrobes with finished backs.

Tags: kitchen bedroom, between kitchen, between kitchen bedroom, drapes from, hang drapes

Ideas For A Parisian Themed Bedroom

The Eiffel Tower is a must in your Parisian bedroom theme.

The old world charm of a Parisian bedroom theme has grown in popularity in the new millennium. Parisian-style bedroom decor adds worldly ambiance to the space. Find inspiration for your room's design in a Paris cafe, a Paris salon or the French countryside. French art, accessories, images and objects will give your bedroom a romantic Parisian feel.

Color Palettes

A typical Parisian theme color palette features neutral beige tones with gold. Other color schemes lean toward pink on pink, pink on black, or blue on green. Knowing the color palette first will help guide the design, enabling you to incorporate the appropriate colors throughout the bedroom. Parisian-inspired accents and a black-and-pink color scheme will create the chic French flair indicative of the heart of Paris. This bold color scheme can include other warm neutral tones, or can be kept exclusive.

Parisian Inspired Walls and Ceilings

Walls displaying Parisian-inspired art or accents will bring the theme to life. Parisian-inspired wall decal stickers set the tone of the design. Eiffel Tower-themed wallpaper and faux chandeliers create other possibilities for the walls and ceilings. Horizontal and vertical stripes are also commonly found in Parisian bedrooms. A mismatched photo wall displaying French art or personal pictures in various types of frames will create a bohemian Paris boutique feel.

Furniture

Parisian-style bedroom furniture functions as a focal point in the design. A black or dark brown canopy bed frame creates a more contemporary look, while a distressed wrought-iron bed frame recalls a classic Parisian cafe. Vintage Versailles-inspired tables, desks and chairs with skinny and sculpted legs also help complete the look.

Accessories

Parisian-inspired accessories will make the theme truly come to life in your bedroom. One accessory every Parisian themed bedroom needs is the Eiffel Tower. Available Eiffel Tower accessories include pillows, wall decals, bedding, clocks, candle holders, sculptures, photos and wall art. Hang paintings, prints or posters of Paris scenes for an authentic feel. Incorporate a floating shelf or deep windowsill displaying French art and accessories for a finishing touch.

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Color Ideas For Dining Rooms

Offset an all white dining room with pops of black and gold.

Color has the ability to instantly transform the dining room space to set the mood and tone in the room. Pale, neutral shades create an open space that accent furniture and accessories. Deep, dramatic shades lend a touch of elegance, while cool shades of blues and greens offers a warm touch that creates a cozy yet open dining room space. Choose a dark stain for the dining room walls to set off light colored dining room chairs and accessories.

Dramatic Color

Brilliant red colors used in the dining room instantly wake up the space with its bold palette. Bright orange colors used on dining room walls highlight the dining room and look stunning in small doses like on tablecloths and napkins. Don't forget about the dining room floor. An aqua paint or stain used on the dining room floor offers a radiant design touch that greets you everyday. Complement the aqua floors with red accessories. Paint the doorway leading to and from the dining room with a bold yellow. The unexpected color brings attention to the space and also looks stunning painted on dining room furniture, such as a hutch or accent table.

Natural Palette

Create a light and airy feel to the dining room with a natural palette. Creamy whites and pale blue colors create the illusion of a larger space. Sky blue dining room walls provide to the space a natural and serene setting that evokes the feeling of the outdoors. Incorporate natural, raw materials such as linen and jute in rugs, curtains and pillows. Pale yellows and oranges seen in wallpaper or paint provide a sunny start to the day and brighten up a small dining room space. Shades of white painted on walls and moldings create the sense of expansiveness and accent those decorative accessories with bright, bold colors. Pale pink paint colors seen in dining room chairs mimic the color of a sunrise and provide a pop of color to the space.

Earth Tones

Earth tones bring a sophisticated touch to the dining room and look stunning with formal and informal dining room furniture. Sandy paint color used on dining room walls creates a comfortable, intimate setting. Shades of deep greens used in dining room accessories, such as dinnerware and napkins, complement chocolate browns and provide a boost of vibrant color to the design. Create an accent wall within the dining room with beige. A subtle wall color allows decorative artwork to stand out as you enter and exit the space. Dress up white moldings in the home with gray. Gray paint accents architectural details in the space. Brown gray paint showcases dark dining room furniture like an all black sideboard and plays off black decorative accessories like vases and figurines.

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Decorate A Bedroom With A Black Metal Bed

A black metal bed is gender neutral, modern and stylish.

When you design the decor of a room around a specific item of furniture, this can limit your decor choices. However, a metal bed in classic black complements a huge range of different colors and styles, from a sophisticated black-and-white color scheme to romantic Gothic style and warm and cozy Moroccan decor. No matter what sort of atmosphere you wish to create, a black metal bed offers you a lot of creative range.

Instructions

1. Create a warm, cozy and inviting space by combining the black metal bed with a Moroccan theme. Use jewel-tone colors such as ruby red and sapphire blue with gold and black accents. Add lots of intricately patterned fabrics to the room, such as Persian-style rugs, fabric wall hangings, throws and cushions. Dress the bed in a combination of silks and satins, pile on the cushions and add a canopy for a desert-tent feel. Finish with black wrought-iron accessories and Moroccan lamps.

2. Develop a Gothic theme for a sultry, romantic space. A Gothic bedroom doesn't have to be black; choose any color scheme you fancy. White bedding stands out beautifully against the black bed frame, and the addition of soft, lacy fabrics and vintage accessories create a romantic feel. Use items such as mirrors, picture frames and tabletop accessories featuring medieval and Gothic designs. To embrace the theme even further, add a touch of fantasy with dragon or gargoyle figurines.

3. Embrace the black of the bed with an entirely black bedroom. Use a range of different textures and finishes by combining matte and gloss paints and wallpaper. Combine different shades of black with very dark grays and place one brightly colored cushion on the bed to lift the whole color scheme. Add lots of soft furnishings and fabric in the form of extravagant bed and window dressing, cushions and throws to prevent the room from looking oppressive and boring.

4. Combine black with white for a stylish, sophisticated room. Paint the walls white except for an accent wall covered with black wallpaper, or vice versa. Alternatively, paint all the walls white and use black on the skirting boards and woodwork for a lighter, brighter feel. Use geometric patterns and shapes on fabrics for a funky modern feel or choose softer, nature-inspired patterns for a slightly more feminine feel. Combine a range of black and white tabletop accessories to finish the look.

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Early Bohemianstyle Bedroom Decor

Use bedroom pieces that are actually old instead of faux-aged.

Modern bohemian styles draw on the foundation built by early bohemian culture. Adherents of that lifestyle decorated haphazardly, artistically and with available items. More recent "boho," "bourgeois bohemian" or "bohemian chic" styles use high-end, carefully selected and often hyper-feminine, faux-aged furnishings to create looks like shabby chic and hippie chic. Use inexpensive, thrift finds, your own artwork and artistic tools as well as objects that communicate an eccentric, somewhat dark mood to create an early bohemian-style bedroom. Avoid 1960s kitsch like plastic butterflies and shag rugs to keep your bohemian room from reading as too staged and modern.

Bedroom Floors and Walls

Paint the bedroom walls in deep jewel tones or a muted, dusky gray; don't treat the walls' imperfections beforehand to keep the paint job from looking too "perfect" or new. You could also cover the walls with a fabric treatment. Favor faded Moorish patterned fabrics, velvet or silk, or inexpensive cheesecloth or burlap. Hang art on the walls in clusters, using ornate, molded frames, old wooden frames and picture boxes. When possible, use your own art or the artwork of people you know. Leave some wall decor unframed for a more authentic look. Find images of early bohemian figures, such as Augustus John's portraits of his muse Dorelia McNeill. Warm up the floor with threadbare, flat-weave Turkish kilim rugs, mismatched Oriental rugs or a combination of similar styles. Use multiple overlapping rugs to hide wall-to-wall carpeting.

Early Bohemian-Style Bedroom Furniture

Bring in a weathered, vintage-style, metal four-poster or canopy bed or eschew a bed frame altogether and leave your mattress and box springs on the floor. If you are on a truly bohemian budget, you can fake a canopy bed by hanging strips of fabric from the ceiling in a shape that mimics your bed's dimensions. Cover the bed with a faded, jewel-toned, silk or woven duvet and a large number of mismatched vintage pillows and shams. Strew an old blanket across the foot of the bed. Flank your bohemian bed with two different side tables or stack old suitcases or large books next to the bed to serve as bedside tables. Place a large steamer trunk at the foot of the bed. Add as much furniture as the room will accommodate reasonably. A threadbare, upholstered wingback or dilapidated dining chair and an accompanying side table provide a place away from the bed to linger over conversation or poetry.

Bringing in Early Bohemian-Style Lighting and Accessories

Layer different accessories onto the same surface. Instead of just neatly placing a hurricane lamp and a vintage ashtray onto the side table near your seating area, add an tarnished silver tea service full of lighters, a couple of vintage pens, a weathered, leather-bound writing notebook and a dog-eared copy of Victor Hugo's classic bohemian work, "Romantic Army," or William Thackeray's "Vanity Fair." Use your artistic tools as decorations. If you write, make your vintage typewriter a focal point; an artist can leave out clusters of brushes in cracked vases; an actor or dancer should artfully drape her worn costumes across the furniture. Add bare bulbs hanging from ceiling hooks over the areas that need them most, such as writing, drawing or reading areas. If you're looking for a lusher, colorful early 20th-century bohemian style over the barer mid-19th-century version, add a basket shade or paper globe over the bulbs. Install wrought-iron hooks around the room so you can easily drape clothing, empty packs or bags and personal accessories, such as necklaces or scarves.

Considerations

A note on early bohemians: In the mid-19th century, "The Westminster Review" described the "ideal" bohemian as someone completely devoted to artistic pursuits and equally opposed to convention. The bohemian persona the article described was resourceful, defiant, idiosyncratic, philosophical and free from status ambitions. Keep this characterization in mind as you conceive your early bohemian bedroom and be open to experimentation. Use only the most beautiful objects or objects you love and keep the emphasis on integrating your artistic works with your exterior surroundings.

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What Are Dining Table Accessories

Dining table accessories can be used for decorative purposes or for functionality purposes. Oftentimes, these accessories serve both purposes. Whether you are planning a sit down dinner or simply having a family meal around the table, there are many ways to dress up the dining table with accessories.

Linens

Tablecloths and coordinating place mats make nice accessories for any dining table. Add in matching linen napkins with napkin rings for the perfect touch to your dining table. These accessories can be changed to suit various occasions and different seasons of the year.

Lighting

Candlesticks and candles make beautiful accessories for the table. They come in a variety of forms and styles and can be changed to match the occasion.

Functional

Condiment receptacles such as salt and pepper shakers, gravy boats, and butter dishes make attractive dining table accessories. These items can be placed at various intervals around the table or can be grouped onto a coordinating lazy suzan tray.

Seating

Another way to accessorize the dining table is by adding seat covers to the dining chairs. These accessories can be changed easily to suit any occasion.

Centerpiece

A well thought-out centerpiece adds the final touch to the dining room table. Choose a centerpiece that matches the theme of your dining room or one that suits the occasion you are planning. If your table is very large, you might consider having several smaller versions of the main centerpiece at opposite ends of the table.

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Dining Table Centerpiece Ideas

Table setting

A dining table centerpiece can set the mood for a party, event or dinner. Whether it is a grand, catered affair with many guests or an intimate dinner for two, your centerpiece should reflect the type of event you are hosting, set guests at ease and set the mood for the rest of the evening. If you are looking for some dining table centerpieces, here are some easy yet impressive suggestions for your next dinner.

Non-Flower Arrangements

We have all seen flowers as a centerpiece at dinners, but what about a focal point that does not use flowers, yet is still in a vase? Consider taking a tall, cylindrical vase and filling it with lemons and limes for a fresh and appealing centerpiece. You can still add flowers and greenery to the top, or you could fill the vase with water, allowing the lemons and limes to float inside. This is a stylish and classic way to bring color to the table without using flowers.

Edible Centerpieces

Tired of the same old centerpieces that are attractive, but nonfunctional? Invite your guests to dine on appetizers served as a centerpiece. You can carve fruit into flower shapes, place them on a wooden skewer and then serve them in a vase, like a flower arrangement. Fill a few smaller vases with dipping chocolate so that the guests can dip their skewers for a sweet finish. Or you can fill vases with various crudités like vegetable sticks or crackers and cheeses. Place three of these edible centerpieces down on the dining table, and allow your guests to choose what foods they want from the centerpieces.

Inexpensive Centerpieces

You can create a shabby chic centerpiece for an intimate gathering with things from around your home. Look in your cupboards for candles of different shapes, sizes and colors. Use them to create a grouping in the center of the table. Turn tumblers upside down and place the candles at different levels to create an interesting centerpiece. Light it just before your guests arrive. The candles will cast a soft glow and your centerpiece will certainly light up the room because it is so creative.

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Convert One Bedrooms Into Two

Decorative folding screens are often used to divide rooms in two.

Perhaps you want each child to have her own private space. Maybe you need to separate a boy from a girl, or maybe you will be having house guests that will need their own space. Whatever the situation, it may become necessary to separate one bedroom into two at some point. This is possible if a room has enough space with which to work. Generally speaking, if you are able to fit more than one separate bed into a room, you will be able to turn the area into two bedrooms.

Instructions

1. Design the new layout of the room. Take into consideration door, window and closet locations, as well as where the outlets, switch plates and vents or register covers are within the room. Do not permanently block these block these. You must provide easy access to doors and windows in case there is a need to get out of the room quickly. Figure furniture placement, determining if you will need an armoire or other storage in place of a second closet.

2. Use a piece of furniture to separate each persons' space. Place an armoire facing the area that does not have a closet, as it will serve to separate the areas and will also hold clothing. Alternately, set up a line of sturdy bookshelves. Use two sets, facing opposite directions, so that each person will have his own shelves to place books and other items on.

Use shelves with solid backings for ultimate privacy. Shelving units must be sturdy so they will not tip over easily. Place the separator across from the door, if possible, allowing each person to walk into the room and turn into his own space.

3. Place furniture into each side of the room, without blocking entries and switch plates. Choose furniture sized to match the size of each new space. Consider a twin bed, small dresser and desk, then add other items of furniture if space permits.

4. Place the beds on risers, and place storage or drawer units underneath to make up for space lost in the conversion of the room. Place items that are needed least often in these units.

5. Decorate these areas neutrally for guests, or according to what the people living in them will like. Consider allowing them to do this themselves, offering tips and advice as necessary. Set a budget for children, or let them decorate using items that are already on hand. Each area should offer a relaxing space in which people will be able to unwind.

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Are Stores Required To Have Public Restrooms

In most states, restroom availability for customers is defined by the State Building Code.

While restrooms are needed in most food-serving establishments by law, not all retail stores are required to provide restrooms for customers. Store restroom requirements are based on square footage, occupancy, local and state laws.

Restroom Laws

According to the American Restroom Association, all businesses are required by federal law to provide restrooms for employees. Some states and local governments have started adopting laws pertaining to customer access restrooms as well. The plumbing, size and occupancy requirements for these restrooms are covered state building codes.

Locking Restrooms

According to the American Restroom Association, any person in a business location is considered an occupant of that business. Locked restrooms, or restrooms intended only for employees are legal, but in most states staff must unlock the restroom if any occupant asks.

Special Situtations

In some states, like Texas, a retail business must open their private restrooms only to individuals with health conditions. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, an individual must be able to provide proof of their medical condition with an ID card or letter from a medical professional.

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Organize Under Your Bathroom Sink

I admit it. I'm a bit neurotic and obsessive compulsive. However, in my apartment, finding things is a breeze and everything has an orderly organized nature. For example, underneath my sink is an organized, well-utilized space. I've seen what goes on in my friends' bathroom drawers and underneath sinks and it ain't pretty.

Instructions

1. The first problem is the failure to use space vertically. People always line items across the shelf under the sink, but don't build vertically. The solution is to have stackable baskets or those mini plastic dressers that are sold at Wal-Mart, Target or Ikea. They have little drawers and stack vertically. The beauty of these is that they are a great way to separate items.

2. I have four of these dressers and each drawer is for a different product: mascaras and eye pencils in one, razors in another, tampons in another, lipsticks and liners in another. The items that you use daily should be in the front.

3. Behind them are different baskets. One has brushes and a blowdryer, another has medicines and another my travel toiletry kit. I keep makeup brushes in a small flower pot so they can all stand up and I can see them.

4. As for the bathroom cabinet, place the items you use the most on the bottom shelf closest to you. Have one section for your daily facial and mouth cleansing routine. Have a section for moisturizers, one for perfumes and deodorants and another for body bronzers, powders and those types of products. If you haven't used it in six months, give it away or toss it. Less is more and more means feeling that Spartan feeling of order and organization.

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Inexpensive Ideas To Spruce Up A Dining Room

Whether you use your dining room to eat in only occasionally or as a multipurpose space for all the family, updating its decor with inexpensive changes adds to everyone's enjoyment of their time there. Make changes to the walls, the windows and the furniture for a coordinated look, or add just one large accessory for dramatic effect.

Wall

Decorate the walls of your dining room to add some drama. Cover one wall with framed artwork and photos. Use different frames as contrast but paint them all the same color to unify the display. Black frames have a modern, streamlined feel, and white frames complement a more casual, cottage style. Choose a satin metallic paint for a more industrial look. Alternatively, stencil a design on one wall using acrylic paint. Select one large design or choose a word or phrase, such as "love" or "bon appetit." Combine both these ideas by hanging your artwork unframed and paint "frames" on the wall around them.

Window Treatments

People spend time sitting and talking at the dining table and so have time to notice your window treatments. Surprise them by using inexpensive blinds in a neutral color along with richly textured drapes or a valance. The drapes can be as simple as a panel of fabric hung from a rod. Rich colors and texture add an opulent touch, while neutral-colored fabric lends an air of sophistication. As an alternative, use the blinds themselves to add the texture by hanging bamboo or woven grass blinds, with a sheer fabric for the drapes.

Furniture

Mix and match your chairs in the dining room for interest. If you already have matching chairs, consider sewing slipcovers in a variety of colors. If you have old chairs, sand them down and paint them with latex paint. If the chairs match, paint them different colors; if the chairs do not match, paint them all the same color to unify them. Match the color of the chairs to the color of the frames on your wall display to tie them together visually.

One Dramatic Piece

Look to your favorite restaurant for inspiration and add just one large, dramatic piece to your dining room. Install a sparkling chandelier above the dining table. Choose an inexpensive chandelier with plastic rather than glass or crystal beads. Cover one wall of the room in elaborate wallpaper, perhaps a damask or brocade print. As an alternative, purchase a sample piece of the wallpaper and frame it as art for your wall. Find a large vase for the center of the table and use sculptural branches and seed pods for a contemporary arrangement.

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Installing A Stopper On A Bathroom Sink

The Drain Pipe

Your only option to install a pop-up stopper for a bathroom sink starts with the drainpipe. It has to have a black hole or receiver to accommodate a pivot rod with a ball on the end into it. If you have PVC plumbing with no drainpipe adapter for the pivot rod, you'll either have to replace the pipe with one that does, or use a manual drop-in stopper.

The Faucet

The faucet assembly will need to be equipped with the lift rod for the pop-up stopper. This may either come equipped with the faucet set, stopper assembly included, or at least have an accommodating hole at the top center of the faucet assembly for one.

The Stopper

The stopper assembly is comprised of four simple parts. The lift rod (on top of the faucet), the clevis and spring clip, the pivot rod and the stopper. The stopper will have a small loop at the bottom of it.

Insert the stopper into the drain lining up the loop at the bottom through the ball end of the pivot rod. Next, you would attach the lift rod of the sink to the clevis. Commonly, the lift rod is threaded on one side and screws into a threaded bracket at the top of the clevis, but there may be other methods of attaching the two. The clevis may have a few different options to accommodate the end of the pivot rod and this would be how much you want the stopper to pop up and how far it needs to go before stopping the sink. Choose the hole that suits the needs of your particular sink. Lastly, attach the spring clip to the pivot rod and then through the clevis to connect the assembly.

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Bathroom Countertop Colors

Counter tops come in a variety of colors.

Good bathroom design should reflect the homeowner's vision and personal style. While bathroom countertops are not always the most abundant element of the space, they should be chosen with care and should tie into the bathroom's overall design. Homeowners looking to create a unique bathroom space should consider material, durability and color when selecting counters.

Stainless

Stainless steel counters are one choice for bathrooms looking to achieve a modern feel. A stainless brushed steel material, stainless steel counters are durable, sterile and easy to care for. This material is ideal for bathrooms decorated in monochromatic palates, with dark walls and floors. Bathrooms utilizing stainless steel countertops should avoid carrying it through to other surfaces as it is a material can be bulky when overused. Brushed metal fixtures, such as faucets and faceplates, are a good match for bathrooms using stainless steel counters.

Black

Like stainless steel, black is a highly modern bathroom counter color that goes well with monochromatic color palette. Black counters should be introduced to bathrooms where the walls and floors are lighter colors, such as white or tan, and like stainless steel, black may be carried through the bathroom space to other elements to create uniformity. Splashes of deep, rich color are appropriate to bathroom spaces utilizing black counters. Black counters are available in laminate, marble, granite, quartz and tile.

Neutral

Neutral bathroom counters are standard and create a highly customizable color palette for bathroom spaces. New homes are often installed with neutral counters in both bathrooms and kitchens. Neutral colors include whites and tans in a variety of materials including laminate, natural stone marble and granites, quartz and tile. The neutral color on countertops is appropriate for every bathroom style from contemporary to country cottage and those looking to create a more eclectic look in bathroom spaces will appreciate a neutral color space to work from.

Browns

Brown countertops create bathroom spaces that are earthy and natural. Bathrooms that utilize a lot of earthy materials, such as hardwoods on floors and cabinets, are a good match for brown countertops. Spaces using brown countertops should utilize greens and tans in their elements, but never harsh monochromatic colors such as black or steel. White is appropriate in small doses, but should be limited to porcelain elements, such as the bathtub. Countertops in brown colors include such materials as unfinished stone, granite and quartz.

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Get Rid Of Silverfish In Bathroom

Keeping bathrooms clean, dry and free of dust and dead insects prevents silverfish.

Silverfish are insects often seen in cool, damp, dark areas. They seek and need moisture to live and therefore often appear in bathrooms. Silverfish have slender, pearl-gray or silver-colored bodies without wings. The insect has scales, and the mature adult is about one-third to a half inch long. Young silverfish resemble the adult. Silverfish move actively at night and avoid sunlight. They scurry out of sight if an object they are hiding under is moved in the daylight. Getting rid of this pest is not difficult if you clean consistently and use the correct products.

Instructions

1. Eliminate moisture sources in the bathroom. Hang up damp towels or clothing to air-dry before placing them in a hamper. Repair leaky pipes or dripping faucets. Dry shower stalls, bathtubs and sinks with a towel after using water.

2. Seal cracks and crevices with caulking in bathroom walls or tiled areas. Silverfish breed and hide in these spots.

3. Clean the bathroom area well to eliminate any food sources for the silverfish. Organic debris, food particles, book bindings and starched linens are all potential food sources. Other sources are glue or sizing in paper and wallpaper, dust and dead insects.

4. Spray pyrethrin aerosols and use liquid pesticides containing chlorpyrifos, propoxur or bendiocarb. Apply them in bathroom areas where you spot silverfish. Insecticides are not necessary for light infestations. Proper cleaning and moisture control are effective in controlling occasional sightings of silverfish.

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Dining Table Tips

Selecting a dining room table involves a number of factors.

The dining table can be the pivotal point in a formal dining experience or the main focal point in daily life. Selecting a dining room table involves a number of factors, including the number of people expected to be seated at the table, the space available and cost.

Shape and Style

The size and shape of the table largely depends on where the table will be placed in the home.

The size and shape of the table largely depends on where the table will be placed in the home. If the space is an eat-in kitchen or a small nook, a square or round table will make the most of the space. If the home has a large open space or a dining room, oval and rectangular tables work best. Expandable dining tables allow for flexibility and added space for larger groups.

Dining tables come in different styles, including traditional, modern, country and formal. Traditional dining sets are crafted with a more uniform style with straight lines and more balanced designs. Modern dining sets give the room a minimalist feel with bold colors and clean lines. Modern tables are crafted in such materials as glass, stone and even metal. Country sets are often found in softer woods, such as cypress and pine, allowing for a more natural look and feel. And formal dining sets feature elaborate details that extend from the table to the chairs. Formal sets typically are crafted out of hard wood, such as maple, walnut, cherry, oak and teak.

Chairs

Judge the chair for quality before making a purchase.

Many people purchase the chairs as a set with the table, while some choose to purchase them separately. Consider chair style before making a purchase. Chair styles include open- and closed-back chairs, upholstered chairs, wood and even metal chairs. The style of chair depends on the decor and size of the room and how the chairs look placed around the table. Open-style chairs may look best in a smaller room, while closed-back chairs may look better in a larger room.

Judge the chair for quality before making a purchase. Run a hand across the surface of wood chairs to check for splinters. Chairs made of wood should be one solid piece, not individual sections glued together. Sit in the chair and see if it can be tilted back or sit and move around in the chair to make sure the legs, arms or back do not move.

Measurements

Measuring the area where the table will be placed is key, and the chairs and place settings also should be taken into consideration. A square or rectangular table typically measures 40 inches wide, and an average round table measures 42 inches in diameter. Each guest seated at a square or rectangular table should be allowed at least 24 inches of table space; a round table should allow at least 30 inches in table space for each person.

Dining room tables typically measure around 30 inches in height, and chairs, from seat to floor, measure 18 inches. Allow at least 12 inches from the surface of the table to the seat of the chair to provide those seated adequate leg room.

Additional Tips

To test the sturdiness of the table, lean on it and try to rock it; it should feel heavy and well-balanced.

While a wax finish gives a table a rich and natural look, it is not a preferred choice for a home with small children, because it does not offer any kind of protection from accidents such a spills.

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Lay Selfadhesive Floor Tiles In A Bathroom

Self-adhesive floor tiles are about the easiest kind of tile to lay in a bathroom--or elsewhere. It's literally like applying a sticker. However, the mistake some people make is to just start at one end of the floor and work their way across. This can leave you with full tiles at one end and small slivers at the other, which looks bad. In fact, self-adhesive tiles should be laid out in the same fashion as the finest marble: from the center of the bathroom floor, and building outward.

Instructions

1. Divide the floor into four even squares, using a chalk snapline to lay two intersecting lines. Use your T-square to make sure the lines are square against each other where they intersect. Position the center intersection as if the bathtub isn't there.

2. Lay down rows of tiles loosely along the lines (without sticking them to the floor), starting at the center, to see where they will land by the walls and the tub. If any tiles will be cut to less than 2 or 3 inches against the walls or the tub, readjust your lines to widen them.

3. Peel back the wax paper from one edge of a tile, pulling it about 3 inches down. Set that edge of the tile onto the line, in one of the corners created by the intersection at the middle of the floor. Stick that edge to the floor, then pull off the rest of the paper and press the rest of the tile down. Press it firmly.

4. Set the next tiles by pulling down part of the paper, setting the exposed edges up against the edge of a previously laid tile, peeling off the rest of the paper, and pressing down the tile. Work your way out from the middle of the floor toward the walls, following the lines and building off them. Lay all the full tiles that will fit.

5. Measure and cut the tiles along the walls and the tub. Make the measurement on the tile face with a pencil, lay the long side of the T-square across it, score it with your razor knife, and snap it, then set the tile in place.

Tags: edge tile, full tiles, middle floor, rest paper, that edge, where they

Decorate A Boy'S Sport Theme Bedroom

A sports-themed bedroom is a welcoming retreat for boys of any age.

Your very small or very teen boy needs a crib to keep his soccer and hockey gear in, and you're thinking sports theme for his room. Don't rush out and buy a bunch of ready-made sheets and comforters. Create something original that brightens up a nursery or makes your middle-schooler the coolest kid in the 'hood for after-school homework dates. Check thrift stores for old metal gym lockers, the attic for some vintage team pennants, the garage for a basketball hoop, and your kid for his sports preferences.

Instructions

1. Paint the room a cheerful color, reserving team colors for trim so the space isn't overwhelming. Burgundy and gold walls are going to get old fast, but the team colors look sharp on door frames and window sills. Buy a sports-themed carpet or some smaller, inexpensive throw rugs shaped like basketballs, surfboards or soccer balls to put down over a wood floor or existing wall-to-wall.

2. Sand the old locker you scored at the thrift store and spray-paint it inside and out. If it's rusty, sand off all the rust, and use a rust-inhibiting paint. If your budget allows, take it to an auto-body shop for a powder coating or auto paint finish. Be sure to remove the hardware before sanding and painting. Add hooks in the back, a mirror, and a marker for adding locker graffiti. Apply a few team decals if the room's occupant is old enough to have favorites. The locker can take the place of a dresser, hold books, games or other treasures, store team uniforms, or hide a laundry bag.

3. Decoupage sports posters all over an old wooden desk. Paint the inside of the drawers in bright high-gloss colors and finish the exterior with a clear coat of lacquer to protect the "art." Top the desk with a wall-hung bulletin board for an older child. In a nursery, a desk can double as a changing table. Bigger kids need a computer and work desk. Hang a vintage pennant, or a string of pennants, over the bulletin board and desk.

4. Install the basketball hoop at the appropriate height in the clearest area of the room, to facilitate practice jump shots. Stack colorful milk crates or wire shelf cubes along one wall to accommodate sports gear. Put clips to hold hockey sticks or an open umbrella stand for bats next to the shelves. Hang a beat-up skateboard, drilled for a couple of coat hooks, on the wall as a catchall for windbreakers.

5. Make Roman shades for the windows, using team colors or neutrals, and hot-glue school team letters or sports team jacket appliqu s to every other panel.

6. Stretch a section of volleyball or tennis net across the wall over the headboard with painted clothes pins for sticking up drawings, team schedules or photographs. Buy a sports-themed comforter and pillow sham, or make a set in team colors. Appliqu or paint tennis rackets, skateboards, footballs, or other favored gear on a plain comforter, or use fabric paint to turn a solid-color comforter into the lanes of an Olympic swimming pool.

Tags: team colors, basketball hoop, bulletin board

Cheap Ideas For Small Bathroom Makeovers

This small bathroom is dying for a splash of color.

The bathroom is one of the most important rooms in your home. Nearly everyone spends time in the bathroom before leaving the house. Your bathroom should be a space that you enjoy being in, no matter how small. If you find your bathroom cramped or cluttered, you can make a few small changes that will quickly transform it without ruining your budget.

Add Color Creatively

A new coat of paint is one of the most basic and inexpensive ways you can change the appearance of your bathroom, no matter what the size. Painting your bathroom is something you can do even if you have no experience, and light colors give the impression of more space. However, don't stop there. Once your top coat of paint has dried, add decorative stencils to liven up the room. For example, add stencils of cheerful objects that you'll like seeing, such as sailboats, sunflowers, bows, seashells or country hearts.

Cabinet Hardware

If your bathroom cabinets are old and tired looking and you can't afford new ones, there's still a cheap and easy way to freshen them up. Purchase new cabinet handles and drawer pulls. Nowadays there is a wealth of strikingly decorative cabinet hardware that will take attention away from the outdated cupboards and drawers and act as a distinctive finishing touch for the entire bathroom. Consider selecting cabinet hardware that matches the color of the paint on your walls as it will help bring the room together.

Shower Curtain and Rug

The shower curtain and rug in your bathroom are two articles that can quickly take a beating from frequent use. The shower curtain can turn moldy and cloudy and the bath mat rug can lose its bright color and fluffiness. Purchasing a new, crisp shower curtain and a new, soft rug are easy ways to freshen up your bathroom immediately. Select curtain and mat colors that either match your walls or that contrast in a harmonious way.

Tags: your bathroom, shower curtain, cabinet hardware that, coat paint, hardware that, that will, your walls

Install A Bathroom Vanity Sink

Installing a vanity sink can be a simple task provided you have all of the tools necessary. In this article I will take you from picking out a vanity to installing it in your bathroom.

Instructions

Installing a Vanity

1. First you will need to select a vanity. When selecting a vanity consider the use of the bathroom. If you are installing a vanity in a guest bathroom, you may not need anything more than a pedestal sink. However, if you will be replacing the vanity in the bathroom used by a couple of teenage girls, you may need some storage, drawers, and double sinks!

2. To install a vanity you will first need to connect the hot and cold water. Plumbing is generally set up with the hot water on the left and cold water on the right. Using the channel lock pliers connect the hot and cold tubing from where it comes out of the wall to where it connects to the faucet. At this time it may be appropriate to connect the faucet as well.

3. Next you will need to connect the drain. A vanity either connects with PVC piping or aluminum piping. There is always a "P" trap and the drain goes into the wall before running to the sewer. the drain piping is connected using channel lock pliers.

4. Once the piping is connected it is time to test the waters, so to speak. Check for any leaks. If there are leaks, turn off the water take apart the piping and put it back together taking special care not to mis-thread the pipes.

5. The final step to installing a vanity is sliding it into place. Once it is in place you may choose to silicon the where the vanity meets the floor and along the back splash were the vanity meets the wall.

Tags: channel lock, channel lock pliers, cold water, connect cold, lock pliers, need connect

Ada Restroom Specs

ADA standards ensure disabled people can use public facilities.

The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in 1990 in an attempt to make public facilities accessible to people with physical problems. Standards were developed to ensure people confined to wheelchairs or other disabilities were provided with ample room to maneuver, travel and have access to the same facilities as unchallenged individuals. The specific standards written to address the issues of accessibility in public restrooms are several pages in length and include exceptions and other details. The following are some of the most important and universal.

Doors and Travel

Doors leading to restrooms should be clearly marked as being accessible. The doors must be a minimum of 32 inches wide and any handles or doorknobs be lever operated. Any travel ways or hallways inside the restroom must be a minimum of 36 inches. Any area where a turn of 90 degrees or more is required must be a minimum of 60 inches square.

Toilets and Stalls

Doors to accessible stalls will be a minimum of 32 inches. Inside the stall, a clear space measuring 60-inches square or larger must be provided. The height of the toilet from the floor to the top of the toilet seat needs to be between 17 and 19 inches. Grab bars must be provided to facilitate maneuvering the chair or moving from the chair to the toilet and back. Flush controls can be hand (lever) operated or automatic.

Sinks and Faucets

Sinks must be mounted no higher than 34 inches above the floor with a clear space under the sink or vanity no lower than 29 inches. All pipes and plumbing under a lavatory must be routed to prevent possible contact by a user or insulated and protected to avoid contact with hot pipes or sharp edges. Faucets can be automatic or hand operated by a push button or lever-type actuator.

Other Standards

There are many other standards that need to be met including the positioning of mirrors, towel dispensers, toilet paper holders and soap dispensers. There are ADA standards for urinals, bathtubs, showers, drinking fountains or other accessories that could be incorporated into a restroom design.

Tags: minimum inches, must minimum, must minimum inches, clear space, lever operated, must provided, public facilities