Paint A Bedroom Vanity

Freshen up your bedroom vanity with a contemporary paint job.

Transform an old worn bedroom vanity with a fresh coat of paint. Flip through interior design and decorating magazines or use bedding fabric for color inspiration. Keep the old hardware or replace knobs and pulls for a new look. Several coats of paint are required when painting furniture. Understand that the project may take several days to complete. Always work in a dust-free environment with plenty of ventilation.

Instructions

Preparation

1. Remove all drawers and doors from the vanity set. Mask off the vanity mirror by placing painter's tape onto the mirror. Cover the remaining mirror area with plastic for additional protection. Mask off any other items that should not be painted, including fabric on a vanity's chair or stool. Cover the seat portion with plastic for added protection.

2. Unscrew all hardware, including knobs and pulls. Place hardware into a plastic bag if reusing.

3. Designate a paint area. Place canvas drop cloths on the floor. Cover the area with additional plastic sheeting as needed.

4. Sand the entire vanity to degloss the surface; use a fine- to medium-grit sandpaper and sand the surface in the direction of the wood grain. Wipe away dust with a tack cloth.

Painting

5. Open windows for ample air circulation. Wear latex gloves for additional protection.

6. Pour a small amount of paint into a paint tray. Use a foam roller and apply the paint to the vanity using a light, even roll. Cover the surface of the furniture and accessories, including stool and mirror. Use a two-inch brush for areas the roller cannot reach. Do not apply paint thickly; instead apply several coats of paint. Allow paint to dry 24 hours.

7. Decide if additional decorative paint treatments should be included. Antique and distress the vanity by lightly sanding the edges. Rub the corners using the sandpaper to remove a top portion of paint. Remember the underlying paint or wood stain will show through. Glaze the vanity by mixing umber paint with glaze; mix one part paint to four parts glaze. Wipe onto the vanity with a clean rag, allowing the glaze mixture to sink into the furniture's nooks and crannies. Lightly blot and manipulate the glaze to adjust the coloration. Allow to dry.

8. Apply a thin layer of water-based polyurethane. Lightly brush on the polyurethane in thin coats. Brushing the sealer on too thick will cause it to run and turn cloudy. Understand the sealer sheen, from flat to glossy, will determine the final sheen of the vanity.

9. Remove all masking tape. Add hardware back to furniture. Do not clean furniture within 30 days of painting to allow paint to cure.

Tags: vanity with, additional protection, apply paint, area with, bedroom vanity

Regrout Old Bathroom Floor Tile

Regrout Old Bathroom Floor Tile

That classic old tile on your bathroom floor may be in great shape, but if the grout between the tiles is damaged, crumbling or deeply stained, the whole floor looks bad. Consider regrouting, which will make the whole floor look like new. The most difficult part of regrouting is removing the existing grout. You can scrape it out manually with a straight blade, called a tile saw, but for an entire floor, you should use a grout-extraction disk that attaches to your drill.

Instructions

1. Set up your power drill with its grout-extraction disk.

2. Position the disk vertically over the start of the first grout line (so the drill itself is held sideways over the surface of the floor) and start the drill. Slowly lower the disk into the grout. Stop when you feel resistance, which will indicate you're at the bottom of the grout line, generally ¼ inch down.

3. Move the bit along the length of the line slowly, letting it pulverize the grout. Use caution not to scratch the tile itself. Break up the whole line of grout. Repeat for each line.

4. Go over each line with a hand-held vacuum, pulling out the pulverized grout.

5. Pour roughly equal amounts of water and grout powder into a bucket (approximately 1 inch each to start with) and mix well with a wooden spoon. Add more water and powder, making the grout about the consistency of cake frosting, and making enough to regrout all the lines.

6. Let the mixed grout sit in its bucket for about 10 minutes so the elements can meld. Stir it again.

7. Use a rubber grout float to spread the mixed grout over the surface of the tile, scraping it over the tile face with the long edge of the float. Allow the grout to stand in the lines for approximately 10 minutes. Use a damp sponge to wipe off the excess grout. Let it set for 48 hours before using the floor.

Tags: Bathroom Floor, Bathroom Floor Tile, each line, Floor Tile, grout line

Change Old Exhaust Fan Light Bulbs In Bathrooms

Many bathroom designs save on space by incorporating a standard room or night light inside the exhaust vent opening. Changing old exhaust fan light bulbs in bathrooms only requires that you access the bulb, remove it and replace it with a new one. Typically, this takes little work beyond removing a light cover and/or exhaust fan vent grill.

Instructions

1. Turn off the electricity to the bathroom or exhaust fan by flipping its corresponding breaker switch in the circuit breaker box.

2. Set up a step stool or ladder under the exhaust fan.

3. Remove the light cover and/or exhaust fan vent grill. If the cover/grill screws on, unscrew it and set the pieces aside. If it hooks inside the vent opening, run your fingertips along the edges on the sides of the cover/grill, pull it toward you, press the wires inside together to unhook it from the vent and then remove and set it aside.

4. Unscrew the light bulb from the socket and set it aside. Screw in the new bulb.

5. Return the cover to its original position. Restore the flow of electricity to the room or light. Flip the light switch to confirm that the bulb works.

Tags: exhaust vent, cover exhaust, cover exhaust vent, cover grill, exhaust vent grill

Cleaning A Vinyl Bathroom Floor

Skip the harsh chemicals and clean your vinyl bathroom floor with vinegar.

Your vinyl bathroom floor becomes soiled quickly, as bacteria, soap scum, lotions and other elements splash and dry onto the floor surface. To remove all of these elements from the floor, use a cleaning solution that gets rid of the buildup and also kills bacteria. Make your own inexpensive cleaner from common household ingredients.

Instructions

1. Sweep the vinyl regularly with a broom or vacuum cleaner to collect light buildup.

2. Run your mop under warm tap water, squeeze excess water out of the mop and swipe across your vinyl bathroom floor to remove sticky buildup. Do this on a weekly basis to maintain the vinyl floor surface.

3. Pour 1 cup white vinegar and 1 gallon warm water into a cleaning bucket for a disinfectant cleaner.

4. Swish a clean mop in the bucket of water, and squeeze the mop to release excess water.

5. Wipe the mop across your vinyl bathroom floor, starting at one wall and working your way backwards until you exit the bathroom. This allows you to clean effectively without tracking back over the wet floor.

6. Soak a rag with isopropyl alcohol and rub over any stains or spots. The vinegar solution is often strong enough to remove any buildup, but the alcohol is a stronger agent that breaks apart any remaining stains, including scuff marks from shoes. Wipe the floor with a damp mop after using the alcohol.

7. Let the floor air dry before walking across the vinyl floor to prevent footprints on your clean floor.

Tags: bathroom floor, vinyl bathroom, your vinyl bathroom, across your, across your vinyl, excess water

Help A Small Child Use The Potty In A Public Restroom

Knowing where the restrooms are located makes it easier to get there fast.

When you have a small child in tow, trips to a public restroom are usually inevitable, especially if you're running errands for more than a few minutes. Between your fear of the germs and your tot's fear of the loud toilet, a restroom stop is often anything but pleasant. Variations in public restroom options make it difficult to know what to expect when nature calls. Planning ahead and learning navigate a public restroom helps you avoid accidents -- and keep your little one safe.

Instructions

1. Locate the restrooms when you arrive at your destination, especially if you're staying for a while. For example, look for the public restrooms when you arrive at the park for an afternoon of play. This way, you'll know right where to go if your little one suddenly decides she needs to go.

2. Check for a family restroom rather than a general restroom first. Family restrooms are usually larger and have the toilet and sink in one room. You can better to contain your child in the larger space.

3. Enter the general restroom for your gender if a family restroom isn't available. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends taking your child into the restroom with you at least until age 4, even if it means that your child is using the restroom for the opposite gender.

4. Choose the largest bathroom stall available to give yourself more room to maneuver. Handicap stalls often have the largest space, and some are equipped with changing tables or child seats. If you use a standard stall, hold your child as you enter so she doesn't get pushed up against the toilet while you try to get in and close the door.

5. Cover the toilet seat with a disposable seat cover if one is available. If not, cover the seat in toilet paper. Young children usually can't hover over the toilet seat. The cover will keep your little one's skin from coming into direct contact with the toilet.

6. Hang a piece of toilet paper or your hand over the sensor if the toilet automatically flushes. The industrial toilets are often very noisy and scary for young children. Covering the sensor prevents the toilet from flushing while your child is using it.

7. Lower the necessary clothing -- and then lift your child onto the toilet so she doesn't have to touch the seat to boost herself. Hold onto her body if necessary for her to feel secure. Encourage her to hold onto you instead of touching the toilet. If you have a boy and he only has to go number one, you can skip covering the seat and simply instruct him to aim and go.

8. Warn your child before you flush the toilet or uncover the sensor. This gives her a chance to prepare for the loud sound of the flushing.

9. Wash your own hands first after exiting the stall. Lift your child so she can reach the sink and soap without leaning on it. Turn off the faucet with a paper towel so you don't get more germs on your hand. Help your tot dry her hands.

Tags: your child, public restroom, your little, child using, family restroom, general restroom

Put Wainscoating Or Molding Under A Chair Rail In A Dining Room

Put Wainscoating or Molding Under a Chair Rail in a Dining Room

Wainscoting is often installed in a living room or dining room to add detail to a wall. Wainscoting can consist of sheets of bead board or planks of tongue-and-groove boards that are connected together to create paneling. When wainscoting is installed, a chair rail is typically required, which you may already have installed. This means that all you need to do is secure or attach the wainscoting to the wall.

Instructions

1. Measure the distance from the floor to the bottom of the chair rail with a tape measure. Measure the width of the wall as well. Make a note of the measurements on a piece of paper.

2. Measure the width of the sheet of wainscoting or the wood planks. Make a note of the measurement on the piece of paper.

3. Divide the width of the sheet of wainscoting or the wood planks by the width of the wall. This will give you the number of sheets or planks you will need.

4. Transfer the measurement for the distance between the chair rail and the floor to the wainscoting. Make a mark where it will be cut. Cut the sheet or board on the mark with the circular saw.

5. Place the first sheet or plank on the wall. Secure the sheet or panel to the wall with the nail gun. Drive a nail at the top of the sheet or board and at the bottom, into the wall frame.

6. Set the next sheet or plank into place on the wall and secure it with the nail gun. Push the tongue of the next board into the groove of the first. Repeat this process until you have secured the remaining sheets or planks to the wall.

Tags: chair rail, Chair Rail Dining, Dining Room, Make note, Measure width

Tinkerbell Bedroom Ideas

Tinkerbell Bedroom Ideas

Fairies are creatures that look like enchanting, tiny-winged humans. They have magical powers, may sometimes look like nothing more than a wisp of light and are often associated with woodlands and gardens. "When the first baby laughed for the first time, the laugh broke into a thousand pieces and they all went skipping about, and that was the beginning of fairies," according to J.M. Barrie in his 1911 book "Peter Pan" in which the world met Tinkerbell.

Woodland Walls

Fairies are woodland creatures, and Tinkerbell is no exception. She wears a dress made of leaves, so you might set the stage for a Tinkerbell-themed bedroom with light to medium green, blue or warm beige walls. To go a step further, you could paint Tinkerbell into a mural of vines, tree trunks and leafy flowering shrubs such as rhododendrons. Remember that Tinkerbell is tiny, so the plant life would look large from her vantage point.

Paint a Sky

A sky blue or pale yellow ceiling will suggest the outdoors and further enhance the woodland feeling in the room, while lightening it up at the same time. Think of sunlight and summer days to decide on a color.

Fairy Dust

Barely discernible trails and wisps of scattered glitter, caught by spray glue on the wall, will create the impression that the room is a fairy land and home to Tinkerbell and other fairies.

Fairy Wings

All fairies have wings, and fairy wings are readily available at costume shops or in department stores and sometimes in craft stores. If you're handy with wire, fabric and hot glue, you could make your own. Clustered together with string, they will look like bouquets of wings and can hang close to the ceiling, sit atop a dresser or appear to grow from a bedpost.

Gossamer Fabric

Tinkerbell's wings appear to be gossamer, and they also look much like dragonfly wings, so curtains made of a light airy fabric, perhaps with a sheen, would work nicely in this room. You could consider hanging two different color pairs in one window. One pair could match the ceiling color, and the other pair might be a flower color, such as lavender. Bedspreads and throw pillows can repeat the theme.

Points of Light

Tinkerbell is sometimes only a magical point of light, so the play of light in a Tinkerbell bedroom is important. A small crystal chandelier and crystals hanging in the windows will create reflections and rainbows on the ceiling and walls when the light is right. Mosaic tiles made of mirror and mounted with hot glue on frames and even directly onto the wall here and there will also suggest that Tinkerbell is present.

Furnishings

Natural wood furniture will enhance the woodland feeling, but white or painted furniture will also look good.

A Portrait or Two

A nicely framed picture or two of Tinkerbell can complete the theme. The pictures should be framed with the same respect that you would have for a photograph of a loved one. This will prevent the room from looking like advertising.

Tags: look like, also look, Bedroom Ideas, enhance woodland, enhance woodland feeling

Decorate Dining Rooms With Columns

Incorporate the columns in the dining room in your decor.

Columns, whether they are built-in or free-standing, tend to make dining rooms look more elegant and formal. Use the columns as your inspiration to design the dining room around a theme, such as a Grecian theme, or by using a color scheme that makes the columns stand out even more. Play off of the columns when designing your dining room decor to emphasize them or minimize their effect, depending on your preference.

Instructions

1. Paint the walls in a rich, warm color or a bold color, while leaving the trim and columns white for contrast so they will stand out and be prominent in the room. If you want to minimize the columns, paint the walls the same color as the columns.

2. Lay a rug down in the center of the room, if you wish to include one. The rug can be a solid neutral color, just to define the space, or include a dramatic pattern and colors. Choose a rug that complements your color scheme and decor plan.

3. Place the dining table and chairs in the center of the dining room. Allow the columns to frame the table. If you have a buffet or hutch you'd like to include, place it against the wall behind the table so that it doesn't obstruct any windows or other architectural details.

4. Hang drapes or curtains that carry out the color scheme and style of the room. For example, gold or white curtains could accent a white or honey-colored dining set. Choose a pattern or solid drapes, whichever you prefer.

5. Include wall decor to help dress up the dining room and set the mood. Ornate mirrors, sconces, wall candle holders or framed artwork can complete a formal dining room. Less ornate wall decor can complement a less formal dining room.

6. Add accessories to complete the room. For example, set the table with a tablecloth or placemats, linen napkins, dinnerware, stemware and a centerpiece. If you have a painting of a floral arrangement, replicate it as the centerpiece. You can also use candles, bowls or other items as the centerpiece. Set out your china or a vase collection on the buffet or in the china cabinet.

7. Accessorize the columns by wrapping silk ivy, lights or fabric around the columns to complement your decor. If you'd rather hide the columns, consider placing decorative folding screens or house trees in front of them. If the columns don't go all the way to the ceiling, consider placing houseplants, vases or art on top of them.

Tags: dining room, color scheme, consider placing, formal dining, formal dining room

Arrange A Bedroom With Carpeting A Bed & A Couch

Adding a couch to your bedroom offers extra seating while looking stylish.

Whether your bedroom is large, small or somewhere in between, the placement of your furniture is important to make the most of the space you have. Poorly positioned furniture can make even the largest of bedrooms appear small and cramped. However, by carefully measuring and planning, you can easily ascertain the most productive use of space before you begin moving heavy furniture around.

Carpet

Carpet is a cozy choice for the bedroom, as this is where you probably spend the most time barefoot. Although there is little to be said about arranging a carpet, the type you choose is an important factor. Keep the colors light and avoid patterns to make the floor space appear larger. A plush, cut pile carpet is probably the comfiest underfoot, but it will show every mark and footprint. Berber carpets are made with a looped pile, and frieze carpets feature twisted and crimped fibers. Both are cozy and hard-wearing. Natural fiber carpets such as seagrass, sisal, hemp and jute are also extremely hard-wearing, as well as being ecologically friendly, but they are not as comfortable to walk on.

Measuring and Planning

Measure the dimensions of the bedroom and draw a simple blueprint on a piece of paper. Measure the largest pieces of furniture, such as the bed, the couch and a dresser, and write down the measurements. Play around with your floor plan, experimenting with different layouts until you are happy. Ensure you carefully check your measurements in the bedroom before moving any furniture. Don't worry about smaller items such as accent or bedside tables, these can be placed after the main furniture is in position.

Bed Placement

The bed is generally the largest item of furniture in a bedroom, and it creates a focal point upon entering the room. Avoid placing the bed under a window, as this leaves you exposed to drafts. Also avoid positioning the bed on the same wall as the door. This can prevent the door from opening fully, creating a cramped feel. In a small room, positioning the bed with one side flush against a wall will maximize floor space. If you have the space, placing the bed diagonally across a corner of the room creates a striking effect.

Secondary Furniture

If you have a TV in your bedroom, you want to be able to see it from both the bed and the couch. In this case, positioning the couch at the foot of the bed is the ideal solution. If you don't have the space, then along the wall beside the bed will also work. In a large room, create a cozy seating area by placing a small coffee table decorated with an attractive centerpiece in front of the couch. When you have the main furniture pieces in place, leave and then re-enter the room to ensure you can walk around freely without crashing into anything.

Tags: your bedroom, floor space, have space, main furniture, space have

Make Small Bedrooms

Make your small bedroom feel as open and uncluttered as possible.

A bedroom is not just a place to sleep; it is also a place to relax and unwind from the troubles and stresses of the day. If a small bedroom feels cluttered or claustrophobic, it can be difficult to relax in. Make small bedrooms more comfortable by planning, organizing and decorating them for ease of use and an open, uncluttered feeling.

Instructions

1. Paint the walls and ceiling white or off-white. Dark colors will make your room seem even smaller, while lighter colors will open up the space somewhat.

2. Install track lighting, wall sconces and other built-in lighting. Floor and table lamps use up valuable floor space.

3. Place books, your desk, your record collection, coats and other bulky clothing and anything else you can remove in a den, hall closet or other space in your house. Keep toiletries and medications in the bathroom. Set aside the minimum amount of possessions possible to put in your room.

4. Install the smallest bed you are comfortable with and place storage cabinets under it. In a small room, even a double bed will fill up a large portion of the space. A large bed may make the room feel claustrophobic.

5. Install wall shelves and a wall-hung nightstand to save space. Place your chest of drawers into your clothes closet. If you do use a desk in your room, use a rectangular, low-profile desk and other compact furniture. Rectangular furniture uses space more efficiently than curved furniture does.

6. Put up mirrors around the room. Small mirrors opposite a window will give spacious glimpses of the sky, while large, full wall mirrors will double the apparent size of the room. Use mirrors in different shapes and sizes to add visual interest.

7. Put all your possessions away and keep everything in its place. If you tend to procrastinate on cleaning up your room, keep a chest in the corner that you can put things in until you can sort them. This will keep the floor clear, preventing you from tripping and making the room less crowded.

Tags: your room, colors will, desk your, open uncluttered, small bedroom

Pick A Bedroom Door

Many people like to pick a new bedroom door when they remodel and redesign their homes. There are many styles available that will fit almost any bedroom décor. A new bedroom door can dramatically change the look and feel of a bedroom's design. The other option is to pick a bedroom door that matches your current door, particularly if you are replacing it due to damage or age.

Instructions

Pick a Bedroom Door

1. Look at the bedroom door frame. Use a measuring tape to measure the inside of the door frame to determine the dimensions for the new bedroom door. You will need to measure top to bottom for the length dimension. Measure across for the width dimension. Write down the measurements.

2. Take a picture of the section of wall in your bedroom. Take another picture of a section of the flooring in the bedroom. You will use these pictures to select the color and style of your new bedroom door.

3. Take a picture of the doorknob and a section of the door in the existing bedroom. In most homes, the doorknobs and door colors of the bedroom doors will match one another.

4. Go to your local home improvement store. Go to the interior door selections.

5. Select the color of door using the pictures as a reference. Pick a bedroom door that complements the colors in the pictures or is a neutral color. You have the option of selecting a bedroom door that exactly matches the other bedroom doors in your home. It's a matter of personal preference and also depends on the layout of your home.

6. Select the basic design of the new bedroom door. You can choose from a solid surface with different wood grains, doors with panels or sections, or even doors with various embedded designs.

7. Look at the doorknob on the design you choose. This knob should match the other doorknobs in your home. If the design you choose does not have a matching doorknob, go to the doorknob section of the home improvement store. Select an appropriate matching doorknob.

8. Contact a sales clerk at the home improvement store after you have made your selections. You can take the door home with you or have it delivered.

Tags: bedroom door, bedroom door, bedroom door that, door that, home improvement, home improvement store, improvement store

Paint Color Ideas For A Boy'S Bedroom

Decorating a boy's bedroom involves a lot of things, but the most important aspect is the color of the walls. The wall color pulls the whole theme together, and makes the look complete. You can use wallpaper for this, but paint is usually easier, and with today's paint mixing advancements, there are thousands of colors from which to choose.

Outdoors

Bring the outdoors in with themes involving forests, the Wild West, beaches, oceans or mountains. Colors to choose from include greens, blues and earth tones. Paint murals on the walls, choose a solid color or two-tone the walls with the help of a border or chair rail a few feet from the floor.

One option is to use a sand color on the lower part of the wall and ocean blue above, giving the room the feeling of an island surrounded by water. Wall stickers can be used to decorate walls if you're not the artistic type.

Sports

Sports is usually a good way to go with boys. Pick his favorite team and use the team's colors for the walls. Paint them in solid colors, as in one blue wall, one black wall and one white wall to keep the task simple. For more complex painting, line the walls off with paint tape and create stripes of the team's colors.

Another idea is to paint all the walls the main color, such as Panther blue for the Carolina Panthers, and splash the secondary colors on the wall in a random fashion. Cover the entire floor with a drop cloth to keep paint from getting on the carpet, and you might consider covering the ceiling as well.

Cartoons

Pick his favorite cartoon character and use it as the theme for the room, complete with bedspread, rugs and wall hangings. Choose two or three of the character's main colors for the walls. In the case of Mickey Mouse, the choices are red and black, while Charlie Brown is yellow and black. Use these colors as solid colors for the walls or in a more random way, as with the sports team.

Some characters might give you an idea. For example, Charlie Brown wears a yellow shirt with a zigzag black stripe across the middle. Paint the walls yellow with a zigzag line around the room at chair-rail height.

Tags: colors walls, Charlie Brown, Pick favorite, solid colors, team colors, walls with

Tips For Decorating A College Bedroom

A college dorm is where you'll work, play and (theoretically) study

College life is a big change for high school graduates. For many, it's their first time away from home, and thus the first time they've been responsible for decorating their own room. With great power comes great responsibility, and college students may be overwhelmed by the choices they face in furnishing a space that they'll live, study and entertain in for the first year of their new lives. Yet there are many creative ways that students can express themselves in their new space without a lot of work and without a lot of time.

Paint It in Wild Colors

Most dorms start out in plain white, but there's no reason that they have to stay that way. Chip in with your roommate on a couple of cans of paint and some brushes and have at those dreary walls. Consider painting the room one lively color -- burgundy, perhaps, or teal -- or else painting each wall a different color, for variety. Or maybe you'd like to paint your room one base color and overlay it with all sorts of designs, such as stars, stripes, rainbows, zig-zags or polka-dots. Just make sure to clear it with your roommate and your residential adviser first -- and to paint it back at the end of the year.

Keep It Clean and Spatially Efficient

College dorms usually aren't very big. Therefore, when you're decorating your room, think in terms of conserve space and keep the area clean. That could mean raising your bed to make storage space under it, putting hooks on your wall or building a tall bookcase to keep your textbooks. Also, be selective about what you bring to college. You don't need to transport your every possession to a place you'll live for less than a year. Bring what you feel is essentially and prevent your room from appearing clogged.

Choose A Theme

Your room represents you, and done up right, can be used to make a statement about who you are as a person. You'll probably be doing a lot of entertaining in your dorm, and having a consistent theme in your room allows people to more quickly understand who you are. Are you a hippie? Consider making over your room in earth tones and investing in a hemp rug. Are you a glamour girl? Go with fine fabrics, slick colors and a sleek layout. A scientist? Decorative flasks, cool metals and a NASA poster will show people your inner geek. Above all: Be yourself.

Avoid The Scantily Clad Women

Here's a tip, guys: Women are not more likely to be attracted to you if you have posters of near-naked women in your room. At best, they're think you've got a little growing up to do; at worst, they'll think you see women as objects.

Tags: your room, first time, that they, they think, with your

Accessorize A Feminine Bedroom

Select a vanity with mirror for a classic feminine furniture piece.

Accessorize a bedroom with a feminine theme to create an elegant and ladylike space. Choose a soft, pastel color scheme for the room and complement with floral or feminine colored linens and decor pieces. Select decor items based on elegance and style, such as slender detailing, delicate embellishments, ornate features and linens adorned with lace, ruffles and silk.

Instructions

1. Create a feminine background for the bedroom by painting the walls in a light pastel color, such as purple, pink or pale yellow. Complement the walls with white trim, baseboards and doors. Avoid bright, dark or harsh patterns and colors on the walls.

2. Fill the room with a variety of furniture in a white wood color, with embellished or ornate designs, such as antiques, to fit with the feminine theme. Select a large four-poster bed with ornate posts or a detailed headboard on a standard bed frame for a focal furniture piece in the room. Position a large, cushioned chair in a floral pattern near the window and complete the room with an elegant vanity and framed mirror.

3. Hang a large, crystal chandelier from the ceiling for a glamourous and feminine lighting option. Choose lamps with delicate features and pastel or floral lampshades next to the bed for nighttime reading.

4. Select soft, feminine linens for the bedroom. Adorn the bed with a large comforter, embellished with lace, ruffles or silk accents, in a pastel or floral pattern with a matching bedskirt and ruffled shams. Lay a plush, ornate rug next to the bed and at the foot of any chairs in the room. Place small, embroidered pillows in pastel fabrics throughout the room -- on the bed, chair and window seat, if applicable. Hang long, sheer curtains on the window or drapes embellished with lace, ruffles or other feminine detailing.

5. Create a feminine atmosphere in the bedroom with a variety of decorative accents. Place candles on the nightstand, dresser top and window sills, along with decorative vases filled with colorful faux flowers. Drape long strands of beads around bed posts, lampshades, mirror tops and chair backs. Display makeup, elegant hair combs and brushes, embellished jewelry boxes and hand mirrors on the vanity top to complete the feminine theme bedroom.

Tags: feminine theme, lace ruffles, with lace, with lace ruffles, bedroom with, Create feminine, embellished with

Create A Winter White Bedroom Decor

Decorate a winter white bedroom with monochromatic accents.

A creamy version of white, so-called winter white, often appears in fashion and decor during its namesake season. You can create a winter white bedroom design by using different values of the same color and highlighting it with texture and subtle pattern. Inherently elegant and serene, winter white bedrooms look pleasing in almost any style home and in any season of the year.

Instructions

1. Incorporate a monochromatic scheme by mixing and matching different values of the same hue for one of the most serene color palettes in interior design. Paint the walls a creamy white as a backdrop for the subsequent layers of decor. In addition, give the winter white bedroom depth by using a myriad of different fabric textures, such as velvet, satin, fur and chenille, to create a room with optimal visual interest and dimension.

2. Make the bed a focal point by dressing it in layers of winter white linens. Use a ruffled skirt and tufted comforter as a starting point. Add decorative pillows in different textures, ranging from beaded to tapestry, to create visual appeal. Finish the winter white bedroom design with a fur throw at the bottom of the bed to add a touch of elegance to the entire bedroom.

3. Use crystal light fixtures to add an opulent touch to the winter white bedroom design. Placing crystal lamps on bedroom side tables adds a timeless and simple look and feel to the bedroom. Top the lamps with ruffled, cream-colored shades for a stylish accent. Finish off the space with a crystal chandelier that hangs over the bed as a spectacular focal point to the bedroom decorating scheme.

4. Anchor the winter white bedroom design by incorporating winter white area rugs with texture and subtle tone-on-tone patterns. Place a large cream-colored shag rug near the bed to further define the space. Use smaller area rugs in monochromatic patterns to notate a small conversational area and to amplify the decor of the adjunct living space as well.

5. Accessorize with stylish white accents. Place an odd number of picture frames decorated with materials such as white shells, cream buttons or off-white beads on a dresser for a touch of personalized bedroom decor. Hang a white feather wreath on the wall behind the bed as a textural wall accent. Finish the winter white bedroom design with a silver vase filled with white roses, and place it on a bed stand as the crowning touch to a monochromatic and timeless decor.

Tags: winter white, bedroom design, white bedroom design, winter white bedroom, white bedroom, white bedroom

Ideas On Doing A Tuscan Style Dining Room

Tuscan homes exude the sense of ages past.

In many Tuscan villas, the kitchen and dining room are the heart of the home where families gather in traditional Italian style to eat and drink. To bring in the sense of a warm Tuscan family experience to your dining room, use design elements that evoke imagery of villas that have stood for centuries.

Rustic Wood

Thick wooden elements are a common feature in Tuscan homes. Bring some of the Italian countryside into your dining room with rustic wooden pieces that look as though they have been around for years. If you have the budget, add exposed wooden beams to the ceiling to give it height and drama. For a less extensive project, add sturdy wooden pieces that are both functional and attractive. Find a dining table with a thick, simple construction; look for the clean lines that are often found in farm-style furniture to give the sense of the Tuscan peasant heritage. You can also look for simple wooden chairs or a buffet if you have the room.

Color Scheme

Tuscan homes have a warm, inviting color scheme that brings in colors from the surrounding countryside. Bring the feeling into your dining room by using a palette of rich, earthy colors like gold, brick red, terracotta and sage green. For a rustic look, use a base of cream or white to show off your wooden elements. If you want a bolder dining room, don't shy away from color: warm yellow walls can add life to the room.

Storage

Tuscan dining rooms are rarely the picture of order; instead they tend to overflow with food-related items. Store wine in the open on a side table or on the wall, and keep olive oil and balsamic vinegar in pretty glass bottles on the table. Instead of a traditional centerpiece, use candles tucked into empty Chianti wine bottles, allowing the melted wax to roll down the sides. To set a Tuscan tone, store bread, oil, vinegar and wine on the center of the table.

Stone Elements

Many Tuscan homes are built using stone elements that lend an air of age. For a dramatic statement in your dining room, install a stone fireplace to keep the room warm. You can also install stone or fake stone details around the arches of doors into the dining room, or find side tables with slate tops. For a major remodeling project, install stone floors and cover them with area rugs. If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, add stone kitchen elements like a mortar and pestle.

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Make A Cardboard Threedrawer Bedroom Chest

Cardboard often ends up recycled, an energy-intensive process.

People regularly throw away or recycle cardboard, however, it's a good material to use for crafts and household projects because it is fairly sturdy and durable to work with. You only need a utility knife and scissors to cut cardboard to size, which makes it particularly useful for making budget furniture if you have no workshop or power tools. If you need an inexpensive bedroom chest, use cardboard to create one that measures 3 feet by 1/2 feet by 1 1/2 feet and has three drawers.

Instructions

Chest Frame

1. Measure an unbent piece of cardboard 5 feet by 1 foot 6 inches. Score these measurements with a utility knife and cut out the piece with strong scissors.

2. Bend the cardboard 1 foot 6 inches from the top and 1 foot 6 inches from the bottom. You can achieve a straight bend by placing a large hardcover book at the spot you'll be bending, then folding the cardboard up against it. This will be the top, back, and bottom of the chest.

3. Measure and cut six pieces of cardboard, each measuring 1 foot 7 inches by 1 foot 2 inches. Cut a 1-inch square on each piece from two corners on a 1-foot-2-inch side. Fold flaps from the three 1-inch juts. You should now have six pieces, each measuring 1 foot 6 inches by 1 inch with flaps on three sides.

4. Hot-glue one of these six pieces to the large frame piece, the flap from a long side attaching to one of the 1 foot 6 inch flaps of the frame, and a flap from the short side attaching to the 3-foot-long main piece of cardboard. Repeat on the opposite side. These are the bottom-most walls of the frame.

5. Measure and cut two squares of cardboard measuring 1 foot 6 inches by 1 foot 6 inches. Hot-glue one square to the top flaps of the bottom walls. This will support a drawer.

6. Glue small-flapped pieces on either side of the frame and top it with the second square. Glue the final two small-flapped pieces to the frame's top flap.

Drawers

7. Measure and cut six pieces of cardboard to 1 foot by 1 foot 7 inches each. Holding the pieces horizontally, cut two 1-inch squares from the bottom two corners of each. You should now have six pieces that each measure 1 foot 5 inches by 11 inches with flaps on both short sides and a flap on one long side. These are the front and back sections of the drawers.

8. Measure and cut six pieces of cardboard measuring 1 foot by 1 foot 5 inches. Score and fold an inch from the edge of one long side on each. These are the side walls of the drawers.

9. Measure and cut three squares of cardboard measuring 1 foot 5 inches by 1 foot 5 inches. These are the drawer bottoms.

10. Hot-glue a 3-flapped rectangular piece to two 1-flapped rectangular pieces, matching up the short sides. Keep the long flaps of each piece facing the same way. Hot-glue a second 3-flapped rectangular piece to the opposite short sides of the 1-flapped rectangular pieces. You should now have a bottomless box.

11. Hot-glue a 1 foot 5 inch square to the remaining flaps.

12. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until you have two more drawers.

13. Measure and cut three rectangles to 1 inch by 3 inches and three rectangles to 1/2 inch by 2 inches. Glue the three larger rectangles front and center on each drawer. Then, glue the three smaller rectangles centered on the larger ones. These serve as drawer pulls. The cardboard chest is complete.

Tags: foot inches, measuring foot, measuring foot inches, cardboard measuring, cardboard measuring foot, foot inches foot, inches foot

Make My Dining Furniture Get A Dark Shade Of Wood

Darkening the color of your dining room furniture can be done in a weekend.

Dining room furniture really sets the tone in a home from a guest's perspective. Dark furniture gives a different feeling than light furniture, both in the amount of light and brightness in the room and in the level of elegance in the room. Staining your furniture a darker shade is a labor-intensive but relatively straightforward job that requires more elbow grease than home improvement experience. Any furniture owner should be able to refinish his furniture without needing any tools and by purchasing just a few supplies. The change in the room's feel after application of the stain will by dynamic and immediate.

Instructions

1. Disassemble all pieces of the dining room furniture, removing chair cushions and table leaves until the table and chairs are separated into their component parts. Sand every surface of each part with medium-grit sandpaper, sanding in smooth, even patterns along the wood grain. Continue to sand until the old stain has been mostly removed. Wipe down each surface with a cloth to remove all wood dust.

2. Set each piece of the furniture on top of blocks or boards which have been laid down over newspaper to prevent stain from dripping on the floor. Apply stain to the furniture pieces using a paintbrush and brushing with even, smooth strokes going in the direction of the wood grain and the sanding direction. Apply the stain lightly rather than heavily to avoid pools, drips and stain buildup. Lift the furniture to apply the stain to the areas touching the floor supports.

3. Allow the stain to dry for four hours and then lightly sand the surfaces with fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe the furniture clean, and apply another thin coat of stain. Repeat the process until the furniture is the proper darkness.

4. Allow the stain to dry fully for at least six hours, and then lightly sand the furniture. Wipe the furniture, and then apply the sealant to the furniture in the same manner as the stain, using thin coats. Apply the sealant in smooth, even strokes, working in the same direction as the stain and sanding.

5. Allow the first coat of polyurethane to dry for four hours before lightly sanding again and applying a second coat. Continue to sand and apply at least four coats due to the heavy use of these pieces of furniture, applying more if the furniture is used very often and used roughly.

6. Allow the furniture to dry overnight, then reassemble it in its original arrangement.

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Cheap Ways To Remodel A Bedroom

You don't need to go into debt to create an attractive bedroom.

If your bedroom is looking tired and uninviting, but you don't have the money for an expensive remodel, take advantage of cheap ways to liven it up and make it more attractive. Simple tricks involving colors and composition can make as much difference as expensive new furniture, if you know what you're doing.

Built-In Shelves

Consider making more space in your bedroom by creating some built-in shelves where clutter can be hidden away. You can inset built-in shelves into an interior wall and make use of space that was just sitting idle inside the wall. You can also install shelves inside the bedroom closet and make use of previously wasted space on the sides or at the back of the closet. For more visible shelves, create a built in shelf unit that will fill an entire end wall of your bedroom. These shelves can be filled with books and other attractive items that will add character to the room.

Paint

A coat of paint doesn't cost a lot of money and can completely transform a room. If your bedroom seems smaller than it actually is because of a dark or dingy paint job, brighten it and open it up by covering the walls with cream or yellow paint. If the ceiling is discolored or dim, brighten it up as well with a fresh coat of bright white paint. These colors will reflect the daylight as it comes in through the window and make the bedroom seem much more lively and welcoming.

Found Objects

Add some life and visual interest to your bedroom without spending money by displaying odd and unusual objects that you have found. Bits of nature like pine cones, tree branches or colorful autumn leaves can bring a bit of the outdoors into your private sanctuary. If you live in an urban area, explore flea markets and junk shops for old dolls, vintage photographs and other objects that can lend a patina of age and mystery to your bedroom environment.

Minimalism

Some bedrooms lose their inviting character as they get overrun with clutter. If your bedroom is full of scattered clothing, magazines and unwashed dishes, begin its new life by emptying it of everything and giving it a good clean. After you've stripped it down to its bare bones, only allow things back in that you are going to use. Experiment with a minimalist sleeping environment, and relegate all of your clutter to the closet or the dishwasher. A bedroom that is empty except for a bed, a small rug, a nightstand and one dramatic painting on the wall can create a restful atmosphere.

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Super Hero Bedroom Ideas

Super Hero Bedroom Ideas

Superheroes rank high on the lists of many kids when it comes to favorite toys. Those same heroes provide lots of inspiration for a themed bedroom. The superhero theme is flexible because there are so many heroes to choose from. Whether your child is obsessed with only one hero or loves them all, you can incorporate them into all aspects of the room decoration.

Color Scheme

The colors from the costume of your child's favorite superhero make a logical choice for the room's color scheme. For example, a Captain America room lends itself well to a red, white and blue palette. If you're including several superheroes in the room, look for common colors that all of them use in their costumes. Another option is to pick a color from each hero, making sure the selected colors work well together. Use the color scheme for the paint colors, bedding, curtains and other details in the room.

Superhero Symbols

Most superheroes are known by a particular symbol. Batman has his bat signal, Superman has the giant S on his chest and Captain America has a star on his shield. Whether the superhero bedroom focuses on your child's favorite hero or several of them, the associated symbols make a good inspiration for a wall mural. An overhead projector allows you to project an image of the symbol on the wall so you can trace it. The outline then just needs to be filled in with paint and outlined again in black paint.

Gotham City Skyline

Another superhero mural idea is to paint the Gotham City skyline along one of the walls. The skyline can be as simple as painting a series of tall rectangles in varying heights. A picture of the bat signal shining up into the sky is a key component to this mural idea. If you aren't comfortable painting the mural yourself, look for a local muralist or art student to paint it for you.

Bedding

You'll find several options on the market in superhero bedding sets. If your child has a particular hero he is especially fond of, a bedding set depicting the character is a good choice. The other option is to go with plain bedding in one of the colors from the room's color scheme. Add a few superhero pillows to connect the bed to the room theme.

Curtains

You'll have several options for curtains in the superhero theme room. Many superhero bedding sets also offer coordinating curtains. This is the easiest option, and you'll know the two will coordinate. If you want to make your own curtains, look for superhero fabric at the local craft store. You can hem the edges to make simple panels for the windows. A third option is to choose plain curtains in a color that coordinates with the other decor. You can either leave them plain or dress them up with superhero patches.

Batcave

If the bedroom includes a walk-in closet, turn it into Batman's batcave. A coat of paint to the outside of the door with the bat signal on it gives a clue to the closet's secret identity. Inside the closet, a cave-like paint job makes the closet resemble the batcave. Paint on images of the computers and high-tech gadgets in Batman's hideout to complete the look.

Tags: your child, bedding sets, Bedroom Ideas, Captain America, child favorite, color scheme, colors from

Fix A Leaking Bathroom Sink Faucet

Fix your leaking bathroom sink faucet.

A leaking bathroom sink faucet can be very wasteful. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that some sink leaks can drip away as much as 10,000 gallons of water a year. Not only does that waste water, but it drives up your water bills. So as soon as you hear that tell tale drip of water, you should fix your leaking bathroom sink faucet at the earliest opportunity. It's the perfect project for the first time plumbing DIYer looking to get their hands wet.

Instructions

1. Shut off the water supply for the faucet that is leaking. Look underneath where the faucet is installed for the water supply shut off valve. These are round or oval in shape and will have a hose leading up to the faucet above. Rotate the knobs clockwise to turn off the water.

2. Insert the edge of a flat-head screwdriver underneath the faucet handle screw cap. These are usually disguised as the "Hot" or "Cold" labels on top of the handle. Pop the cap off.

3. Remove the faucet handle screw with a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the faucet handle straight up and off.

4. Remove the packing nut with an adjustable wrench. This is the uppermost hexagonal nut located on the valve stem.

5. Unscrew the second hexagonal nut, which is the valve stem itself.

6. Examine the valve stem. If it is cracked, this is the cause of the leak and needs to be replaced. Clean off any calcium deposits on the stem with a nylon brush.

7. Turn the stem upside down and examine the rubber washer at the bottom. If this is torn or worn down, it will have to be replaced. To do this, unscrew the retaining screw at the bottom. Replace with a new washer and secure with the screw. Apply a thin coat of silicone grease to the bottom of the washer.

8. Apply pipe thread compound to the threads on the stem. Insert into the socket. Tighten with the wrench. Replace the packing nut and tighten.

9. Slip the handle back over the stem. Secure with the handle screw. Replace the screw cover.

10. Restore the water supply.

Tags: bathroom sink, faucet handle, handle screw, leaking bathroom, leaking bathroom sink

Diy Bedroom Armoire

If you find you never have quite enough bedroom closet space, take matters into your own hands, as well as your clothes off the chair, and build an armoire for additional storage. Create a compact unit that boasts a simple yet attractive appearance. Building an armoire can be a better value than making structural changes to try expanding an existing closet. A bedroom armoire you build yourself is also portable and can travel with you if you move into a new home or apartment.

Build the Basic Box

You will build a bedroom armoire that stands 60 inches high and spans 36 inches across, inspired by a model created for Black & Decker. Approximately one-third of the interior is devoted to shelves for folded items or small baskets. The main section is for hanging items and includes a closet rod. One door closes off the shelf section, while the other door is for the larger section. Pine door rails create the illusion that there are three evenly sized paneled doors.

Form the basic box of the armoire, also known as the carcass, with plywood pieces. Ensure that the individual pieces of plywood are square. Tom Hintz, creator of the New Woodworker Handbook, notes that even beginning woodworkers should use a high quality square to check for squareness during the assembly process. A good drywall square with a 4-foot-long blade is useful for marking the full sheets of plywood for cuts, Hintz advises.

Join the sides, bottom and top panels with wood glue and finish nails. Attach the sides to the bottom. Insert the panel that separates the two sections. Hold a shelf in place and use it as a spacer to help position the center panel. Nail the center panel into place. Install the shelves. Glue and then nail the back panel to the unit.

Attach self-adhesive veneer to the exposed edges of plywood. Press the veneer with a basic iron on a low setting. The heat from the iron activates the adhesive on the veneer.

Add Doors and Stain

Cut a section of pine with a jigsaw to create a front skirt with a decorative curve. Secure the front skirt to the front edges of the side panels and bottom panel with glue and nails. Join the top panel flush with the side and center panels using glue and nails.

Trim the door panels down to size. Do not forget to check that the pieces are square. Add wood rails to the front faces of the doors in a rectangular pattern. Lay the unit down to make it easier to attach the door hinges. Use 270-degree overlay hinges because those types of hinges will allow the doors to swing open for full access to the interior.

Stain the bedroom armoire with your choice of wood stain products or leave it unstained. Apply a protective topcoat, whether or not you apply a stain. Add closet rod hangers to the larger side of the armoire. Install door pulls on each of the door panels.

One person should be able to construct this do-it-yourself bedroom armoire project over the course of a weekend. It will be safer and less strenuous if a second person helps with standing the unit upright.

Tags: bedroom armoire, bedroom armoire, center panel, door panels, front skirt, glue nails, sides bottom

Styles & Ideas For A Japanese Bedroom

Minimalism is the key to a Japanese bedroom.

A traditional Japanese bedroom is known for its minimalist style, having clean lines and little or no furniture and accessories. This style, which emerged in Japan as early as the 14th century, is sometimes referred to as "Zen," the Japanese word that describes the feeling of being in a meditative state. Its basic principle in design is to use only what's necessary. Today, a bedroom may be designed in the Japanese style in numerous ways to create your own peaceful retreat.

Colors

Traditionally, a Japanese-style bedroom would make use of neutral colors such as white, cream, beige and brown. These colors are used for the walls and accessories in the bedroom. However, if you're not aiming for a traditional Japanese bedroom, you can incorporate pops of color, such as with color on the walls or the bedding that you choose. Contemporary Japanese bedrooms may even be painted in pale shades of green or blue. Likewise, walls covered in natural-fiber wallpaper such as grasscloth may be used in Japanese design.

Furniture

The focal point of a Japanese-style bedroom is the bed. In a modern Japanese-style bedroom, you'll need a platform bed that's low to the ground. A traditional Japanese bedroom would have the mattress on the floor on top of tatami mats, which are mats made of straw. These may also be used to cover the entire bedroom floor. Bedside tables are not usually found in a Japanese bedroom, but if you choose to do so, use tables with clean lines. Modern Japanese bedrooms may even have a low ledge around the entire room instead of bedside tables. If you have a large room, you can design with a low table and large throw pillows to sit on.

Bedding

Traditionally, Japanese bedding is all white. However, modern Japanese designs sometimes use black bedding. A mixture of white sheets and a black or colored throw is appropriate. If you're not designing in the traditional Japanese style, you can use bedding with Japanese prints such as bamboo or "sakura," which are Japanese flowering cherry blossoms. You may also find bedding with traditional Japanese prints such as the "seigaiha," a wave crest, and "bangasa," an old Japanese-style umbrella.

Accessories

You may want to separate an area with a shoji screen, which is traditionally made of wood and pulp rice paper. If you have bedside tables, you can use shoji lamps, or place the lamps on the floor. Your walls may be decorated with Japanese scrolls, hand fans or reproductions of Japanese woodblock prints, known as "ukiyo-e." Other decorative items suitable for a Japanese bedroom are bonsai plants and kimono robes. When designing with accessories for a Japanese bedroom, remember to keep things at a minimum. You don't want to have all these accessories in one bedroom.

Tags: Japanese bedroom, traditional Japanese, Japanese-style bedroom, traditional Japanese bedroom, accessories bedroom

Decorate A Small Bedroom For A Teenage Boy

Decorating a small room can prove challenging, even more so when it is for a teen. A teen boy will probably care as much about the function of his room as he does about the decor. Teens like their spaces to be places where they can get away to think, listen to music, sleep and hang out with friends. While decorating a small bedroom for a teen boy, keep in mind the functions of the room.

Instructions

1. Paint the room a color that does not emphasize the smallness of the room. Think of light or warm colors (provided they are not too dark). Another technique for painting a small room is to paint one wall a different color--a focus wall. The focus wall can be a darker color. This makes the distance between the opposing walls seem greater than it is.

2. Use your space wisely when choosing furniture for a small bedroom. For a teen boy, the furniture should enhance the decor as well as provide needed function. A loft bed has the same footprint as another bed but provides space underneath for working on homework or surfing the web.

3. Eliminate clutter. A small room will look even smaller when cluttered. If he has collections of action figures, cars or the like that he still enjoys, mount a wall shelf, where they can be nicely displayed, or purchase storage containers that can stack in his closet. Purchase a file cabinet that he can keep his schoolwork and other papers in under his loft bed to avoid paper clutter. A small trash can should also be at his desk.

4. Hang large, simple wall decor. Above his desk, hang a large bulletin board where he can pin up his favorite photos, skateboarder pictures and concert tickets. A large mirror hung over his dresser will make the room seem larger and give him his own space to gel his hair. If space permits, a large framed poster or mural will show off his tastes while keeping it simple. You can find framed posters or murals online at stores such as pbteen.com, art.com and allposters.com.

5. Keep the windows and bedding simple. Forego the curtains or drapes in exchange for roman shades. These both stylish and simple, creating a clean, streamlined look. A solid or striped comforter will complete the clean, organized feel of his newly decorated bedroom.

Tags: small room, bedroom teen, clutter small, focus wall, small bedroom teen, where they

Bathroom Mirrors

When designing your bathroom choosing the mirrors can be one of the most important steps. Not only are they usually the first thing you see when you walk in the room but mirrors also give the space presence by reflecting other objects such as windows, lights, and decorative pieces.

Function

Mirrors serve many purposes when hung in a space. Of all of the functions mirrors perform one of the most important is reflecting light. Whether the light is natural or artificial a properly hung mirror will give your space more appeal.

For the mirror to fit in correctly with the look of your bathroom it is important to choose a type that matches the design style of your space. For instance you could mix traditional frames and shapes with the more traditional vanities.

Types

There are many varieties of bathroom mirrors available for consumers to purchase in today's market. You can certainly find a style to fit any bathroom decor. On Lamps Plus.com you can browse through a wide array of bathroom mirror styles to find the one that is perfectly suited for your space. Some of the types available include contemporary, traditional, wrought iron, rustic lodge, country cottage, tropical and frameless. On CSN Mirrors.com you can sort the mirrors by popularity, price and brand.

Features

When choosing your bathroom mirror make sure and consider the needs of the space. If you do not have enough storage in your vanity you can purchase a bathroom mirror medicine cabinet. Not only will it help you get ready each morning but you can also use it to hide your essentials out of site. If you are wanting to purchase something contemporary and unique, The Home Depot carries a Kohler Purist Mirrored Cabinet with Integral Laminar Faucet that integrates the mirror, cabinet and faucet together.

Size

Finding the right size mirror for your bathroom depends mainly upon the style and size of your vanity. The mirror edges should never extend beyond the length of the vanity sides. If you have two separate sinks you can either hang one large mirror with side lights or hang two separate smaller mirrors of the same style with the side lights next to each one.

For two sinks you can also choose two different mirrors of the same style to give the bathroom more flare. Make sure that the mirror is large enough to support the vanity below. You should not have a large vanity and a tiny mirror or the exact opposite proportion.

Benefits

A well-designed bathroom with mirrors that fit the style gives you a space to relax. Having the right bathroom mirror is very beneficial when you are getting yourself ready each day. With proper storage and lighting the process will become much less time-consuming and difficult.

Once your space is perfectly designed with the right bathroom mirrors you can enjoy the satisfaction you get from a job well done each time you enter the room and be proud of yourself while showing it off to your friends and family.

Tags: bathroom mirror, your bathroom, your space, bathroom mirrors, mirrors same

Decorate A Shared Bedroom

With cooperation, a shared bedroom isn't that hard to decorate.

A bedroom should be a sanctuary where you can escape from the rest of the world. The decor should reflect your tastes and provide an atmosphere that's relaxing and rejuvenating. Achieving this can be difficult when you share the room. But whether you're sharing your bedroom with a sibling, a dorm mate or a new spouse, you can work together to achieve a style you both can enjoy.

Instructions

1. Meet with your roommate. If you are a parent whose children will share the bedroom, get their opinions and ideas. Decide whether you want the room to have a single style that reflects two sets of tastes, or you want to divide the space into two very distinct sections with separate themes and styles.

2. Browse a home decorating store together. Collect paint chips, fabric swatches and catalogs, or take some photos with a digital camera of things that appeal to each of you.

3. Review the materials you collected and the styles you liked. Decide on furniture. If you have a hard time agreeing, or if you are decorating your respective sides differently, try to get something neutral that goes with any style, such as natural wood. If you both would like to use the furniture that you have, paint all the pieces the same color to unify the look.

4. Choose a color scheme together. Compare the colors you and your roommate favor and choose two that look good together. Agree on a neutral color to complete the scheme. For example, if one of you chooses a sea-foam green, and the other one likes a coral peach, and you may both agree on tan.

5. Prime and paint the walls. Paint them your neutral choice, or combine your other two color preferences. For example, paint two walls green and two walls peach, or paint the walls all peach and the molding and frames green. Alternatively, make a horizontal line across the room and paint the bottom half green and the top half peach.

6. Change the carpeting if necessary. Go with the neutral color so that you won't have to replace it if you want to redecorate someday. If you have a hardwood floor, choose a throw rug that you can replace when you want to change the look of the room.

7. Arrange the furniture so that there are common areas, such as a sitting area or play area. Give your roommate and yourself individual space, such as a work desk or cozy nook for relaxing.

8. Hang window treatments and artwork, and add bedding. Look for prints or accent colors that complement your color scheme. Complete the look with individual accessories.

Tags: paint walls, your roommate, color scheme, furniture that, neutral color

Amish Bedroom Furniture

Amish craftsmen create quality bedroom furniture.

Materials and workmanship can make the difference between a bedroom set that lasts for years and one that does not. Amish bedroom sets are heirlooms that endure for generations. According to Dr. Bruce Tharp, professor of designed objects at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, any claim to "Amish" is indeed a broad generalization. There are over a dozen formal types of Amish and countless subtypes. Common characteristics, however, are found in Amish furnishings.

Design

Amish bedroom furniture aesthetics tend toward country design. Farmhouse, mission and colonial styles are common. Steve Edwards, owner of The Amish Furniture and Trim Company in Spring Grove, Illinois, works directly with Amish craftsmen and says they are also willing to create custom sets using clients’ unique ideas. Furniture can be altered to fit a room. Even though the Amish would not use ornate furniture themselves, they will produce it. They listen to the market and make just about anything that will sell.

Materials

Amish furniture is made from hardwoods. According to Dr. Tharp, red oak is easily the most common wood used in Amish bedroom furniture. It is sturdy, less expensive, and appeals to the Amish frugal nature. It will not be taken as "fancy," which could be seen as showing off. Edwards’ customers are offered standard choices such as birch, maple, walnut, alder, and mahogany. Customers can request other special order or cut wood species as well.

Construction

According to Edwards, only "Older Order Amish" make furniture simply using hand tools. The process is too time-consuming to result in profit. Most employ alternatively-powered tools, including table saws and planers. Amish will generally not use electric tools. They opt for a belt or pneumatic system that is gas or diesel powered. Each Amish community establishes its own rules to allow members to keep their beliefs, yet still produce furniture in a timely manner. Wood selection, layout and assembly are still done by hand.

Sales

Amish people used to make furniture just for other Amish, but began to sell it elsewhere when the general public recognized its craftsmanship. Plus, according to Dr. Tharp, many people are anxious to support their local, historic Amish communities and buying furniture from them is one easy way to do that. There are Amish furniture trade shows in Ohio and Indiana where buyers can see a lot of individual craftsmen in one place. Not all Amish participate in those. Furniture is also often sold through brokers to stores and outlets.

Quality

Amish craftsmanship is outstanding with great attention to detail and material, Edwards says. The wood for bedroom pieces is kiln-dried for proper moisture content. It is then sanded and smoothed inside and out. Edwards says the Amish use dovetail joints in their dresser drawer boxes. The drawer slides run smoothly.

Tags: Amish bedroom, Amish craftsmen, Amish furniture, bedroom furniture, Edwards says, make furniture

Bedroom Wall Ideas

A bedroom wall can be part of the structure of a building, or it can be a clean slate for decorating ideas. If you see yours as the latter, there are many ways to personalize your bedroom wall and make it your own. Some involve paint, while others involve materials such as stencils and drapes. But they all have one thing in common: creativity.

It's All About You

Make your bedroom wall a reflection of who you are. After all, you spend six to eight hours in this room every night, and more if you have a computer or television. If you live in a dormitory, your room may be the only place to entertain guests. So plan carefully. Do you want a theme? Would you like a picture? How about using words or poetry?

Start Decorating

Start turning your ideas into reality. If you've decided on a theme, now is a great time to check out peel-off wall decals, available at local hardware stores. They come in various shapes, sizes and types, and can be removed easily. Decals can also be made (see the references for additional information). If you live in a building that allows you to make permanent changes to your room, find directions for painting a mural on your wall. You may even be able to create a trompe l'oeil effect with an archway or garden painting. Another idea, inspired by the decor of a well-known alcohol superstore chain, is to write famous quotes or sayings on the walls of the room. There is nothing like seeing a motivational quote to start your day in the morning.

To Sum It All Up ...

Decorating a bedroom wall can be inexpensive, creative and a great deal of fun. It can be a public expression of a personal idea. Make your bedroom an original piece of art, and make it a place to be proud of.

Tags: bedroom wall, your bedroom, Make your, Make your bedroom, your bedroom wall, your room

Hardwood Vs Softwood For Dining Tables

The dining table is perhaps the most important fixture in the dining room.

All around the world, friends and family gather around dining tables to share meals, play games or even do homework. When choosing a dining table, there are a number of different woods available, ranging from softwoods and hardwoods. Before you make a decision on this important piece of furniture, consider the differences between the two types of wood.

Hardwood

Hardwood trees feature tightly packed thick-walled fiber cells, which give these species harder, denser wood. These species also feature tracheids and other vessel elements, which conduct water throughout the tree. Hardwood species are flowering trees or shrubs that reproduce via seeds. Different types of woods classified as hardwood include mahogany, oak, magnolia, cherry, hickory, dogwood, birch, maple, walnut and teak.

Softwood

The term "softwood" refers to wood that is derived from conifer trees. These trees lack the thick-walled fiber cells that are tightly packed in denser, hardwood species. Coniferous species also reproduce via cones rather than seeds. Conifer trees, which have needles rather than leaves, may also be referred to as 'evergreen' trees since they maintain a green hue year-round. Softwood species include pine, hemlock, cypress, cedar, douglas fir and spruce.

Density and Hardness

Certain softwood species may feature wood that is harder than certain hardwood species. For example, southern yellow pine is a harder wood species though it is technically a softwood. Meanwhile, basswood and poplar species are typically softer in texture though they are technically classified as hardwoods. Hardwoods are best used for furniture, such as dining tables, whereas softwoods are best used for construction purposes or for making paper.

Additional Differences

Certain species, no matter what type of wood it is, feature different coloring and grain patterns. For example, ebony wood is naturally dark--almost black in color. Meanwhile, pine wood can be off-white or creamy yellow in color, a stark contrast to the ebony. Grains for different species can be tightly woven, widespread or even mottled in appearance. Lastly, hardwood tends to be more expensive than softwood.

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Change A Leaky Bathroom Faucet

While bothersome, a leaky faucet is a quick fix.

A leaky bathroom faucet is a nuisance. The constant dripping is not only agitating but damaging. It leaves hard-water stains on your porcelain sink or tub and leads to water damage on the counter and cabinets below if the water splashes from the sink. This is a common household repair and only takes about an hour to complete. Most faucets use a cartridge valve that's removed and replaced.

Instructions

1. Turn off the water to the faucet. Close the sink drain to catch dropped screws and nuts.

2. Search for the faucet handle screw. This is either on the side of the faucet handle or under the decorative cap. Pry off the cap with a flat-head screwdriver and the screw is underneath. Remove this screw with an Allen wrench. Pull the handle up and off the faucet.

3. Remove the packing nut around the stem of the faucet just above the base with a hexagonal wrench.

4. Slide the cartridge out. Pry out the O-ring and seat washers by inserting the end of the Allen wrench into the stem area. They will spring out of place.

5. Place new seat washers and a new O-ring into the faucet. Place a new faucet stem (made for your faucet) inside the faucet. Rethread the packing nut. Tighten it with a hexagonal wrench and slide the faucet handles back on.

6. Thread the handle screw into the faucet handle and tighten it with the Allen wrench.

7. Turn the water back on. Test the faucet.

Tags: Allen wrench, faucet handle, handle screw, hexagonal wrench, into faucet

Paint A Veneer Bedroom Suite

Veneer is a relatively inexpensive type of furniture composed of thin layers of wood glued on top of a core surface like cheaper wood or particleboard. If you want to paint a veneer bedroom suite, consider two important factors. First, because veneer is so smooth, condition the surface to accept paint, or you will have problems with adhesion. In addition, use a specific application method, or you may end up with sagging or brush strokes in the finish coat.

Instructions

1. Open windows to provide ventilation.

2. Remove everything from the room that might interfere with your ability to paint the veneer bedroom suite. Remove the mattress from the bed, and take it out of the room.

3. Sand all veneer surfaces with a palm sander loaded with 200-grit sandpaper. Sand along with the grain of the wood. Stop sanding when the surface feels slightly rough to the touch.

4. Wipe down all abraded veneer surfaces with a tackcloth.

5. Cover hardware on the dresser and end tables with blue painter's tape. Cover any other areas of the veneer suite you want left unpainted with painter's tape. Cover flooring with heavy-duty fabric dropcloths.

6. Apply a thin coat of primer to all veneer surfaces, using a 3- to 4-inch latex paintbrush. Allow the primer to dry for three hours. Wash the brush with water.

7. Pour 1 gallon of paint into the 2-gallon painter's pot, measuring with the measuring cup. Stir in 1 oz. of water, using the wooden stir stick. Stir for at least five minutes.

8. Apply two thin coats of paint to all veneer surfaces, using the paintbrush. Do not overapply as this will lead to runs and sagging in the final finish.

Tags: veneer surfaces, paint veneer, Apply thin, bedroom suite, paint veneer bedroom

Carpet Types For The Bedroom

Hardwood floors have become one of the most popular options in flooring, except that many people still want their bedroom floor covered in carpet. This is due to the fact that many people enjoy putting their feet down on a warm, cozy carpet first thing in the morning. When it comes to carpeting, there is a wide variety of types and colors to choose from to fit any decor.

Textured Carpeting

Textured carpets are popular choices for rooms that receive less traffic such as bedrooms. A textured carpet is tightly twisted so that it does not show tracks and footprints easily. Textured carpets have a mid-range durability. Textured carpets can be purchased with designs in the carpet and there are many designs on the market to choose from.

Saxony Carpeting

Saxony carpet is a good choice for someone that wants to have a more formal feel to their bedroom. Saxony carpets are luxurious and elegant carpets that have a soft, smooth, velvety look and feel. Saxony carpets have a deeper pile, so they may not be the best choice for high traffic areas or a child’s bedroom, because they are not the easiest carpet to keep clean.

Cable Carpeting

Cable carpeting is another style of carpeting that has a deep pile. This makes a cable carpet feel great to walk on because they are warm and plush. Like Saxony carpets, cable carpets may not be the best choice of carpeting for high traffic areas.

Plush Carpeting

Plush carpets are very much like cable carpets except that the pile can be even deeper and they have a slight sheen to the yarn. This is another type of carpet that feels good to walk on and works well in low traffic areas. Plush carpets may be the number one choice for bedroom carpets because of the soft feel of this type of carpet.

Looped Carpeting

Looped carpets are also known as Berber carpeting. Looped carpeting is very durable because the yarn is not cut. Looped carpets are a good choice for high traffic areas of the home and are also used in bedrooms. Many people like the looped carpets because they do not show tracks or footprints like many of the deep pile carpets. Looped carpets are a great multipurpose carpet and are very popular because of their versatility.

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Replace A Master Bedroom'S Closet Door

Replacing the closet doors in a a master bedroom improves the value of your home.

Replacing the doors of the closet in a master bedroom is no different than changing the closet doors in any bedroom. Because the master bedroom is a selling point in homes, upgrading the closet doors adds more value to your home. The more aesthetically pleasing the remodel, the greater resale value you're adding to your home. Budget a couple of hours for replacing the doors.

Instructions

1. Remove traditional closet doors by grasping each door firmly and lifting it off the sliding track. Set the doors aside for recycling. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the guide tracks in place.

2. Remove all other types of closet doors and set them aside for recycling. All other doors are removed by taking the hinge pin out of the door hinge, setting the door aside, then using the screwdriver to remove the old hinges.

3. Install the new closet doors. Attach the new hinges to the door frame, using the location of the old hinges as your guide. Ideally, the new hinges will cover the location of the old ones and use the same pilot holes. Attach the hinges to the new doors, making certain the doors open and close with ease.

4. Attach new door handle with included hardware. Closet doors are not normally sold with handles attached, though most do have pre-drilled holes for easy mounting of the handle. Choose a handle that complements your decor and attach it with the included screws and the screwdriver.

Tags: closet doors, your home, aside recycling, Attach hinges, master bedroom