Install Bathroom Vanity Counters

Install Bathroom Vanity Counters

Do you have an old bathroom vanity counter that you're tired of looking at, or that is in need of updating? While this home improvement project is challenging, it is not impossible for those who prefer do-it-yourself projects. Not only will this home improvement enhance your bathroom, it will also add to the equity of your home. Even if you're not interested in selling your home in the near future, it is still a beneficial move to make.

Instructions

1. Measure the existing countertop to ensure you're replacing it one that is the right size. You may need to replace your sink and fixtures, as well, so take that into consideration when making your measurements and placing your orders. Does your existing plumbing need to be replaced? Closely examine the plumbing, and take that into consideration when placing orders or visiting your local home improvement center.

2. Remove the existing sink and countertop. Be sure the water is turned off before you begin removing anything. This removal process may require some demolishing, so take care not to damage the sheet rock. If the sheet rock does get damaged, you will need to add new sheet rocking materials to your list of supplies. The best way to remove the old countertop is to use a utility knife to cut through the existing caulk surrounding the sink and the countertop. Be careful with the sink, the fixtures and the plumbing attachments if you do not intend to replace any of these items. Place everything that is not being salvaged into the large trash can. When the demo is complete, use the shop vac to thoroughly clean your area.

3. Be sure the existing vanity is still level using a carpenter's level. If the vanity is not level, you may need to add some shims prior to putting on the new countertop. Once you have determined the vanity is level, it is time to place the new countertop on top of the vanity. First, add a bead of caulk around the edge under the countertop and then flip it over and place it on top of the vanity. Push the countertop so the backsplash is flush against the wall.

4. Install the sink now. If the countertop doesn't already have a space for the sink, you're going to need to measure and cut a sink hole using a hole saw. This process can be very tricky and many who are not experienced with this type of do it yourself project prefer cutting the hole prior to installing the countertop to the vanity. Once the hole is ready, drop the sink down and add a bead of caulk around the edge.

5. Hook the pipes back up. If you're using the existing plumbing, this should be fairly simple. If anything breaks or becomes damaged during demolition, you may need to hire a plumber for this final step if you are inexperienced with plumbing projects. Otherwise, you should be able to attach the flexible feed lines to the water supply and connect the sink's tail piece to the drain and fixtures. Run some caulk around the backsplash, as well as around the faucet.

Tags: caulk around, home improvement, sink countertop, around edge, Bathroom Vanity Counters

Ideas For A Narrow Bedroom With A Divider

Ideas for a Narrow Bedroom With a Divider

Even in a small, narrow bedroom where you might not think a divider would work, there are ways to use a divider to your advantage. In addition to splitting a bedroom into two separate sections, a divider can add an aesthetic touch to your interior space. Whether you are remodeling a narrow bedroom that has an existing divider, or splitting up a bedroom for the first time, several ideas can help.

Mirror Power

Mirrors are ideal tools when it comes to making a cramped space like a narrow bedroom appear larger because mirrors reflect light and create the illusion that a space continues on further than it actually does. While one strategy is to hang mirrors on the walls on either side of a bedroom's divider, another idea is to incorporate them into the divider itself. As HGTV recommends, to give the illusion of more space in the bedroom, try hanging some vintage mirrors directly onto a screen partition.

Let in the Light

Instead of using an opaque divider and reflecting light with mirrors, try using a divider that will let light flow freely between the two spaces to help give the narrow bedroom a brighter, more open feel, despite its bisected nature. Some options include hanging translucent sheer curtains from a ceiling-mounted rod, or, for an even more open-feel, hanging strands of ribbon. Alternatively, as HGTV notes, you can hang a window from the ceiling with chains and use that as your divider. Paint a design or pattern onto the glass to increase its aesthetic value and will also make the window translucent as opposed to completely transparent. If you plan to use furniture as the bedroom's divider, such as a bookcase or shelving unit, choose a piece that has an open back.

Beyond Flat

Instead of using a divider that forms a single, boring, rectangular shape, try giving the bedroom some character by incorporating a divider that has twists, turns and bends. According to HGTV, a slatted divider that takes on a geometric shape helps to define a narrow space and contributes toward a contemporary style. You can make your own geometric divider from booker rods and plywood slats.

Wall Color

Regardless of what type or style of divider you use, proper painting helps make a narrow bedroom seem bigger and cozier. According to Apartment Therapy, you should stick with a neutral, off-white color for the majority of the wall spaces. However, it is a good idea to designate one wall, ideally the longest one, as an accent wall. Paint this wall with the warm, rich color of your choosing.

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Remove Mold From Bathroom Sealant

Remove mold from bathroom sealant with vinegar and baking soda.

Bathroom sealant, also known as caulking, squeezes from a tube and is applied along showers and sinks next to walls to prevent water from seeping behind the fixtures. Bathroom sealants have a rubbery surface when dry, allowing mold to settle and absorb into it. Mold forms in warm, moist environments, making bathrooms perfect areas for mold growth. Clean mold from bathroom sealants with proper tools to remove and kill the fungus.

Instructions

1. Sprinkle baking soda into 1 cup of white vinegar and stir until it forms a thick paste.

2. Scoop 1 tsp of the baking soda paste onto a damp rag. Rub the paste into the mold on the sealant. Allow the paste to remain on the sealant for 5 minutes, giving the vinegar time to soften the mold. Scrub the paste with the rag or a stiff-bristle brush.

3. Rinse the mold and baking soda paste from the sealant with a wet sponge and cool water.

4. Mix one part bleach with four parts water and pour into a spray bottle. Spray the sealant with the bleach mixture. Allow the bleach to evaporate on the sealant and kill any lingering mold spores. Scrub once more with the baking soda paste if mold stains remain on the sealant. Rinse the sealant with cool water and dry with a towel.

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Blue & White Dining Room Ideas

Top chairs with blue pillows.

Create a striking look in your dining room with a blue and white color combination. This color scheme is cool and soothing, creating a welcoming look for this space that invites friends and family members to come in and enjoy time together. Use this color scheme as the basis for creating a dining room design that suits your taste.

Walls

Set the tone for your dining room by incorporating this color scheme on the walls. For a nautical-inspired room, paint stripes on the walls with steel or cobalt blue and white. If you prefer a country vibe, try cornflower or powder blue with white trim. The contrast of a sapphire blue focal wall in combination with white walls creates a striking contemporary look for the space. Bring a touch of the tropics into your dining room with turquoise blue walls and a warm off-white.

Furniture

Choose furniture pieces that correspond with the design you are trying to achieve. For example, a glass-top wicker or rattan table and wicker or rattan chairs are well suited for a tropical themed blue and white dining room. Whitewashed pieces help to create a nautical look. For a country chic design, choose a reclaimed wood table and surround it with mismatched wooden chairs. A modern design calls for lacquered pieces that have clean, straight lines.

Textiles

Bring blue and white, as well as other complementary colors, into the space through textiles. Hang floor-to-ceiling curtains that feature a French toile design in a country inspired room. Place a warm sand colored area rug on the floor and light and airy blue and white sheers on the windows of a beach themed dining room. For a nautical space, blue and white striped or red chair cushions work well. Lay a blue and white blocked or solid gray rug on the floor of a modern space.

Decorative Accents

Add finishing touches to your blue and white dining room with decorative accents. Arrange China that features blue and white images in a hutch or hang it directly on a wall in a country room. Display oars, images of lighthouses and shells in a nautical or beach themed dining space. Hang pendant lights with blue and white glass globes over the table in a modern living room. Feature pictures that incorporate blue and white designs, such as geometric prints or images of the ocean. Sterling silver candle holders topped with blue and white candles add a sense of romance to both a modern and country decor.

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Commercial Bathroom Handicap Guidelines

Commercial Bathrooms

In the U.S., handicap accessibility guidelines are established by the federal government under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). ADA regulations are designed to ensure all citizens have equal access to public facilities, regardless of handicaps or disabilities. When it comes to designing a commercial bathroom, ADA lists numerous requirements related to safety, access and operation.

Size and Access

Commercial bathrooms are required to have entrance doors at least 32 inches wide. The doorway should be unobstructed so that hardware and other items won't interfere with entry and exit. Within the space, there must be a free and clear circle with a five-foot radius to allow wheelchair users to perform a 360-degree turn.

All public restrooms must have at least one stall designed for handicapped access. For every six additional stalls, one ADA stall must be added. Each ADA stall should be 36 inches wide with a door that swings out to allow wheelchair users to enter. The toilet should be no higher than 19 inches, and two grab bars must be placed around the toilet to help users transfer from a chair.

Fixtures and Operation

All hardware and operational components should be easily operated by all, including those without a strong grip. Levers or push buttons are recommended over knobs. Sinks and vanities should be no higher than 34 inches and should provide knee space at least 27 inches high to accommodate wheelchair users. A clear path 30 inches wide by 48 inches long should lead from the sink to the door. If mirrors are installed, the bottom edge may not be higher than 40 inches above the finished floor.

Showers and Bathtubs

In facilities that use showers or bathtubs, at least one unit should be designed to ADA standards. For bathtubs, this means that the area is designed to allow easy transfer from a wheelchair to the tub. Grab bars should be provided to assist with transfer, and no metal tracks may be used on the edges of the tub. Shower stalls must be at least 36 inches wide by 36 inches deep and should be equipped with a 60-inch shower hose. All ADA showers should have a seat mounted no higher than 19 inches above the floor. This seat should be mounted on the opposite wall from shower controls and must extend the entire length of the stall.

Tags: higher than, higher than inches, inches wide, than inches, least inches, wheelchair users

Dining Room Window Decorating Ideas

Use tea towels for unusual dining room window treatments.

When you want to update the look and feel of your dining room decor without revamping the entire room, you can change the window treatments for an instant facelift. Look for window decorations that suit the style and character of your dining room and that will not get in the way of family and guests during meals.

Tea Towels

For a whimsical addition to a country style family dining room, use tea towels paired with old-fashioned wooden clothespins. Find tea towels or napkins in a print and color that match your dining room decor; you might use antique or vintage napkins for extra style and texture. Nail decorative tieback hooks or drawer pulls to the top of the window frame at 2-foot intervals, and string a clothesline or piece of thick twine along the top. Fold the tea towels in half so they form a triangular shape, and use wooden clothespins to attach them to the line. The result is a rustic, unexpected window treatment that can be changed with the seasons or with decor updates.

Floor to Ceiling

In a formal dining room or when you are looking to make a dramatic statement, use floor-to-ceiling drapes. Instead of hanging a curtain rod directly above the window, place it right under the ceiling molding. Find thick, luxurious curtains that will reach all the way to the floor. In a formal or opulent decor scheme, you might choose curtains that are slightly taller than the height of the room so that they pool on the floor. Attach tiebacks to the curtains so that you can illuminate the room with natural light during the day. Tall curtains work well with large windows but can also be used to create the illusion of large windows and add a sense of depth and height to your dining room.

Decorative Elements

When you do not want to spend extra money on new curtain rod hardware or expensive curtains, add small decorative elements to your dining room windows. Buy new curtain rings that complement the fabric of your curtains as well as the finish of the curtain rod, and replace them. Find wide satin ribbon in the same color as your curtains, and tie bows to the curtain ring, leaving the ends long so that they fall over the curtains. The monochromatic bows will add a touch of texture and shine without being too sweet, and the new curtain rings will update the design of the treatment.

Tags: dining room, your dining room, your dining, curtains that, curtain rings

Decorate A Western Bedroom

A cowboy hat can make excellent decor for a western bedroom.

For those that love cowboys, horses and anything having to do with the western lifestyle, a similarly themed bedroom can be a perfect fit. Surrounding yourself with western items as you search for bedroom décor can be almost as much fun as the finished product. No matter what your budget, decorating your western themed bedroom the way you wish is possible even when working with a budget.

Instructions

1. Choose a color scheme. Colors along the lines of browns and neutrals can work well in a western bedroom, however, red and blue are also good colors to incorporate into the design. They can add a punch of color when you do not want the room a completely dark or neutral color scheme.

2. Choose a wall design. Several types of wall designs can help you create your western bedroom. Wood paneling or painting it a solid color can work well, however another option is to choose a wall mural that you can put on one or more walls. There are wall murals that have horses, mountains or even those that gives the illusion of a wood covered wall.

3. Hang wall accessories. You can include paintings of western scenes, such as those of horses, but there are other western themed décor options as well. Consider hanging stars, horseshoes and even cowboy hats on the wall. The more authentic the better, so look around at garage sales, flea markets, thrift stores or through online auction sites for items that have some wear to them and are not brand new looking.

4. Redesign your current items. If you or cannot afford to buy many new items for your bedroom, redesigning them is a great way to save some money. For example, for the dresser drawers, contemplate buying faux leather and, by using contact adhesive, adhering it to the drawer fronts. Consider also changing the knobs on the drawers to something more rustic. Another option is to purchase faux cowhide and make new pillows for your bed. Simply take two squares of the material that is slightly larger in size than the pillows and sew the pieces together around the pillow. Little changes can mean a drastic change in appearance, but for much less money then having to buy all new items.

5. Choose natural wood furniture. It can look best in the western bedroom, especially when combined with the other colors in the room. Consider purchasing log future, which can give a more rustic, natural feel to the room.

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Decorate Dining Chairs For Christmas

Decorating for Christmas is a great way to get your family in the spirit of the holiday. Adding small touches around the home helps to create the overall look and feel of the season. Simple additions to everyday items add so much to the decor of your home. One simple but festive decoration is a Christmas bow tied to the back of your dining chairs this holiday season.

Instructions

1. Measure your dining room chairs. You will need enough ribbon to wrap three times around the width of the chair. Multiply the amount needed for one chair by the total number of chairs in your dining room.

2. Purchase a Christmas-themed ribbon at your local craft store. Choose either a simple pattern to match your decor--think green or red gingham--or a solid green or red ribbon. Make sure your ribbon is at least 1 1/2 inches thick, to ensure a big enough bow.

3. Wrap the ribbon around the first chair, leaving the two ends loose at the back of the chair. You want to make the bow on the back of the chair, so it is still useful for people to sit around the dinner table. Pinch the first loop in the ribbon, and leave a tail at the bottom of the ribbon. You want a tail about 6 inches in length.

4. Create more loops, gradually increasing in size until you have only enough ribbon left for the second tail.

5. Secure the center of the bow with light wire. Fluff the loops to create a nice, round bow. Cut the ends of the ribbon with a small V to complete the look. Repeat for each of your dining chairs.

Tags: your dining, back chair, dining chairs, dining room, enough ribbon, your dining chairs, your dining room

Teenage Bedroom Ideas

Your teenagers probably has some very strong ideas about design and decor, especially when it comes to their own living spaces. Giving them a little creative leeway when you decorate their rooms can make them feel like they have a place of their own, that reflects their own personality. Add some finishing touches to create a room that is truly all theirs.

Color Scheme

Choose a color palette for the bedroom that reflects your teen's favorite colors, within reason. If her favorite color is black, try doing accents in that color rather than painting the entire room black. If she can't decide on a color, try looking for inspiration from her school colors, clothes or accessories. Don't be afraid of choosing vivid, saturated colors like hot pink or turquoise. They can add character to a room, and punch up otherwise boring architecture. However, if you're set on a white room, be sure to add lots of colorful accessories or colorful furniture.

Furniture

When choosing furniture for a teenager's bedroom, you need to consider two factors: comfort and friends. The first, comfort, is important, as teens spend a lot of time in their bedroom. A oversize upholstered chair would be a good place to get some homework done, and body pillows for the bed make it an inviting place to relax. Then, you'll need to consider friends that come over to hang out. Place beanbag chairs around the room so friends have a place to flop down when they come over. But don't make the mistake of over stuffing the room with too much furniture; you want to leave it as uncluttered as possible.

Accessories

Choosing accessories is an easy way to really add personality to your teenager's room. You can allow him to choose the bulk of them, and then add a few touches, like a "friend wall," which is a patch of wall where friends can write funny messages or draw pictures. You can always paint over it later, and your teen will love the personalization. You might also cover a patch of wall with corkboard, so that pictures can be displayed without making holes in the walls. Remember to also provide plenty of mirrors, so that your teen can constantly check himself out before heading to school each morning.

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Use A Sofa Table As A Dining Table

Adjustable sofa tables have many different uses, including dining purposes.

Hosting guests and having lively conversation around a dining table counts as one of the activities that makes entertainining so enjoyable. However, not all homeowners have a dining table for this purpose, or the table they do own will not accommodate the number of guests invited to the house. If this is the case, using other alternatives like the sofa table is acceptable, and, in fact, echoes the way guests dine in some Eastern decorating motifs.

The Setup

Using a sofa table as a dining table isn't a far-fetched idea. In fact, many decorating traditions, like Japanese decorating, actually encourage the use of tables that are no higher than the coffee table as part of their dining room decor. These styles make use of cushions positioned around the table to function as the seating. When using the sofa table, you can add cushions, but also make use of the couch and chairs you have around the table as well, depending on how high these furniture items sit in relation to the table itself.

Adjustable Tables

Some of the newer styles of coffee tables come with adjustable legs or pull outs, which give you greater latitude when trying to convert the sofa table to the dining table. The pull outs expand the actual amount of table space you have on which you can place dinner plates, silverware and glasses while leaving the center of the table free for the serving platters. The tables with adjustable legs raise up to dining table height, allowing you to scoot chairs underneath the table.

Protecting the Table

If you normally use the sofa table for other activities, you'll want to take steps to protect the table against scratches or burn marks from hot plates. Add a tablecloth to the table and place mats to each place setting before you lay anything else down on the table. These items will guard against scratching and provide the first layer of defense against the damage that hot cups or plates can do. Also look for wooden trivets or hot pads to put under hot dishes you have on the table; a large butcher block provides an even better option because of its thickness and portability.

Considerations

If you've only provided floor cushions for your guests, there will be some guests who will have difficulty with this arrangement. They may not have the ability to get up from the floor because of age issues or physical ailments. Several solutions exist for this. If the table is physically close to the couch, have the guest sit on the couch instead of the floor. TV trays set up next to a chair nearby will allow the guest to interact with the others while still acknowledging the limitations the guest faces.

Tags: sofa table, dining table, adjustable legs, around table, pull outs, sofa table dining

Craft Ideas For Girls Bedrooms

Sew doilies together around a wire frame for a doily chandelier.

You can create the girliest room imaginable by running out and purchasing all your decor and accessories, but having your little girl use her mind, heart and hands to create something truly beautiful or useful may be more fulfilling for you both. Filling her little haven with crafts that are all her own gives her an even more comfortable place to study, play and sleep, not to mention that it saves money and is eco-friendly if you use repurposed materials.

Crocheted Crafts

If your little girl knows knit or crochet, pieces for the bedroom make excellent craft projects. If she doesn't, then they're great teaching projects. Blankets, throws and shams can be made with one or two types of basic stitches. You can also crochet a throw pillow cover or sachets for dresser drawers. For granny chic accents, look in the bedroom for opportunities to add knitted or crocheted elements. Cover the dresser knobs with crocheted covers, for example.

Fabric Crafts

Scrap fabric is a starting place for multitudes of creative projects. If you or your daughter are nervous about using a sewing machine, many projects can be completed using fabric tape instead of stitches. Cover a headboard in your favorite fabric, or dress up a bulletin board with a patchwork of fabric scraps adhered smoothly to the cork. Cover a small accent table or nightstand with a few different fabrics that embolden your color scheme.

Upcycling Crafts

Some of the most elegant or frilly bedroom decor pieces come from modest beginnings. Look around your home, on Craigslist or at garage sales and thrift shops for items you can reuse to create something fabulous. Collect old doilies and suspend them from a round wire at various heights for a doily chandelier. Adhere doilies to the pillows or bedspread with fabric tape, or individually frame delicate lace doilies and display them on the wall. Repaint some old picture frames and hang them on the wall with or without pictures in them. Save old postcards and greeting cards with artsy pics on them. Hang a string on your wall using tacks, then clothespin the cards to them for a playful photo display that you can change regularly.

Paper Crafts

Add some frills and flowers to your girly bedroom with a few folds. Hang origami cranes or butterflies from the ceiling. Keep the origami in one area, or cover the entire ceiling. Glue hand-folded tissue paper blossoms to the tips of a bare branch. Place it in an old mason jar or decoupaged vase. Cut rectangles or different shapes from tissue paper and hang them on a string above your bed.

Tags: create something, doily chandelier, fabric tape, hang them, little girl, them wall, tissue paper

Beach Bedroom Ideas

Whenever you travel, you like to relax in a comfortable room, so why not bring the vacation home with you? If you are thinking about decorating your room in a beach theme, you likely want to create a relaxing space to retreat from a stressful day. It is easy to create a calming beach bedroom without spending a lot of money.

Decorate With Shells

There are many uses for shells when decorating your space. One way to use them is to cover picture frames or mirrors with shells. Find shells of various colors and sizes and glue them on the frame or mirror using a glue gun. Hang on your wall or set on a shelf for instant style.

Another creative way to use shells is to fill a clear lamp base with them. Remove the lampshade and light, arrange shells of varying sizes in the base, then replace the light and shade.

If you have collected shells on previous trips, display them in glass jars on shelves or bookcases to add an instant beach element. If they aren't full yet, don't worry, you can add new shells each time you go to the beach. Shadow boxes are another way to display shells you have found or purchased on your travels. Hang the finished box on the wall, and you're done.

Bedding and Window Treatments

Depending on the look you are going for, you have several options for your bedding choices. If you use soft, white bedding, it will give your room a crisp, clean look. Add color in the accessories. If you start with a clean slate on the bed, you are free to use whatever colors you like on the walls and accent pieces.

If you like a lot of color, purchase or make a comforter using a Hawaiian print. You can even use a hula skirt for a dust ruffle to continue your beach theme.

Add curtains that go along with your color choice. If you choose to go with white fabrics, a simple white curtain will continue to add to the clean look you are going for. If you like more color, use a coordinating fabric to match the Hawaiian colors you chose for the comforter. You could even use a small Hawaiian lei as a tieback for the curtains.

Wall Decor

Add color to the walls by choosing a soft, relaxing color. Or paint a beach-themed mural on one of the walls or hire a painter to create it.

Add shelves to your walls by using old surfboards, or purchase premade, smaller surfboards made for this purpose.

Hang a collection of frames on one wall using photos you have taken or purchased. Buy a small canvas. Paint it the color of your choice, and then glue a star fish or sand dollar in the center of it for an instant piece of minimalist art.

Other Elements

Set a small fish bowl on a table, dresser or bookshelf to continue the beach theme. Buy tropical plants or ferns and set them around the room to make it feel more comfortable. Add texture by using wicker baskets or straw woven chairs in a seating area. Whatever you choose to do in your room, stick to elements and colors you like, and it will be the relaxing space you dreamed of.

Tags: beach theme, your room, clean look, colors like, decorating your

Install A Vessel Sink For Your Bathroom

Vessel Sink

A vessel sink continues to be a popular choice for renovating a bathroom. It gives a bathroom a whole new and modern look. In this article we will show you install a glass vessel sink above the counter.

Instructions

1. Mark the location of the faucet and the sink. Use a pencil or light marker and mark around the bottom ring of the faucet and contact patch of the vessel sink. Allow enough clearance between the faucet and sink to prevent water from splashing to the counter.

Install the faucet using specifications from manufacturer. Ensure that the cold and hot tubes are connected correctly and not interchanged to avoid scalding or burns.

2. Drill 1-3/4" hole on your countertop. This will give enough room for the fixtures to sit and for the glue to adhere to. Ensure that there is proper clearance for faucet supply lines, drain assembly and structural parts of the cabinet. There should be a minimum of 2" between the sink's top edge and the fitting centerline.

3. Place mounting ring, black washer and then put the glass bowl on top. (see figure shown). Place a bead of silicone caulk at the base of the sink.

4. Insert the drain through the drain opening and then through the countertop to ensure a proper fit. Attach the drain assembly following the manufacturer's instructions for your specific sink. Tighten the nut firmly to hold the sink in place to the counter.

5. Connect the drain to the P-trap or S-trap underneath, then connect to the drain pipe on the wall.

6. Check for leaks around the drain and underneath the sink. Apply more caulking and plumber's tape to address any leaks.

Tags: drain assembly, Ensure that, faucet sink, vessel sink

Extend A Round Glass Dining Table

A round glass table brings a certain delicacy to home decor.

A round dining table owns an intimate feel, no matter its material. A round table made of glass adds fantastic lightness to room design. A table fashioned of clear glass possesses light-reflecting qualities that cannot be rivaled by even mirror-finish steel or aluminum. A frosted glass table conveys a sense of wonderment to a space. Sepia-tinted glass adds a note of stability without adding weight to the design. Though a round glass table affords room for an extra diner or two, when your guest list lengthens further, the table needs extending.

Instructions

Table with Extender Leaf

1. Coax one half of the table away from the other. If the round glass table is small enough, you may be able to gently separate the two halves on your own. If it is not, seek the aid of another person.

2. Settle the leaf into the exposed area between the two halves of the table.

3. Nudge the table halves inward to shut any gaps.

Non-Extension Table

4. Measure the height and diameter of the table to make sure the folding table is the right size.

5. Place the portable table so it abuts the round table.

6. Place a tablecloth across both tables to conceal the gap. The tablecloth should be long enough to cover both tables and wide enough for at least six inches of overhang on either side.

7. Warn diners about the makeshift extension. Even a slight variation in table height can lead to spills or , injury, so inform diners of the location of the gap between the two tables.

Tags: glass table, round glass, round glass table, both tables, glass adds, round table

How Much Clearance Should A Dining Room Table Have From A Wall

Consider several factors to allow enough space around the dining table.

Although a kitchen table can sometimes be pushed against a wall on one side and still function well, that type of positioning is not desirable for the formal dining room. Elegant dining requires a feeling of balance and spaciousness for your family and guests' comfort. Consider the other furnishings in the room, as well as the needs of anyone who may want to enjoy a meal at your table, and you will have a dining room that is attractively arranged whether or not the chairs are filled.

Chairs

Sizes of dining chairs vary greatly, particularly between antiques and currently manufactured chairs. Today's standard chairs average 22 inches from front to back. Measure your chair from the foremost to the rearmost points, including things like claw feet or a scroll back. That's how much room is needed to pull that chair away from the table and allow a small person to seat himself. Add another 6 to 10 inches to that measurement for an average-size or large person to comfortably maneuver his body to sit down.

Walking Space

Allow space for individuals to walk around the table, whether or not all chairs are being used. Otherwise, family and guests will feel trapped. To the approximately 22 to 32 inches that you allow for people to sit down and get up from their chairs, add another 10 to 12 inches, which brings the measurement for clearance up to a possible 42 to 44 inches. While this much space may not be absolutely necessary, it makes moving about easy and also serving food from behind possible.

Other Furniture

If your dining room contains a china cabinet, buffet or sideboard or other storage or accent furniture pieces along the walls, you should imagine that the front of such a piece is like a wall. The dining table and chairs must be positioned so that the chairs do not strike the other furniture when being moved during seating or rising. Clearance for chairs and walking space must be measured from the fronts of such pieces as though they are walls.

Accommodations for the Handicapped

The possibility exists that someday a member of your family may develop a handicap. You many wish to allow for access to the dining area by users of wheelchairs or other mobility devices such as a "walker." A standard folding wheelchair is 26 inches wide. Adding another 3 inches on each side for maneuvering brings the total amount of extra clearance required to 32 inches. This measurement would replace the 10 to 12 inches you would have allowed for simply walking behind the dining chairs.

Tags: another inches, dining chairs, dining room, dining table, family guests

Design A French Style Bedroom

Design a French Style Bedroom

For a romantic look, use French decor in your bedroom. You can give a plain bedroom a French update by adding a scattering of pillows in toile and fleur-de-lis to the bed, or invest in a full bedroom redesign including classic French architectural elements and furniture inspired by famous French design.

Instructions

1. Look through furniture catalogs, antique stores, hotel brochures and flea markets for examples of French style. You can go shabby chic French country by using heirlooms and refurbished vintage pieces, or Parisian bohemian by creating an eclectic mix of furnishings and artwork from different design traditions. For a classic French look, go with rococo furniture frames, French antiques and chairs and tables with skinny, sculpted legs.

2. Integrate architectural elements from French tradition. A stone wall and fireplace look right at home in a French country bedroom. A bohemian Parisian bedroom might feature built-in shelves with niches for artwork and books. French doors open up a master bedroom and provide access to a simple balcony with a wrought iron railing or a terrace holding a bistro table and chairs.

3. Establish a color scheme with paint or finishes. Keep the look rustic with unfinished, unpainted wood on floors, exposed ceiling beams or wall posts. Accent distressed or weathered wood with translucent antique whitewash or milk paint, or add some color with cornflower, mustard, soft poppy seed black, terra-cotta or bottle green. For a classic French look, white, cream, gold, black and ruby red set the tone.

4. Draw attention to the bed in a French bedroom. Go classic with a rococo bed with four posters and a canopy. For a Parisian chic look, use a simple geometric canopy frame without a canopy on it. A French country bed may be a simple wooden platform style with a tufted headboard, or a wrought iron frame with ornate scrolls on the headboard. Instead of a dresser, invest in an oversized armoire with metal hardware and scenes painted on the doors.

5. Illuminate your bedroom with French style. Tiffany lamps can adorn a nightstand, built-in shelves or a desk. Wall sconces with tulip shades may shine on a large painting above the bed. A chandelier lends sculptural interest to the space.

Tags: classic French, French country, architectural elements, built-in shelves, classic French look, Design French

Decoration Ideas For A Men'S Bathroom

Stone tile gives a shower surround a rugged, masculine look.

Decorating a bathroom can be a challenging project since it's a small space where each detail can have a major impact on the overall look. When choosing the decor for a men's bathroom, it's usually best to stick to a rustic style that adds dimension to the room and provides a rugged, masculine feel. You can achieve the look in a variety of ways, but start with natural materials and avoid unnecessary decorations that make the bathroom feel overdone.

Stone Tile Surround

While ceramic tile is often used for shower surrounds, stone tile provides a rustic look that works well in a masculine style bathroom. It's available in earth tone shades such as brown, tan, gray and beige, but you can opt for blue-gray or green tile for a more colorful look. A slate surround is an ideal option because its textured finish gives it a rugged appearance that works well in a men's bathroom.

Wood Paneling

Paint and tile are the two most common wall coverings in a bathroom, but you can add a strong masculine look to the space by using wood paneling. The natural tones of the wood add warmth to the room, but the paneling also provides a rustic look that gives the bathroom a log cabin-like feel. However, because a bathroom is a moist, humid environment, choose paneling made from wood that's naturally resistant to rot, such as redwood, mahogany or teak. Use a rich, mid-toned stain to enhance the natural color of the wood, and seal the paneling with a topcoat to further protect the wood from moisture.

Simple Patterned Curtains

When selecting the shower curtain and window treatments for your bathroom, it's important to choose patterns that add dimension to the space without giving it a feminine look. Avoid floral patterns and cutesy designs such as seashells, fish or polka dots. Instead, opt for simple, classic patterns to provide a masculine feel. A wide, striped design is an ideal option for adding color and visual interest to a men's bathroom, but a plaid pattern also works well for a rustic, masculine design.

Natural Accessories

Natural materials help provide a rugged, masculine look for a bathroom while giving it an inviting feel. You can find toothbrush holders, soap dispensers and other bathroom accessories with a wood or faux wood finish for a warm look. If you like Asian inspired design, look for items made from bamboo. You can also opt for items made from resin material that resembles stone for a truly rustic look. If you plan to add throw rugs or mats to the bathroom, use natural fibers such as sisal, jute or sea grass for the most masculine look.

Tags: masculine look, made from, rugged masculine, rustic look, works well, ideal option

Country Bedroom Decorating Ideas

Country bedroom

Country design balances the masculine and feminine, so it can be the perfect design for a bedroom. To give your bedroom a country makeover, decorate with sentimental items you already have around the house. You also can incorporate your family heirlooms as decorative accessories to work within your budget.

Country Wall and Ceiling Treatments

Wall treatments add a cozy feeling to a room. You may have existing beadboard or paneling in the room that you want to incorporate into the country theme. Glaze or stain the paneling so the natural wood grain shows through for a more rustic feel. Install faux logs on one wall for a country cabin look.

If you have plain white walls, add pattern to a country bedroom. Wallpaper adds country flair to a basic room. If you don't like wallpaper borders, use a simple damask pattern on an entire wall that will draw the focus in the room for an updated version of a country classic.

The ceiling is one of the first things you see when you wake up in the morning, so give it a country feeling. Install a distressed tin ceiling for added style and texture. Faux or real wood beams also add texture and interest to the ceiling.

Country Bedroom Colors

Country colors are muted, which makes them perfect for the bedroom because of the soothing feeling the palette provides. Paint wainscoting and furniture in the bedroom a bright white or cream for a fresh feeling. A country blue wall adds character to the room. Use several tones of the same color for a country room that isn't overwhelming. Pair a soft butter yellow with cream or gold. Shades of blue, taupe or green are reminiscent of nature.

Country Fabrics

Add pattern to your room by using fabric. Florals and checks are common in country design. Use light cotton for window treatments or a romantic bed canopy. Carry the fabric throughout the room by taking down your closet doors and installing curtains in their place. Fabric even can hang down in front of a missing dresser drawer or dress up a nightstand in the form of a tablecloth.

Country Bedroom Furniture

Country bedroom furniture is sturdy and can last for decades. Common materials are pine or oak. If you don't want the furniture to stand out, leave the wood finish in a neutral tone. Distressed white furniture will add a shabby chic flair to the room. Or, give your country room an antique feeling by collecting your bedroom furniture over time and incorporating pieces you already have. Country furniture doesn't have to match, so choose the pieces you love, such as an iron bed or antique washstand. Hide away modern elements such as the TV by placing it inside an antique armoire.

Tags: already have, bedroom furniture, Country Bedroom, country room, give your

Fold The Corners When Reupholstering Dining Room Chairs

Upholstered dining chairs add color and texture to the setting.

Dining room chair seats are often covered by homeowners who want to change up the appearance of their furniture. If the seat has a thick foam support, it is common to see gathered or unattractive corners when the cover is stapled. To create crisp and professional-looking corners without sewing, you need to fold the corner twice so that the fabric is gathered and the end is finished. To accomplish this task, you start by examining the details of the chair.

Instructions

Fold a Round Corner

1. Place the chair seat foam side down over the fabric. Pull the top fabric to the underside, and staple the center 2 inches from the edge. Stretch the bottom fabric snug to the underside. Staple in the center 2 inches from the edge. Pull the left and then the right side, stapling from the center toward the corners.

2. Check your seat to see which is the front edge and which are the sides. Create a pleat 1/2 inch from the foam corner along the side of the seat. Tuck the side fabric forward, around the corner and inside the front fabric. Smooth out all layers of fabric. Your pleat edge should be vertical up the side and parallel with the front edge. Staple the pleat to the back underside wood.

3. Make a second pleat that folds in the same direction at the corner edge of the front of the seat. Tuck the remaining loose fabric along the inside of the front fabric. The pleat should be vertically straight and parallel with the side of the seat. Staple the pleat to the back side of the seat. Repeat for each corner. Keep your pleats to the sides of the seat for an even appearance.

Fold a Straight Corner

4. Staple the fabric to your chair seat until it is 3 inches from each corner.

5. Wrap your side fabric flat around the side of the cushion at the corner toward the front of the seat. Pleat from the top corner down to form a straight vertical pleat at the corner from the front-facing fabric.

6. Pull the pleat snug to the underside, and staple the pleat and remaining fabric at the corner. Repeat for each corner, keeping your pleats to the outside or facing the sides.

Tags: each corner, inches from, side seat, center inches, center inches from, chair seat, fabric Pull

Basics Of A Bungalow Dining Room

A bungalow home contains large windows to allow light into the home.

A bungalow home takes many of its design elements from the Japanese as it incorporates function into its design. Built primarily in the early 1900s, this home moved away from the closed rooms of the Victorian era to open rooms, wide open porches and an abundance of window. The basic bungalow dining room contains many architectural details not found in many modern homes today.

Room Location

Bungalow homes contain an open floor plan that allows the dining room to be viewed from the door. Located behind the living room, the dining room is normally flanked by a set of columns or a half-wall with built-in bookcases on the living room side and a column above. Usually two windows are in the dining room to provide cross-ventilation of airflow, and much of the furniture has been built into the design with several architectural details. such as a broad archway.

Architectural Details

Architectural details were prominant in bungalow homes and dining rooms. Large windows were cased in wood or contained a multi-pane wood sash that covered a single pane of window glass. Walls of a bungalow dining room contain wainscoting that go three-quarters of the way up the wall in a dark veneer color matching the other wood trim in the home. A built-in shelf above the wainscoting may display dishes or pottery until needed for use and contain a built-in shelf on top.

Built-in Furniture

To keep the rooms looking spacious, a bungalow home was designed with several built-in furniture items. A dining room could contain a corner hutch cabinet that would showcase the china and crystal of the home while the shelves underneath held the table linens and silverware out of sight until needed. A built-in sideboard could give additional storage options to the home yet provide a flat surface for food placement for Sunday dinners or special occasions. A built-in window seat provides storage and additional seating.

The Best Bathroom Fixtures

High-quality fixtures add appeal to bathrooms

Whether you're remodeling or doing new construction, high-quality bathroom fixtures add style and are a good investment. Beauty combined with practicality are signs of the best bathroom fixtures. Whether retro or modern, high-end bathroom fixtures turn the ordinary bathroom into a place of relaxation and comfort. The best bathroom fixtures have water-saving features that help with conservation.

Kohler

Kohler sells individual bathroom fixtures as well as complete bathroom suite ensembles. Their wares include toilets with special features such as Comfort Height and water-saving technology. Bidets are available separately or included in some toilets that have bidet functions. Sinks are designed to be used with counters or vanities. Kohler has a large variety of bathroom fixtures from which to choose.

Kohler

800-456-4537

us.kohler.com

Sherle Wagner International

Sherle Wagner International has been a source of luxury bathroom fixtures since 1945. All pieces are original, using old-world artisan techniques. Bath fixtures include hand-painted sink basins made of china or stone and accented with gold. Other basins have the look of gold, silver or platinum. The bathroom consoles and counters are made of marble and look like they are made of malachite, lapis lazuli and other exotic materials.

Sherle Wagner International

300 East 62nd St.

New York, NY 10065

212-758-3300

sherlewagner.com

Restoration Hardware

Restoration Hardware offers a variety of high-end sinks, tubs and consoles. Its classic porcelain tubs feature solid brass fittings. The sinks and washstands come in a variety of solid woods and marble with styles ranging from retro to modern.

Restoration Hardware

2900 N. MacArthur Drive

Suite 100

Tracy, CA 95376

800-910-9845

restorationhardware.com

Tags: bathroom fixtures, Restoration Hardware, Sherle Wagner, Sherle Wagner International, Wagner International, bathroom fixtures, best bathroom

Install A Bathroom Wall Cabinet

Wall-mounted bathroom cabinets add extra space in your bathroom for toiletries and other items. Clear off the bathroom counter by storing toothpaste, topical ointments and hair products inside the cabinet. Most bathroom wall cabinets feature a mirrored door for added functionality, but if you have a mirror you can find cabinets without them. Purchasing a bathroom wall cabinet from a home improvement store and installing it yourself is a simple task with a helper and a few tools.

Instructions

1. Use a stud finder to locate the wall studs near where you plan to hang the cabinet. Draw a line down the wall with a pencil indicating where each stud is located. Draw the line past where you intend to install the cabinet so you can see it during installation. For increased stability, install your bathroom wall cabinet into two studs.

2. Draw an outline of where you want your cabinet installed. Refer to the cabinet dimensions and draw a rectangle the exact size of the back of the cabinet. Use a measuring tape and level to ensure straight, level lines of the correct length.

3. Screw a 1-by-3-inch support rail along the bottom edge of the cabinet to increase stability. The top edge of the support rail should be installed along the bottom line you drew for the cabinet. Choose a support rail that is as long as the wall-mounted cabinet is wide. Use four 2-inch screws to secure it into place. For best results, install some or all of the screws into the studs.

4. Lift the wall-cabinet and place it against the wall on top of the support rail, holding it in place. You'll need the help of at least one other person so one of you can hold it in place while the other screws it to the wall. Install a 2-inch screw into one side of the rear wall of the cabinet near the top of the unit. Ensure that the screw is going through the stud you found previously. Put another 2-inch screw through the back wall of the cabinet on the other side, hitting another stud.

5. Erase any visible pencil lines. Wipe out the inside of the cabinet (there will be wood shavings from the screws) and place the shelves inside. Now it's ready to be filled up.

Tags: support rail, bathroom wall, wall cabinet, 2-inch screw, along bottom, bathroom wall cabinet

Circulate The Air In A Bedroom

Ceiling fans are helpful for bedroom air circulation

Proper air circulation in a bedroom can be the difference between tossing and turning or getting a good night's sleep. You can also save money on heating and cooling your home by keeping the bedroom air well circulated. This will prevent the separation of warm and cool air and allow for better temperature distribution. Obtaining good air circulation in a bedroom is normally a straightforward process that can be accomplished by even a novice at home repairs.

Instructions

1. Install a ceiling fan. Ceiling fans come in a wide variety of styles and many have light fixtures attached, giving you additional lighting. Ceiling fans also come with a toggle switch allowing the fan to turn clockwise or counterclockwise. This allows you to pull the warm air from the ceiling in the winter and allows for greater cooling in the summer. The fan should rotate clockwise for maximum cooling in summer and counterclockwise for drawing the warm air downward in winter.

2. Clean the air ducts. In homes with central heating and air conditioning, bedrooms have vents to allow the warm or cool air into the room. Keeping these vents clean will allow for the best air circulation possible.

3. Open your windows. On nice days where the outdoor temperature is mild, open your windows to allow the old and stale air to be replaced with fresh air. Turning on a ceiling fan while the windows are open will improve the circulation of fresh air into the room. While in the case of circulation of the air the rotation direction doesn't matter, if you also want cooling effects make certain that the fan is rotating clockwise.

4. Use a portable fan. If you're renting or simply don't want to install a ceiling fan, a portable fan may suit your purposes. When placed in an open window a portable fan can also draw in fresh air from the outside more efficiently than a ceiling fan.

Tags: Ceiling fans, circulation bedroom, cooling summer, into room, warm cool

Public Restroom Cleaning Checklist

A number of are tasks involved in cleaning a bathroom.

Public restrooms are usually cleaned by municipal agencies or private companies contracted by local governments. Often the person charged with cleaning the public restroom will use a checklist to ensure that no task is left undone. While checklist items will vary according to the facilities and local requirements, a number of tasks are common to most lists.

Clean Sinks and Countertops

Maintenance people should spray the sink and all countertops with antibacterial disinfectant and then wipe the surfaces down with a wet paper towel, which should then be disposed of.

Disinfect The Toilet

Any fecal matter or other obvious stains on the toilet bowl should be wiped off or scrubbed out. The toilets should then be sprayed with disinfectant and wiped down, both inside the bowl and outside.

Empty Wastebasket

The bag in the wastebasket should be thrown away and replaced with a new bag. Any garbage contained inside the wastebasket but outside the bag should also be thrown out. Periodically, the wastebasket should be wiped down.

Replace Urinal Cakes

Urinal cakes should be replaced when they have begun to substantially disintegrate. Urinals should also be checked for foreign detritus, which, if present, should be disposed of.

Replace Toilet Paper Rolls

All toilet paper rolls that have less than one-fifth of their paper left should be removed and replaced with a new roll.

Replace Hand Towels

The hand-towel dispenser should be opened and examined for blockages. Once is it determined that the machine is operating correctly, it should be refilled to capacity. The electronic hand drying machine should also be examined to make sure it is working correctly.

Refill Hand Soap

All hand soap dispensers should also be examined to determine that they are in good working order and then refilled to capacity.

Refill Toilet Seat Covers

The toilet seat cover dispenser should be refilled with new covers.

Polish Fixtures

All fixtures, including the knobs on the door, the toilet seat cover dispenser, the electric hand dryer, the paper towel dispenser and any other metal object, should be wiped down and polished so that all visible stains are removed.

Sweep and Mop Floors

All floors should be first swept and cleared of perceptible dirt and trash, which must be collected and deposited in a garbage receptacle. Floors should then be thoroughly mopped. A "Caution" sign should be placed and kept up until the floors are dry.

Wipe Mirror

Mirrors should be sprayed with glass cleaner and wiped clear of all obvious smudges or stains.

Clean Walls and Partitions

The walls and partitions should also be wiped down. If any graffiti or other markings that cannot be removed with a simple scrubbing are observed, they should be reported to a supervisor.

Tags: should also, wiped down, should then, should wiped, also examined, cover dispenser, dispenser should

Make A Burglar Alarm For A Bedroom Door With A Buzzer

Burglar alarms get criminals caught in the act.

Making a homemade burglar alarm for a bedroom does not have to be difficult. All that is required is a small buzzer, a power source, and a closed circuit. The key to making the door alarm work is closing the circuit when somebody tried to get into the room. Metal conducts electricity so it is an optimal choice for being an electrical bridge. When the metal is not touching, it breaks the circuit and the alarm ceases to emit sound. When the metal touches, it closes the circuit and fires off a device that emits sound.

Instructions

1. Strip the exposed two wires by one inch on the 9V battery head. Strip the two wires on the buzzer one inch as well. Copper threaded wire should be visible.

2. Solder the black wire of the 9V battery to one of the wires of the buzzer. The black wire is ground and will prevent the circuit from burning out.

3. Solder one piece of sheet metal to the red wire on the 9V battery. Do the same for the buzzer's free wire.

4. Glue the buzzer and the 9V battery to the bedroom door near the bottom of the door.

5. Glue one of the connected pieces of sheet metal under the door on the side with the hinges.

6. Glue the remaining piece of sheet metal on the floor one centimeter away from the piece of sheet metal glued to the bottom of the door. Do this as close to the hinge side as possible so the two pieces of metal remain in contact and complete the circuit for as long as the door is open.

Tags: sheet metal, piece sheet, piece sheet metal, black wire, bottom door

Lay Out A Small Bathroom

Small bathroom with efficient layout

If your bathroom is small, it is important to lay out the space in order to maximize every spare inch available. Draw up an accurate plan, choose smaller versions of standard fixtures and employ a few tricks to make a small space feel much larger than it actually is. A bathroom that is carefully laid out will make your daily routine go much smoother, and also add value to your home.

Instructions

1. Measure the space available. Draft a floorplan on graph paper, or use a computer-drafting program for even more precision. Every inch counts in a small bathroom, so you must accurately document the existing space.

2. Determine the sizes of the plumbing fixtures you plan to purchase. Check with manufacturers for exact sizes of sinks, toilets and showers. There are smaller-than-standard sizes available for many fixtures. Plan to use space-saving fixtures such as a pedestal sink, wall-mount toilet and walk in shower.

3. Note the locations of pipes within the bathroom walls. Call a plumber if you are unsure. Your new bathroom layout should work well with the existing pipe locations so you don't have to pay to have them extended or moved.

4. Create a basic layout within your graph paper sketch or plan that you drafted on the computer. Accurately draw the plumbing fixtures to scale, and adjust their locations until you come up with the most space-efficient design.

Tags: graph paper, plumbing fixtures

Master Bedroom Closet Solutions

There are a number of ways to keep the closet in your master bedroom organized.

Whether you have a small bedroom closet or a storage area with ample space, you'll want to know keep the closet in your master bedroom orderly. There are also a number of ways to make the closet more appealing, which will give you more motivation to keep the area a decorative part of the bedroom.

Size

Small master bedroom closets will look much more organized when clothes are hung in a systematic way; for instance, clothes that are hung by color or level of formality are more appealing to the eye. A larger closet will most likely have a shelf or two, so casual clothing, like t-shirts or jeans, can be folded and put on the shelf so that there is more room on the hangers for fancier clothing.

Features

Adding features to a master bedroom closet can help to customize the space and make it a part of your room. For instance, if you're sharing the closet with your spouse, decorating each side of the closet with a different shade of wallpaper is attractive to the eye and helps you to keep closet contents in order. If you find that you need more space in the closet, installing wall shelves to hold your accessories or small articles of clothing is a great idea as well.

Considerations

If you want to make the master bedroom closet just as decorative as your actual room, it's a good idea to paint the inside of the closet the same color as your room. Also, removing the closet door(s) will give you more motivation to keep the closet neat, and adding a brightly colored curtain in its place will make your master bedroom closet especially attractive.

Tags: keep closet, master bedroom, master bedroom closet, your master, your master bedroom

Replace Bathroom Mirrors

An easy way to update your bathroom is to replace your current mirror with a more modern look. If your current bathroom mirror sits in a track and takes up the majority of your wall above your vanity, then it's probably time for a new one.

Instructions

1. Determine what you don't like about your current bathroom mirror. Is it too big? Too small? Without storage?

2. Measure the wall space and choose a mirror that will better reflect your needs. For example, you might choose a recessed medicine cabinet with a mirror for storage or a smaller framed mirror for an updated look.

3. Remove your current mirror, most likely by unscrewing the plastic tabs securing it in place, then removing it from the track located above your sink or backsplash. Be careful not to let it fall and shatter. If you don't have someone to help you hold it against the wall while you remove the screws, wear safety goggles and gloves in case it falls.

4. Center your new mirror above your vanity area and either below your single light or between two wall sconces. Hang according to the manufacturer's instructions, then make sure it's level.

5. Enjoy your bathroom's new look and the reflection of a job well done.

Tags: your current, above your, above your vanity, bathroom mirror, current bathroom, current bathroom mirror

Vent A Bathroom Fan Through A Soffit

Exhaust fans in a bathroom work much the same way ceiling fans do in a larger room--they help direct the air in a certain direction. Since ventilation of a bathroom is desired for many different reasons, installing vent pipe properly is imperative for the bathroom fan to do its job.

Instructions

1. Locate the area in the soffit where the bathroom fan will be vented. Mark and cut a hole for the vent cover according to the manufacturer's instructions. A hole saw or jigsaw may be necessary.

2. Secure the correct pieces of vent pipe needed to attach to the boot where the pipe meets it, but do not attach the pipe to the boot yet. Slip this pipe through the hole that you cut and into the attic.

3. Locate the bathroom fan in the attic and secure the first piece of vent pipe to it. Continue to connect the pieces, making certain that they travel in the direction of the vent pipe you slipped through the soffit.

4. Cut a piece of plumber's strap with the tin cutters that will fit over the top of the vent pipe and to the ceiling joists. Secure it with the drywall screws.

5. Secure the pipe coming from the bathroom fan to the pipe inserted through the soffit. Next, return to the soffit outside, connect the vent pipe to the boot and slip it in place. Secure the vent cover to the boot with a screwdriver.

Tags: vent pipe, pipe boot, through soffit, vent cover

Living And Dining Room Design Ideas

Living and dining rooms allow you to entertain your guests.

Having well-designed living and dining rooms is crucial if you want to entertain your guests. An attractive living room allows you to hold both formal dinner parties with friends and colleagues and relaxed holiday meals with the extended family. Afterward, you can retire to the living room for coffee, drinks and relaxed conversation.

Visual Anchor

A long dining room table seated in the middle of the room can look bland and institutional without a visual anchor to give the room focus. Place an artwork with bold color or interesting design behind the head of the table. A painting featuring bright colors that contrast with the color of the walls and ceiling is a good choice. Alternatively, put up a mirror behind the table and a chandelier above it. The chandelier will reflect off the mirror, providing a visual focus to unify the room.

This strategy also works well in living rooms. Arrange the living room around a central coffee table with a single, striking artwork over it. Arrange armchairs, sofas and other seating in a symmetrical pattern around it to give the room structure.

Multi-Use Spaces

Some people make extensive use of their dining rooms, but many don't. The space, dominated by a large central table, sits neglected for most of the year while the family eats in the kitchen and entertains in the living room. Why not combine the living and dining room into a multi-use space for entertaining. Put in a small table or two, comfortable chairs and artwork to create a spacious den suitable for cocktail parties or tea. Keep an extendable table in the kitchen and simply wheel it in and put in the extra slats when you need a dining room.

Alternatively, keep the dining room and living room separate, but turn the dining room into an office with a desk, a small coffee table and a couple armchairs for guests. Slide the desk into the corner and move the coffee table and chairs into the living room when you need to bring the dining room table in.

Coffee Table Design

The coffee table is one of the central features of the living room. Use interesting and unusual tables and table decor to give your room character. A few pieces of handmade pottery or a colorful throw can add to the table. Small boxes, trays and containers also add an intriguing bit of design. Decorate the table itself by adding stencils to it, or painting it an unusual color or adding a layer of decoupage. To give your living room more versatility, use two or three small tables instead of a single coffee table. Push them together in the center to make one unusual table or spread them out, placing each by a particular chair or sofa to give the room a more open design.

Tags: living room, dining room, coffee table, dining rooms, give room, dining room into

Games To Design Your Dream Bedroom

Designing a virtual bedroom can be fun and helpful

Designing a dream bedroom in real life can be expensive, time consuming, and physically challenging. For those who want the chance to explore their inner creative interior decorator without those hassles, there are numerous games that can help make the dream bedroom a reality--in virtual form, at least. These games give users the opportunity to plan out their room in preparation for the time when it may become a physical reality.

The Sims

Since the first installment of the series was released in 2000, "The Sims" has been a top selling PC game. In 2002, the first game set the record for the top selling PC game of all time with 6.3 million copies sold, according to Gamespot. As of July 2010, there have been three games released in the series. While players can actually create and control the actions that make up their digital person's entire life, a big aspect of the game has always been the building component. Players can design entire homes for their Sims, including bedrooms, and customize the the shape and style of the room by choosing walls, floors, and furniture, organizing everything exactly as they want it.

Bedroom Decoration

Hosted by girlsgogames.com, "Bedroom Decoration" is an online game that can be played for free using a web browser. Beginning with picking a favorite bed and choosing a design for the sheets, players select each item that goes in the room individually, customizing the style, color, and overall appearance. Players can choose from various items, including walls, windows, pets, floors, rugs, and chairs. The only drawback to this game is the inability to place objects manually--each item has a pre-determined location it automatically appears in.

Interior Design Challenge

"Interior Design Challenge" is a free online game from i-dressup.com. Players are given a display of an empty room, and then control the rest from that point. After choosing a wall and floor type, users can add just about any additional items for room decor, including plants, windows, electronics, beds, and miscellaneous accessories. After choosing, each item can be placed in exactly the preferred position by clicking and dragging to the desired spot.

Tags: After choosing, Bedroom Decoration, Design Challenge, dream bedroom, each item, Interior Design, Interior Design Challenge

Silver Bedroom Ideas & Designs

Silver can be used either as an accent or a primary decorating color in a bedroom.

Silver as a bedroom decorating color can be very versatile. From a romantic, Victorian look to a sleek and modern style, silver can work in many different decorating themes. Depending on the look that you want to achieve, you can make silver either a primary decorating color, or you can save it for accent pieces.

Silver and Gray

If you want to use silver as one of the main decorating colors in your bedroom but you are concerned about an overload of metallic coloring, supplement your silver with gray. For example, choose a gray paint for the walls, and then use the silver in the window treatments. The gray mirrors the silver and functions as an extension of the silver theme.

Contemporary Brushed Steel and Silver

If you are going for a more modern, sleek appearance, pair silver with white, black, natural or stained wood. These color selections alone are not enough to achieve a modern appearance. Incorporate clean lines and geometric shapes and solids, as opposed to patterns. Silver's similarly colored cousin, brushed steel, makes a good choice for hardware, such as door knobs and drawer pulls.

Silver Accents

If you only plan on using silver as a secondary color, place pops of it in your accents and decorative pieces. Use silver-colored frames and hang mirrors, a silvery surface, on the walls. Employ silver cording and tassels to tie back your window treatments. Try bright silver throw pillows and silver figurines. If you want larger doses of silver, place chairs or a chaise upholstered in a silver fabric in the room, or use a silver bedspread.

Tags: decorating color, primary decorating, primary decorating color, silver with, window treatments

Design A Contemporary Bedroom

Contemporary bedroom design is about simplicity. This design style is anchored around clean lines and few accessories. Use a contemporary bedroom design when you want a simple, streamlined retreat at the end of a busy day.

Instructions

1. Paint the walls a neutral color. This isn't a hard and fast rule, though. If you don't like neutrals, a bold color is fine, just as long as all the walls are one color.

2. Choose solid colored bedding for the most streamlined look. Your bedding must be void of prints or patterns in order to maintain the simplicity of the contemporary design.

3. Use only a few wall hangings. Choose just a couple of your favorite pieces to hang on the walls.

4. Keep the furniture simple. Choose furniture that does not have embellishments or adornments such as intricate trim work or moldings.

5. Nix the knick-knacks. The idea of contemporary design is for the room to be clean and simple. A variety of knick-knacks on every flat surface creates a cluttered look.

6. Hang solid-colored curtains. Choose a color that complements both the bedding and the walls.

Tags: bedroom design, contemporary design

Make A Dining Table Floral Arrangement

Floral arranging can be a lot of fun with beautiful results. There's nothing like having fresh flowers to dress up your table, but if you don't have time to redo your flower arrangement as they die off, use artificial flowers. You can make beautiful arrangements that you can't even tell aren't real. Real or artificial, flowers make people happy and where is a better place for happy people than sitting around the dining room table.

Instructions

1. Decide what kind of an arrangement you want to have. You can do a simple arrangement in a vase or something more dramatic in a fancy pot or container. You can have fresh live flowers or go with the artificial variety. You could even do both, have an artificial arrangement with some real flowers in it. Once you know what you want you can go shopping for the supplies.

2. Buy your supplies. You can get fresh flowers at a florist or even at your local Wal-mart. They usually have a package of life extender attached to the flowers. You can get a vase, pot or container at your department stores too, but you will find a larger variety at a craft store. This is where you will want to buy any artificial flowers also. They have everything and they look so much more real than the flowers at the department stores. Pick out colors that complement each other and match your dining decor and get a bunch of different greens.

3. Put your fresh flowers in a tall vase to measure and take them back out. If they are too tall you can cut them. Put some water in your kitchen sink. Place the stem you're going to cut under the water and cut with clippers or scissors at an angle. Fill your vase half way with water, put in you life extender and mix. Place your flowers back in the vase and put your taller flowers on the inside working out as the flowers get smaller. Arrange the baby's breath throughout. Put your leaf stems in the back to show off your flowers. Now you have a simple fresh flower arrangement.

4. Soak your floral foam and get out your pot or container. Once your foam has soaked up some water cut it with a knife to fit into your pot almost to the top. If your container is shallow and wide, clip your greens so they don't stick up very much and stick the stems into the foam, covering the foam so you can't see it anymore. Clip some flowers so they are taller the greens and stick into the foam, spreading them around. Clip the rest to be a little taller and use sparingly so as not to cover up the first flower. Another arrangement using shallow containers is to use long greens out both sides. Put in your biggest flower toward the front and in the center and fill in with smaller flowers and greens. Keep your foam damp.

5. Use a taller container and put in your wet foam. Cut your tallest flower or greens to three times the height of the container. Put them towards the back. Use your biggest bloom for the center and front, center flower being taller than the front. Fill in with a smaller bloom and some greens that drape over the sides of the container. Don't be afraid to take them out and rearrange them to get the right look. It will take some practice, but just remember to use lots of filler greens and small blooming stems. The fuller it looks, the better.

6. Use artificial flowers. You can do the same thing with artificial flowers as you did with the fresh flowers, just don't soak your foam. You will still need to use it to hold the flowers in place. You can even put a few drops of essential oil on the foam to give your artificial flowers the smell of real ones. Rose and gardenia are favorite oils to use. Be creative and you can make a beautiful arrangement for your table.

Tags: artificial flowers, fresh flowers, your foam, artificial flowers make, container your

Cool Ideas For Bedroom Decorations

Bedrooms can be the rooms in your home that are the most fun to decorate. You don't have to worry too much about what guests will think of your decorating flair because they aren't seen much by visitors. This makes it much easier for you to relax and have some fun when you decorate your bedrooms. Let your cool personality shine through as you make your bedrooms places you truly like and will enjoy.

Nurseries

Paint the walls a soft pastel color. Yellows, greens and creams will work well for boys or girls. Use stuffed animals as wall art to add visual interest, depth and texture to the nursery walls. Stencil nursery rhymes, letters, numbers and shapes to the walls. Place family photos on floating shelves around the room.

Preschoolers

Stencil letters, numbers and shapes to the walls of a preschooler's bedroom to create a fun learning environment. Place a wall border at or just above the eye level of the preschooler. Use child-sized furniture painted in fun, vivid colors. Create different areas of the room for specific activities. Place a small table with chairs in one area to serve as both an art and reading area. Designate another area as a play area where toys are stored and easily accessed by the preschooler.

Tweens

Use photos, pictures and posters of your tween's favorite singers, movie stars and athletes as wall art. Create a study area with a completely functional desk. Allow your tween to add wall decals to her walls and furniture to give her a sense of autonomy and allow her to discover her own decorating style. Keep bedding simple. Provide your tween plenty of storage that can also serve as additional seating for her friends. Hollow ottomans and benches work well as both storage and seating.

Adults

Choose a theme for your bedroom. Use larger pieces of furniture. This will take up less space than several smaller pieces. Paint the walls a neutral, relaxing color that is easily coordinated with other accessories. Try faux painting techniques to add texture, depth and dimension to the walls of your bedroom. Spice up a plain bedroom with animal-print window treatments or dark, gothiclike bedding. Use different colored light bulbs to help set different moods for your bedroom.

Guests

Create a warm and welcoming bedroom for your guests. Place a welcome basket on a dresser or bureau with often forgotten items such as toothbrushes, soaps and shampoos. Place a recliner or other comfortable chair in one corner of the guest bedroom. Keep the bedding, accessories and colors simple. Place additional lamps with frosted, low-watt bulbs to provide your guests with soft lighting.

Tags: your bedroom, your tween, Keep bedding, letters numbers, letters numbers shapes